Beth's "Beautiful History"
Beth began her career in radio working in the research department at WLOL in Minneapolis. Air shifts soon followed in the Twin Cities on the Jersey Shore and Rockford, Illinois. After some time spent with The Second City in Chicago she found herself doing on camera traffic reports on Fox 5’s Good Day New York. With a move to the west coast came stops KRON-TV and Midday’s on San Jose’s Hot 97.7 and nights at KFRC which segued her into nights at Young Country 93.3 in San Francisco (thank you Rick Torcaso).  She ran out of sunscreen and landed back on the east coast with a brief stint at Rhythmic CHR KTU then late nights on New York’s Jammin 105. Already a listener and supporter of WAWZ Beth wound up on the debut air staff of STAR 99.1 and has held down Midday’s since 2003. Beth is also the author and publisher of She Prep, a daily service for on-air talent. She’s grateful for the opportunity to serve God in an industry that she loves.

1. How has your show evolved or changed over the last few years?

Midday’s need music with a focused splash of personality that does not interfere yet relates immediately. In order to work within the newer PPM guidelines I’ve tightened and brightened a few benchmarks and I’m leaning more toward information that is helpful and encouraging as opposed to Pop Culture items that only have a limited audience.

2. How important is social networking to Christian Radio personalities?

Social networking is important to any personality and radio station, both should use it to strategically compliment each other. Choosing to be ‘anti-social’ means you will not only miss an opportunity to connect, but you’re also staying stagnant in an area that is growing. If it’s touching our listener we should have a piece of it. Which reminds me, I need to go clear some Hippie Snowballs off my Facebook wall.

3. What show topics seem to be hot right now?

Just check in with the gals on The View and you’ll know what that days hot topics are. It really depends on what world your talking about; family, work, lifestyle, sports, community it changes day to day. You also have to be ready to allow the listener to choose the topic. Last week I did one break about how a bag of pre-washed salad went bad before it’s expiration date, besides making me punt for another dinnertime vegetable I mentioned the bacteria issue this product had. My phones went crazy and stayed consistent for two hours with people wanting to chime in about bagged salad and how the puffy bag is more prone to bacteria or how they love a certain blend or how it’s cheaper to do it yourself and to use a paper towel when saving lettuce....who knew they would be so passionate about lettuce!  Relationships, memories and any topic where the listener can call in and become the expert or give advice also evokes good phones.

4. What can Christian Radio do to develop young talent?

Mentor them, stick with them. Air checking should also be taken into the studio. It’s one thing to sit down with talent and critique them. Join them in the studio to see where their head and attention is focused because they need to multi-task through a variety of distractions.  I know this may seem uncomfortable but working on the fly could be just what the doctor ordered. Stream them; don’t wait for an air check (for some reason asking a jock for an air check makes them over work it or get nervous). Most jocks always think their next break could be better. Yes, if they want to grow they need to do the work, but if we want to help them we need to hold their hand and provide consistent feedback and move them to the next level.

5. What kind of promotions work best for Christian shows?

Promotions that serve, relate, engage and pull the listener closer to your station. Give them something to talk about, step past caller number nine and “The Book Club”. It’s been a rough winter in my area, I’d be happy to win a jug windshield wash and have my car detailed come Spring.

6. Do you use any show prep services… tell why or why not?

First things first the best form of show prep is COFFEE!

There is no option when it comes to prepping a show.

I read every magazine and newspaper I can get my hands on, I’ve a list of favorite web sites and blogs that offer daily demo focused information.  At the end of the day I empty my pockets and there are pieces of magazine articles I’ve ripped while sitting in a waiting room or notes from something funny I saw at the grocery store. I observe the life of others, plus I’m raising 2 kids; another never ending source of content.  Just open up the mic and say “I’m teaching my daughter to drive” and you will get flooded with calls.

Oh yea, and I use my prep service www.Sheprep.com.

7. What are the biggest obstacles facing Christian air personalities today?

We are the music messenger, a similar function to a music minister at a worship service. We tie together intent with the need to stay relevant and compelling and we give away cool t-shirts. We are serving and growing the body of Christ. Mark Hall said at a recent Casting Crowns concert we need to “to know him and make him known.”

I find that many of our personality leaders like Lisa Williams, Brant Hansen, Johnny Stone and Scott & Sam are well supported. I believe all personalities must resist getting to comfortable.

8. Do you think there will be more or less syndication in the future of Christian radio?

The desire to stay local is obvious yet it still depends on the budget. Unlike commercial radio we have the support of believers as opposed to ad dollars. Yes there is still a need to be competitive but I believe we are in a better situation. Should an outlet choose syndication there are a few good solid shows to choose from.

9. What (if any) Christian radio shows do you consider as innovators today?

Let’s stick with stations; KCSM, K-LOVE, SOS Radio, KSBJ, KTIS, Z88.3 and KNVE are all pushing the envelope to serve our God.

10. Where do you see Christian radio in 5 years?

Delivering to a larger audience, to a world-wide based network as broadcast becomes the store window leading to the web site, the ever growing destination.  Content delivery will still be the domain of the air personality so water your talent.

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