Peter Brooks Interview

Peter Brooks
Afternoons/WUGN GM
Family Life Radio
Midland, MI

Career Capsule: Radio was my first (and only job). Started in 1973 while in high school at my hometown AM station, WBMB West Branch, MI, as a part time announcer and copy writer. Three months later added sales. Went to Brown Institute and got my 1st Class License and went back to WBMB as an announcer/salesman. Became PD a year later.

April 1977 became Station Manager/Morning Host at WMER Celina, OH.

November 1977 began with Family Life Radio at WUNN Mason, MI as Afternoon Host. Became GM in 1978.

1982 became GM/ Morning Host of KFLQ Albuquerque.

1988 became GM/Morning Host of WUGN, Midland, MI.

2010 became FLR Network Morning Host/WUGN GM.

2018 became FLR Network Afternoon Host/WUGN GM (current position)

Peter, tell us what’s new at Family Life Radio … news, changes, & with YOU… etc?

Like most everyone most of us have been working from home studios. I am the only one still doing their show from an FLR studio (Michigan facility).

How has your FLR show changed during the pandemic?

Only in terms of the obvious topics and appropriate content.

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

Best: Always begin with the listener.

Worst: If it sells, it’s good programming.

Some say the more Christian stations in a market the “better”…. What’s your opinion?

To me it always seemed obvious. Positive in the sense that more people may hear the gospel, especially if they offer different formats. Negative in the sense it reduces the piece of pie for each station, especially if they are very similar. Competition is already there with other formats in the market (often secular stations you share more audience with than other Christian stations).

What’s your opinion on podcasts… is it necessary to have one, are they a threat to radio… etc?

Apparently they are not necessary at present since most of us don’t have one.

Probably less of a threat to radio than other media sources vying for audience time. (but what do I know?)

Where will new up and coming air talent for Christian Radio come from?

???

Maybe homegrown. Maybe procuring Christians currently working in secular media positions. With the technology reducing staff at many stations this may become less of a problem.

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

Funding, staffing, remaining relevant and compelling, connecting with a local audience. There is nothing new under the sun.

Who are your radio heroes and influences? and why?

-Gene Flowers, my first boss, who modeled what a good manager should look like.

-Jocks I listened to as a teen, like John Records Landecker and Larry Lujack. Compelling personalities.

-Many of my FLR co-workers: Adam Nash, Mike Kanklefritz, Shannyn Caldwell, Dennis Hutchinson, and Sally Barton among others. Their talent, their servant spirit and their passion for Jesus.