Ricky Bybee Interview 6-25-18
Ricky Bybee
Midday Personality
WHIF
Palatka, FL
Career Capsule: I hail from Frankfort, Indiana. I retired from the United States Navy in February 2003 after 25 years of service as a Chief Warrant Officer spending most of my Naval Career in the submarine force. I performed work in the ship repair industry for 10 years as a project manager. In February 2011, I relocated to East Palatka, Florida and fulfilled a life-long promise to my wife to finally go to church with her. It was the beginning of an amazing journey. I have since been performing ministry in various capacities including object lesson ministry in nursing homes and assisted living facilities; chaplain at the local hospital and I perform duty as a chaplain at our local Hospice facility. Recently, a local pastor was in need of a kidney transplant. I happened to be a perfect match and in May of 2017, I donated a kidney to Dr. Kirby Kennedy. I have served at 91.3 Hope FM as an On Air Personality since October 2014.
Ricky, tell us what’s new at WHIF… news, changes, & with YOU… etc?
Being a small station serving a community of 77,000, Hope FM recently relocated from a small modular building to a state of the art studio with several recording rooms. This small station is the cog of all things good in this community and the community embraces this station. Since the kidney transplant, I have been requested to speak in several venues including a revival.
Christian Radio has become very competitive… what do you do to stand out from the crowd?
With Hope FM, it’s personal, we are here for anyone, anytime. Our prayer line rings and notifies me wherever I am and I contact the person requesting prayer immediately. We stand out because we are “out and about” in the community. We share success stories, people want to “touch and feel” joy and hope and we convey it well.
What is the best programming/show advice you’ve been given? The worst?
Be yourself is the best advice I have ever been given and don’t announce any song at “new” unless I check with my fellow DJs. I cant say that I have been given any bad advice.
Some say more Christian stations in a market the better, do you agree with that, why or why not?
We need to flood the airwaves with the truth, the gospel. Hope FM’s foundation is to accomplish the great commission. We do that in many ways, especially in personal appearances, prayer and love.
What is the ONE thing you must have everyday to do your job/show?
Prayer, Prayer and more Prayer,…. The Spirit moving!
Where will future Christian radio air talent come from?
We have a new show on Fridays “Hope for the Next Generation” focusing on youth. It’s a great outreach tool with activities to include coming in and spending time with a DJ producing, volunteering and interning. Get fresh prospectives from our youth.
Generally speaking to the industry what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian radio?
Keeping peoples attention,….. . Christian radio is a wonderful tool to reach the masses. But when those three enter in the equation, the vision gets cloudy.
Who are your radio heroes and influences? and why?
Wally, WAY FM….. His quick wit, knowledge and character. Robin Robinson, 91.3 Hope FM General Manager is my mentor and such a Godly woman. She is inspirational and motivates others to perform at their very best. She is one of the finest individuals I have ever worked with. My fellow workers Shayna, Kristi, Tommy, Malenda, Lisa, Bobby and Kirb.