Dave's Career Capsule
I came to Trevecca Nazarene University in January 1981and fell in love with the campus radio station, WNAZ.  My highlights as a student included hosting the morning show and becoming the Program Director. After graduation, I worked the afternoon shift at a Christian AM in Nashville for about a year and a half.  I also worked weekend overnights for a few months at WMBW in Chattanooga.  Then a position came open at WNAZ, so I returned as Operations Manager for a little over five years.

Later, WCVK in Bowling Green, Kentucky needed a General Manager and I was fortunate enough to land that job.  The five years that a worked in that role provided me with a lot of great experiences and challenges.  However, I felt like I was never on the same page with the Board of Directors and I made a rash decision to resign.  Some of you reading this may understand that kind of frustration.  I encourage you to be patient.  Life is about learning to work with people, not running away from them. Fortunately, I was eventually able to return to WNAZ as Operations Manager.  Two years ago, I became Station Manager.  It has been a real privilege to work with college students.  They bring a great deal of enthusiasm that can be hard to find.  It is great to be a part of the process as they learn and minister.

1. Recently WNAZ announced it has been sold to Bott Radio, can you tell us how this came about.... when & what changes will occur?

WNAZ has been operating at a loss for several years, eventually Trevecca Nazarene University decided it was time to sell.

2. How has the sale affected the staff.... you personally?

We are looking for new jobs.  No one wants to be searching for a job right now, but I think we all feel that God has a plan.  That’s not to say that we don’t feel some pressure, but we are in the business of providing encouragement and hope.  Now, we find ourselves in a position of uncertainty that many of our listeners are experiencing.  It’s time for us to rely on that message of encouragement and hope. 

3. What advice can you give to others in Christian radio that may face the same situation?

This is not easy to answer.  However, one thing I will say is that it is important to finish well.  We have been dealing with this matter for several months, which has given us the opportunity to communicate to our donors about the upcoming change as well as express our great appreciation for their support.  We are thankful for that opportunity.

On the other hand, dealing with this situation for several months can create real frustration.  Don’t allow that frustration to turn to anger against your employer and employees.  I have to remind myself that the decision to sell WNAZ was not made with malice.  God has allowed it and I have to accept it.  And like I said, he wants me to finish well.  I need to continue to give my best effort in performing my remaining tasks.      

4. How do you think the sale will affect the Christian radio landscape in Nashville?

Well, truthfully WNAZ has been kind of hidden gem for the last few years.  The FISH and WAY-FM have much larger audiences and the general public is much more aware of their existence.  However, WNAZ will be missed by those craving the newest offerings and a little more variety.

One thing that WNAZ has been able to do a little more than the FISH and WAY-FM is feature local guests.  Since WNAZ is part of a network serving multiple markets, we have been able to give more on-air interviews regarding local events and causes. 

Of course, I am also saddened that Trevecca Nazarene students will no longer have the opportunity to work at a traditional over the air station.  I have a bias, but I just don’t think anything beats that kind of experience.

5. Regarding Christian radio programming what kind of promotions work best for Christian radio? 

The short answer may be whatever is working best for all radio stations.  Obviously, it needs to be family friendly.  I also think it works best if the contest is fairly simple and fun.

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

This is one of those questions I never know how to answer, especially since I don’t know anything about working at a label.  I do feel like I have noticed that the label reps that I talk to on the phone understand that this is not just a business but a ministry.  Of course, they have their goals and they are going to ask for radio’s help in achieving those goals, but I think they understand the value of a relationship.  If a label rep has the attitude that we are all in this together, I think they are going to be more successful.  Radio people need to have that attitude as well. 

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

#1- Money.  We need to continue to learn to be creative and effective fundraisers.

#2-Technology.  Keep up with it or else.

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

The audience wants encouragement and hope.  Give it to them by being friendly and having fun.  The audience wants to know that enjoy what you are doing. Please don’t try to be something that you are not.  The audience can tell.    

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

I think stations that are presenting a global message are real innovators.  I feel it is important that we communicate a message that we are trying to impact families, communities and the world with the message of Christ.  Stations need to build partnerships with churches, businesses, organizations, etc that have that vision.

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

This is another difficult question.  I have a hard time keeping up with all the technology that is available now, so it has been great working with college students that can help me.  All I know is that we have to continue to keep up with technology.  I got into radio because I had some idea of the potential to reach others for Christ.  The new technologies are bringing more great potential, we need to embrace them.  

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