Dick Whitworth Interview

Dick Whitworth
General Manager
WAKW
Cincinnati

Career Capsule: It’s hard to believe, but I have worked in radio for 47 years.  I told my high school guidance counselor that I knew I couldn’t play in rock bands my whole life and that I would need a career.  It turned out that the radio profession was a great choice for me, but who knew that Mick Jagger would still be playing music well into his 70’s!? I have been very fortunate to work with some great leaders, teams, and organizations.  I am currently serving as General Manager for STAR 93.3 in Cincinnati.

Ted – first of all, congrats to you and your team for 20 years of HisAir.net!  What a great gift you and your website have been to Christian radio.  We all owe you a debt of thanks!

Dick, tell us what’s new at Star 93.3… any news, changes etc… and what’s new with YOU?

Like most of today’s Christian radio, STAR 93.3 continues to work hard to be authentic representatives of Jesus to the Tri-State through uplifting and encouraging music.  Brant & Sherry anchor morning drive, Terese Main (mid-days); plus, newcomers to CCM, Chad Mitchell (afternoons), and Devin Almonte (evenings).   Chad and Devin both have extensive general market radio and TV backgrounds.  We are honored to have them on our team.

Art Garza, our Executive Director of Pillar Media, did a great job of leading and building the STAR 93.3 Team.  In 2020, Art moved to STAR 99.1 in New Jersey and assumed the leadership of the Pillar Media group and I became General Manager of STAR 93.3.

As a group, we’re working to develop and deliver compelling content beyond the airwaves.  Exciting times!

Overall, what is the best managerial advice you’ve been given? The worst?

 The Best Advice:

“Money follows ministry!” Matthew 6:33 is a great admonition from Jesus for all of life and ministry.

“It’s not what you expect that gets done, it is what you inspect.”

“Be hard on yourself, but easy on others!”

“NEVER take credit for someone else’s work!”

“Information is power and used wisely it builds trust.” (Obviously, personnel information is off limits!)

The Worst Advice: 

While, none of us are perfect, the worst advice was modeled not taught! 

What’s something you’ve learned about Christian Radio due to the pandemic, that you didn’t know before?

Something about Christian Radio that I learned from the Pandemic, that I didn’t know before.

Much of what we do on radio/media can be done efficiently and effectively while working remotely.   Shocking, right!?

Where do you see Christian radio  in 5 years?  

Will radio and the methods that we are currently using still work in 5 years?  I hope so, but the pandemic has already taught us that life can change quickly, and to survive and remain relevant, we must be willing to adapt and change. 

New delivery systems alone – (apps, podcasts, websites, etc.) will not be enough to meet the changing needs of listeners.  We need fresh communicators, relevant content, and visionaries to reach this and future generations.  Suffice it to say, I’m excited for the next five years.

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

Proverbs 29:18 (ESV) “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint but blessed is he who keeps the law.”  While I have no desire to preach a sermon, and I certainly don’t understand ALL that this verse implies, I do know that we need visionaries.

My co-workers at Pillar Media, are working hard to excel at our craft, and on the other, dreaming about the future and what is next!?

Who are your radio heroes and influences? and why?

I am grateful for the incredible support of my wife, Jayne.  She is amazing, has incredible integrity, and is the most generous person I have ever met. 

I am privileged to be working with some of Christian Radio’s finest people at STAR 93.3 and STAR 99.1 – names you know, and many you don’t; but all amazing.  (Art Garza is the most affirming, visionary leader that I have worked with; plus, he makes me laugh every day!)

Thanks also to friends like Paul Anthony, Chuck Pryor, Scott Michaels, Steve Young, Bruce Barrows, Matt Reynolds, Tim Unsinn, Paul Perrault, John Frost, and Bill Arnold. 

To quote Clarence, the angel, from It’s a Wonderful Life – “no man is a failure who has friends.”