Corey's Career Capsule
Right out of high school, I called the local morning show host and asked him if I could watch and see what he does.  He invited me in one morning, and before I left, he offered me a shift that "he couldn't find anyone to work, ever."  So I started the weekend overnight shift in Benton Harbor, Michigan in 1988, moved up the ladder there, ending up doing afternoons, then driving to Battle Creek to do evenings, and on weekends driving to South Bend for a couple of weekend shifts.  

I landed in South Bend in 1991 at U93 (mainstream Top 40) til 2002.  I then accepted a position at Granger Community Church to work in student ministry. Came back to radio in 2008 at a local rock station, then when the job opened at WHPZ, I jumped at it and started in January 2009.

1. Tell us about WHPZ, a little history etc?

WHPZ History - Pulse FM is a 3,000 watt powerhouse Adult AC station that began in the mid-90's. Its a small part of the global ministry of LeSEA Broadcasting. Its a worldwide TV network, 2 FM stations, 7 shortwave stations, a disaster relief/feeding ministry with Feed The Hungry, and Spread The Word Bible distribution.

2. What is the best programming advice you've been given?

• Know where you are going when you are on the air.
• When in doubt, play another song.
• KISS...Keep It Simple Stupid.
• Learn the art of storytelling.

3. Regarding your career, what are you (least) most proud of?

Least proud of. The morning of 9/11, our GM walked in to the studio and said, "Play the most popular songs on our playlist, we must be the alternative to such horrible news. Don't worry about updating anyone, lets be the alternative."

4. What is the one thing you must have to do your job every day?

• An on-air signal.
• a working production room
• The internet

5. Where will future air talent come from?

In the places you least expect. I found my morning co-host as a phone volunteer during a sharathon. Someone gave me a chance a long time ago, it was my turn to do the same. Us "old dogs" must be looking in the places WE would least expect. Start with some personality, and go from there.

6. Do you feel syndication is good or bad for Christian radio?

I do not believe 1 station should have so much power in the market. You win in the ratings and with your audience when you are local.

7. Generally speaking to the industry what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian radio today?

• irrelevant chatter on the radio.
• money
• Not being brave enough to have the right people in the right seat on the bus. ("Good to Great").
• Making the tough decisions as opposed to "thats how its always been done."

8. Who are your radio heroes and influences? and why?

When I was younger, it was everyone out of Chicago. Larry Lujack in the morning, Steve & Gary, Kevin Matthews, Johnny B., when I first got into radio myself, Scott Shannon and Pirate Radio, Eddie & Jobo on B96, Now, (today), I keep my ear on The Joy FM in Florida, SOS Radio in Vegas, my competition, and a handful of mainstream stations too. My pastor is a big influence too. Trent Griffith at Harvest Bible Chapel in Granger, Indiana. We all need to get fed, and he usually has something for me to digest each week.