Coppelia's "Beautiful History"
I grew up in Puerto Rico and when I was 14, my church youth group participated in a local radio show for youth "Studio 1190" (wow, memories!) It was so much FUN! (Note: Puerto Rico has over 120 radio stations on the island, and this was one of the only 2 that had English/bilingual programming. You could already start to see God’s plan for my life starting to unfold….little did I know!).

I remember asking the co-host (Chuck Newby) that I wanted to “learn what all those buttons did”. He probably thought I was crazy! But a few years later, my freshman year in college, he told me they were hiring part-time weekend board ops. Little did I know, that was step #1 in a long staircase to where I am today. I thank God that He opened that door for me. The Luttrell family (especially Janet) and their radio staff mentored me and helped me go from weekend board op to office manager, traffic, music, sharathons, underwriting, promotions, production, copywriting, on-air and eventually programming director! After almost 10 years at The Rock Radio Network, I had the privilege of meeting David Pierce and Mike Novak at an NRB convention. God opened the door for me to come work at EMF Broadcasting (K-LOVE and Air 1 radio networks) as National Promotions Director. Shortly after, I had my first child, and transitioned to evening host on Air 1. A year later, I did mornings with Eric Allen, then middays, afternoons and evenings again. I've done it all! And it's been fantastic! It’s really been a journey that only God could’ve designed and I thank Him for leading me every step of the way. I'm so excited about what the future holds!

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

I have done pretty much every day part, so my show has not stopped evolving. The most fun I had was working with Eric Allen on the Air 1 Morning Show. I'd put together a run down of hourly topics that we'd go thru, keeping it fun and upbeat in the mornings. I aimed to have a blend of current news, entertainment & lifestyle, and personal stories/funny stuff.

Regardless of the day part I’m doing, I still enjoy browsing websites, especially the Air 1 news page and msn.com. I also like checking out what listeners and artists have been posting on their blogs, facebook and twitter, and picking the most interesting material to feature on air. I think that's what has changed the most. It's easier to connect (literally) now that so many share their lives through social networking sites. I love how technology lets us connect with listeners better than we ever had before. Although there's nothing like riding roller coasters together (like we did with listeners at Great America in Santa Clara, CA at an Air 1 event!!)

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

It's just another wonderful way to stay connected with listeners. I'll give you an example: before social networking, let's say you'd go to an event and meet a lot of people. Maybe some took pictures. They probably were not going to develop those pictures, write a letter and mail it to you (some would, but it would arrive a few weeks after the event.)

I was at an Air 1 event in Oklahoma City with Tenth Avenue North. Listeners took pictures and video, posted them on facebook, sent me a link, and we were able to connect immediately after the event! It was awesome to be able to stay in touch, and still go back and leave comments for each other, etc... Can you tell I love social networking?

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

I have recently had listener feedback about tweets! For example, Matt Papa likes to share though-provoking quotes via Twitter. I share that on the air, and the following day people are e-mailing, wanting to know where they could get that quote. On a more serious note, just this week, I heard from a 30 year old mom of 3 kids who is overwhelmed and said God is using Air 1 to remind her she's not alone. We share people's life stories on-air, and it's encouraging to others to know someone is facing a similar struggle and making it through with God's help. I'd say the more we can focus the spotlight on the listeners, we'll find all the hot topics our shows will ever need!

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

I was reading about this in a book recently (The Powerful Radio Workbook by Valerie Geller). Look around the office for the person who is always the center of attention. Instead of looking for "jocks", look for normal people who have potential and try them out! You never know that a receptionist, board op or volunteer might be the next star! I'm very grateful that the Luttrells at The Rock Radio Network saw potential in me as a college student, invested in me and mentored me. And I'm grateful that David and Mike also believed in me enough to invite me to be a part of an amazing ministry like EMF (K-LOVE/Air 1). Look for potential, bring it in, coach & polish. I think the more we do that, the more we'll be pleasantly surprised!

5. What kind of promotions work best for Christian air personalities?

I love promotions that connect the listener with the artist, and are entertaining, not just for the caller & the jock, but for everyone listening. We did a promotion on Air 1 where we played audio clips of John and Korey Cooper of Skillet doing a "He Said/She Said" bit about marriage and family life. It was super entertaining for both the people listening and the caller that was guessing the answer to the questions; it was a win-win!

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

Scott Smith (K-LOVE) introduced me to ShePrep and I used to work with Eric Allen as a co-host, who used to write Positive Prep. I also receive Randy Lane's show prep ideas newsletter, which is great. But to be honest, although these are very helpful, I mostly get show prep on websites, magazines, TV and real life. My friends, and especially my hubby, know that whatever happens could end up on the air!

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

I would say lack of coaching, mis-communication, and the ever-increasing need to be relevant without "watering down the Gospel". Perhaps station managers and PD's appreciate their talent, but don't quite know how to express the love. There is also no clear definition of how to grow in terms of a career path, so we may feel like we excel in what we do, but where do we grow from here? How can talent avoid being pigeonholed? And we want to reach out to the world and draw them in to hear the message, but how can we do that without sounding "too christian-y" or "too worldly"? Let's talk amongst ourselves (feel free to engage in the discussion: coppelia@air1.com. I'd love to hear your thoughts!)

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

I would hope there would be less. We can probably benefit from a more personal, local feel. People can choose to program their iPods and play CD's in their cars. If we don't have a connection with them, we might lose them to the technology that best serves them. But if they know their "friend" is on the air, and we'll serve them better than any technology could, they'll want to connect with us every day. That's my hope.

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

The definition of innovation is introducing something new, better than what exists, and I'm looking for that! I have to say that I like what Scott and Kelli are doing on afternoons on K-LOVE. They have a really great blend of crazy-fun with teary-eyed stories, and they make you feel like you're a friend when you listen. But as far as something new, I'd love to see more shows with diversity. I'm Latina, born and raised in Puerto Rico, and I believe Christian radio has diverse listeners. I'd love to see a more accurate view of the current culture, a better mirror of the communities we serve. And by culture & community, I mean let's share our traditions, stories, celebrations, etc ... Our belief in God is still centered in the Bible and we still proclaim Jesus' sacrifice and victory over sin and death! I just think we could add some flavor to the way we celebrate that Truth (and flavor comes in all shapes and sizes!! Think "red and yellow, black and white, all our precious in His sight..."!)

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

I'd love to see Christian morning radio connecting more in the community--really making a big enough splash that non-Christians can't help but to want to listen! There is a station in Puerto Rico, Nueva Vida FM, that has been giving secular stations a run for their money. If I'm not mistaken, they are still among the top 10 stations on the island (and Puerto Rico has around 120 radio stations on one small island! http://www.ontheradio.net/metro/Puerto_Rico_PR.aspx). I think we'll see more and more Christian stations ruling the ratings, as we strive to connect with our listeners, look them in the eye, and blow their minds with amazing radio they can enjoy and be blessed by every day!

Previous Interviews

© Copyright HisAir.Net