1. It's been
over a year since we last interviewed you, give us an
update on your stations?Our Indiana, PA
station continues to make a dramatic impact in our
college community. Just three weeks ago, we sold out
the first Christian concert in Western PA history with
the In The Name of Love tour making their last stop
here.
And last December, a bankrupt church in Tampa,
Florida, gave us their construction permit for a new
Switch station in Zephyrhills, Florida. With two
weeks before the construction permit was to expire, we
raced to Florida, built the station in 4 days, and
96.7 The Switch was born.
2. What is the biggest challenge you face as
a small market operator?
Our first year on the air was a constant education
process. Western PA had never heard the Christian CHR
format. They didn't know who the Newsboys were. But
with sold out concerts, we have overcome this
challenge. I was amazed to see 50 year old men
singing "Never Alone" by Barlow Girl at the show.
They knew every word!!
It's also tough to fun our Florida station from
1,000 miles away. WIth a small staff it takes
constant communication. However techonology is a
tremendous asset. I can run the station from my
laptop from anywhere if necessary.
3. Here is your chance to testify on behalf
of your station(s)...How has God used WFSJ?
Where do I even begin. God has blessed us so
much! The station has united churches to work
together, and our growth on the campus of Indiana
University of Pennsylvania has been tremendous. The
station has made a huge difference with the 14,000
students at the college, and with young families.
At our recent sold out concert, over 100 came forward
and gave their lives to Christ.
In Florida, our listeners believe the station
itself is annointed. During the recent hurricanes, we
provided non stop news coverage, and the station never
went off the air. Residents have actually said to me,
can we go to the station to stay, because we feel safe
there.
And our internet stream has really been a benefit.
We've recieved emails from across the USA and from
other countries including New Zealand who are
listening.
4. What is the criteria that determines if a
song receives airplay on your stations?
Through our relationship with CHRSN, new research
has indicated that artists like Barlow Girl,
Switchfoot, and Todd Agnew are the new core artists of
the format. Mercy Me and others also remain strong,
but times are changing. The message, tempo and FLOW,
are also huge keys to what we play.
We've also had success locally breaking some new
strong artists. We were the first station in the
country to add "Cornerstone" by Day Of Fire.
5. What kind of promotions work best for your
stations?
I came up through the radio business in the days of
BIG promotions and contests. Those don't seem to
catch the attention of our listeners.
All of what we do is tied into our music. From our
Christian music skate nights, that average 300, to
concerts, we give our listeners things they can't
buy. Exclusive meet and greets with the artists to
autographed CD's etc.
Our Switchfoot Summer promotion sent listeners to see
the band at 4 different locations. In Florida, meet
and greets, lunches etc. with our friends, new artist
Everlife at Rock The Universe was also very
successful. We also produce the summertime Godstock
Family Festival in Pennsylvania, which thousands of
people attend. And in both markets we produce The
Switchover Christian music magazine. We do a lot of
recycling back and forth between the station and our
print pieces.
6. How do you think Christian Record labels
can better serve Christian radio?
They need to realize that the small market stations
are just as important. Right now the only service we
receive are from independent promoters like Kyle
Fenton, and TM Century's Praise Disc.
7. How do you keep the "ministry" in the
business?
We think the same way that WAY FM thinks. We are
"more than just a radio station, its a ministry"
Minstry is involved in everything we do, including our
business underwritering. They know why we are here,
why we were called to do this, and what we stand for.
8. What do you believe is the primary role of
the Christian radio air personality today?
To communicate, and entertain. Todays air
personality needs to be able to relate on everything.
Things going on in the world and your community. And
then bring it to the table as it relates to
Christians. They also need to be a strong force to
keep non-believers listening, and focused on the
message in the music we play. While we are all
Christians, we need to be stronger seekers and
witnesses.
9. What (if any) other Christian radio
stations do you consider as innovators today?
I travel an average of 3000 miles a month between
our stations. I listen to countless hours of Christian
stations and I've yet to find anyone that I feel tops
WAY FM. And I'm not saying that because we're a
double affiliate. I also love the aggressive imaging
of Radio U, and the overall sound of Spirit 90.5 in
Tampa and Z88 in Orlando.
10. Where do you see Christian radio in 5
years?
Moving forward through its growing pains. I think
there will continue to be more format expansion into
rock and even hip hop. Its been a blessing to see
secular companies embracing the format, including "The
Song" in Indy. Will the secular companies end up
doing a better job then the Christian
based companies? Time will tell, but either way, its
a big benefit to the kingdom, we are all working to
expand.