Coy's "Beautiful History"
Started out doing play-by-play sports broadcasting for the local high school team in 1981 then attended Trans American School of Broadcasting before taking my first full time radio position in Refugio, TX at KYOT.  I had the privilege of bringing the Texas 3A state championship game in 1982.  After coming to Christ in 1983 I was hired at KCTA in Corpus Christi as their music director.  I left Corpus in 1987 to take on similar duties at WGNV in Milladore, WI.  I eventually became the program director there and enjoyed 5 years of ministry before moving to Lake Havasu, AZ.  I managed KNLB until 1994 when I packed up the family and moved back to Wisconsin.  Shortly thereafter I was hired by WCLQ (89Q) to take over the struggling CHR station.  With the help of Word in Music network and then WAY-FM’s new network venture (1996) we gradually built the audience and got out of debt.  That first sharathon in 1995 was successful enough to move me into full-time position.  Our sharathon goals have grown from a $30,000 bi-annual event to our current annual budget of over $330,000.  The staff of one has grown into a staff of five. 

1. Personally, how do you keep the ministry in the “business”?

Prayer and remembering that our mission is to present the Gospel of Christ. As a non-com, our limitations help us keep our focus.

2. Overall, how is Christian radio different today, from 5 years ago?

Much more concise from an announcers standpoint. We have a better understanding of how people listen to radio and the role it plays in their lives. We are much more concerned about our playlist as well and work hard to survey locally.

3. What do you think are the main characteristics of a Christian radio GM?

As a small market station I have many roles as the GM. Creating and staying within the budget require that we maintain great relationships with area businesses and churches. Sharathon organization and creative execution are vital in today’s economic climate. I also feel that our staff needs to grow in their respective duties and responsibilities so I see myself as an encourager and exhorter.

4. What ways or methods do you think work best to keep your staff motivated?

Competitive wages, good working environment, sharing in the vision of the ministry.

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

Listener focused and well rewarded promotions. Networking with area ministries has been very helpful.

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

That would be a question for our program director, Matt Deane.

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

The competitive field has grown. We need to give people a reason or reasons to listen. Making sure we are providing them the music and information that is great and builds them up each time they tune in is very important.

8. What do you believe is the primary role of the Christian radio air personality?

Make the listener feel as though they made a great decision to listen to you that day. I like our announcers to have a strong relationship with Christ so they can share without sounding like they are preaching “at” the listener. The music can be quite vague spiritually so it’s up to our announcers to “message” (facilitate) the music.

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

WAY-FM, KSBJ, Air1.

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

Great question. Will we be here? Really, I think we will be dealing with the same issues as we are today; the challenge to be effectively communicate to the body of Christ and provide entertainment with a purpose.
 

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