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Kurt's
Career Capsule
It
all began at Greenville College's WGRN. Did CHR in Columbia,
Missouri, OLDIES at K-GOLD in St. Louis, Mainstream AC at WSLQ in
Roanoke, Virginia, more CCM at WCBW/St. Louis, WQCK/Baton Rouge,
J93/Atlanta, THE SONG in Indy and now, STAR 93.3 in Cincinnati. I
am also doing an alternative version of the Weekend Top 20 Countdown
that airs in a few markets.
1.
Recently WAKW adopted the name “Star 93.3” What thought went into
the decision to use that name?
It
was time for a re-brand of the station. After 45 years, it was time
to breathe some "fresh" air into the station. We revamped the
imaging, the music, the overall approach to reaching people in
Cincinnati. The result has been very positive. It's been nice to
welcome new listeners to the format and welcome back others who had
left the station for other alternatives in the market. Plus, our
sister station, Star 99.1/New York, already had a logo!
2. How is the Cincinnati Christian radio market different from
others you worked?
We are one of 3
CCM stations. KLOVE and AIR1 have strong signals here. Dayton is
also very close and they have a strong locally run station.
Competition is good because it keeps you on your game. It's tough
when all are asking listeners for support. There's only so much
money to go around. Despite the competition, I believe Cincy is
still an untapped market...lots of potential here.
3. What do you think are the main characteristics of today’s
Christian radio PD?
Gotta be multi-tasker. Must be able to lead and make decisions that
are best for the station. Should be able to think
"out-of-the-box". Create a competitive product with very little
money.
4. What criteria do you require for a song to be played on your
station?
Will the song be something that we'll be playing years from now?
Does it have a shot at living in the GOLD category for a very long
time? Does it relate to our demo?
5. What promotions has Star 93.3 has done recently that are most
memorable to you?
An
awesome Dream Wedding Promotion with Chapel at the Park in the
Smokey Mountains of Gatilinburg. Women get all gushy about weddings
for some reason. I don’t get it, I mean, my wife made me wear a
pink tie and pink and grey argyle socks at our wedding! I wasn’t
gushy about that, although I would have worn solid pink if it meant
she’d marry me! Bet she wishes she’d made me do it now as payback
for all I’ve put that poor woman through! (HA!)
6. How do you think Christian Record labels can better serve
Christian radio?
Ya
know, I think they do a pretty good job. I miss the days of payola,
but, hey, change is good!
I’m thankful for the PLAYMPE option. Sure beats a
stack of CD’s staring at you everyday.
7. In your opinion what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian
radio today?
The economy seems a
pretty obvious obstacle. How about preconceived notions about what
Christian radio is. I heard this guy named John Frost say once,
"Are we a Christian station, or, a radio station
for
Christians?" We put a huge obstacle in front of new listeners when
we don’t attempt to reach them where they are and invite them in
from that place.
8. What do you believe is the primary role of the Christian radio
air personality?
Be
a friend. Be yourself. Be real.
9. What (if any) Christian radio stations do you consider as
innovators today?
I
still think KLOVE is pretty kickin'. Chuck and the KLTY folks
really put out a top-notched product.
10. Where do you see Christian radio in 5 years?
Well, according to that study that came out, we’ve
only got one more format to beat for the most programmed format in
America! And COUNTRY is almost CHRISTIAN these days, minus the
whiskey, women and pick-up trucks!
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