Industry News Bits 10-14-20
The Christian Radio & Records Industry is mourning the loss of Jay Swartzendruber who passed suddenly yesterday. Jay had a long history in the Christin Record industry including former editor at CCM Magazine and most recently copywriter at Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
HisAir reached out to friends in the industry who had tributes remembering Jay today:
Promoter Chris Hauser –
“Jay was a tireless believer in the best that Christian music could be. A champion for great art in our industry. Nashville is reeling and grieving at his untimely passing.”
EMF Chief Content Officer Jim Houser –
“Jay Swartzendruber will be deeply missed. I am so thankful to be counted among his circle that is aching today. He was an unusual person, a refreshing and magnetic friend because of his love and care, an awful lot like the Jesus he talked about often. Jay had ridiculous skill as a writer, but he only ever used his powers for good, kindness and gracious bridge building instead of snarky, domineering arguments. He was extremely connected and influential, but he didn’t get rich, instead he championed others and causes he cared about. His mind was rich with insights, ideas and ponderings, but he always deferred the floor to who he was with, loving the conversation and exchange. I sought him out at industry events because I knew we would laugh and the jade quotient would be low. He was an actual fan of the format we were privileged to work in and his pure and authentic cheering for his colleagues was special. Jay Swartzendruber is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever known, and if you know who I’ve gotten to hang around with you know that’s saying something. He glowed with Christ’s love and was inspring and childlike in his excitement about things he really loved. It was utter joy to talk Charlie Peacock and U2 with Jay. I am praying for Jaime and the rest of his family and thankful for capital ‘H’ Hope that means I will see Jay again.”
Freelance writer & editor and former editor of CCM Magazine Lindsay Williams –
“Jay Swartzendruber was my editor and my first boss at my first “real” job out of college at CCM Magazine. But Jay was so much more than a boss. He was my friend and mentor and teacher and my biggest cheerleader. Fifteen years ago, he helped me find my journalistic voice and introduced me to a beautiful community of people in Christian music. Jay was my first introduction to this industry, and I wouldn’t trade my 4.5 years with him at CCM for anything. He was one of the good ones, and I will always be grateful for the many ways he impacted my life for the better. And from all the stories I’ve read in the past 24 hours, it seems I wasn’t the only person Jay made better. He made an unforgettable impact in his short time on earth.”
HisAir is asking everyone in the Christian Radio & Records community to remember Jays family and friends throughout the industry in our thoughts and prayers.
KKFS/Sacramento (103.9 The Fish) PD Max Miller tells HisAir he will exit the position at the end of the year. Max says, “I’ve enjoyed the 13-year run with Salem, but I am graduating to full time grandpa at the end of the year. This is a good gig. Salem Sacramento is a very nice place to work, in one of America’s best cities.”
If interested in this opening check the listing HERE.
Due to Hurricane Delta a couple Christian stations remain off the air. They are KZZP/Alexandria, LA (104.3 The Bridge) Stephens Media Group station and KTOC/Jonesboro, LA (SonLife Radio. Lets keep all those involved in our thoughts and prayers today.
WRVL/Lynchburg (The Journey) personalities Kenny and Brittany have won Best Morning Radio Show for Lynchburg Living Magazine for the 4th year in a row. Voting was done during July and August and radio listeners have selected Kenny and Brittany as their favorite once again.
GM Mike Weston says “Kenny and Brittany (The Morning Journey) and the rest of us here on the Journey team, thank the listeners of Lynchburg Living Magazine. We love doing our best to try to serve the Lynchburg community!”
Milestones:
Mike Couchman 7 years at KLJY/St Louis
Dan Michaels celebrates 20 years at Fair Trade Services
Prayer List:
Brian Sumner
Ron Harris
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