Jeremiah's "Beautiful History"
Dairy farmer, waiter, factory sanitation worker, telemarketer, radio news director, request show DJ, morning talk show host, WIBI radio since 2005.  I am now the Station Manager and co-host of “A Positive Start to Your Day.”

1. How has WIBI evolved over the last few years?

It’s really been more of an intelligent design by my incredible staff than an evolution.  My Program Director Rob Regal, my Promotions Director G.W. Van Alstine, Ride Home Host Ashton Lee and my Morning Co-Host Lori Brown have helped me craft a ministry that does radio as part of our overall plan to impact lives.  I am most appreciative of the fact that at WIBI we work to implement the things that are often theorized about in consultant meetings.  The overall professional presentation of WIBI has never been better.  The focus on prayer and service has never been more prominent.

2. Has WIBI made any changes due to economic situation, been affected in any way?

We have always approached stewardship of the resources God provides us through the listeners with focused seriousness.  That hasn’t changed.  We continue to pray for our audience and their finances.  We’re careful to determine that each expense is necessary and work to make every dollar go as far as can in pursuit of further ministering to families.  Tough economic times have impressed the needs of people on my heart even more than in recent history, and have caused me to truly trust God for His provision.  He is faithful.

3. How does WIBI connect locally with markets?

WIBI covers a huge geography – and we are regularly out in the community during holidays and weekends – but we mainly focus on connecting with the individual listener.

4. What criteria do you require for a song to be played on WIBI?

My criteria are to let my extremely gifted Music Director Joe Buchanan make the call.  I think I’ve asked him to add about three songs in four years (fortunately they were winners.)  He doesn’t miss many.  Joe’s focus on the research basically boils down to:  “what does she want to hear, and how often does she want to hear it?”

5. What kind of promotions work best for Christian radio?

Ones that provide an experience for the listener, or give them a chance to make a difference without having to jump through ridiculous hoops to participate.  Never take for granted that your listener is busy and distracted, but still wants to do the right thing or have a good time.  Keeping it simple has never been better advice than it is right now.

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

In these interesting times I will only say … it’s a challenge for all of us right now to serve consumers who have changed the way they find new music and the methods in which it is delivered.  I pray that great record labels like INO, Centricity, Integrity, Provident and all of the others can continue to find exciting and creative ways to work with Christian radio stations in the future.  I have tremendous respect for the work they’re trying to do in changing times.

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

I don’t know if it’s an obstacle – more of a challenge really – but creating radio formats and outlets for the Millennial Generation is on my mind quite often.  Younger people are not choosing radio as often for entertainment / ministry.  There is a fracturing of the marketplace with online resources.  It also means that finding new, younger on-air talent is becoming more difficult.  Not impossible, but a challenge.  How do we take this challenge and form into a growth opportunity?

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

First – transparent “friend.”  The word friend gets thrown around a fair amount, and it’s not realistic to think that we can be every listener’s friend.  However, being open and genuine with your life and your struggles is ministry and offers a friend-like connection.  Second – unique content provider.  People like interesting people.  They are also expecting to be entertained.  That doesn’t mean simply goofy radio stuff (although neglecting that will hurt you.)  It just means (radio cliché alert) being real and compelling as you offer your unique perspective and experiences.  Third – listener elevator.  You should always seek while entertaining and befriending to promote your listener to a level of importance on your show that is ultimately above you and the host(s).

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

It would probably been unfair to point out any stations since there are thousands of great people at great stations in our industry toiling away unrecognized while the same big boys always get the mentions (and those big boys are doing incredible work too, don’t read into that please …) Mark Ramsey is out there on the edge thinking up some pretty cool stuff.  Let me say with a wink – I may be jealous of Brant Hansen and what WAY-FM lets him get away with every morning.

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

Thriving as secular commercial stations continue to misunderstand the value of relationships.