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Patrick's
Career Capsule
Graduated from
Texas Tech University in 1994 with Telecommunications Degree.
Started radio career in sales at the old KTFA – Bridge City Texas
for 3 month. Then had 2 years at KGRO/KOMX in Pampa, Texas and 5
years in Meade, Kansas at KJIL/KHYM as Production Director/Evening
Host. Currently Program Director since 2004 at Northern Christian
Radio.
1.
Personally how do you keep the ministry in the “business”?
This
is really hard to do. It is so easy to get caught up in the
“business” side of what I do. Probably the things that help keep me
grounded in ministry is when I talk to a listener or answer their
email. This reminds me why God has put me here. Not just to push
papers and manage things, but to be an instrument for God to change
lives.
2. Overall, how is Christian radio different today,
from 5 years ago?
Stronger and better. It is great to see Christian radio, even in a
small market, offering different formats to reach different
audiences. It wasn’t long ago that even in some major markets, you
often had one format of Christian stations. The variety helps more
people be reached for Christ.
3. What do you think are the main characteristics of
today’s Christian radio PD?
Got to
be a multitasker, especially in a small market. In my two years as
a PD I have taken on the task of Music and Programming, Web
administration, imaging, some production, a weekly e-newsletter,
lots of research (especially online), promotions, on air during the
morning show, 5 hours of voice tracking, etc. You have to be able
to keep track of what is going on at multiple levels. Especially
with consolidation of media, the day of the one job PD is over
(especially in small markets).
4. What criteria do you require for a song to be
played on your station?
1. Is
it Biblically sound? 2. Relevant message, what is the song
saying? 3. Musically does it fit the overall mix of what we play?
5. What kind of promotions work best for Christian
radio?
We are
a small station covering a lot of ground (most of Northern Michigan,
the eastern Upper Peninsula and part of Ontario) so most of the
promotions we do are on air or internet based. The best kind of
promotion is an original, creative promotion (or one we “borrow” and
make our own from another station). Also, promotions that tie into
other ministries or concerts go well.
6. How do you think Christian Record labels can
better serve Christian radio?
I
think Christian Record Labels are doing great. They provide us with
awesome music that helps us sound better. I have never had a record
label that wasn’t willing to work with us on a promotion. The one
thing that needs to be worked on is having more format specific
music. It is difficult being an inspo station playing a light mix
of a song that our listeners might hear on a CHR station in the same
market. It does make the radio dial sound a bit homogenized.
7. In your opinion what are the biggest obstacles
facing Christian radio today?
Homogenized formats. Play the best music, yes, but with the
proliferation of Christian stations, we have to be careful not to
all sound the same. Have some variety. We also need to always have
a sense of competition. We need to keep the hunger to get better
and never be satisfied with how we were yesterday.
8. What do you believe is the primary role of the
Christian radio air personality?
A
friend who truly cares for those who listen and wants to help them,
inform them, make them laugh and cry, strengthen them and give them
opportunities to be involved.
9. What (if any) Christian radio stations do you
consider as innovators today?
Big
ma
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