Daniel's Career Capsule
Started at age 14 in Warner Robins, GA. Worked for WCOP & WAFI Radio, WMAZ-TV, Toccoa Falls College Radio Network (WRAF), Salem Communications in Atlanta (The Fish, WNIV, & WGKA), NewLife FM in Griffin/Atlanta (WMVV). Currently serve as Vice President of Culture Integration for Positive Alternative Radio; General Manager and Morning Show Host for Joy FM’s network of 20 stations in 4 states. (The Morning Show is: The Morning JoyRide with Daniel & Melody). Also, weekly show host on Sirius XM Satellite Radio (Daniel Britt & Friends heard three times a week on enLighten; also heard in Papua New Guinea via shortwave and FM translators covering that country).  

1. Tell us any recent changes (news) at JOY FM...

We have an incredible team who is passionate for combining Southern Gospel music with our mission to create & deliver experiences to inspire people to live passionately for Jesus Christ! Lately, we have enjoyed tremendous growth in cume, revenue, and deep relationships with listeners! We have embarked on the first-ever scientific research for the Southern Gospel music industry. We have actually asked listeners what songs touch them the most. Wow. What a concept!!

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

Shrinking your playlist to only the best/familiar favorites is key to music radio. People won't leave for what you're not playing. Make sure what you are playing is gold. 

The worst?

Stir the audience with controversial topics. Garner debate and watch the phones melt. While the phone lines will melt, a Christian format won't do well to cause disunity in the body of Christ. 

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

As far as we know, Joy FM has embarked in the world's first scientific research project for the music we play on radio. While research doesn't seem warm and fuzzy, it shows good stewardship, responsibility, and wisdom to seek direction from the very people for whom our radio stations were designed. I have great respect for the legacy and uniqueness of Southern Gospel music. It is both spiritually rich in its lyrics and deeply rooted as an art form. It's a true piece of Americana! I love watching the success of what is seen as a niche format. To many, it's a sleeper-success. I love to surprise others with how viable it is. My team grins big because we know a Christian music audience doesn't fit into one musical mold and Southern Gospel offers a different style option with a bold, in-your-face Gospel message. 

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

A great team thriving under a healthy culture. I love that we show up knowing that the whole of the team is greater than the sum of its parts. 

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

I feel right now, future air talent comes from bumping into interesting people in random places. I've met people who have this strength or that quality and I start thinking..."with a little coaching and encouragement, they could become a great on-air personality/storyteller." I often wonder if YouTube is a good place to stumble on someone with raw talent. I keep my ears open -- and also my mind. You never know!

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

I am one of those who is a little on the fence. Here's why: if we are simply talking about piping in something lofty and un connective from a detached program, then yes it's bad. But so is some local DJ live in your studio who doesn't have a clue how to engage. I know small stations can improve their quality with major market talent through syndication. Our world is smaller and "local" has largely become the wrong conversation. It needs to be redefined and expounded. My answer tends to change the terminology from "syndication" and "local" to a debate over the way a program or talent can connect, remain fluid and dynamic, and -- for heaven's sake -- remain coachable (park the ego at the door)! If you are a syndicator-- be prepared to modify to your stations' needs. SERVE-to-Kate, don't just SEND-icate ! 

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

I think we all know the distractions radio is fighting. Soooooo many choices. So many distractions, from even your bluetooth and phone ruining a great radio moment, to your GPS annoyingly interrupting that song of Worship playing through the speakers. ... To "read me my email" and endless Facebook notifications. How do we constantly bring people back to listening in a society where A.D.D. has become contagious? We all suffer from it now! 

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

Bill Bruton was GM at WCOP-AM and gave me my first job at 14. He was killed in a tragic car wreck en route to host his morning show in the early 2000s. I miss his influence in my life and still go to pick up the phone and call him. John Young is a dear friend and I'm honored to consider him both a mentor and friend for over 15 years now. Finally, I have to give props to Regis Philbin and Steve Brown: some of my favorite story tellers of all time!