With the growth of our company our market is ever changing.  We started off with a small sized college town that never heard Christian music.  In the words of an editor at a local paper "we finally have a station that doesn't sound like a funeral."  This was their comment a few months after we turned on.  We have seen a dramatic change in the overall perception of Christian music as a whole in our Valdosta market.  We held a 4.4 share in our latest book and in some ways felt as if we didn't achieve what we set out for.  By numbers we fell short of top three 12+ but we did change a lot of lives and teach people about Christ.

 

2. What is the most fulfilling aspect to you personally about Christian radio? 

After working in mainstream radio for over 4 years as a CHR night jock I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to be a positive, fun influence on people.  That’s right, not just Christians or our listeners, all people.  I feel as if it is my responsibility to reach out and affect the entire market.  Why only worry about P1's when our P2's 3's and 4's are the ones we really need to reach out to and influence.  I am blessed to have the opportunity to be a disciple.

 

3. Here is your chance to testify on behalf of your station...How has God used WJYF?

I can speak here for hours but the overall truth is that I have seen lives saved.  I know there are people who wouldn't listen to Christian music on a day to day basis come crying to me telling me how it has changed their entire family life. That is all I need to see.....one life saved!

 

4. What advice could you give to a young person starting out in Christian radio?

You have to be willing to do anything.  I know that sounds crazy, but it is the truth.  If you are asked to sit in a dunking booth for 8 hours in the cold, do it.  Not to be used but to understand that the business is more than a mic and some songs.  Get your knees dirty and do some of the grunt work at first.  If you learn the basics it will only be a matter of time until God will use you.

 

5. What are some advantages/disadvantages of being non-commercial?

We are actually a commercial station and it is a blessing.  We are able to put together promotions that many Christian stations couldn't even dream of.  We have the opportunity to reach out to all with out the restrictions.  Also from the business end our commercials are more creative and reach a broader audience.

 

6. How do you think Christian Record labels can better serve Christian radio?

I have been amazed with Christian Labels....no I am not just trying to be nice.  I have worked with mainstream labels and they give you a lot of red tape to dance around just to receive 5 cd's that are only helping their artist.  With the labels that I have worked with I have had no problems.  Just let them understand what you need and what you are doing and they will do all that is possible to work with you.  We need them as much as they need us.....that’s just the truth.

 

7. In your opinion what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian radio today?

To try and stop marketing AC Christian stations as CHR stations!  To most listeners they don't know the difference, but let’s really try to reach that target demo if we say we are going to.  We will have to make a decision here soon, will we still say we are trying to reach the youth but not take the chances to do so.  I am not calling anyone out by any means, just saying we all know that there is more that can be done to reach out to all demographics.  If we don't take a chance we