Lancaster County is an interesting area. Cars and
Amish buggies share certain roads. There is a strong
sense of heritage in the form of many people being
committed to their families and communities. We have
many growing churches, but still, there are many
people to reach with the Gospel.
2. What is the most fulfilling aspect to you
personally about Christian radio?
I would say, a daily, spiritual relationship with
our listeners. No bond is so close than a spiritual
relationship. It is an honor to be able to share my
faith in Jesus with listeners day after day. I never
get tired of it. So many Christians around the world
do not have the opportunity to be open about their
faith on public airwaves. I never want to take that
opportunity for granted. I also enjoy meeting
listeners at public events and hearing about their
lives. I have met some wonderful people.
3. How do you personally keep the ministry in
the business?
I do not think much about money. I do ask the Lord
for my daily bread. I spend a lot of time thinking
about Jesus. My personal view is to focus on being
faithful to God, and commit whatever I do for His
glory. The number one priority of our mission
statement at WJTL is to glorify God. That is the
desire of my heart too. There is no other agenda.
4. What is the criteria that determines if a
song receives airplay on your station?
Are the lyrics understandable, honest, and true? Is
the song memorable? Does it connect
stylistically with pop culture. Our average age
listener is approximately 33 years old, so a song for
consideration should not alienate that listener
generally speaking. Artist recognition has something
to do with it too. We have core artists like Casting
Crowns, Mercy Me, Switchfoot, and Jeremy Camp. We
rarely pass by their singles.
5. What kind of promotions work best for your
station?
We have concert events at local amusement parks.
They seem to be well attended. Also, our Creation
Survival Kit Contest has become an annual event.
Listeners attempt to identify voices in short snipets
for a chance to go to the Creation Festival and win
camping gear.
6. How do you think Christian Record labels
can better serve Christian radio?
I am grateful to the labels for the way they have
worked with WJTL over the years. They have supplied us
with great service and great singles.
7. In your opinion what are the biggest
obstacles facing Christian radio today?
I don't know if I would categorize this as an
obstacle, but with talk of Satellite radio and the
invention of the iPod, there are more options
available to music listeners. If we are not giving
listeners a compelling reason to listen, they will
have more reasons to stop listening. That means their
attention span is probably shorter if they are not
interested in what they hear from us.
8. What do you believe is the primary role of
the Christian radio air personality today?
I believe that a Christian radio air personality
needs to be real. Listeners can detect phoniness if
they listen day after day. This generation will
respond favorably to someone who is true to their
personality and convictions. At WJTL, the air staff
has very different personalities and they have the
freedom to use their personalities on the air as they
share some of their interests. Having said that, we
have not lost our distinctiveness as a Christian
station. Christ is at the center of what we do.
9. What (if any) other Christian radio
stations do you consider as innovators today?
Not sure if I can adequately answer that question
at the moment. Earlier in my career I was more in tune
with what Christian stations around the country were
doing, but am not at a place where I can say which
stations across the country are innovative now.
10. Where do you see Christian radio in 5
years?
Christian radio is an exciting form of ministry. So
many people have been encouraged by Christian music.
It goes deep to the core of what they believe in ways
that others songs do not. Many people have found hope
and direction in listening to Christian music. Some
have become Christians as a result of a timely song in
their hour of need. If we keep our focus on matters of
God's Kingdom, I believe we will be in a good position
to be a voice of hope for tomorrow. The way the world
is going, people will gravitate to people with hope,
and Christian stations can be one significant place
where they can daily hear a message of faith, love,
and hope. It will cause people to stop in their tracks
and think about what they are basing their security
on. For that to happen, we will need to be connected
with Jesus ourselves in a real and vibrant way, know
our listener, and understand our times. And I believe
we will have real and lasting hope to offer a world
that needs Jesus.