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Rob's
Career Capsule
WIBG (Ocean City, NJ) from 1996 - 2001.... Started as a temporary
fill-in (actually worked for free until they agreed to pay me), and
eventually worked up to PD/OM.
Family Life Radio from 2002 - 2005.... Started as KAMY/Lubbock
Production Director. Eventually became Station Manager for all FLR
West Texas stations.
New Life Media from 2005 - present.... Started as WIBI Production
Director/WTSG Program Director. Recently became WIBI Program
Director.
1.
Personally how do you keep the ministry in the “business”?
For me, radio
has always been seen as the fulfillment of God's call on my life.
At first I thought He was calling me to be a youth pastor, which
somehow never happened. Amazingly, He put me in a place where I
could serve Him through my childhood love-- radio. It's always a
challenge to keep the "radio bug" from obscuring God's purpose for
my place in this industry.
2. Overall, how is Christian radio different today, from 5 years
ago?
Thanks to people
like John Frost and Alan Mason, more and more Christian radio
stations are understanding that 'great radio' is NOT imitating
commercial secular stations. It's understanding our niche--
relationships. Everything we do has to center around connecting
with people, and helping people connect with God.
3. What do you think are the main characteristics of today's
Christian radio PD?
I was just
reading an article that discussed the essential characteristics of
'today's PD'. What struck me about that article is that it
described the 'ideal'. In reality, many programmers are really just
people wearing many hats and carrying many keys. I wish more PDs
(especially Christian PDs) were more focused on the ideals:
Discovering & cultivating great talent, shaping station sound,
discovering innovative ways to promote the station and connect with
listeners, etc.
4. What criteria do you require for a song to be played on your
station?
I have to brag
on our network Music Director Joe Buchanan- one of the best in the
business. It's all about testing. Joe is also very careful about
artist & lyrical integrity. We can tell by both ratings & support
returns that Joe has us on-target.
5. What kind of promotions work best for Christian radio?
I go back to
Tommy Kramer's sun vs. moon analogy. We try NOT to tell Lisa what
to do or to detract from what she's already doing. Rather, we try
to be inclusive with our promotions. We try to find out where Lisa
is and give her a platform. Our Promotions Director, Jessica
Barton, really gets this concept.
6. How do you think Christian Record labels can better serve
Christian radio?
I still remember
the struggles of being a non-reporting station- getting singles,
promotional materials, etc. However, labels really have been
improving in so many ways. First off, they've improved the actual
product-- Christian artists and songs are no longer inferior to
their secular counterparts. Technology has been implemented to
improve song delivery. And when it comes to promotions
partnerships, many labels are doing outstanding jobs.
7. In your opinion what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian
radio today?
Perhaps the
biggest issue for many stations is being spread too thin. Many of
us know what to do and how to do it, but need more time and staff to
completely realize our goals and ambitions. I do think, to some
degree, technology made some things easier than, say, even ten years
ago.
8. What do you believe is the primary role of the Christian radio
air personality?
See answer to
question #2 above-- it's all about being real and connecting.
That's not, however, to minimize professionalism or conciseness.
9. What (if any) Christian radio stations do you consider as
innovators today?
Innovative is
such a strong word. It brings to mind Rush Limbaugh's impact on AM
radio. I really like WPOZ. They get it. Our Station Manager,
Jeremiah Beck, has a great mind for innovation, and we’re definitely
dreaming big!
10. Where do you see Christian radio in 5 years?
Hopefully taking
advantage of new technology and communications, and learning how to
connect as lifestyles change. Perhaps we'll see more local stations
taking advantage of the niche I mentioned under question 2 above.
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