Tim's Career Capsule
I began my career as a weekend announcer at WHCF in Bangor, Maine in 1996. With the exception of a brief stop at WMSJ in Portland, Maine I’ve remained in Bangor to be with family. I’m currently the Operations Manager of Lighthouse Radio Network which includes WHCF-Soft AC and Solution FM-CHR.  

1. Tell us about your role at Lighthouse Radio, your responsibilities etc... ?

Well, I’m never bored ! Every day brings new opportunities in hiring, programming, music, promotions, website and on air shows.

2. How has Lighthouse Radio evolved since you joined them?

There have been two major events that heavily influenced our evolution. When WHCF was started over 30 years ago it was the only Christian station in the state. Now we have 8 in Bangor alone.  It has challenged us to be razor focused in everything we do. Secondly, a few years ago we went from being church owned to privately owned.  It has allowed us to finally be the radio station for our faith based community instead of just one denomination.

3. What is the best programming advice you've been given? The worst??

Best: “At the end of the day, we win because of shared values and priorities not music. We don’t win by being the artists and songs station. We win by being the station that is most reflective of their emotions and most deeply held truths and desires.”

Worst: Trying to be all things to all people. It’s impossible.

4. Regarding your career, what are you most proud of?

It makes me tremendously happy to see many of my former colleagues thriving in larger markets and impacting more lives than they ever could here.  Some people resent being a spring board. I don’t.

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

After God and a strong cup of coffee... vision and obtainable, measurable goals. If you don’t know where you’re going, how you’re going to get there and have a clear way to define your progress you’re bound to fail. 

6. Where will future air talent come from?

I’ve been asking myself the same question. We’ve been looking at college broadcasting schools for someone who wants to make a difference, has something to say and who has a passion for CCM.

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

This is a double edged sword. My heart says that it’s bad but it sure looks good in the budget and in the ratings. It’s hard to compete with a syndicated show on a shoe string budget.  We air both the Wally Show (Solution FM) and Night Light with Andrea (WHCF) and I’m very happy with both. The problem is that syndication has stopped the feeder system and I fear it will ultimately slit the throats of even the biggest organizations because we are no longer developing talent. Every major sport benefits from minor leagues or college athletics where the players hone their skills. How can we expect talent development without doing the same? 

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

Gosh, how much space do I have? Chuck Finney for programming wisdom, team building and encouragement.  Beth Bacall and Tommy Kramer for amazing talent development. Brian McIntyre(Shine FM) and Jeff Scott(WBGL) for being my mentors early in my career. Dave St. John(Life 107) for showing me how to do big market radio in a small market. I’ll always remember the many humble men and women hundreds of markets larger than mine that have ALWAYS been willing to take my calls and return my emails. Jeff Cruz (WMHK), Bryan O’Neal (KGSN), Jeff Connell (WAY) and Mike Couchman (Boost) for being a sounding board and never telling me that my dumb ideas were well…dumb. Finally I have to thank Joe Croft (Spirit 88.9) for being a good enough friend to tell me that I was, “too nasally, sounded like I was from the northeast, stunk and wasn’t good enough to be hired.” It hurt but it lit a fire that has never been extinguished and I’m proud to say that I’ve worked remotely with his family’s station for 6 years ;)