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Steve's
Career Capsule
After receiving an
associates degree in broadcasting in the mid-80’s, my first radio
job was at a small AM station playing southern gospel music in
Wilson, NC. I left radio for about nine years then became MD and
morning guy at WCLN-Christian 107.3 in the Fayetteville, NC market.
I’ve been here for nearly 10 years now. Still the music director,
but I have moved to afternoon drive.
1.
Personally how do you keep the ministry in the “business”?
For me it’s really
two-fold. Because it’s so important to offer encouragement to our
listeners, I love to occasionally expound on the message in the
songs we play. Then there are the many opportunities I have to
minister one-on-one with someone on the phone or even a co-worker.
2. Overall, how is
Christian radio different today, from 5 years ago?
I think Christian
radio has raised the bar across the board so far as quality is
concerned. From music, to equipment, to talent, to programming and
marketing strategies – Christian radio continues to improve its
sound and its appeal. This in turn has increased our potential for
effective ministry.
3. What do you think
are the main characteristics of today’s Christian radio PD?
To use a sports
analogy, today’s PD needs to be very good at scouting talent as well
as coaching that talent. Keeping everyone’s focus on the station’s
vision is also vital as a leader of a broadcast team.
4. What criteria do you require for a song to be played on your
station?
Of course it has to
fit the format and be well produced, but really it has a lot to do
with appeal. If we say we are the station for the family, (and we
do) the songs we play will need to generate a positive response from
the families that choose to listen. The ultimate is a song that
Mom, Dad and the kids will all sing along to.
5. What kind of promotions work best for Christian radio?
When you can provide
an experience that can’t be bought, especially for someone’s child,
(like having lunch with an artist) you’ve done a great thing.
Everybody wins.
6. How do you think Christian Record labels can better serve
Christian radio?
They really do a
great job for us. Could they possibly find a way to cut the number
of songs they send us in half? Just kidding. Having so many songs
to choose from is so much better than the alternative.
7. In your opinion what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian
radio today?
One obstacle might
be having goals that aren’t high enough. Instead of trying to be
like the local country or rock or pop station, we need to be better
than them. We should embrace what is the biggest difference between
us and most other stations in our market. We know the answer and
His name is Jesus.
8. What do you believe is the primary role of the Christian radio
air personality?
It’s the same as any
other radio personality, relating to the target listener. Being
willing to be transparent, understanding, fun, real; doing what it
takes to relate.
9.
What (if any) Christian radio stations do you consider as innovators
today?
Lately WPOZ in
Orlando with their commitment to the safety of their audience, and
KSBJ in Houston with how they present the love of God in such a
compelling way.
10.
Where do you see Christian radio in 5 years?
If we choose to heed
the advice of many in our industry, we will be more invested in our
local markets, while utilizing the many advances in audio and video
technology to provide a truly interactive experience for the
listener.
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