The Christian Radio Homepage

Coy's Career Capsule

Started career in mainstream radio following broadcasting school in 1982 at KYOT radio in Refugio, TX. As sports director had a great radio experience. Doing the play-by-play broadcast for the 1982 Texas State AAA championship game. After accepting Christ (1983) became interested in Christian radio and in 1984 started working for KCTA Corpus Christi, TX as music director. Took a two month sabbatical in 1987 doing street ministry in Wisconsin and found work at WGNV, Milladore where I accepted a full time position that late summer. Eventually became music director and assistant PD until 1992 when I accepted the position as GM at KNLB, Lake Havasu, AZ. Returned to central Wisconsin in 1994 and began to manage WCLQ (89Q) in January 1995.

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

Not sure how unique it is, other than it has been blessed with our CHR format since 1988. People in this area are very supportive of Christian radio. The Wausau-Stevens Point market is a very blue collar, no nonsense dependable community.

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

Knowing that radio has the distinction of crossing denominational lines and keeping the main things the plain things. The non-commercial aspect of 89Q is conducive for creating a "family" feeling among the listeners and station staff. At any given time someone is hearing the gospel!

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

One of the most satisfying stories was when a couple, soon after marrying, saw one of our bumper stickers on a car in front of them. They tuned in and decided that they needed to find a church and begin "that part of their lives". Soon after that bumper sticker day, they heard about an FFH concert we were hosting. It was at that concert that they gave their hearts to Christ. They had actually lost their previously purchased tickets and were not going to go to the concert. At the last minuet they called the station and we gave them comp tickets.

89Q has been instrumental in networking churches for area events including playing a big role last fall when marriage amendments were being discussed. We were able to help host a large rally, which has culminated into a new organization, SALT:Salt And Light Together. SALT is public policy group using lay members to work as liaisons for their church regarding moral issues in government.

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

Using WAY-FM's playlist as a guide. We use their CHRSN services and trust their research/testing. We also allow our PD the freedom to make additions depending on chart assessment.

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

Billboards for advertising. Sponsored concerts.

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

Convincing the church at large the greater benefits of choosing Christian radio over secular. Convincing programmers the need to trust research and testing over "experience" and intuition. Promotions planning.

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

To relate Biblical truth to a wandering culture as well as compel listeners to more time spent listening.

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

WAY-FM, KSBJ, AIR1...probably more.

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

Growing...I am encouraged by the commitment to excellence in radio by so many stations and the work of NRB in keeping us informed about changing technology.