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Janelle's
Career Capsule
I started out as a volunteer for
several years before coming on staff. I have served 89.7 The House
and Praise 88.7 now for six years as Promotions Director and four
years as co-host of “McCoy in the Morning” (named after the host,
Brent McCoy). It is amazing that God has called me to this ministry
and I love telling people about the stations and the music we play.
1.
Personally how do you keep the ministry in the “business”?
Through a personal relationship with
Jesus keeping my eyes on Him. The music contains the impacting
message and is a very strong tool to communicate the message of
Christ. I love hearing how the “right” song came on when a listener
just needed it. I hear that a lot, or that the songs we play have
helped a listener in their walk with God. That is really what we
are here for, to point the way to Jesus. Also I am always looking
for opportunities to serve. It's cool to have a job where you can
encourage people on a daily basis. The “mission field” is what
helps me keep my focus. Whenever I feel like my focus is not where
it should be I remember why I am here. Anytime I forget that, God
reminds me that it’s not about me at all…but all about Him. Being
the concert coordinator here I have witnessed the power of the Holy
Spirit move in hearts at concerts in a powerful way.
We insist that a
time of decision will be held at each of our concerts and God has
blessed that obedience with over 4000 decisions for Jesus in the 14
years of the ministry here. Now, that is keeping ministry in the
business and impacting lives for eternity.
2. Overall, how is Christian radio different today,
from 5 years ago?
Well for one thing,
music has changed and improved. It's fun to listen to and I think
it has a bigger appeal to a potential new listener. Another huge
change is the way the music is delivered. God has opened wide the
doors of the Internet and has made Christian radio so available to
all corners of the earth. I am so blessed by the Internet ministry
here as we hear from all around the world.
3. What do you think are the main characteristics of
today’s Christian radio PD?
They need to be on
the cutting edge of the music, be innovative and creative. They
need to be like-minded with other staff working together to make a
strong team. Tony Weir, PD/MD does a great job of picking the hits
we play on both of our formats, 89.7 The House and Praise 88.7
4. What criteria do you require for a song to be
played on your station?
t has to be written
from a Biblical perspective, God honoring music with positive lyrics
for building up the body of Christ. And make sure it doesn't sound
like you recorded it in a garage.
5. What kind of promotions work best
for Christian radio?
Some
of our most successful promotions have been when we give our
listeners the opportunity to do something that they would not
normally have access to or have the opportunity to do. For example,
every spring we give away a chance to go storm chasing with a local
meteorologist. This fall we gave away a skydiving trip for a
listener and a friend. We also like to involve as many listeners as
we can with fun and unique prizes.
6. How do you
think Christian Record labels can better serve Christian radio?
I think we have been
served well as a reporter for both formats. They do a great job
with keeping us informed with what is coming up!
7. In your opinion what are the
biggest obstacles facing Christian radio today?
Ipods
anyone?
Our listeners have a lot of things that are competing
for their attention. If we are going to compete we need to be on
top of our game every time the microphone is on. We also need to be
constantly looking for ways to improve what we do. This applies to
the music we play, the promotions we do, and the radio personalities
that we put on the air. We should always give them another reason
to listen.
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