Adam Hannan Interview 1-8-18

Adam Hannan
Morning C0-Host/Production Director
KNWS
Waterloo/Cedar Rapids

Career Capsule: I started at KTIS in Minneapolis doing a variety of tasks, like helping to produce the Morning Show, filling in on-air, and wiping snow of the dishes. J
My next nine years was spent in Brainerd, MN at The Pulse and The Word, where I was able to spend a couple years as Program Director and Morning Show Host.
In 2016, I made the move to Waterloo, Iowa, where I now co-host the Morning Show with Kim Bindel at Life 101.9!

Adam, Tell us what’s new with LIFE 101.9… news, changes, & with YOU… etc?

We’ve been working on providing initiatives for our listeners that provide ways to demonstrate Jesus’ love for people in our community by serving them. Our listeners get really excited to be involved in projects providing Bibles to prisoners, feeding the hungry, providing shelter for the homeless, writing encouraging cards for kids in the hospital, and supplying needs for pregnancy resource centers.

Christian Radio has become very competitive… what do you do to stand out from the crowd?

Although we do talk about trending topics, we do not have regularly scheduled news breaks. This helps us to avoid 1) boring news, and 2) divisive news. In an area with a diverse mix of political affiliation, we strive to find bold, engaging ways to point EVERYBODY to Jesus.

What is the best programming advice you’ve been given? The worst?

Best Programming Advice: Focus on the positive!
Worst Programming Advice: ……………. (see what I did there?!)

Some say more Christian stations in a market the better, do you agree with that, why or why not?

We share a goal of reaching as many people as possible and introducing them to Jesus. I think a great strategy to accomplish that is having multiple formats in a market. I love that there are stations investing in CHR, Talk, and other ways to broaden our nets. That’s bold!

What is the ONE thing you must have everyday to do your job?

Breakfast.

Where will future Christian radio air talent come from?

There are students submitting some excellent work for the iNRB awards each year. It may be worth your time to reach out to a few. Even just to encourage them.

Generally speaking to the industry what are the biggest challenges facing Christian radio?

For a lot of us, our target listener is a 38 year old mom who is super busy. Getting HER to get involved in music testing and help shape our playlists can be a challenge, because she simply doesn’t have the time.

Who are your radio heroes and influences? and why?

Mark Seignious, Brant Hansen, and Broadway Bill Lee, among many others.