1.Tell us about your market and how it is
unique?It's home for me. I've lived here
all my life (except for a year in Montana).
Indianapolis is a big city but the people make it feel
like a small town. I'm not sure if that's unique but I
love that about Indy.
2. What is the most fulfilling aspect to you
personally about Christian radio?
I'm really surprised at the number of people who've
opened up to us. Most of my career I've looked at this
business as "just radio." It's not. It's more than
entertainment. People, including those who've never
listened to Christian radio, connect to the music in
ways that are so deep. I talked to a lady a few weeks
ago who heard WITH HOPE (Steven Curtis Chapman) for
the first time and she was in tears. She just wanted
to tell us how that song touched her. This type of
connection is very fulfilling.
3. Here is your chance to testify on behalf
of your station...How has God used WISG?
Individually, I think God works through us all. You
know, it should be all about him-not us. My hope is
that families find us safe, entertaining and
comforting. While at the same time, this music might
encourage some to explore where they are with their
journey.
4. What is the criteria that determines if a
song receives airplay on your station?
WISG is pretty conservative when it comes to music.
We don't play as many songs as some stations. We look
at mediabase and see what songs are working in other
markets. Internet and call out music testing plays a
major role in determining how long a song stays in
rotation. CRW and Radio & Records are resources we
track too.
5. What kind of promotions work best for your
station?
We do the FAMILY NAME GAME every day. The prize
changes weekly but we get more calls from people
asking when we'll say their kids name on the radio.
It's strange. The prize isn't a big deal. It's more
about hearing their kids name. Proud parents listen to
us!
6. How do you think Christian Record labels
can better serve Christian radio?
If you've worked other current based music formats,
you know and see the differences. There are fewer
labels and fewer people working records. With that
being said, we established a relationship with most of
the labels before we became a reporter. We starting
getting service a week after we signed on. In our
situation, I really wouldn't change a thing.
7. In your opinion what are the biggest
obstacles facing Christian radio today?
Being relevant in a mainstream world.
8. What do you believe is the primary role of
the Christian radio air personality today?
To entertain. Find common ground between you and
your target listener. Be compelling and have fun.
9. What (if any) other Christian radio
stations do you consider as innovators today?
There are so many great stations today. I like WPOZ
in Orlando. Star 99.1 in New York has done some
amazing things. Salem's FISH stations have brought our
format to so many new people. I also have been
listening to Air One online.
10. Where do you see Christian radio in 5
years?
WOW! Look what's happened over the last 5
years...If the trend continues, you'll hear the most
talented personalities doing Christian radio. The
music today is already better than it's ever been. It
will surely continue to attract more and more people
to our format.