ShawnMarie Aiken Interview

ShawnMarie Aiken
Studio Manager
KCMM
Belgrade, MT

Career Capsule: Our station serves Gallatin County, the fastest growing county and micropolitan area in the USA.  I’ve worked at 99.1 The One for 10.5 years, and can say, “I survived sales in radio”.  What is a Studio Manager? A fancy-shmancy word for “pushing buttons in the studio and I know who to call if we go off the air”.  I’m in charge of commercial production and station imaging, the Traffic Manager, Community Engagement and I host a weekly segment called, “Community Strong with ShawnMarie” where I interview people who are doing good in and for our area, and beyond. Then it’s featured on our website and mobile app (so I guess that would make me a “podcaster” too.  Recently I took over writing the Miracle Monday blog, and learning to do very simple videos.

ShawnMarie, tell us what’s new at KCMM … news, changes, & whats new with YOU… etc?

We recently got a mobile app and started a blog called, “Miracle Monday”.

How have you been affected by the pandemic, on and off the air?

My husband and I both had it in November ’20 (for almost 3 weeks) and joined the “Rona-Recovered” club. I hate the word “essential”, and how the pandemic has divided our country with shutdowns and mandates.

Regarding fundraising, what is some of the best advice you’ve been given?

People give to what they believe in, so tell them the story(s) so they will believe in your mission.

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

For our market, I think we have enough – We have 5 Christian or faith-based radio signals in our area. So, the way KCMM stands out is by being the LOCAL, Christian radio station. And we are the number 1 Christian radio station in our area.

What’s something you’ve learned due to the pandemic, about Christian Radio, that you didn’t know before?

It became real how our music, DJ talent and programs were tailor made for difficult times. We were ready to be that community of hope for our listeners. You don’t get that with beer & butt songs.

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

The “where” is a myriad of places or connections. Don’t overlook small markets. I like what one of the first speakers at this year’s Momentum said, “Jesus got his start in a small market”.   I think it’s more, when we find the talent, how is that talent developed?  For me, I found that in CMB Momentum and networking with groups like HisAirNet, Vidare and Killer B.

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

Fear of being “canceled”. If Mr. Potato Head and Dr. Suess can be canceled….The truth of Jesus is more and more unpopular in the world (plus He did tell us in John 15:18-25: “If they hate me, they will hate you).  This is very hard, because we want to be liked, build an audience and have influence.  I often pray that I will have a greater fear of the Lord than the fear of man; and declare to myself “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation”.

Who are your radio heroes and influences? and why?

Shameless plug for the Christian FM talent that airs on KCMM – Brant & Sherri: They’ll have you laughing with tears, then drop a “truth-bomb” that has me pondering the rest of the day. Lisa Barry: She is your radio BFF.  I also have been personally encouraged and coached by Jerry Woods at WGTS and Beth Bacall from the FISH Atlanta.  I’ve also made numerous “voice friends” through the CCM Production & Imaging Facebook page.