I have been at WDMN for just about 3 years.  I resigned my position across the street at WRVF/Clear Channel where I was doing the #1 rated Love Songs show for the past 3 years and also voice tracking an additional Love Songs show in another market.  I joined WDMN because there were plans to do something innovative...something big in Christian radio that would take this city.  I wanted to be a part of it and bring non-Christians around.
 

2. What is the most fulfilling aspect to you personally about Christian radio?

The most fulfilling aspect about Christian radio is the positive influence and positive message of the music upon Christians and non-Christians alike.  

 

Wow!  This is a loaded question...In the past I thought that there were more differences than what there really are.  I'm sad to say that there really isn't much difference at all.  Sure the language in the hallways isn't as colorful as it was at CHR radio.  The topics and/or stunts on the air are not abusive or controversial, in a negative way.  But people are people and as long as they are wrapped up in some skin they're still going to share the same quirks, personality flaws and struggles. Another difference I see is that Christian radio doesn't seem to have the same drive to win as secular radio.  That needs to change "Big Time!"  I am as driven now as I've ever been.  I want to seriously compete with EVERY radio station in this city.  My goal is to WIN!
 

4. What is the criteria that determines if a song receives airplay on your station?

Criteria for airplay takes a couple things into consideration.  I watch the charts (R & R, CRW etc.)  I listen to all new music we receive at the station.  I also go by gut...if I get something that really fits the sound that I am creating I would probably add that.  It doesn't happen a lot of the time but a good example would be "The Prayer" by Yolanda and Donnie.  I am shocked that more stations around the country are not adding it.  I don't know if stations were not serviced on the song or what but for us it has receive more phones than anything I can recently remember.
 

We've given away a car, a cruise to the Bahamas, weekend couple  getaways to Chicago, Toronto, Niagara Falls, concert packs to Festival Con Dios, family packs to amusement parks like Cedar Point, Six Flags, Kings Island, concert tickets to Michael W. Smith, Third Day, Hopeville.  I like to have fun with all this stuff.  Our listeners have sung for their prizes, figured out mystery destinations to win and unscrambled songs. 
 

Wow!  A big sore spot for me.  Christian radio is at such an amazing place right now.  It's exciting to be a part of it.  My main concern is the Christian record labels.  Some of them are REALLY good at what they do.  Product is consistently sent out and follow-ups are always made.  They take it as seriously as the secular labels.  Then there are some that I have to CONTINUOUSLY call, email and  fax requests.  It's difficult...no strike that...it's impossible to grow Christian radio without the product.  A portion of my week is spent begging for product.  This is crazy.  I never had to do this with this kind of regularity while working at secular radio.  It is the main thing that scares me about Christian radio.  Not long ago I actually wrote to an artist about not being able to receive their product from the label.  My emails were ignored, my voice messages were not returned and no product was sent for over 4 weeks of requests, long after the song had been moving up the charts.  Finally the artist got me the product.  The song ended up being in the Top 3. To have to go to these lengths just to get music is just very sad to me. The quality of Christian music continues to grow access to it must do the same.