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Don's
Career Capsule
I
started in radio in Brownwood, Texas in high school in 1982. Got
into Christian radio at KLTY in 1985, and have worked in Beaumont,
Houston (Morningstar Radio Network), Nashville (Salem Music Network
and The Fish), St. Louis, San Antonio, San Angelo, and now Little
Rock.
1.
Personally how do you keep the ministry in the “business”?
Fortunately, I just
came from a radio station (JOY FM in St. Louis) that keeps ministry
in the business as well as any station I had ever been associated
with. They came up with a great mission statement, and then
everything they did on the air and in the community stayed true to
that statement. I learned to just stay focused on what you were
called to do, and let God take care of the rest.
2. Overall, how is Christian radio different today, from 5 years
ago?
Christian radio is
so much better than it was 5 years ago. More stations are willing
to do what it takes to be successful in their market with
promotions, focus groups, auditorium testing, on-line research,
etc. I think the competition from the technology available today
has made us be a little bit more focused. At least, I hope so.
3. What do you think are the main characteristics of today’s
Christian radio PD?
You have to be
creative, patient, focused, determined, open-minded, in touch with
the demo, positive, work well with others, a good listener, a good
communicator, and a good leader with a strong work ethic. And, I’m
sure I’m missing a few key characteristics.
4. What criteria do you require for a song to be played on your
station?
The music style has
got to fit, and the lyrics have got to be consistent with who we
are.
5. What kind of promotions work best for Christian radio?
The ones that
“promote” the radio station and make the community aware that we are
here. And, promotions that connect with our listeners and the
issues they are concerned about.
6. How do you think Christian Record labels can better serve
Christian radio?
I think they are
doing a fine job. Record promoters are more accessible today than
they ever have been, and thanks to digital delivery – songs are
available to everyone in a timely fashion. If there is one area I
would like to see improved, it’s probably more access to the
artists.
7. In your opinion what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian
radio today?
Competing with
secular stations that have a much larger budget. How many Christian
stations have a television ad for the spring book? Or, are giving
away a car twice a year? Or, giving away “a grand a day in the
month of May”?
8. What do you believe is the primary role of the Christian radio
air personality?
To keep the
listener tuned to the station for another 15 minutes by being
relatable, consistent, and a friend to the listener. .
9. What (if any) Christian radio stations do you consider as
innovators today?
KLTY – with
everything they do. On-air, promotions, website – they do it all
well. KCMS is also obviously doing something right. The Fish’s,
WPOZ, KLVV, etc
10. Where do you see Christian radio in 5 years?
Bigger, better, and
reaching more people than we are today.
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