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Kai's
Career Capsule
My first real
experience in radio was my senior year in high school when I
interned at 106.5 FM KWPZ in Lynden, WA. Fully bitten by the radio
bug, I headed off to Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL in the
fall of 2001. I was on staff at Moody Campus Radio (www.moodycampusradio.com)
until I graduated in May of 2005, serving in a variety of roles
including on-air host, music director, and program director, before
serving as station manager for two and a half years. In August of
2003, I started at 90.1 FM WMBI in Chicago, IL as a weekend board
operator and fill-in announcer. In December of 2004, I interned at
mainstream Hot AC 101.9 FM THE MIX (WTMX) in Chicago, IL in the
promotions department and ultimately was hired as a promotions
assistant. While I continue as an announcer, promotions assistant,
writer, producer, and volunteer coordinator for WMBI, my main
responsibility is to serve as National Music Assistant for the Moody
Broadcasting Network (Chicago, IL), which I started in May of 2005.
1.
Personally how do you keep the ministry in the “business”?
Dear
Moody Broadcasting:
Driving home this evening a song came on the air that had a chorus
of "I will praise you in this storm, and I will lift my hands...".
This song, these lyrics, are perfect for a family that is friends of
our cousins from the DuBuque, Iowa area that is currently losing
their not quite 2 year old little girl to a very aggressive and very
painful cancer battle. The words are so meaningful, because this
family just exemplifies the hope and courage and trust that only
real children of God can know in situations like these. Their
testimony of faith through Courtney's illness has been absolutely
awe inspiring. I need to know who this artist is! This family
would be extremely touched by this song, I'm sure. Can you please
forward any information? I pray that God will send this to you for
reciprocation very quickly - even tonight, so that I might give this
to them if, or before, Jesus calls Courtney home! She is very ill
tonight, Saturday, and they have been told that she may not make it
to Monday. Please hurry in your reply!
As I replied to this
email, my own heart broke for dear little Courtney. But as my heart
wept, I realized what a joy it is to know that through the powerful
lyrics of this song, those who love her so deeply can find hope in
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ during this difficult time. This
email reminded me again why God called me to Christian radio and why
we must always strive to not get sidetracked by all the externals
and keep Kingdom business – our “main thing” as broadcasters – as
our focus. Courtney died a few days later, but with the information
we were able to provide, Casting Crowns’ “Praise You In This Storm”
was played at her funeral.
Music is such a powerful
tool in helping us keep the main thing in focus, and in instances
like this, we’re poignantly reminded that – apologies to Third Day –
it brings hope to hopeless, rest to the weary, and joy to the broken
of heart. Isn’t that why we’re on-air each day? Whether it be
through our teaching programs, what we say on-air, and yes, even
through our music… in all that we do, may we never forget the
awesome message we have to share as Christian broadcasters. What
we’re doing is changing and impacting lives as we share with
listeners the love and hope of Jesus Christ.
2. Overall, how is Christian radio different today, from 5 years
ago?
In a recent article in
CCM Magazine, editor Jay Swartzendruber wrote an article entitled,
“Where Have All the AC Artists Gone?” If you haven’t read it, check
it out… pretty interesting stuff. In response to album sales
trends, almost every record label (thank goodness for Reunion!) has
now turned its attention away from new adult contemporary pop
artists. INSPO/Light AC stations and networks have been directly
impacted by this, and will continue to be adversely affected if
trends continue.
3. What do
you think are the main characteristics of today’s Christian radio
PD?
As far as programming
philosophy goes, it should be our goal to make an eternal impact in
the lives of listeners through a radio station – based on the
ever-powerful Word of God – that features conversation connecting
Christ and culture, positive music that brings glory to God and
draws the listener into worship, dynamic features and bits that
challenge listeners to spiritual growth, and production levels
second to none. Most importantly, we need to empower listeners to
unashamedly engage their faith in today’s society.
4. What criteria do you require for a song to be played on your
station?
There are a number of
criteria that we look at before a song gets our stamp of approval.
We really are trying to have our playlists reflect the music being
used in our churches today, so that’s going to put a pretty heavy
emphasis on praise & worship, hymns, and songs that are more
vertical in nature. The lyric is first and foremost… but it’s got
to have that one two punch of a compatible sound too. Granted, that
may limit us a bit in terms of serviced singles, so that’s why we
aren’t necessarily afraid at looking at alternate cuts on projects
if they fit the unique taste of our listener. When we find a great
song that won’t turn off a 30 year old listener and new stuff that a
65 year old listener can relate to, we’re all over it.
5. What kind of promotions work best for Christian radio?
Sure, it would be nice to
have some sweet prizes like cars, trips, and money, but in all
honesty, the best promotions for Moody Radio are ones that have a
lasting Kingdom impact and ones that reach crowds we don’t normally
reach. As far as ministry impact, a number of our stations recently
partnered with the Bible League to purchase Bibles for Africa,
partnered with Buckner Orphan Care to provide shoes for children who
needed them in South America, and hosted large supply drives after
the hurricanes rocked Louisiana. As far as promotions that reach
crowds we may not normally have access too, WMBI partners with Windy
City Raceway Ministries whenever the NASCAR circuit is here in town
and Moody has been a rest/aid stop on the Chicago Marathon course
for a number of years now.
6. How do you think Christian Record labels can better serve
Christian radio?
As much as I want to help
get a song to number one, that’s not why we’re going to add a song.
I really appreciate labels (like INO) who don’t lay on the pressure
if we decide to pass on a particular song that isn’t compatible for
us, but may be a “hit” elsewhere. It all boils down to labels
really taking time to get to know the ministry goals and objectives
of each station, and tailoring their interactions with them
accordingly. I also really appreciate it when a label treats each
station equally – from the small market station that may only have
played one of their songs in the past year to the large market
station that’s been on board with everything.
7. In your opinion what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian
radio today?
Cookie cutter
programming. Lack of creativity. Afraid of taking risks. On-air
clutter. Lack of variety. DJ’s without a point. Irrelevancy.
Underwhelming presentation. Pride. Lack of ministry focus, unity,
and solidarity. We’re all serving the Kingdom together… not as
competitors.
8. What do you believe is the primary role of the Christian radio
air personality?
To be an authentic friend
and companion – whether it’s talking or praying with listeners,
sharing words of encouragement, hosting music or programs, or simply
giving the weather. Radio is like the circus… so practice being a
great ringmaster.
9. What (if any) Christian radio stations do you consider as
innovators today?
Depending on the format,
there are a number of stations out there that are doing some great
work. For INSPO, I have a lot of respect KCBI in Dallas. AC
leaders in my book are KCMS in Seattle, KTIS in Minneapolis, WPOZ in
Orlando, KSBJ in Houston, KTSY in Boise, and KLTY in Dallas. CHR
has some great stations out there too… including WONU here in
Chicago, KLYT in Albuquerque, KDUV in Fresno, and KFFR in Pullman,
WA
10. Where do you see Christian radio in 5 years?
A renewed
commitment to Christ, and better knowledge of its purpose within the
Kingdom. With the advent of so many new technologies and options
for music delivery, a renewed commitment to localized, life
changing, substantive, and compelling content.
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