Steve's "Beautiful History"
Steve started “DJing” at Roller Rinks in California and New Mexico during the roller skating craze of the 80s. While interning at KLYT in the late 80s, he attended and graduated from the Christian Broadcast Academy. His broadcast career has included stints at stations in Albuquerque (KLYT, KKIM, KKJY, and KNKT) and Chicagoland (WNDZ, WYLL). Although he spent a short time in recent years as a morning host with Jenna James on M88, since 1996 he has primarily enjoyed waking up listeners in Albuquerque on KNKT.

1. How has M88 evolved over the last few years?

M88 continues to provide music that is relevant to today’s youth. Our hope is that by listening to music that has an obvious message of hope and truth that young people will be led into a relationship with Jesus Christ.

2. Has M88 made any changes due to economic situation, been affected in any way?

We did tighten the belt a bit over the past few months, but God HAS supplied our needs and we ARE on the air.

3. How is Albuquerque a unique Christian market?

Albuquerque is a unique Christian market for a few reasons. There are at least 7 stations that program Christian content. The market size of 700,000+ is much smaller than most markets that have nearly 40 stations. With so many choices on the air it is important to stand out.

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

We don’t put a “Jesus” per minute meter on each song. In order for a song to be played on the air it really should pass through a filter that assesses whether or not the artists’ are living a lifestyle that supports a Biblical worldview. Lyrical content and production is important. We also want the song to be appropriate for our 13 – 18 year old demographic. A song may sound fun and not be extremely strong in the lyrical content, but is still appropriate. The same is true of a song that may be a little low-key, but the content is so strong it is something we want to share with our listeners.

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

In my opinion the best kind of promotions for Christian radio are the ones that when you debrief afterwards you can say, “God was glorified in that”. The trick is to accomplish that while at the same time drawing listeners to your frequency, website, and social networking. We enjoy blessing other ministries in our community with assistance that requires some elbow grease. We encourage our listeners to come along side us when we do.

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

The labels are a great partner in getting the content to the masses. However, now that music doesn’t need to be “snail mailed”, it should be just as easy for a “non-reporting station” to receive new music as it is for a “reporting station”. Since I don’t represent a label I may not be privy as to why this is not the case, but it sure seems like an issue that we should have overcome by now.

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

Since most of Christian radio seems to be non-profit, it is difficult to find local businesses that will support a ministry and expect no tangible (i.e. $$$$) return. I know many are concerned about legislation that would limit the content of Christian radio, but remember, often the Church blossoms under persecution. I’m not praying for persecution, but revival would be welcome.

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

I think this question can most easily be answered by a plaque hanging in the control room that reminds us, “It’s not about you. It’s not about us. It’s about Him and it’s about them.”

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

I feel somewhat like an ostrich when it comes to what other stations are doing. Our staff does not regularly attend national conferences, but so many stations are doing unique things to reach their local, statewide, nationwide and global community, it is good to have places like this to bounce off ideas from each other.

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

Hopefully in 5 years we will still be able to deliver a quality product that impacts our listeners. I’m not convinced that HD is the answer for the near future. Although the idea of providing several different feeds of the truth with varying styles coming from the same organization is compelling.

I DO think we need to really focus locally first, then nationally and beyond to the entire world. Our instructions in Acts 1:8 tell us, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (NKJV) As we implement this direction, lets remember that where Acts 1:8 is practiced often Acts 8:1 follows. It reads, “…At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.” (NKJV).
 

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