1.
Tell us about your idea of Home.FM and how it all came
about?
A small group
of us from Spring Arbor University collaborated on a
niche format that could further the mission of the
university to actively engage our culture through
critical participation in the contemporary world.
With the
market conditions including 2 other Christian AC
stations in the area, we decided that a unique approach
was necessary. Something that could serve to be an
avenue for people that enjoy music beyond what is
offered by Christian artists, songs they know and are
familiar with. So the concept of HOME.fm was launched,
a place where families could gather and feel comfortable
with the content of the songs and conversation.
2. Do you
consider the station as Christian in format?
Absolutely,
we hope to attract people that are familiar with our
songs and introduce them to new artists and songs
through the Christian music we play. In addition, our
jocks are Christians and we have additional Christian
features. Artists like Mercy Me, Michael W. Smith,
Switchfoot and other acts who have or are receiving
airplay on mainstream stations help us build that
bridge.
3.
Do you
think this mix of music and presentation could work in
other markets?
Any market
where families live and people enjoy music.
4. What is
the criteria that determines if a song receives airplay
on your station? (CCM and Secular)
Mainstream,
it needs to be a hit song that is familiar to the
average person based on previous radio exposure. The
song needs to be free of sexual innuendo, or direct
references, drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes. Many songs
are relational and we make sure that appropriate family
based relationships are represented.
Christian
songs are held to the same standard, hit based and
familiar to a Christian music audience, we haven’t found
one to rule out because of lyrics yet
.
5. What kind
of consideration goes into promotions considering the
uniqueness of the format?
We approach
it in a very similar way you would with a Christian or
Mainstream AC station – family, mom etc. We were at a
Hearts at Home conference in October and were received
very well by moms at home within our listening area and
asked when we could get to their markets if they didn’t
live within our market.
6. How has the response been from Record labels?
(Christian/secular)
We have
received some great support from EMI/Sparrow for both of
our FM stations at Spring Arbor University. We also own
and operate a CHR/Rock station that is manned by
students of Spring Arbor University. Servicing on the
mainstream side is very different. We purchase our
songs.
7. What is
Bill Dewees involvement with Home.FM?
Bill DeWees
hosts our afternoon drive and continues to be my mentor
and friend.
8. What do you believe is the primary role of the
Christian radio air personality today?
Connect with
your listener on a personal level, everyday.
9. What (if any) other Christian radio stations do you
consider as innovators today?
I love
watching what Jenn and Ed Czelada are doing with
Smile.fm all over Michigan. They have been an
inspiration watching a network grow from the ground up.
10. Where do you see Christian radio in 5 years?
I think that
you will see more of what we have at HOME.fm.
But Christian
radio is doing such a great job at establishing itself
as a niche format, I think that audiences will continue
to seek out the family option of Christian radio,
whether it mixes mainstream in or not. It’s a great
format that will continue to grow exponentially.