Chris's Career
Capsule
Grew up in fabulous Las Vegas. After graduating
Harvard, it turned out that a career as a showgirl (clothed, of
course!) was far more exciting. Did that for a while, served as
Las Vegas' mayor until the radio thing opened up. OK. NONE OF
THAT HAPPENED. I started at SOS (then one local
station) in 1974, where I drive to work every day still. Guess
it's going to work out...
1. Personally how do you keep
the ministry in the business?
Man, what a struggle. Being as
disciplined about spending time in The Word as I am about other
things is tough. Am I as concerned about the strength, peace and
clarity that come when I read the Bible and listen to God as I
am about the next most disciplined thing I do? The cause and
effect are amazing, and I can tell a huge difference when I skip
it.
2. Overall, how is Christian
radio different today, from 5 years ago?
One of the things I love most is the
increase in seeing Christian radio show up as leaders in their
local ratings. The format is reaching more listeners all the
time.
3. What do you think are the
main characteristics of a Christian radio GM?
Among the most important
characteristics should be a solid understanding of the direction
you're leading the department heads and staff who are looking to
you for clarity. Know your target listener almost as well as the
air staff does. Pay attention every day to where that person is
moving in their interests and concerns.
Recognize the people on your team who share the station goals
and show them they're appreciated in as many ways as possible.
4. What ways or methods do you
think work best to keep your staff motivated?
Being willing to work WITH them on a
challenging task to get to the pay-off; being as specific as
possible in telling them what they're doing right; showing them
that you don't care about punishing them for the inevitable
mistakes that happen, but you'll look for any way to help them
not repeat that mistake.
5. What kind of promotions
work best for Christian radio?
The kind that make it easy for
listeners to make a difference in their community.
6. How do you think Christian
Record labels can better serve Christian radio?
Wow...I just don't even have any
complaints!
7. In your opinion what are
the biggest obstacles facing Christian radio today?
Learning from our peers and industry
leaders without losing our distinctives. Recognizing an idea as
brilliant and right and making it come to life at your station
without making the mistake of falling into group-think...
8. What do you believe is the
primary role of the Christian radio air personality?
To be a friend to the listener, to
be obsessed with understanding the target listener as much as
possible and to follow the specific direction that the PD gives
in reaching the goals of station leadership.
9. What (if any) Christian
radio stations do you consider as innovators today?
Those that are reaching great
numbers of people. I think you have to be innovative to succeed
in that. Stations like WPOZ, KCMS, KLTY, KTIS. And I'm always
amazed by what's happening at KSBJ.
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