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Radio Interview

                                     

Adam Biddell

Operations Manager

KYCC

Stockton

 

 

Adam's Career Capsule

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia I always had a fascination with radio. When I was a kid I would tear apart my parent’s radio sets and turn them into a mini radio station and announce to the other side of the living room the title of the next song. I thought it was just a childish aspiration, but looking back I see that God was placing in me His plan for my life. As I grew older opportunities presented themselves and now I am having the time of my life.

Australia, 15 years ago, didn’t offer any opportunities in Christian radio. So I packed my bags, came to the United States and enrolled in a college that had a radio program. Four years later I was asked to come back and take over their promotions department. The last 12 years have been extraordinary, currently I serve as KYCC’s Station Operations Manager.

1. Tell us about your market and how it is unique?

Stockton, California has changed so much since the time I arrived back in the late 80’s. The population has grown enormously in just the past 5 years; we have seen a great number of new financial members. This past year the city built a new entertainment district, in the way of a baseball stadium and a 10,000 seat indoor arena. Both venues give KYCC an opportunity to be more involved with other community events.

 

2. What is the most fulfilling aspect to you personally about Christian radio?

The ability to affect the lives of our listeners each and everyday, I can’t think of a better profession.

 

3. How do you personally keep the ministry in the business?

Radio is not an easy medium, because it doesn’t matter what you say, one person might think what you said was comical and another may find the same story offensive. Or if you’re doing a light devotion one may feel comforted and another feel that you’re too preachy.

In keeping the ministry in the business as an on air personality, we have to be sensitive at each moment when we go on the air, because what you say next may change the mind or outlook of the listener in need.

 

4. What is the criteria that determines if a song receives airplay on your station?

I have 4 criteria’s:  #1 - good lyrics, #2 - quality of vocal and production, #3 - distribution of artists product, and finally #4 – does the song fit with the overall sound of KYCC.

 

5. What kind of promotions work best for your station?

Working closely with local churches and organizations, as well as being visible in the community at events or in advertisement.

 

6. How do you think Christian Record labels can better serve Christian radio?

I think they are doing a pretty good job. A lot has changed over the past 7 years or so. The main thing I hope the Christian Record Labels remember is that “Radio” is where their next big artist will be heard for the first time to an audience. Therefore the relationship with the record industry and every radio stations is an important relationship to keep.

 

7. In your opinion what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian radio today?

Keeping up with new technology, unless you have a huge bank account it is hard to keep up with the large networks in your market. It isn’t easy trying to make your station adequate or appealing without the latest transmitter, microphone or other Hi-Tec equipment.

 

8. What do you believe is the primary role of the Christian radio air personality today?

To quote one of the founders of this station; “meeting the listener at the point of their need.” That’s our goal at KYCC “Your Christian Companion”. 

 

9. What (if any) other Christian radio stations do you consider as innovators today?

There are so many quality stations and people, and few in whom I seek counsel from.

 

10. Where do you see Christian radio in 5 years?

As a leader! I truly believe family friendly and Christian Radio will be what people will be turning to for their families. There’s been such immersion of Christian music in the secular market; I really think that Christian radio will take a larger chunk of the cume in the next 5 years.

 

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