1. How did you wind up at WGTS?

I began interning at the station as a student in 1997 as I was completing my degree in Communications and Broadcast Media.  After graduation, a part time position opened as weekend board op and announcer.  After some time a news position opened, and then eventually the Asst. PD position which I applied for and got. 

 

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

The feedback from the listeners.  I feel so blessed everytime I get an email or phone call telling us that we’ve touched their family.  They appreciate what we do and what we provide for their children.  As a mom myself, that is huge to me. 

 

3.How has God used you in your role at WGTS? 

I feel like I’m still a work in progress.  It’s amazing where God has led me and what He’s taught me so far.  He’s really allowed me to be a vessel for Him.  I feel particularly privileged to be able to work with amazing radio consultants like Alan Mason of Audience Development Group, and the  materials available to programmers these days make my job so much more fun and challenging.  I really see a mission that lies before me and I’m trying to improve and grow little by little each day.     

 

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

Audience panels and listener testing, whether a song fits our format, how well it’s produced, sing ability, the message, and of course, how many spaces we have for adds in a particular week.   

 

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

Promotions that make a difference for less fortunate families in our community.  Our audience always wants to lend a helping hand, especially when it comes to their own “neighbors”.  We’ve done several promotions with Central Union Mission—one of our local homeless shelters.  One of our biggest hits with them was at Christmastime, listeners were given a profile of a child along with that child’s wish list for Christmas.  Our listeners ate that up—being able to make Christmas special for one homeless child at a time in our own hometown. The Mission has really been blessed by our listeners.  And our listeners have really been blessed by being able to make a difference.  As far as giving our listeners something?  They love getting “family 4 packs” of tickets to concerts or tickets to conferences like Rekindling the Romance and I Still Do—stuff about relationships goes over huge.        

 

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

I’ve been happy with how WGTS 91.9 has been serviced.  I particularly like it when creative contesting is offered to us. 

 

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

Definitions—of what Christian Radio should be, how dj’s should act, things we “should” talk about, etc.  There will always be people pointing a finger and arguing over not being Christian enough or being too Christian.  But the real test is:  What makes people listen?  What gets their attention?  How do we reach people?  How do we make friends with them?  All these things have to happen first and foremost, in my opinion.          

 

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

To be a warm, friendly, companion to accompany my demo (Barb) through her busy day.  Someone that talks about things Barb finds interesting and relevant to her, that taps into her emotions—talking about kids and family, God, career, health, relationships, etc. and relating all of that with top of mind issues like school starting, whatever holiday is coming up, whether we’re at war, etc.  It’s a tricky job these days, the pay may not be great, and the hours are long, but very rewarding if it’s done right.           

 

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

There are so many.  KTSY in Boise, Way-FM, KSBJ, Z88.3 Positive Hits, The Fish in Atlanta--the Morning Show is awesome, J93.3 in Atlanta

 

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

I’ve been amazed at how Christian Radio is reaching the needs of the masses—real people.  I think it’s great that there’s been a “revolution” almost in stations programming to a particular demo.  I hope that continues, and I think if it does, we’ll go places we couldn’t image today.  I think we’re on the right track and it’s really neat to see the potential.