Dale's Career Capsule
I'm in broadcasting purely as an act of God, literally.He's opened every single door for me to be in radio -- I started as a TV studio camera operator in summer of 1981 (while still a college student (Performing Arts Major / Classical Guitar -  and McBurger flinger); got my 3rd class radio operator's license in Nov. of '82.  Christian Family Radio signed on the air 24 years ago (1986) this past April --  I will celebrate my 24th anniversary with Christian Family Radio this August. It's the most fun I've had on a regular basis since kindergarten, and they pay me to play music!!!

1. How has Christian Family Radio evolved over the last few years?

We're growing- getting tighter musically aka staying with good, positive new Christian music that encourages our listeners, and still keeping some of the best of the older music. We're growing new listeners online (besides our website, and email blasts, through our facebook page) as well throughout our broadcast coverage area.

2. Has Christian Family Radio made any changes due to economic situation, been affected in any way?

Well, yes; we're tightening up our budget, of course, like everyone should, trying to avoid needless wastes, saving money for more efficient changeovers (using CF bulbs, waiting for more efficient LED lights) – doing what we've always done, being good stewards of the resources God blesses us with...

3. How does Christian Family Radio connect locally with markets?

With local events, we plug into the Chamber of commerce / visitors bureaus, local churches with our Community Events pages, and “Youth Group Spotlights” on the rock show - scheduling youth groups to come in and guest co host an hour of the show, allowing them to talk about their youth group, activities, and intro their favorite songs. We're also connected with several denomination groups that host major concerts in our area, and are partnering with the Bowling Green Hot Rods Baseball Team for Faith & Family Nights. We co-partner with “secular” media for events like emergency disaster relief or school supplies back pack stuffing (and of course we're on Facebook). We try to “be” at as many local events as we can, wearing our t-shirts, and just saying Hi!

4. What criteria do you require for a song to be played on your station?

Quality and accountability - Is the music good? (quality production and musical values; does it fit our format? that question especially for new and or local artists.) Is it Christ honoring and encouraging to the listener – we are CHRISTIAN Family Radio – not just positive and family friendly... Does the artist's lifestyle match up with their songs – do they practice what they preach? Even with all the criteria met- there are SO MANY GREAT artists and we can't always play all the songs...

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

Promotions that are fun and easy for the listener to do, with value for them, as well as entertaining the listener who doesn't get to physically be a part of the event AND OF COURSE it should promote the station...

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

Bringing the artists to the station has been a great blessing. We get to meet them, and hear their heart and passion for ministry; besides, an acoustic concert in the front lobby is hysterical fun trying to get two or three mics to cover two or more singers, a couple of guitars, bongos or djembe' and it (sometimes) works very well on air. According to the PD & the MD, one of the problems we've had lately is over-processing the music to “TRY TO INCREASE THE PUNCH AND GET THE ATTENTION OF THE LISTENER which eventually increases listener fatigue. ( I grew up with and played vinyl back in the day – and the processing is a bit different!!)

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

Keeping Jesus Christ in the forefront of our attempts at being relevant - continuing to be IN the world but not OF the world.- no compromise!The economy is of course always a factor especially in non-comm, listener supported stations. The costs of updating equipment and staying live and local. So many different choices of media – ipods, kindles, satellite radio, computer/TV/music services, radio has to adapt just like it did so many years ago with the invention of TV...

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

Pointing people to Jesus. To Connect the listeners to Jesus Christ with the music, and to encourage them to grow in their own faith, and then to go and share their faith. Second, to be real - there are no guarantees to be happy in all our situations/circumstances, but we have joy; we can and should share it. Third, to have fun! and let your listeners have fun with you.

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

(Is this a trick question? I listen to MY station!!! DUH!!! LOL!) Seriously, I hope EVERY station is trying to innovate and stay on the edge; if not ahead of the curve, (and not lag behind secular stations). We've been community minded, live and local since day one, so hopefully We've been the innovators...One of our “neatest” things we do, (that listeners tell us about as well) is that we pray on the air as a part of each shift – we ask for prayer requests, praise reports and then ask for the listeners to join us as we pray.

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

Heh Heh hehhhhh... I see it right on the dial at 90.7 FM, 50-60 miles around Bowling Green, KY, and at 91.7FM in Owensboro KY and world wide at christianfamilyradio.com   and if technology gets more cost- & user- friendly, at 90.7 A, B, C & D on the “digital“ dial with more music (70s & 80s - CCM maybe!?!?) and programming to reach the WHOLE listening family.

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