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

20 years ago, our market had one Christian station...an AM Southern Gospel station. Today we have 12 Christian stations in our market. 4 of them are K-Love signals, an Air-1, two AFR's, CSN, Solid Gospel, The Word in Praise, Power Worship, and KZKZ. So, for a market of 150,000 people, I'd call that pretty unique.

 

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

I like programming the music, and I like praying for people. We do that on the air during the morning show, and have heard many healing testimonies from our listeners.

 

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

KZKZ was a hard rock station before it went bankrupt in 1993. The announcers were allowed to swear on the air, and made some pretty lewd comments. God took the station and made a Christian station out of it within a week's time. In the past 13 years, we have had many people say they came to know the Lord through the station, or were healed, or that we helped them get through some hard times.

 

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

First is lyrical content, second is production quality, third is music...how intense it is, how slow or fast it is, etc.

 

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

Promotions or contests that involve the children seem to work best. We've given away trips, money, shopping sprees, backstage passes, and holiday prize packages...but the one that sticks out in my mind as working the best is this past Christmas when our listeners donated gifts for children who had a mom or dad in the 39th Infantry Brigade in Iraq. We had a lobby full of gifts for the kids, and when the mothers came to pick up the gift packages, they were overwhelmed by the love and generosity of our listeners. Several of them broke down and cried when they saw all the presents. It was pretty awesome.

 

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

We've only been a reporting station since June. But all the people that keep in touch with me are doing a great job providing product, interviews, and giveaways.

 

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

I'm probably going to give you a different answer than one you'd expect. I'd say the biggest obstacle is thinking too small and allowing the devil to discourage you and back you into a comfortable corner where you don't want to take any more risks, or try something new.

 

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

To encourage and inspire the listener, to be a real person on the air.

Don't be afraid to speak the right word in season. I'm not talking about preaching, necessarily. God can give you 4 or 5 words that can help change somebody forever. I've seen it happen a lot.

 

9. What (if any) other Christian radio stations do you consider as innovators today?

I think K-Love and Air-1 do a great job, always keeping things fresh and finding different ways to say things. We also work hard to keep things fresh. I also have a friend doing a talk show on our AM station who is very unique and innovative. I haven't heard a show like his anywhere else. The show is "Talk Radio for Christians" on KFSA AM 950 with Steve Duignan. Sorry, we don't stream any of our programs.

 

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

I think the local stations that concentrate on ministering to their communities will continue to flourish. Show the local community that you care, and they'll respond favorably.