Terese's Career Capsule
After graduating from Ithaca College, Terese relocated to Rochester, NY to take a position as airborne traffic reporter with Metro Networks.  Over time, she ended up on the air at 98PXY (WPXY) and then WARM 101.3 (WRMM) as mid-day personality and program director.  After nine years there, she was called to Family Life Ministries where she is blessed to be serving as program director and mid-day host. 

1. How has Family Life Network evolved over the last few years?

Over the past five years, FLN has expanded its reach and grown in program quality.  It’s crazy to think about, but the Lord has blessed us with close to 70 radio outlets across NY and PA.  We’ve also grown in staff, having hired a few new on-air personalities and events staff.  Having so many talented people here sure makes my job easier!

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

We’ve seen some amazing fundraising miracles, despite the nation’s economic situation.  In times like these, people start soul searching to discover what’s truly important to them.  Thank God, His people see value in Christian programming and are stirred to support the cause.  Our Spring Sharathon was our most successful fundraiser ever.  We’re still in awe of what God accomplished over those four days.

3. How does FLN connect locally with markets?

FLN works hard to be visible in the communities  we serve.  We work with local churches, concert promoters, festivals, and retail outlets to make sure the station is representing what is happening in our communities.  We’ve recently started discussing how to get our ministry staff plugged into volunteer opportunities to help serve charitable organizations like local food banks and pro-life pregnancy centers. 

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

First and foremost, the music we play has to be Christ-centered, or it doesn’t make the cut.  Our Music Director is an artist and musician with a very fine-tuned ear.  He knows what our listeners will like, and more importantly, what will impact them in positive and encouraging ways.

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

First let me say, Family Life knows how to have fun with promotions!   Our President and Network Manager, Rick Snavely, volunteered to be dunked in the dunking booth at Sharathon last month.   Everyone, including listeners and visitors to Sharathon, got a real rise out of it!  We’re also working on a few interactive promotions for the summer that will incorporate listening, website and events. 

I think the best promotions highly involve listeners.  For example, this August we’ll be running a “Where’s Denny” promotion at a summer festival.  It’s basically a spin-off of “Where’s Waldo.”  (Denny Brownlee was a long-time morning show host that recently came off the air.)  Whoever puts all the clues together to “find Denny” wins a VIP experience or admission to next year’s event. We make promotions fun, interactive, and relevant to listeners.

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

Labels, in general, are still trying to figure out how to do more with less.  I feel for them, as budgets continue to shrink and staff work harder to do more.  With Facebook and Twitter being so popular, artists are more accessible than ever.  Christian radio is a great way to provide unique artist experiences.  Labels that make that happen will quickly win favor with me!

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

Christian radio cannot ignore what’s happening in the world of new media.  Family Life Network is not only streaming online, but also offers two internet-only formats and mobile apps.  We try to get every artist and author interview in podcast form.  Family Life also creates and produces original podcasts and videos to get listeners interacting online.  Christian radio needs to learn how to develop and cultivate Web presence that listeners want to be a part of.  People are listening online now more than ever.  Let’s give them options! 

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

Christian air-personalities are there to encourage, build up, and communicate God’s truths the best they can.  However, God’s people are less-than-perfect at the moment!   When I’m on the air, I try not to share struggles until the Lord has granted me wisdom, and in some cases, resolution.  Then I can share that testimony on the air from a Godly perspective.  I’m not on a pedestal.  I’m human, like everyone else, and needing God’s everlasting arms for strength and guidance. 

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

The first Christian station I ever  worked with was WRBS, 95.1 Shine FM in Baltimore. I still tune in to that station for inspiration.  They’re rock-solid musically and personality wise.  They’re always on the streets and they embrace social media.  Plus their female imaging voice is phenomenal!   (Anyone have her number?)  Oh, and I love the morning show at WPOZ, Z88.3.  Disney vacations are more fun when you wake up with Ellis and Tyler!

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

If the Lord tarries, I hope Christian radio is thriving five years from now.  I pray the format never forgets why we’re here.  If we’re not sharing the Good News, what’s the point?  The music can be contemporary and great to listen to, but if we’re not talking about Jesus on the radio, we aren’t doing our jobs.  Let’s refuse to conform and water down the Gospel by simply “being encouraging” or “nice people.”  That’s all great, but we’re here for the lost.  When you stand before God, wouldn’t it be a blessing to know that souls came to Christ as a result of your radio station?

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