Wichita is
an amazing town. I had the same reaction that most
people have when they think of moving to Kansas.
Flat…windy…and you better like wheat. However, the
day I drove the U-Haul into town was the day I fell in
love with this city. I could think of no better place
raise my 4 children. The arts are very important…and
of course Wichita State University. GO SHOCKERS!! We
have a minor league baseball team…and 3 of the largest
airplane manufacturers are here. It still costs a
fortune to fly out of here…so apparently making the
planes doesn’t warrant us a discount. McConnell Air
Force Base also provides some very unique vibe in the
city.
2. What is the most fulfilling aspect to you
personally about Christian radio?
I am going
to make this the only cliché answer I give…but it is
100% true. It’s all about the changed lives. Since
coming to Wichita…I have seen coats and blankets put
on the homeless…teen girls make commitments to
purity…record blood donations to the American Red
Cross…just to name a few. Christ is at work here…and
I am thankful that He has chosen us to be a bullhorn
for His work. It’s incredible!
3. How do you personally keep the ministry in the
business?
I think if
there was one thing I could offer as advice for
keeping the ministry part of the business strong…is to
make it real in your personal life. 2005 was a year
of personal tragedy for me and my children…and the
Bible was my lifeline. I wish very much that it
didn’t take such a hard time in my life to show me
what I needed to do personally. So I encourage you to
spend time with God everyday. Read the Word…pray…talk
to Him as often as you can. He will speak to you.
And we do talk for a living…so I would bet He will
talk through you, too. The results of this personal
change will bring GREAT benefit to the “business.”
4. What is the criteria that determines if a song
receives airplay on your station?
A song on
my station has many criteria. First of which is the
heart of the artist. I would rather pass on a song
than to play one where I can’t verify the artists
lifestyle. Obviously the sound of WAY-FM is very
distinct and very few songs vary from this style. And
once they hit the air…the music tests take it from
there.
5. What kind of promotions work best for your station?
Any
promotion that gives the listener (in our case, her)
something she needs. And, honestly, the best ones are
the intangible needs. For instance…instead of giving
a CD, you give a free room organization session. So
instead of free music…you have just provided peace of
mind…time…freedom from the mess…etc. Every time I do
a promotion…it has to at least try to provide one of
those ethereal, intangible needs. And the good thing
about those things are…they are nearly limitless in
number. So the options are infinite!
6. How do you think Christian Record labels can better
serve Christian radio?
In fear of
stepping on a toe or two…I truly wish they would
listen to radio stations more. This has gotten tons
better over the years…but I still think that many
albums go by with singles that would of hit my target
listener right between the eyes. Lean on our
research…and we can help you choose singles. As we
all know…it can be a guessing game…and I am very
thankful that the record companies are working as hard
as they are
