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Radio Interview

                                     

Andi Miller

Music Director

WFZH

Milwaukee

 

 

Andi's Career Capsule
Graduated North Central College in 1994 with a degree in communications. Began my career in a Cessna 142 as “Airborne Andi” doing traffic reports for various radio stations.  Did nights, then mornings at an alternative rock station in the mid 90’s. Overnights for a few years at AC WMYX, then a brief stint doing middays in Nashville, back to Milwaukee to work at church and part time at WKTI where I met Danny Clayton, who soon after became the PD of the newest and only Christian music station in Milwaukee, WFZH.  I’ve been at WFZH since its humble beginnings in a small office space in 2001.

 
1. Tell us about your market and how it is unique?

Milwaukee is a rock town. Think Harley Davidson. But more notably, Milwaukee has never had any other FM Christian music station, so our listeners are hearing a lot of this music for the first time. Like Spiderman, being the only game in town gives us great leeway but also great responsibility. 

 

2. What is the most fulfilling aspect to you personally about Christian radio?

Being able to talk about Christ on the air to people who may never have heard the gospel before and working with fellow servants of Christ who keep the bar high and keep me accountable!

 

3. Here is your chance to testify on behalf of your station...How has God used WFZH?

It is obvious the Holy Spirit is at work in Milwaukee through the Fish. We've heard or have been emailed testimony after testimony of Christians not only being encouraged but non Christians being convicted through the music and morning show on the Fish and seeking Jesus and being saved!!  I hear a lot of people that say they listen when they can at work to get focused again after finding themselves influenced by the world through their co-workers. At the same time, we are positioned as being "Safe for the whole family", which has great appeal for our non Christian listeners who just appreciate a safe haven on the dial for family listening—which is a nice opportunity to share the gospel through music and talk.

 

4. What is the criteria that determines if a song receives airplay on your station?

I am blessed to work with one of Milwaukee’s most talented programmers, Danny Clayton. He’s been programming in the market since the 80’s long before he met Christ and it’s a pleasure to see how God is using those talents in a relevant life changing way.  A commercial station like WFZH is kept alive by ratings so we owe it to our advertisers and our audience (existing and potential) to play the songs that will have the broadest appeal. We can't play everything that comes across our desk even if the lyrics are great or even if the artist is well known. Specifically, it needs to sound like a hit, production value must be excellent, and lyrics must have an intrinsic Christian message.

 

5. What kind of promotions work best for your station?

Events that place us dynamically in the community and position us as the #1 Family Friendly source on the radio while bringing in revenue for our advertisers.

 

6. How do you think Christian Record labels can better serve Christian radio?

Be more able and open to work hand in hand with stations to promote artists through station promotions. More product would be nice too.  Some labels do this well!

 

7.  In your opinion what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian radio today?

For a market like Milwaukee with one Christian music station, and so many genres to choose from, we need to find a way to reach the most people--believers and unbelievers. To do this, we need to shake off the pre-conceived notion that Christian music radio has a certain undesirable sound without sacrificing substance. We must continue (or start in some cases) to strive for excellence; to bring to the table an overall sound equal to or better than everything else listeners can find on the dial.  

 

8. What do you believe is the primary role of the Christian radio air personality today?

We have found, at least in Milwaukee, that being real and believable on the air benefits that goal. Listeners can spot a fake a mile away.  At the same time, leave the heavy preaching to the music so as not to alienate P2 and P3s.

 

9. Where do you see Christian radio in 5 years?

Hopefully not dead--like a radio fad format or relegated to a niche category on satellite radio. I think if stations program smart and don't sacrifice integrity or excellence, commercial Christian stations most certainly will be in heavy contention for the #1 ratings getter in many markets.


 

        

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