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Doyle's
Career Capsule
Fresh out of college, my career began with 13 years in the Tax
Department at Conoco (now ConocoPhillips). In 1983 while at Conoco,
I started a translator station in Ponca City, Oklahoma for Tulsa's KCFO-FM.
Because I felt led to see a full-power station in Ponca City, I left
Conoco in 1992 to start the non-profit organization "The Love
Station" and signed on KLVV. In 2003, we built KXTH in
Shawnee. When we signed on 100,000-watt KJTH, Ponca City in
2004, we started two formats, Praise 88.7 and TheHouseFM. This
year, we completed KZTH, Oklahoma City and expanded TheHouseFM
format.
1.
Personally how do you keep the ministry in the “business”?
Being a non-profit helps us keep ministry at the forefront. We hear
from lots of hurting people these days, so ministry takes on many
roles.
2. How is Christian radio different today, from 5 years ago?
Technology has changed the way people listen to music, and we have
to expend time and resources to stay on top of web sites and other
new technologies to engage with listeners. Years ago, more
listeners thought that pledge drives were unique, and they were more
excited to join in. Now it seems the pledge drives have lost some
of their luster. We recently met our goal, but fundraising seems to
get harder each year.
3. What do you think is a good characteristic of a Christian radio
GM?
Versatility. Within the same hour, my job can jump from promotions
to engineering to amateur attorney to accounting to fundraising. It
helps to be well-rounded, and an accounting background has come in
handy.
4. What ways or methods do you think work best to keep your staff
motivated?
The staff has enjoyed taking a break from work to sneak preview an
upcoming movie. During the summer on a weekday afternoon, we have
taken the whole staff to the lake for a picnic and ski party. I try
to recognize one or two staff members for an outstanding job during
our weekly meeting. We have a great team, and the many ways they
see God working is a tremendous motivation.
5. What kind of promotions work best for Christian radio?
We love having people at the studios. Radio 101 included student
learning stops around the station. Our IT director even showed what
it looked like when the child's picture was added to the morning
team header on our website. The event was pushed heavily to home
school/after school groups, and we had a huge turnout with some
listeners driving more than 100 miles to our studios.
6. How do you think Christian Record labels can better serve
Christian radio?
Truly representing the interest of the artists and providing
promotional materials and access will help stations better make the
connection between the listener and the artist.
7. In your opinion, what are some obstacles facing Christian radio
today?
Royalties. For instance, we had to pay SoundExchange over $1,500
just for the right to stream their music in October. We need to
make sure an FM performance fee doesn't get initiated.
8. What do you believe is the primary role of the Christian radio
air personality?
The role of the air personality is more important than ever. With
so many avenues for music, having air personalities that become
friends with listeners makes a big difference in where listeners
want to spend their time.
9. What Christian radio stations do you consider as innovators
today?
Sixteen years ago, before our first station went on the air, KSBJ
was gracious enough to teach me a little about pledge drives. I'm
still learning from them.
10. What changes do you see for Christian radio in 5 years?
Ponca
City has free Wi-Fi available all over town. Streaming is going to
make some big changes everywhere in Christian radio. Our listeners
have already logged more than 3,000,000 hours of on-line
listening this year.
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