Mike's Career Capsule
Started out actually interning right here at KLTY in 1996, my senior year of college.  I was eventually hired to a part-time promotions position and ran the board as well.  I moved across the street to heritage AC, KVIL.  I started there in promotions but very soon had my hat in production, imaging, webmaster, morning show producer and eventually Assistant Program Director and Technical Director of the Dallas Cowboys Radio Network.  I came back to KLTY in 2005 as MD and APD.  I was blessed with the opportunity to take the helm as PD of KLTY in early 2009 and have been on one wild ride ever since! 

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

We've evolved into a better sounding station thanks to the great artists in Christian radio!

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

We went through the same struggles as the rest of the industry during the past 18 months, had some unfortunate cutbacks we've all had to bear, but the station and the company is stronger because of it.

3. How does KLTY connect locally with markets? 

I am proud of the fact that we are live and local 6am - Midnight so we're able to talk about what's going on as it happens.  It's always a "cringe" moment when you hear a voice track talk about the sunshine and it's raining or whatever (not on my station, of course...).  Being live and local affords us the opportunity to keep the listeners plugged in to the show.  We do a lot of phoners and keep current on the happenings around town.

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

Really looking for songs that can strike a chord with our listeners.  Sanctus Real's "Lead Me" is a prime example of that.  Within a week of playing that song on the station, we had a gentlemen sing the song to his wife and newborn baby on stage at church as a charge to all men to be better examples of Christ.  There wasn't a dry eye in the house.  You can't get that in mainstream music.

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

The ones you can't get anywhere else.  We've given away dinner with Third Day and bowling with MercyMe.  The opportunity to get up close and personal with artists is always a great promotion for our listeners.

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

Christian labels do a great job.  The only thing I would suggest is don't go for "let's break a record" add dates.  There is zero benefit for a radio station and it's listeners to add a song early just to help a label break some sort of unofficial record.  If it's good, we'll play it soon enough! 

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

Stereo-typing.  It's a Christian station, so they must play that sappy, tired, old music that you hear on Sunday mornings in church.  Boring.

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

Encourage, inspire, uplift, connect, be a friend & companion throughout the day.

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

KSBJ, WPOZ, KLOVE, KCMS, KTIS.  They are the best out there.

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

TobyMac will be on tour with his son Tru-Dog, Jeremy Camp will have his own 7-minute Abs workout video and Brandon Heath still won't be who he was.

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