Tim Collins Interview

Tim Collins
Operations Manager
WHCF/WHMX
Bangor

Career Capsule: I got my start in radio in 1993 at WHCF in Bangor, Maine and since then I’ve had the opportunity to work at WMSJ in Freeport, Maine and Solution FM in Bangor, Maine. I started as a weekend DJ and now am the Operations Manager for both WHCF and Solution FM.

Tim tell us what’s new at Solution FM… news, changes, & with YOU… etc.?

If you can believe it, my son gets married this year and my baby is wrapping up her junior year at college! Time flies. At Solution FM we’re continuing to try new ways to connect with our listeners. Our last fundraiser, we experimented with Facebook Live and Twitch. It was a ton of fun and really feels like something is there.

Christian Radio has become very competitive… what do you do to stand out from the crowd?

In Bangor, we are one of 9 Christian stations but I really don’t view them as our competition for what we are trying to accomplish. At Solution FM we’re thrilled to have been one of the first to jump in the deep end and target believers that aren’t attracted to traditional CCM  thru a pop and hip hop combo. Only 6% of Mainers go to church, so it’s a blast trying to connect with students at the two biggest Universities in Maine.

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

The best: I have a picture on my wall that says,” At the end of the day, we win because of shared values and priorities, not music. We don’t win in being the artists and songs station. We win by being the station that is most reflective of their emotions and most deeply held truths and desires.” (I’d give credit to the person that said it, but I honestly can’t remember who you are) When you apply that as your genuine self, I feel like you’re on to something. The Worst: The music is the star. Just use the intro and stay out of the way. That pendulum has swung, drastically.

Some say more Christian stations in a market the better, do you agree with that, why or why not?

The reality is that EMF coming into our market made our two stations drastically better. It didn’t help us financially, but it made us improve to survive. Heck, with technology, all of our stations are available to everyone, which has to make us better.

What is the ONE thing you must have every day to do your job/show?

Peace and clarity of mind. I wear quite a few hats and I have to be able to get in the right box with the right attitude for my show to have any value.

Where will future Christian radio air talent come from?

From people with heart and who have something to say. Keep your ears and eyes open for someone that people gravitate towards. They are your future stars.

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

Past success. It’s so easy to focus on what HAS worked and be complacent instead of constantly being forward thinking. Also, having the wisdom to know where the industry is going and to arrive at the proper time.

Who are your radio heroes and influences? and why?

I appreciate Tommy Kramer and Joe Croft for giving me tough love and challenging me to up my game. Chuck Finney and Beth Bacall for wisdom and encouragement. Brian McIntyre, Dave St. John and Mike Couchman for programming wisdom at different stages of my career. Brant Hanson and Wally for being real and vulnerable in a relevant way.