Bill Lurwick Interview 3-18-16
Bill Lurwick
Program Director & Afternoon Host
WKNZ Milford, DE
Career Capsule: I’ve been privileged to be working in my area of gifting for 25 years in 2016. 7 years of Mainstream in MN, Iowa, Florida, KY. 18 Years of Christian AC in PA, KS, Delaware. I’ve also been the host of the newreleasetoday.com audio programs for 10 years, and for 2 years now a weekend host on the Christian FM Network.
- Tell us what’s new at WKNZ…news, changes, expansion, with you… etc?
In 2015, 88-7 The Bridge purchased our broadcast license from Eagles Next Fellowship Church and established a new 501 c3 Non Profit, Bridge of Hope Inc. Last fall, a listener/supporter of The Bridge agreed to let us lease his less than 5 year old 6300 sq. ft. building for a fraction more than we’ve been paying at our current 2300 sq. ft. location the last 5 years. We’re hoping to re-locate to these new studios/offices this spring. Our new location isn’t just larger and newer, it’s also on the most traveled highway in the state of Delaware, with some 58,000 cars a day passing directly in front of our new facility. I’m most excited about our move for many reasons but the greatest excitement for me comes from the potential for new discovery from the passersby.
2. What is the best programming advice you’ve been given? The worst?
Do a few Great Things. Don’t try to be everything to everybody. Focus on your anchor items and become a cause people will partner with.
The worst? “Don’t worry about taking transmitter readings. Those never change”
3. What are some of the biggest challenges running a CCM in a smaller market?
Finding qualified and passionate team members who aren’t wanting to just be ‘on the radio’. For 88.7 The Bridge, one of the biggest challenges is being a small market station that does big market things with a small staff. But we get it done! Amazing teamwork!
4. What is the ONE thing you must have everyday to do your job?
Ask myself what is ‘She’ experiencing today? What’s her day been like?
5. Where will future Christian radio air talent come from?
The Coffee Shop. The Wal Mart Check Out Line. Wherever a person you can identify who gives amazing and memorable customer service and is a story teller.
6. Do you feel syndication is good or bad for Christian radio?
Mehhhh.
7. Generally speaking to the industry what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian radio?
Reaching Millenials. Understanding that they are still listening to the radio. Just on different platforms. They may not call it radio, but it is.
8. Who are your radio heroes and influences? and why?
Bill Sammons – He’s taught me how to be humble, to listen, and to realize everyone has a story that defines their life.
Jason Sharp – He’s brought me closer to God by his example and the way he lives his life.
Ryan Seacrest – The guy is just an amazing communicator and storyteller