|
Liam's Career
Capsule
Formerly a Television newsreader Liam also hosts a number of
national radio programs. Daily he is the host of The Family Show, a
breakfast radio show that is networked to numerous cities in
Australia, and weekends as the host of Australia’s Hot 25 countdown,
heard nationally on more than 400 radio stations across Australia.
1.
How has 96five evolved over the last few years?
Small beginnings, broadcasting from a caravan, to having more than a
quarter of million listeners. With a full time staff of 25
employees, plus numerous volunteers, 96five now provides syndicated
radio programs to other stations in Australia
2. Has 96five made any changes due to economic situation, been
affected in any way?
We were pretty well looked after, we didn’t suffer a major hit. Our
donors really helped when we ran our appeals asking for donations
and we raised the amount we believed we needed. Advertising was down
slightly but we had no job losses and were smart about how we should
spent funds available, looking for opportunities with partners to
get our brand out in the market for minimal cost
3. How does 96five connect locally with markets?
We are the radio station in Australia with the title of doing the
most outside live broadcasts than any other. Its important to us to
be out live in front of potential listeners. Each week live from a
local school meeting people where their at.
4. What criteria do you require for a song to be played on 96five?
It’s a tough criteria and done through a music panel, not just one
person. A song must make it on the charts before we play it. We
don’t break new music. Our format is blended with a 50/50 split of
Christian and mainstream, all our songs need to be big hits to help
with the unfamiliar factor some of our tunes have. A song is
lyrically checked, and the film clip also reviewed, and we do a
background check on the artist to see if they fit our on air
profile.
5. What kind of promotions work best for Christian radio?
We have done the massive car giveaways before, and as fun as that
was, we find the smaller prize giveaway more successful. More
prizes, more winners. We try and create an experience for families
with our prizes. The best prize we can give is time, so we often
have events, like filling an entire cinema, skating rings or theme
park of keen listeners and there families.
6. How do you think Christian Record labels can better serve
Christian radio?
Its all about relationships, don’t just send an email or a cd in the
mail ,make and effort to get to know the PD, or MD, sell them your
heart and story, they will often buy into a story or quest
rather than a well written , often unread press release.
7. In your opinion what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian
radio today?
Breaking the stereotype that Christians are losers and Christian
radio is uncool.
8. What do you believe is the primary role of the Christian radio
air personality?
To connect with people, all stations do time, temp and a music hook.
Get one on one with people, where there at and connect with what
there doing that day, be a friend but not a cheesy fake friend, make
an impact and connect and effect.
9. What (if any) Christian radio stations do you consider as
innovators today?
I’d like to think we are, 96five lives by the motto “we have nothing
to lose when it comes to programming and promotions, if it fits our
brand, we’ll try it. We simulcast the national TV news for a
listeners stuck in traffic driving home at night for ½ and hour,
We’re about to run non stop Christmas programming with 24 hour
Christmas tunes in the 12 day lead up to Christmas.
10. Where do you see Christian radio in 5 years?
Running the risk of becoming extinct if it doesn’t connect, reach
out to the secular market and impact.
Previous Interviews
|
