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Phillip's
Career Capsule
I started my radio career actually before I graduated
from college (1984)…the college had an album rock station…spinning
Boston, REO Speedwagon, and Rush…I really was beginning to “dig” the
contemporary Christian music coming on the scene so I helped create
a Sunday morning Christian music show which played music like Petra,
Allies, and Whiteheart…does anyone remember those bands? Once I
graduated I went to work for a southern gospel station to do a
contemporary Christian show in the afternoons, which was a music
shock to all those wanting southern gospel in the afternoons but
over time people begin to embrace this “new” format. I then went to
a full fledged CHR Christian station (KHLL 100.9 FM) near by and did
the afternoon drive for about 7 years. I went from that station to
doing mornings at (KBMQ 88.7 FM) and after a few years became the
Program Director and I have been here for 8 years.
1.
Personally how do you keep the ministry in the “business”?
I
realize who my ultimate “boss” is. I pray daily to ask Jesus to help
me keep the business side and the ministry side in check. I believe
Jesus kept this in front of His disciples like when they complained
about the lady anointing Him with the expensive perfume. He reminded
them what the more important thing was…Him. When Christ is number
one, He can definitely help you take care of the business.
2. Overall, how is Christian radio different today,
from 5 years ago?
I see
a definite move towards excellence. Better music quality, better on
air personalities, better content, but also relevant content to
today’s generation, better imaging and also better connectivity
(that is a word, right?) with the listener.
3. What do you think are the main characteristics of
today’s Christian radio PD?
Being
a servant, a mentor, a counselor, and a listening ear to your
personalities helping them connect to the listener by showing them
how to be “real” on the air, not plastic.
4. What criteria do you require for a song to be
played on your station?
Words
that connect and music that makes you remember.
5. What kind of promotions work best for Christian
radio?
Usually the kind that involve the whole family, that’s fun, and pays
off in the end for the listener and the station.
6. How do you think Christian Record labels can
better serve Christian radio?
To
work together as a team for the ultimate goal, playing the right
songs that bring people to a place in their life to where they know
they need God. (i.e. My Savior, My God-Aaron Shust)
7. In your opinion what are the biggest obstacles
facing Christian radio today?
I
believe settling for the fact that Christian radio will never be as
good, quality wise, as the secular stations in their market. I work
in a relatively small market and we are consistently in the top 10
and have peaked in the top 5. So don’t lean to your own
understanding regarding this matter.
8. What do you believe is the primary role of the
Christian radio air personality?
I
believe they need to be a “facilitator of life”, someone who walks
with the listener through every day life. We are already in their
homes, businesses, and automobiles.
9. What (if any) Christian radio stations do you
consider as innovators today?
WRCM
New Life 91.9 and WPOZ Z88.3
10. Where do you see Christian radio in 5 years?
I am
not a prophet but I see more people listening to Christian radio
than ever before. The reason I say that is because people can not
find the “Hope” they are desperately seeking for in any of the
secular formats. We need to be LIVE and LOCAL as much as possible.
This should make us strive for excellence in everything we do
because I believe excellence honors God and draws people to Him.
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