Morgan Smith Interview 1-29-18
Morgan Smith
Afternoons
KSBJ
Houston
Career Capsule: I got my start in radio in 1998 at KYCC in Stockton, California and since then I’ve had the opportunity to work at WHCF and Solution FM in Bangor, Maine and 104.1 The Fish in Portland, Oregon. I’ve been doing afternoons at KSBJ since April 2016.
Morgan, tell us what’s new at KSBJ… news, changes, & with YOU… etc?
A new show! I’ve been flying solo on the KSBJ Afternoon Show for close to two years while we looked for someone who could stand to work with me every day and just this month we launched The KSBJ Afternoon Show with Carlos and Morgan. It’s honestly been a much smoother transition than I think either of us anticipated! I’m looking forward to learning and growing as we develop this new team show.
Oh…and I had a baby in October! She is a joy and my son is really loving his new role as a big brother.
Christian Radio has become very competitive… what do you do to stand out from the crowd?
I try to steer clear of any of the easy stuff that could show up on any radio station at any time. We strive to be with our listener in Houston, right now, today.
What is the best programming advice you’ve been given? The worst?
Best? Tommy Kramer’s advice to say something once and get out – and to quit being predictable. Worst? I’m not calling out anyone publicly for the worst advice I’ve been given, I could get into trouble doing that!
Some say more Christian stations in a market the better, do you agree with that, why or why not?
Well, I guess a little competition keeps you sharp – but I have worked in a very small market with a huge oversaturation of Christian radio stations and it’s really, really hard. Local small market stations don’t get the recognition they deserve.
What is the ONE thing you must have everyday to do your show?
Does everyone just say “coffee” here? Coffee.
Where will future Christian radio air talent come from?
If I could answer that, I would make all kinds of money finding talent for the industry, wouldn’t I!? It’s tough. Because of our industry’s budgetary reliance on voicetracking we just don’t have a farm team anymore and that makes it hard to find new people. It’s kind of a catch-22 and I have no idea how to fix it. I really wish I did.
Generally speaking to the industry what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian radio?
See above. People can get their music anywhere they want and our ability to connect with them is where we can make the biggest impact, but it’s becoming a smaller and smaller pool of talent who can do that.
Who are your radio heroes and influences? and why?
I know this is totally cheesy, but honestly I still marvel every day that I get to work with the phenomenal team at KSBJ. I have been able to learn and grow so much from their influence and I’m grateful for them.
