Dave's Career Capsule
After graduating from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, Ny I began my career with a Sunday morning gig at WHVW 950AM in Hyde Park, NY.  That eventually lead to a full-time position as mid-day host and later my first PD job.  From there it was back to my native NJ where I would spend nearly 9 years at WSUS 102.3 FM as PM Drive host and Program Director.  Before joining Family Life in October of 2014, I spent almost 16 years as the OM/PD for WVNJ 1160 AM in northern New Jersey.  I’m also currently a music curator for several stations at Slacker Radio.

1. Tell us any recent changes (news) at Family Life...

It’s been an exciting few months since I became part of Family Life and seeing all the works The Lord is doing through us and for us is simply amazing!  We’ve recently given our morning show a big boost with the addition of Terese Main who joins cohosts Steve Smith and Randy Snavely.  Terese is a great addition who brings a new depth and focus to the program and does a great job of keeping the guys on their toes.  Each host brings a different dimension to the program so having all three onboard is really helping us to connect with the audience so we can touch their lives in new, meaningful ways. 

Our Fall Sharathon was a huge success, all glory be to God!  Thanks to the wonderfully generous support of our listeners we were able to reach our goal.  Knowing we were able to do that and seeing how The Lord poured out His blessings on us makes planning for our Spring Sharathon something we’re all excited about because reaching those goals enables us to touch and change even more lives for the glory of His kingdom. 

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

Honestly, there is no one thing that stands out as being the best or worst.  My entire 28 year career has been a constant learning process and I hope it continues that way.  There are some things that I’ve learned over the years that worked in the place and the time where I was at the time but that doesn’t mean that advice would work here and now.  Each station, each staff, each market, each format has it’s own unique dynamics, strengths, and challenges.  As a programmer you need to be able to tap into that to connect with your audience, to make a difference in their lives, and to create a meaningful, lasting, and memorable listening experience for them.  That’s what it’s all about.

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

Longevity!  The fact that I’ve been able to consistently work in an industry I love and live out a childhood dream for more than 28 years now has been such a blessing.

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

There are a lot of things I need every day to do this job so if I have to narrow it down to just one, I’d say my amazing coworkers…and caffeine.  Oh wait, that’s two.  How about caffeinated coworkers?   

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

Future Christian radio air talent will come from people who love and know The Lord and have a desire to serve Him with the gifts and talents He has given them.  As Christian broadcasters, we need to make sure we open our doors to people who may be short on experience but long in their desire to serve and we need to train, teach, and mentor them on how to do that. 

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

Syndication has it’s place.  That’s an industry term that means little to the average listener. As a programmer, it’s all about quality and the ability of a program to connect with listeners in a meaningful way.  The listener in his or her car, kitchen, or office doesn’t necessarily know or care where the program comes from.  To them, it’s your show because it’s on your station.  That being said, live and local gives a programmer an ability to directly touch an audience in a way that a syndicated show can’t.     

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

Where some see obstacles, I see opportunities. As Christian broadcasters we have the opportunity to grow our radio ministries, to help more people know The Lord, His love, and the salvation found in Jesus.  To do that we need to continue to grow as broadcasters and we need to remain relevant in the lives of our listeners by utilizing new platforms and emerging technologies 

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

My radio heroes are the people I grew up listening to as a kid in NJ in the 70’s and 80’s.  Too many great New York City DJ’s and personalities to mention.  All I can tell you is that I caught the radio bug as a young kid because of them.  I was fascinated, amused, entertained, and enthralled by the voices I heard coming through my radio as I was growing up and I hoped and prayed that I would get to be one of them someday.  There’s still time for me, isn’t there? LOL!