Paul Goldsmith Interview 6-19-17
Paul Goldsmith
CEO
Goldsmith Media Group
Career Capsule: I’ve had the privilege to work with several extraordinary teams over the past 17 years: WONU, WAY-FM, K-LOVE, Air1, and Salem. Most recently, I served as VP of Marketing at CURE International, where we created two syndicated shows with Brant Hansen and Lisa Williams, respectively, as a way to serve radio stations, and spread the message that God is still in the business of healing people.
Paul, Tell us what’s new with you.. news, changes… etc?
On May 1, 2017, I launched full time with Goldsmith Media Group to help radio stations and personalities better communicate their passion and purpose. Lisa Williams is serving as a talent coach and Nathan McInturf, who designed GoldsmithMediaGroup.com, has also joined GMG as a graphic designer.
Tell us about how/why you launched your own company?
How? There’s no other way to explain it than God opened several doors all at once and I walked through them. One of those doors was at Christian FM, where I’m serving as senior programming advisor. Another was at NGEN. The two stations couldn’t be more different but they are both led by innovative leaders and staffed with incredible talent.
Why? I love Christian radio and want to see it thrive for generations to come.
What is the best programming advice you’ve been given? The worst?
The best advice, of course, came from Alan Mason who has said many times and wrote here, “Radio will not continue to succeed by being “good enough,” at a time when the life cycle of an app becomes shorter and shorter. Let’s do something different that really intrigues the listener/consumer, and be prepared to understand that change is faster and more constant than ever.”
The worst advice is anytime someone says “let’s see what the competition is doing”. Be original.
Some say more Christian stations in a market the better, do you agree with that, why or why not?
I learned a long time ago not to worry about things you can’t control.
What is the ONE thing you must have everyday to do your job?
Listen to the stations I’m serving. Every. Day.
Where will future Christian radio air talent come from?
Colleges. For example, Olivet and Cedarville keep cranking out exceptional talent. Also, if we know where to look online, they’re waiting to be discovered right now on podcasts, YouTube, and Facebook Live.
Generally speaking to the industry what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian radio?
Talent development.
Who are your radio heroes and influences? and why?
Heroes: John Gehron (COO, AccuRadio), best known for making WLS great in the 70s and 80s and Alan Mason (President, K-LOVE & Air1). They are true servant-leaders. Even after all their success, they still make time to help those just starting out.
Influences: Growing up, I was influenced by the legendary stations in Chicago: WLUP “the Loop”, WGN, and WLS.