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Jeff's
Career Capsule
Got
started in radio in my basement. A friend that was into electronics
built me a little transmitter that ended up reaching several miles.
It quickly fried up before the FCC found out! Worked at the
University of Toledo radio station doing a Christian music show
until I got my first real job at then mainstream CHR WRQN. Started
doing overnights and weekends then quickly became production
director and evening host and eventually to middays. Next became
Production Assistant and eventually Production Director and fill-in
announcer at AOR Powerhouse WIOT for 7 years. Nine months after
YES-FM went on the air I went on board as Production Director and
weekend announcer and after a couple of years Program Director and
Afternoon Drive host. Have been at YES-FM for 15 years. My other
passions are travel and meteorology. I am a weather hobbyist and
Skywarn Spotter that has spotted tornados on radar before the
National Weather Service! Of course, I love my wife, four kids and
grand-daughter! Want to see pictures?!
1.
Personally how do you keep the ministry in the “business”?
I see so
often with Christian businesses that their business practices are
sub-par in quality and professionalism. I strive to make us sound as
good or better than any other station on the dial and all that we do
is professional and represents Christ with excellence.
2. Overall, how is Christian radio different today, from 5 years
ago?
Our
competition is different. It used to be the other radio stations.
Now, it still is to an extent, but more so all the electronic media
out there, especially I-Pods and the internet. The quality of music
is better, especially in the last 10 years. Overall, Christian radio
has learned a lot on how to compete with and sound as good as
secular stations.
3. What do you think are the main characteristics of today's
Christian radio PD?
Today’s
Christian radio PD needs to be internet savvy and up on frequently
changing consumer technologies, and always keeping up on listener
interests. He or she must be able to inspire the staff and encourage
them to keep up with trends.
4. What criteria do you require for a song to be played on your
station?
I look for
songs that, of course, fit our unique rock/CHR blend format. Songs
that stand out and make you go wow! What a great song! If it sounds
like music one would expect from a Christian radio station, we
probably won’t play it. We are losing the younger generations both
to radio and to Christianity. We’ve got to get their attention! They
say only four percent of this current younger generation are strong
Bible believing committed Christians. If we don’t try to reach them
better, that number will shrink!
5. What kind of promotions work best for Christian radio?
Promotions
that connect with the listeners or gets them involved. I see so
often when people go to a concert and the artist connects with the
audience both on and off stage, they have gained loyal fans. We need
to do that with radio. Also, on-air promotions that get the
listeners thinking or get their opinions have worked well.
6. How do you think Christian Record labels can better serve
Christian radio?
Get to know
each station and it’s format. I know there are a lot of stations out
there but not all stations are alike in each format. We really need
to re-evaluate the current process of single releases and focus on
spin charts. I feel it does not serve the consumer, it serves the
industry. Especially in the rock format, people
can hear new music from their favorite
artist online, and at band myspaces and buy songs online well before
we ever get a single serviced to us.
7. In your opinion what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian
radio today?
Getting the
attention of the public to get them tuned in and away from all the
new technologies and choices and get their attention from all the
busyness in their lives.
8. What do you believe is the primary role of the Christian radio
air personality?
Keep it brief
and engage the listener. That takes creativity and personality. I’ve
heard some say, how can we have personality without the option to
talk a lot? Anyone can talk. It takes personality and creativity to
be entertaining and to say something in a concise manner. Also,
there is a phrase I always remind our jocks, It’s not about you!
9. What (if any) Christian radio stations do you consider as
innovators today?
Radio U and
Way-FM Grand Rapids. They are always on the cutting edge and are in
tune with their listeners tastes and needs.
10. Where do you see Christian radio in 5 years?
What I do NOT
see are many stations going after the younger audience. It is too
much of a challenge and it will require radical changes. Overall it
will continue to cater to women 25 plus.
The innovators will still be around. The others, well, I’m not sure!
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