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Gary's
Career Capsule
I started in 1989 at age 14 volunteering weekends on
KNGX college radio in Claremore, Oklahoma. Did that for 4 years. Was
hired for overnights on KXOJ in 1993 one week before I graduated
from high school. From there I went to KCFO in Tulsa, WCVO in
Columbus, KKOW Pittsburg/Joplin, back to KXOJ, WHKO/Dayton, and
joined JQ in July of 2007.
1.
Personally how do you keep the ministry in the “business”?
Keep your
focus on the big picture. Love God, Love People. The rest will iron
out behind that.
2. Overall, how is Christian radio different today, from 5 years
ago?
I think you've got
many more stations taking advantage of music testing and perceptual
research. That's been good for us at radio. Better numbers, better
jocks and more focused playlists are the result. Because we're using
these tools as programmers now, the way we program has changed a
bit. These changes have made getting adds a bit harder in places for
the record industry, however. But that's a different story.
3. What do you think are the main characteristics of
today's Christian radio PD?
I think he or she
still LOVES and has a passion for the music. I think he or she
absolutely is thrilled when they are inspiring their staff and
helping them get better. And I think he or she is not too proud to
ask for help (when they need it) from their staff or others in the
industry.
4. What criteria do you require for a song to be
played on your station?
JQ has a signature 'sound.' Every station does. Each
song contributes in it's own way to the overall flavor of that
sound. It's a recipe in a constant (if slight) state of flux with a
number of factors at play. But the short, ambiguous answer is that
any song I add any given week should fit roundly and nicely into
that 'feel.' Oh, and no "Village People."
5. What kind of promotions work best for Christian
radio?
Anything that reinforces your relationship with them
positively is good. And promotions that get your listeners working
together in making their community better are big winners. Oh, and
make sure they get a prize while you help them change their world.
=)
6. How do you think Christian Record labels can
better serve Christian radio?
I think they're doing a great job considering the
changing promotional climate. We're all in a state of learning as
the landscape changes. There are some good leaders in radio promo
right now.
7. In your opinion what are the biggest obstacles
facing Christian radio today?
We're in a time where more stations are learning to
put into use many of the great tools and research techniques we have
learned from mainstream. While we do this, let's use common sense
and NOT take on some of the mistakes mainstream has made.
8. What do you believe is the primary role of the
Christian radio air personality?
Be a friend. Don't lick their boots, don't patronize.
Don't be something you're not. Just be their friend.
9. What (if any) Christian radio stations do you
consider as innovators today?
One of my career mentors, Terry Dismore has said something to the
effect that "The definition of innovation is taking an idea or
concept and doing something new with it. Many times we confuse
innovation with excellence. There are many excellent CCM stations
today. There are fewer innovators."
I
think Bob Thornton and his team at KXOJ in Tulsa have come up with
some amazingly out of the box, creative and on-target promotional
ideas over the last 10 years. Concert-Wear T-shirts, Contest Of All
Time, The Campaign To Meet Every Listener, The KXOJ lemonade stand
and Everybody Wins-Day are some examples.I had never seen any of
these promotions until KXOJ did them.
I
would definitely consider EMF innovators. There's no one else in our
industry doing what they are LIKE they are. Cox Radio and Clear
Channel are innovators amongst mainstream companies for having the
insight to try such a viable format when other groups aren't yet
touching it.
10. Where do you see Christian radio in 5 years?
Steady
growth. I see a growing web influence. And I think you'll have more
stations incorporating their websites into their positioners.
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