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Dwayne's
Career Capsule
I started in radio in college as an accounting major. Anderson
University in Indiana had obtained a license for a Class A FM and
needed students to cover airshifts. If being a broadcasting major
was a requirement to be on the air, I imagine I might be doing your
taxes today rather than be in radio. After graduating in 1992 (with
a BA in Accounting and Management) I worked briefly at WARM 98 in
Cincinnati. WJIE in Louisville offered a full-time position in
later that year. In 1996, I helped start Pulse FM in South Bend.
Then in 1998, my wife got tired of the long winters and we moved
south to Charlotte. I’ve been at WRCM for over 10 years now, the
last five as Program Director.
1.
Personally how do you keep the ministry in the “business”?
The “business”
gives you the ability to minister. When you invest in the on-air
product (people, facilities, etc.), more people can be reached for
Christ. I think it is possible to be excellent at both.
2. Overall, how is Christian radio different today, from 5 years
ago?
There’s a much
tougher competition for airplay than five years ago. We’ve realized
the value of playing fewer “great” songs, rather than more “good”
songs. It also is much more difficult to find quality on-air
talent.
3. What do you think are the main characteristics of today’s
Christian radio PD?
Encourager,
motivator, listener. Oh, and being way too busy!
4. What criteria do you require for a song to be played on your
station?
It’s got to be a
hit!
5. What kind of promotions work best for Christian radio?
Those without
hoops to be jumped through. If my staff has a hard time keeping it
straight, how in the world can we expect our target listener to
figure it out? Keep it simple, and always about her and what she
cares about.
6. How do you think Christian Record labels can better serve
Christian radio?
The
representatives I talk to on a regular basis do a great job of
asking me how they can help. The answer varies from time to time,
but I found them very receptive to big ideas.
7. In your opinion what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian
radio today?
I think they are
the same as any other entertainment medium: breaking through the
clutter. That’s why it’s so important to keep it simple and always
about her. There are a thousand other things going on in her life,
can I offer some encouragement in the few moments she has to share
with me?
8. What do you believe is the primary role of the Christian radio
air personality?
Always reminding
her that we’re all in this together. The journey of faith, managing
the family budget, finding time to do what needs to be done. And,
ultimately, enjoying the trip.
9. What (if any) Christian radio stations do you consider as
innovators today?
Can I mention
our consultant, the very innovative John Frost? Whenever I get very
“left-brained” thinking about how to approach something, John’s
skill at zeroing in on the target listener helps me greatly. We
often call it “stating the obvious,” but we all need someone to do
that for us sometimes.
10. Where do you see Christian radio in 5 years?
Hopefully being
a vital part of listeners’ lives. Involved in the communities we
serve, and helping to lead many to Christ.
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