Michael Luskey Interview 7-15-19

Michael Luskey
General Manager
KJIL/KHYM
Meade, KS

Career Capsule: Started in radio in Oklahoma City in 1980 and have worked a variety of formats from rock to top 40 to oldies and now CCM (for the past 30 years)!

Mike, tell us what’s new at KJIL… news, changes, & with YOU… etc?  

We’ve recently added two new staff members, a new Business Manager and also an Underwriting Director.  We already have an awesome staff both in western Kansas and at our studios in central Kansas.  We recently lost our awesome chief engineer to another group, but the Lord provided a bright young man who has taken up the task along with our assistant engineer. With 50 plus signals, we keep them hopping.  And of course lots of ministry along the way!

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

LOCAL, LOCAL, LOCAL! We are a regional broadcast ministry, but we do what we can to be as local as possible in area that we serve. This summer we are having our 3rd annual “Great Diaper Round Up” for the 11 pregnancy centers that are in our coverage area. That’s 11 different events and all at pools or waterparks so that listeners can come with their families, bring items for the pregnancy centers, and enjoy a free evening of swimming! We are always looking to partner and with, and facilitate ministry for, other ministries such as the Great Diaper Round Up for the pregnancy centers, area churches, FCA, Operation Christmas Child, ect. And lots of concerts!  Radio is about community, especially Christian radio.  And did I mention that we have a great staff?  We do and they are passionate about ministry!

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

Best: Be the best sounding station with whatever your format is, and be yourself on the air and have fun.  If you are a CCM station, then be that 24/7!  If you are talk, then be all talk.  Be consistent and be great!   Worst: That variety matters not familiarity. Quite the opposite.

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

I do agree from the stand point that “iron sharpens iron” and that drives everyone to be their best! But I disagree in that it slices the financial pie in too many ways and that is to the detriment of local ministries. It is sad to have seen so many local Christian radio ministries, and in markets of all size, disappear. Not begrudging anyone, just an observation.

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

The Lord’s favor! Otherwise just spinning my wheels….

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

I would say the decline of our culture, but that just makes what we do so very vital to a lost and hurting world. Maintaining revenue in a fractured broadcast landscape, is a tough one. People still listen and listen a lot, but listener loyalty is lessened with so many options for the consumer, and that’s a win for the listener. Makes the rest of us work harder and pray more!

Who are your radio heroes and influences? and why?

Too many to list! Y’all keep up the good work!