Kurt's
Career Capsule
Got hooked on radio at
Greenville College, worked in St. Louis, spent time in
Champaign, IL, Baton Rouge, Atlanta and currently in
Indy. Have worn the PD hat a few times and have done
mornings at every stop along the way.
1. Tell us about your market and how it is unique?
Indianapolis is a great city with a great football team. Ever heard
of the Colts? When I arrived in Indy there were 4 stations playing
CCM music. The Song, Joy 96, KLOVE, and a Moody affiliate.
Since then, Joy has become Oldies.
2. What is the most fulfilling aspect to you personally
about Christian radio?
Connecting with listeners. Coming along side them daily. Sharing
life, encouraging them, giving them a sense of belonging.
Delivering a positive product for their family.
3. How do you personally keep the ministry in the business?
Ya know, I've been struggling with that one lately. It's tough.
Seems like business supersedes the ministry more and more
everyday. Making a buck using the Gospel is unsettling to me. It's
so easy to get sucked into "the game". You really gotta check
your motives on a daily basis. Guess it comes down to realizing
that God is using you, despite the business, to reach His people.
But it's tough!
4. What are some of the things you do to prep for your
morning show?
I keep an eye and ear open every waking moment. There are so many
things that happen on a daily basis living with my wife, 3 kids, a
poodle and hamster in the house! Before I go to bed, I do major
download of what's on my mind. Then, I grab 2 or 3 of those
thoughts and work them out into compelling thoughts that will grab
our targets attention the next day. I'm a news junkie, but, most of
what's on the Fox News Channel generally doesn't interest the
target....just ask my wife! So, you gotta find content elsewhere!
I try to do something out of the ordinary every day. Stopping to
chat with the greeter at Wal-Mart, complimenting the convenient
store attendant on a job well done ( hey, it happens!) , telling the
drive thru gal that your order is "to go". There are stories and
bits all over the place...you just have to take the time to find
them!
5. Tell us about the pros/cons of working for a CCM station
owned by a non-Christian company?
I am really fortunate that I work for "like-minded" people. My GM
and PD both share the vision of the CCM format and have invested
many resources to make it succeed in this market. Here are some
PROS and CONS as I see it.
PROS:
1. Real money to market the station.
2. A promotions budget!
3. Research, research, research!!
4. The tools to succeed. We have a ART DIRECTOR on staff and a
receptionist that does nothing but answers the phone! Worked at a
station once where the receptionist did mid-days too!
CONS:
1. Different work environment.
6. Do you think Christian radio morning shows can grab a
piece of the mainstream morning audience?
I think we are grabbing a piece of the mainstream morning audience.
We're doing that by living "real life". Connecting with our target
on topics and issues that every other show is talking about, only,
with a positive, family-friendly spin. No topic is off limits. You
just have to make it fit your plan.
7. In your opinion what are the biggest obstacles facing
Christian radio today?
Getting the word out. It takes a lot of money to build cume! They
gotta know you're there!
8. What (if any) other Christian radio stations do you
consider as innovators today?
You know, KLOVE is pretty slick! Very focused. Fresh. Relevant.
Calculated. Their product is top-notch!
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