Corey Mann Interview 5-28-18
Corey Mann
Operations Manager and Mornings
WHPZ
South Bend
Career Capsule: Magic 107, WIRX (First radio job) Fall of 1988. U93, WNDU FM – South Bend, Indiana / October 1991 thru 2002. Granger Community Church – 2002 thru 2007. WZOW (Rock format) 2008 Pulse FM, WHPZ, WHPD,WHME January 2009 thru present.
Corey, tell us what’s new at WHPZ… news, changes, & with YOU… etc?
WHPZ, WHPD, WHME FM all new HD transmitters and we just included our music format on WHME (previous teaching and preaching programming which is now on our HD2 channels).
All new studios, production room, HD video capabilities, Brant Hansen in the evening. Personally, I’ve joined the Studio DNA Podcast Network with a podcast called “What Else”, new episodes on Mondays (as I write this, Rhett Walker is up next). Also, working on my 2nd children’s book.
Christian Radio has become very competitive… what do you do to stand out from the crowd?
Personally, just be me. There’s nobody else like me, I’ve never been a fan of “being the next ‘Jordan’, just embracing being me. It’s not just ‘christian radio’ that’s competitive in our market, its 16-17 other stations reaching for a piece of the pie. So we revisit often, “What makes us unique? What sets us apart from the rest? What could we be doing better? What mistakes can we learn from and make better?”
What is the best programming/show advice you’ve been given?
One idea per break. Don’t try doing too much in one break, once you see the “off ramp”, take it. Have an ending in sight. Steal it and make it yours.
The worst?
“Have you thought about doing something else for a career?”
Some say more Christian stations in a market the better, do you agree with that, why or why not?
I have a competitive spirit – so I do listen to my ‘christian radio station competitor”, and I do want to have a better product, but I also understand that our stations are much like different churches, they will reach a different group of people as will we.
What is the ONE thing you must have every day to do your job/show?
An attitude of “what could this day hold for us?”
Where will future Christian radio air talent come from?
Let’s start with this idea, “Will there by ‘Christian radio’ for there to BE ANY TALENT?”…Someone once said, “if you don’t give it away, it will go away”, so hopefully we are building up our interns, talking in the community to students, other types of people, finding the ‘diamond in the rough’. My co-host previously sold jewelry, ran a day care, and beat cancer, she has never done this – but now 7 years in, it’s working. Another possibility (for me) is a local Christian school principal, and a marketing director for a local hotel resort. Raw talent and an opportunity.
Generally speaking to the industry what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian radio?
Untalented ‘talent’, mediocre songs, boring on-air product and promotions. A lack of vision and direction.
Who are your radio heroes and influences? and why?
I’ve loved radio since childhood. I recently met my biggest hero/influence, Kevin Matthews ( https://youtu.be/aOSZ240VIXU )
Larry Lujack – legendary (Chicago) morning guy.
Steve and Gary – legendary (Chicago) air talent(s).
Jim Gifford – local (Michigan) morning guy who gave me my first chance.
(Today)
Bobby Bones – that’s a whole other conversation.
Wally – I don’t get to listen but I know he’s doing things on a regular basis that’s out of the ordinary ( I love that.)
Brant Hansen – hard working, constant new content, honest.
Dave, Bill, Carmen at Joy FM – I just really like them.
Jayar at Joy FM in Florida – hard working, creative, committed.