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Kimberly's
Career Capsule
Radio was not “my” original plan. As a single mom
with two small children I worked through college and was asked to be
a guest on our university’s radio station. It only took one time
and I was hooked on radio and knew it was something I really wanted
to do as a “hobby.” I went on to complete my Bachelors Degree in
Psychology thinking I would become a counselor. God had other
plans! I have been in radio since 1994, with previous stations
including my college station- Wayland's KWLD- Plainview, TX. My
first morning co-hosting job was in South Dakota -Rapid City's KSLT.
I moved back to Texas and worked the weekends for Free 107 in
Lubbock. God moved me to Nashville and I worked for WAY-FM. I also
spent some time with Salem's XM station - The Fish. I have
co-hosted “Your Family Friendly Morning Show-Doug and Kim” for Salem
Radio Network for the past 7 years.
1.
How has the economic situation affected your station? Any changes?
The economic situation has certainly affected our station locally
and as a network. As a team we have had to come together stronger
then we ever have before to keep our clients who are affected by the
economic situation as well. We have had to open wide the creative
flow and honestly do radio in a new way. Surprisingly creating an
on air and on-line store of our clients services has truly helped to
keep the ship afloat. We just have to stay creative, keep up good
radio. It’s been a tough challenge but our listenership is up!!!
God’s using this to shake us up a bit and I think that’s a good
thing.
2. How has your morning show evolved or changed over the last few
years?
I think we have truly grown and invested ourselves in our listeners-
built that relationship and sense of family. We have built yearly
traditions that our listeners look forward to. (I.e. our Christmas
Novelty song contest.) We continue to push ourselves to find
creative ways to connect in the very short time we have between
songs. I do have to say the older I get, the years of radio that
seem to fly by- I find that I come back to the simple fact that I am
truly blessed that God would use me to effect a persons life in such
a personal way.
3. What morning show topics seem to be hot right now?
The topic that seems to be hot for us right now is money saving
ideas. From making your own laundry soup, to getting free movie
rentals, to saving big on groceries- Our listeners have helped us
connect on the internet to some amazing websites that save big
during this tough economic time. One of the big lines of thinking
that Doug and I have lived by for our morning show has been that
there shouldn’t be anything we can’t talk about - meaning if
mainstream radio is talking about the octomom we can be talking
about that too with the spin of where we as Christians should be on
the subject. Not all topics are worth our time but in the past we
have had listeners say “thanks for your insight; I was just going
along with all the mean jokes.” The point is to be in the world, to
not be afraid to talk about these things but to point them to the
One who can take the subject of the day and cut deep into our soul.
4. What is the advantage of being syndicated such as your show is?
I think the advantage of being a syndicated show is connecting with
so many different kinds of people. I think it challenges Doug and
me to focus on topics that are universal. Surprisingly it tends to
bring us all in a little tighter. Topics that focus on what we are
all feeling right now with the economy, our families and the future
balanced with a little escapism and entertainment have worked for
us. Our show over the last 7 years has revolved around a lot of
humor!!! Make them laugh but keep it real!!
5. What kind of promotions work best for Christian morning shows?
Oh I think those that involve Chick-fil-a!!! Doug and I have our
Lunch for a Bunch Promotion with Chick-fil-a and each Wednesday we
go into a business where many times the winner is the only
listener. It’s a super grassroots approach….we love it and I always
know what I am eating for lunch on Wednesday. Ha ha
6. Do you use any show prep services… tell why or why not?
We do. The more input into the creative flow the better. Some
services have been better than others over the years. We all know
there are seasons of creative flow and seasons when the well tends
to ru
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