1. How did you wind up at New Life 1520?

This is one of those “who would have ever believed it” stories.  I had been out of radio for several years, in ministry and in business.  When I decided a year ago to get back in broadcasting, I took a job at WLGC-FM, a country station, with hopes of getting my skills back up to speed, and eventually getting back into contemporary Christian radio.  As I was being hired, the GM said to me, “By the way, we have an AM that we are not doing anything with.  Do you know anyone who would be interested in leasing it?”  Sometimes when God moves, you would have to be in a coma not to see it.  I went in looking for a part-time job, and walked out with my own station.  I formed New Life Broadcasting, Inc., and signed an LMA on WLGC-AM, which became New Life 1520. 

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

 I just love it.  I fell in love with radio at age 15, when I got my first job.  As everyone who has ever worked in radio knows, you never get it out of your system.  To be able to share the greatest message through the greatest medium….It just doesn’t get any better than that.  Every time I sit in the production room and record anything, it becomes an offering.  I have never considered radio to be work.  It is one of the joys of life.

 

3. How has God used you in your role at New Life 1520?

Actually, I would say that God has used everything that has gone before to prepare me for this:  Bible college, ministry, working in nearly every aspect of radio, and owning my own business.  All of these have contributed to my preparation to jump back into radio completely.  He has allowed me to take a station that was off the air and bring something positive to the River Cities communities.  Much of the answer to this question is still in the future.

 

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

The first thing I did when planning the music rotation was throw out all the “rules.”  I wanted to bypass all the wisdom of the “experts” and program the station with a unique music mix.  Our format is called “Classic Christian Hits and Today’s Music” for lack of a better term.  It really can’t be classified as any one of the current “Christian radio formats.”  The mix is about 50 % classic hits from 1972 to 2002, 30 % current songs in an AC/CHR mix (dropping out the lighter AC and the heaviest CHR), 15 % very contemporary Praise and Worship music, and 5 % recurrent.  Our classic hits mix leans toward CHR, including several songs off the Rock charts in the early and mid 80s.  I look for songs with an unforgettable sound and a great message.  It is upbeat and positive.  And yes, it is on AM!

 

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

We are less than a year old, so we are still learning what is going to work for us.  We just promoted our first concert on the Night In Rocketown tour.  We are having success in sales by packaging an in-store drawing for concert tickets and prizes from our advertisers with a package of spots and promos for the advertisers.

 

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

The labels do a great job.  A radio-only download area for new releases from every company would be great.  Praise Disc from TM Century has been a nice aid.  Some other labels need to take advantage of it.

 

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

Being able to sell major accounts has been an ongoing problem.  Many stations suffer from small signals and low ratings, which makes it difficult to get the big sales, and to reach the secular community in a significant way.  Getting church leaders to recognize the power of Christian radio for their congregations is sometimes frustrating. 

 

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

We are always representatives of Christ.  I am currently giving a lot of thought to the idea of truly loving sinners.  It is so easy to get comfortable with living life in the church community.  In radio, we are going out to where the lost are, and living in their world.  We need to show incredible love to the lost.  Translating that to the unsaved listener who stumbles across your station is so important.  What a great opportunity to spread the message of the love of Christ!

 

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

Anyone who is willing to step outside the traditional guidelines of Christian radio has an opportunity to make a serious impact.  Don’t be afraid to be different.  Be Biblical, be brave, and be bold.  Out best days are still ahead of us.

 

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

The growth of evangelical Christianity, particularly evident in the megachurch explosion, makes the future look bright for Christian radio.  Better ratings, increased revenue, and greater ministry are coming.  I believe we will see growth in commercial Christian radio.