Darin's Career Capsule
Darin Patzer, was working in the business office of a Christian Academy when he was called ‘green’ to manage KEEH-FM, he has worked for the past 15 years as General Manager of KEEH/104.9fm in Spokane, WA.

1. Tell us about KEEH radio (a little history, etc) ?

KEEH, a non-profit, non-commercial station,  was founded in the early 90’s to serve the Christian community in Spokane.

2. Describe your local markets, uniqueness, etc?

KEEH serves the Spokane, WA and Coeur d’ Alene, ID communities, market #92(?) and is partnered with other Positive Life Radio stations and translators in several communities of Eastern Washington. The slogan for Spokane is “Near Nature, Near Perfect,” and while residents experience its northern cooler climate half of the year, the city has been ranked as one of the top 5 cities in America to spend the summer months. While Washington State has a reputation for rain, “Spokane” originally came from the Spokane Indian Tribe and means, “Children of the Sun.” We have a very active, outdoorsy community, however, Washington State residents also rank among the lowest nationwide in church attendance. Thus the value of Christian radio.  

3. In what ways is KEEH touching listeners?

In addition to the usual concerts, KEEH, with its partner stations, hosts an annual ‘Christmas in July’ food-drive. Also each year we host a ‘Rice for Cambodia’ project, as well as a Compassion International child-sponsorship event, and we have been digging new wells in rural Guatemala with a volunteer ministry called, ‘Water 4 Life.’ (They’re awesome to partner with, check out their Web site: www.guatemalawells.org)

4. How do you keep the staff motivated?

It is Christian radio, so it’s hard not to be motivated internally since we are working for Jesus. A ‘leadership by service’ style seems to have the greatest success. Ultimately, while we do our best to succeed we realize our results come from God. Our station text displayed prominently on the wall reads: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 We realize we aren’t smart enough on our own and need to humbly acknowledge that God is the purpose and reason for our success. He has blessed, nearly quadrupling our listener-impact and income these past 15 years. 

5. What promotions have been successful at KEEH?

Obviously the on-air concert ticket-giveaways, also the Drive-Thru ‘pay it forward’ type of promotion seems to be really popular with listeners. They can print off a card from our Web site which explains that our radio station is asking listener to pay the receipt for the car behind them in the drive-thru. The card gets passed on by the drive-thru attendant, encouraging the beneficiary to tune in, and to call and share their experience on-air.

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

I think one of the biggest obstacles is simply staying connected to the vine each day. Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5, 6  Talk about a key to success! Jesus pretty much said, if you spend time with me, you will be successful in Kingdom work, and in your relationships…otherwise you’ll ultimately fail, at least in the eyes of heaven.

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

Dove-awarded GM Mike Agee of “The Journey” in Keene, TX (near Dallas) continues to be a supportive mentor for me. He’s an excellent communicator and GM. Also, Kevin Krueger was the visionary that founded Positive Life Radio here where we worked together for many years, and he’s now leading one of the top Christian stations, WGTS (in Washington DC).  Don Godman, deejay at KTIS (Kansas City) is one of the most hilarious and ‘real’ Christians you’ll ever meet.  I’d also share appreciation for Jon Hull of KSBJ and Todd Isberner at Sharemedia Services, for their mentoring and excellence in encouraging us to be more bold for Jesus!  And Dave Arthur from KTSY in Boise.