1. Tell us about your market and how it is unique?

Columbia is market #90 with a metro population of about 485,000.  About one third of the population is African American. There are several Urban stations in the market and a very strong gospel station.  We are the only contemporary Christian music station in the market.

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

Radio in and of itself is fun, there’s no doubt about that!  But at the end of the day, if all we’ve done is have fun, it seems kind of pointless.  I love the fact that Christian radio is fun but that it also makes a difference in people’s lives. 

3. How do you personally keep the ministry in the business?

I think back often to the time in my life when I felt very clearly and very strongly that Christian radio is what God has called me to do with my life.  There’s no question in my mind that this is what He wants me to be doing and I have a burning passion and desire to do it with excellence so that He will be glorified.  I also do a lot of reading and talk to people much wiser than I am. 

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

It must fit with the strategy of the station and help us achieve our mission.

5. What kind of promotions work best for your station?

More and more we’re trying to do promotions that help people and help make our community a better place to live. 

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

By providing stations with music that is excellent, compelling and relevant.  I think they’re doing a better job of this today than ever before.

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

I think we need more stations committed to excellence in the ordinary.  I don’t hear many stations in any format that seem to be making the effort to be excellent.  If Christian radio is willing to make the effort to be excellent in the ordinary, we will have a significant edge on our competition.

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

The on air talent are the ones who will set us apart in our markets.  Anyone can duplicate our formats but no one can duplicate our personalities.  Its imperative that personalities be relevant instead of just interesting and that they can bring real life to the radio.

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

Z88 Orlando is awesome and some good things seem to be going on at The River in Columbus, OH

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

I hope that in the next 5 years more stations, personalities and PD's will make the effort to strive for excellence in the ordinary.  As Dave Ramsey said at the R&R Summit last December, if we do this we will have no competition because no one else is doing it.