Bryon's Career Capsule
Originally planning to be a middle school English teacher, God had other plans when he directed me to a morning show internship in Seattle. The rest, as they say, is history. I served as Executive Producer for 3 morning shows in Seattle, hosted my own morning shows in Billings, MT and Bend, OR and currently host mornings at Life 101.9 broadcasting to eastern Iowa.

1. Bryon, tell us what's new at KNWS, news, changes, expansion... etc?

After many changes last year, 2015 brought stability to Life 101.9. Kim Bindel returned to host our midday show following a successful battle with cancer, we launched our first evening show hosted by Mike Lanser, and we introduced our new morning show: Bryon (me) & Jenn (Pooler) in the Morning.

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

When you have the knowledge of what your listener wants [via research, music testing and perceptuals], simply deliver it.

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

First and foremost, my family. They have endured market moves and busy weekends all with an amazing graciousness. I’m also aware of the opportunities God has provided me to be involved in the communities in which I have lived. Chris Collins taught me early in my career the importance of those in the media to make an impact locally, and I’m proud to have worked alongside some amazing organizations and initiatives.

4. What is the ONE thing you must have everyday to do your job?

Coffee … and hailing from Seattle, I’m partial to Starbucks.  

5. Where will future Christian radio air talent come from?

Networking and living rooms. It seems that anymore new talent is found via someone knowing someone who “might be worth an interview.” Or, as in the case of several radio friends of mine, talent was discovered on accident via a random meeting. And suddenly, a stay-at-home mom is co-hosting a morning show and killing it because she not only knows the demo, she *is* the demo.

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

Both. Syndication works for many reasons, chief among them is the ability for great talent to expand their reach. However, I believe local always wins. It’s not always enough to be the hippest, newest, and most produced. Christian radio listeners want a friend vs. a personality; someone they could hear in the morning and run into at the grocery store in the afternoon.

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

Finances and focus. I see these as intertwined. It’s easy to focus on the bottom line: “Will we make budget? Will we have to do another Share-A-Thon?” Watching the dollars and crunching the numbers. And when we get wrapped up with this, we often times lose focus. I would offer we would do better focusing on the ministry and let God handle the finances (since it’s His money anyway, right?)

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

Chris Collins gave me my start in radio back in 1998 at KBKS/Seattle. A veteran of radio broadcasting, I consider it a great privilege to have learned from Chris. I was hired by Tim Hunter at KLSY/Seattle to produce “Murdock, Hunter and Alice.” Tim taught me that anything can be entertaining – you just have to find the right camera angle. Tim and I remain great friends. And finally, Rick Hall. I was honored to succeed him as Content Director here at Life 101.9, and it’s not uncommon for me to drop Rick a note seeking his advice or opinion.

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