Jake's Career Capsule
I started in High School at WGXM 88.1. I wanted to be a DJ or a professional trumpet player. I have spent most of my career in CHR and Country. I have been fortunate enough along the way to work at some great radio stations.
KEGL in Dallas, KLUV in Dallas, Q102 in Cincinnati, B97 New Orleans, Y108 in Denver, K102 in Minneapolis, WGAR in Cleveland. Christian FM (Hey Jon!) And, of course, that amazing 98.5 KTIS. I have been here at KTIS for over 2 years now and am honored to work with the best airstaff in the business. David Christian and Pam Lundell our award winning morning show, Lisa Barry (who needs to win some awards...she is GREAT), Dave Clutter (the hardest working man in show biz), Chaz Lowder (rookie of the year), and the new guy Keith Stevens our Program Director (oh yea, and that Jason Sharp fella does a pretty good job too!). To listen to the most amazing phone call I have received in 30 years on the air click here.

1. How has your show evolved or changed over the last few years?

Back in the day, there was no such thing as "connecting". Radio was a one way street. We talked, "they" listened. Now "she" talks, and "I" listen. There is so much more listener involvement and a REASON to do what I do. God has taken this old radio guy and drug addict, and has allowed him to learn (thanks John and Tommy) and share that we are not perfect (gasp!), and we don't have to be in the "club", and speak the code words. Our listeners have problems and hang ups too.. It makes it ok for Jen to have them when we say we are not perfect...and it also endears us to her.

2. How important is social networking to Christian Radio personalities?

So VERY important. Just one more way to stay connected. My beautiful wife Dana handles my Facebook and blogging because I am clueless.

3. What show topics seem to be hot right now?

Real life. Lots of times I will not mention a particularly hot topic just because everyone else is. It's overkill. When everyone else is talking about the shootings in Arizona we talk about ways to save money on groceries. It's an escape from the stuff you hear everywhere else.

4. What can Christian Radio do to develop young talent?

Radio has changed so much. When I got started (back when dinosaurs ruled the earth) we started on weekends, then overnights and pulling news off the AP wire for the morning show and on up the ladder. Now there are no weekend gigs anymore. Most stations are tracked on the weekends. We need a talent pool of hungry kids that want to learn. It's more than "that was, this is" announcing. We need a new generation to pass the microphone to.

5. Do you use any show prep services… tell why or why not?

Beth Bacall has She Prep, and boy is she plugged in. I usually listen a lot when I shop with Dana to hear what people are saying. The local paper has a lot of good stuff.

6. What are the biggest obstacles facing Christian air personalities today?

Being clueless. It's not about us anymore...It's about HER and what SHE thinks.
We have such an opportunity to be a part of her life and family. We can cry when she cries, laugh when she laughs....It's an amazing thing.

There is an old radio joke. What is the definition of a DJ listening?
Being quiet until it's his turn to talk next.

Shut up and listen...She has a story to tell. Let her tell it without interrupting her. You get some GREAT audio when she stops talking and you don't say anything. She rushes in to fill the gap.

7. Do you think there will be more or less syndication in the future of Christian radio?

Probably more. No talent pool from which to draw anymore.

 

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