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Jennifer's
Career Capsule
I
never pictured myself with a career in radio, but I know it was
God's hand that led me here... I was an International Business major
in college and needed to complete an internship. I grew up listening
to WBGL and ended up interning with the station under the promotions
director. She ended up taking another job in the fall of my last
year of school, and I was approached for the position. I interviewed
for with the Station Manager and Operations Director in December,
and after much prayer, they were gracious enough to hold it for me
until I graduated in May 2006. I started here after graduation and
have loved every minute of it since!
1.
Personally how do you keep the ministry in the “business”?
Through a lot of prayer!!! Keeping the ministry in the "business" is
something Family Friendly WBGL takes very seriously, and try to
incorporate in everything we do. We focus on the motto, "doing
things that matter" and do our best to keep that at the forefront of
every promotion and event we do. Having this focus and a staff that
shares the same vision, helps me remain ministry minded and well
grounded in all that I do.
2. Overall, how is Christian radio different today, from 5 years
ago.
I can't say that I have great perspective on this, as I've only been
in the industry for about a year and a half... 5 years ago I was in
college and Christian radio helped me keep my focus on God while I
went about my day. I would hope that it is more ministry minded and
focused on reaching people for the kingdom...
3. What do you think are the main characteristics of a promotion
director.
This one is difficult to describe... the ability to multi-task is a
must in this position... sometimes, it's like being a juggler where
you learn to balance all these different events at the same time...
Also, I've learned being able to delegate and ask for help are
essential parts of this position.
4. What criteria do you require for a promotion to air on your
station.
Our focus is on "doing things that matter", and it's probably the
biggest criteria we have. On a more narrow scope, we look at
promotions as an extension of Lisa (our target), asking ourselves,
is this something she would care about? Is this something that
affects her life? Keeping ourselves familiar with our target and
what affects her on a daily basis helps greatly.
5. What kind of promotions work best for Christian radio.
It's a delicate balance... we've seen our listeners get behind
missions trips, collecting Bibles, and blessing total strangers in
our Random Acts of Christmas promotion... and we were flooded with
over 800 entries for a $1,000 Mother's Day Shopping Spree, hundreds
of entries for our Morning Show Fall Yard Cleanup Contest and
constant calls for ticket giveaways... I think the promotions that
work best for Christian radio are the ones that hit the heartbeat of
the station's target. Providing Lisa (our target) with a chance to
participate in something that's important to her, whether it's
ministry minded or a chance to escape the everyday-ness of her life.
6. How do you think Christian Record labels can better serve
Christian radio.
We are so blessed in the great relationships we hold with the record
labels...they give our listeners great prizes, allow our listeners
to step into the lives of their favorite artists and have always
come through for us when we need it most! As the music industry
continues to change, it will be challenging for them to serve us in
the same way, and it's my hope we can get even more creative in how
we bless our listeners.
7. In your opinion what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian
radio today.
Staying relevant...being accountable...keeping a ministry minded
focus... It's so easy to lose yourself in the everyday - to get
caught up in the details and the business of the industry... it's so
important to stay grounded and allow God to work through you.
8. What do you believe is the primary role of the Christian radio
air personality.
Being a friend! Being a newbie from the inside of Christian radio -
I've heard stories of how much broadcasting has changed through the
years... shifting from a focus of the so-called untouchable radio
voice, to being real, being open and honest about life - anything
BUT the stereotypical broadcaster... The biggest compliment we
receive is from listeners who call to have us pray with them as they
mourn the loss of a spouse, or send us an email as they want us to
rejoice in the birth of a new son or daughter... These are the
things that move me; the fact that we aren't just a radio station.
They take ownership of WBGL because they feel like a part of the
family - the personalities they listen to everyday aren't just
background noise - they consider them a friend - a constant in the
good and the bad of life...
9. What (if any) Christian radio stations do you consider as
innovators today.
KSBJ is often identified as an industry leader... I garner ideas
from them, as well as WPOZ - they have always been supportive of
us....
10. Where do you see Christian radio in 5 years.
I can't say I'm an expert on the subject, but I would hope to see an
increase in the ministry and the number of lives touched through
this medium. I've read studies on how experts feel radio will fade,
as we live in an ever increasing world of iPods and
hear-what-you-want-right-now music society... but it's the
relationships that will sustain us... WBGL is just beginning a
building campaign - its first in 25 years!!! It's an exciting time
in the life of the station, and my hope for WBGL and the future of
Christian radio is that we maintain a focus of connecting people
with God and reaching more for the kingdom through great music and
great friends.
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