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Chris's
Career Capsule
It all
started a long time ago in a….o wrong story. I actually got my
start in Christian radio in Houston where I won a contest and from
that contest I got an on-air gig. From there I moved to a morning
show in Maine and now our family finds us at WRBS-FM in Baltimore
where I’ve recently taken on doing the music at the station
in addition to doing a fun Afternoon show. It’s a new challenge and
a wonderful opportunity for me to learn more about Christian radio.
The one thing I’ve always wanted is to know as much as I can about
where I’m working so that I can take over the world! Truly though
it’s a blessing to be used by God to touch lives.
1.
Personally how do you keep the ministry in the “business”?
By trying to
make sure that I’ve read the WORD at work or prayed or have done
something to focus on Him. I try to keep reminders of who He is and
what He’s done for me to make sure that before I can make a decision
I look to Him. It’s what works for me. I also spend a lot of time
listening to the music we play.
2. Overall, how is Christian radio different today, from 5 years
ago?
Honestly I am
not quite, exactly sure. Not being in the “biz” that long I don’t
think I am qualified to speak to the past, but I can say that I
think it’s great today and we must be doing something right.
3. What do you think are the main characteristics of today’s
Christian radio PD?
To be able to
juggle, tame the lions and put on the clown suit. So often the PD
is the fall guy when things are going wrong and gets no credit for
the good things. For them to be able to succeed you need to be able
to juggle the talent, the listeners, the programs, the promotions,
and the many personalities on a daily basis. You have to tame the
lions by sometimes cracking the whip and sticking by your guns.
Sometimes though they need to know how to relax and have fun. So
often the PD will take everything, put it on his/her shoulders, and
try to carry the weight of the world. A good PD knows where his/her
strengths are and who to bring in to help in his/her weaknesses.
4. What criteria do you require for a song to be played on your
station?
1. Where is
God? 2. Does it mean anything?... it always means SOMETHING. 3. Do
I like it? ... just being honest! After that filter I take the songs
to a music panel and discuss and then add songs from there.
5. What kind of promotions work best for Christian radio?
Volunteers and
budget are huge. Having a lot of GOOD volunteers is key to any
stations promotions. With great volunteers you can possibly even do
much more creative promotions than you might have previously
thought.
6. How do you think Christian Record labels can better serve
Christian radio?
By continuing to
help the artist/station relationship. Providing good insight into
why the artist wrote the song or why it’s important and also by
providing the pieces of the artists life that are interesting and
that listeners would love to know about. Easy to talk about a song
or artist when you are informed.
7. In your opinion what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian
radio today?
That’s kind of a
loaded question. I’ve been blessed to work in some great places
where we were allowed to be who we are in everyday life and truly
just live on air. I think we have to stop worrying about using too
much ‘Christianese’ and be REAL! I think listeners want to know
they aren’t the only ones who have to tell their husbands to stop
scratching their backs with the dinner forks.
8. What do you believe is the primary role of the Christian radio
air personality?
To show people
the love of Christ.
9. What (if any) Christian radio stations do you consider as
innovators today?
There are a lot
of great Christian radio stations out there. WRBS has a long
history of a commitment to excellence and the gospel ministry that’s
made us a leader among hybrid formatted stations. We’re allowed and
even encouraged as God leads to present Jesus Christ without apology
to a world in desperate need.
10. Where do you see Christian radio in 5 years?
Like with
anything that sticks around I hope we will continue to play great
music that makes a difference in the lives of its listeners. I also
hope that we’ll continue to provide great content –including
concerts and out of station events. I also see Christian radio
changing the way we reach our listeners. I don’t know if it’s
through the internet, wifi, or HD, but I think we’ll continue to
change with technology and the needs of our listeners.
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