The Christian Radio Homepage

Sarah's Career Capsule

I love that I got into radio by accident! I was a listener of Spirit 1053 - and one day I called into Scott and Sam's morning program. I won tickets to a Newsboys concert, went backstage, and met our Promotions and Marketing Director: Mike Tedesco. I begged him to let me intern. He said yes and that was 3 + years ago. Guess God knew what I should do before I even did...

1. Tell us about your market and how it is unique?

Ahh, Seattle. We're over-caffeinated and pretty darn liberal. In fact, they call us the "none" zone, because when people fill out forms with the little boxes, our area clicks "none" for religion.

The fact that Spirit 1053 does so well here shows me that people are hungry for the something more - ready to check a different box.

2. What is the most fulfilling aspect to you personally about Christian radio?

I drive into work every day listening to Spirit 1053. Not because I work here, but because the music connects me to God. Everyday the microphone is turned on during PM Drive, I'm like "I work here?"

I talk to God all the time. I ask Him if He's glorified here. Our staff has a weekly devotional time on Thursday mornings and we take turns leading. We have monthly coffee breaks to pray and discuss ratings and trends. My co-workers are like my family. We hang out on the weekends, have game nights and attend each others birthday parties. Seems to me, God just keeps the ministry flowing through our fellowship together.

4. What is the criteria that determines if a song receives airplay on your station?

We've found a special panel of monks who after much self-flagellation yield results that are generally pretty accurate.

Anything Mike Tedesco thinks up turns to gold. I'm not bias (ok, I am) but I believe he's the best in our business. He's always after a Win-Win-Win: For the listener, For the client, for the station. And, it usually involves food.

6. How do you think Christian Record labels can better serve Christian radio?

Labels are great. They do what they can with what they've got. Everyone I've spoken to seems very eager to serve. Oh, and I love Andrea Kleid at EMI. She crank calls me and I fall for it everytime.

7. In your opinion what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian radio today?

8. What do you believe is the primary role of the Christian radio air personality today?

I do what Scott (our Program Director) says. He's brilliant. Tom and I run a tight PM drive show - Scott says if you can't answer the question "Why should the listener care?" then don't talk about it.

9. What (if any) other Christian radio stations do you consider as innovators today?

I'm still so new to this industry that I don't know. When Scott and Tom mention other stations, I just nod like I know what they're talking about.