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Karen's
Career Capsule
I began with WAWZ "STAR 99.1" just after the format
switch from Inspo/Talk to CCM in 2003. I was hired as a promotions
assistant with a background in music on a professional level, by
Promotions Director and Morning Show Co-Host, Stacey Stone. After a
year I was promoted to Coordinator and recently promoted again to
Promotions Manager. Under Stacey’s direction we have exploded with
opportunities.
1.
Personally how do you keep the ministry in the “business”?
We try to remember
it’s all about our listener and not about us. We make ourselves
available for all types of promotions that reach a very broad cross
section of people but keep enough involvement with churches and
Christian events to help point people to the truth.
2. Overall, how is Christian radio different today,
from 5 years ago?
The industry seems
to have shifted to more emphasis on cross-over artists which
actually helps to bring awareness to contemporary Christian music. I
also see more opportunities for airplay of “alternative” type of
music on CCM stations.
3.
What do you think are the main characteristics of
today’s Christian radio Promotions Director?
If flexibility is
King, then spontaneity is Queen. Everything that can change probably
will. A great Promotions Director has to be ready to move to the
next big thing in the event a promotion completely unravels. Stacey
Stone, who also is the Morning Show Co-Host has an amazing ability
to do just that since she wears two very large hats!!
4. What kind of promotions work best for Christian radio?
The challenge in the
NY Metro area is for recognition in the main stream. Unlike other
areas of the country that may be saturated with several Christian
Stations, WAWZ STAR 99.1 is the only CCM station. What works best
for us is a promotion giving many people a chance to participate,
like our 99 Keys contest where 99 people will have a chance to try
their key and win a new Jeep Liberty Sport.
5.
What are some of the most memorable promotions you've been involved
with?
By far, the best
promotions are the ones where we endeavored to help our troops by
working with a NY based organization to collect food and supplies
for the Adopt A Solider program. Two thousand packages were donated
by our listeners and mailed to Iraq as well as banners which were
signed by thousands and sent to Camp Liberty and Camp Anaconda in
Iraq with prayers and encouragement from our listeners. The
highlight of our year was the Christmas Prayers program where needy
families wrote in with their Christmas Prayers and STAR 99.1 helped
to fulfill them from toys, clothes and a new car to a trip for a
family to visit a dying grandparent.
6. What
is the overall promotions procedure at Star 99.1? (start to finish
of a promotion)
Director of
Promotions, Stacey Stone, along with her promotions staff, work
through ideas and begin by contacting various artists and /or venues
to pitch the promotion. We also enlist the help of our sales
department to locate potential sponsors which make the promotion
that much larger. On-air promotion begins a few weeks prior to the
event, depending on the size and duration. Our street teams are
contacted and set in place and the promotions staff implements all
the final details.
7. In
your opinion what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian radio
today?
Stereo-typing has
been of particular concern to us and we hope to dispel the myths of
what CCM is and is not. Another concern for listener supported
stations is the rising cost of broadcasting.
8. What do you believe is the primary role of the
Christian radio air personality?
I believe the air
staff must be able to engage the listener in a way that touches
their lives spiritually, emotionally and socially. It is a delicate
balance all the time.
9. What
(if any) Christian radio stations do you consider as innovators
today?
I am particularly
impressed with CrossRhythms Radio in the United Kingdom. They are
an interesting blend of the best of the industry as well as some
innovative programming that appeals to a variety of listeners. It
seems
to
work well for them. State-side, I find His Radio very forward
thinking.
10. Where do you see Christian radio in 5 years?
I am a firm believer
in the fact that Christians should set the example to follow and I
hope and pray that we will be the innovators that the secular media
will endeavor to emulate. In any case, I believe we will finally
gain the respect that we are long overdue as the industry continues
to raise the bar with its level of artists.
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