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Daniel's Career
Capsule
Started at age 14 working for Toccoa Falls College
Radio Network, followed by Salem Communications in management in
Atlanta at age 21. Moved to NewLife FM in Atlanta before coming to
Joy FM to manage 26 stations in 7 states. Have produced and hosted
weekly “Daniel Britt & Friends” show for Sirius XM Satellite Radio
since 2006.
1.
How has the economic situation affected your stations? Any changes?
We’re having to evaluate every dollar spent even more
than before, if that’s even possible! Replacing outgoing staff is
not always an easy sell in these tough economical days. Most days,
our heads look more like hat racks balancing many different jobs at
once. However, the good news in all of this is that God is faithful
and these times remind us exactly how our faith muscles are flexed
during times of not being able to always “trace His hand,” as
Spurgeon once said.
2. How has your morning show evolved or changed over the last few
years?
We’ve been stretching ourselves, and our audience, to
think outside the box when it comes to Christian radio. As Paul
engaged the culture in Mars Hill, we too have to remain
entertaining, engaging, and ever plugged-in to what our culture is
talking about, even when it doesn’t appear to be sacred on the
surface. I think most any topic can be used to start conversation
about the Good News that we sometimes forget is so good.
3. What morning show topics seem to be hot right now?
This week in particular? Some listeners have called
in to question the moon landing’s reality. Other fun topics have
included the worst purchase you made in your lifetime, Churches
making political statements from the pulpit, and, believe it or not,
this topic: “How moral is it to share a drink in restaurants that
offer free refills?”
No kidding. Hot topic!
4. What is the advantage of being simulcast on XM, as your show is?
How did that come about?
Well honestly, it’s the other way around. I have a
show that is produced for Sirius XM Satellite Radio. It’s a
one-hour, weekly interview/documentary style program that highlights
the best in Southern Gospel Music. The way it began was a bit
interesting: following the death of beloved pianist Anthony Burger,
my website had links to news stories around the world, including
some commentary from me, on Burger’s passing. I am told that the
producers and programmers for Sirius XM were searching the web for
info on his death and found my site. Once they started looking
around, they listened to interview audio I have posted online and
liked what they heard. Needing more Southern Gospel content, they
offered the time slot to me. That was in Sept of 2006 and it’s been
a great journey for me. I look forward to the creativity and
challenges that kind of show brings. As far as the simulcast aspect
is concerned, aside from Sirius and XM, their agreements also
broadcast it on Dish Network and DirecTV satellite services, and
I’ve been able to gain clearance for Joy FM’s radio network to also
carry it after the satellite run is complete. In addition, a
missionary-radio network covering the country of Papua New Guinea
also carries the show. The natives absolutely love western music,
and Southern Gospel is definitely a favorite of theirs!
5. What kind of promotions work best for Christian morning shows?
For Christian morning shows, I would say most of the
same promotions that work for any family-friendly radio show. Our
show tries to involved the listeners on-air, either through
game-show style promotions, or something that involved a direct
interaction between listeners and artists. They love that…and even
if they don’t win, we’re told it was a thrilling highlight just to
have had the experience.
6. Do you use any show prep services… tell why or why not?
Yes. Our friend Jason Sharp has a service called
Positive Prep. I’ve used Jason’s services since the late 90’s. It’s
great for Christian Radio (Jason is a believer) and is very
affordable. A rare gem!
7. What are the biggest obstacles facing Christian morning radio
today?
Since you asked, at the beginning, I would have to
say the economy. A lot of obstacles can come from lack of funding.
It can be frustrating to have lost efficiency due to staff being
stretched thin or having to work twice as hard for a trade-out
instead of simply purchasing needs. But, these things help us learn
and in the long run are great exercises for the future. What’s the
old quote? If you want something done, give it to a busy person!
8. Do you think there will be more or less morning syndication in
the future of Christian radio?
Boy, there’s a debate. I hate to keep talking about
the economy, but if money is an issue, then my answer is yes. I
think syndication is always going to be a more economical way of
guaranteeing a quality sound, even for the smallest of markets. Are
syndicated programs always local-friendly? No. But they are
cost-effective and I think that drives the decisions more often than
not.
9. What (if any) Christian radio morning shows do you consider as
innovators today?
I would have to say that Kevin & Taylor over at The
Fish in Atlanta taught me a lot about being fresh, relevant, and
mindful of your real (not perceived) audience…and still produce a
great show.
10. Where do you see Christian morning radio in 5 years?
I hope it will
embrace the idea that quality and fun doesn’t have to suffer simply
because our message is different than our secular counterpart.
Christians need to be entertained, too. You can do and say most of
the same things, but as long as our message ultimately points to
God’s grace, it will serve its purpose. We find our hope in things
outside of perversion and addictions. I hope it will continue to
make listeners a priority, even on days when there are fourteen
billion other to-do’s on our lists! The show must go on. People are
dying to be reminded that the Good
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