Jeremy's Career Capsule
Jeremy discovered his love for radio at WJSL, after entering Houghton College in western New York . He worked at WETN, WMBI and WCFL while pursuing a Master’s Degree in Communication at Wheaton College in Illinois. He also interned at the renowned WGN in Chicago. Jeremy’s first full-time position was at New Life 91.9-WRCM in Charlotte from 2000 to 2004. He then joined the team at WCIC in Peoria, IL where he has done a little bit of everything. He currently hosts Mornings with the Traceys with his wife, Jill, and serves as the station’s Operations Director.

1. Tell us what's new at WCIC, news, changes, expansion... etc?

Well, you’re reading the interview of an “Unofficial” Guinness World Record holder for the longest gaming marathon in Minecraft!

It was all part of something I call Mining for Hope. I’ve always wanted to set a world record in a video game, so I took that and combined it with my passion for WCIC! Does a woman 25-54 care about Minecraft? Hmmm…not necessarily, but she has kids and husbands that LOVE it. She also seemed to resonate with my message of personally trying to do my part to help the ministry of WCIC during these lean summer months.

I was able to play Minecraft for 32 hours and more importantly exceed my goal of raising $25,000 for WCIC.

So what does a guy do after playing Minecraft for a mind-numbing period of time? Go home and freak my wife out by falling asleep in the bathtub; then I went to a movie and struggled to stay awake.

It’ll take Guinness about 3 months to verify my results.

You can find out more about my fundraiser here: http://www.wcicfm.org/mining-for-hope, or shoot me an e-mail at Jeremy@wcicfm.org. It was totally cool and fun

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

NEVER tell someone they can’t do something. When people come through our ministry, they are at different points in their career, and many blossom into amazing talents. Challenge them, yes. Intentionally or unintentionally crush their spirits? NO. Keep them guessing on how they’re doing? Never. Help them develop their talents, give regular feedback, but don’t smother them.

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

Doing a morning show with my wife. On a personal level, it’s forced us to work on our communication, and I believe our marriage is stronger because of it. I’m also excited about the way I see God using us being on the radio as a married couple with real personalities and real struggles. It’s been a lot of fun.

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

Creamer with a little coffee. :) True, but seriously…dedicated, uninterrupted time to prep for my next morning show. When I don’t do it…I feel it, and I have a feeling our listeners can feel it also.

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

Man, I love finding people that have solid radio experience AND are great personalities, but that’s growing more and more challenging. I think it’s becoming more and more necessary to find great personalities and communicators and then teaching them how to do radio.

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

I am a major proponent of local Christian radio serving a community. As there is more and more fragmentation because of technology, “local” is an important distinctive. Does “local” trump excellence? No, but I think both are important. At WCIC, we feel called to have an excellent on-air product but also to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our community by getting dirty and doing more than talking and playing music. That said, I’ve been part of producing and consulting programs that are syndicated across the country, and they have their place.

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

Realizing that the right way to program today isn’t the same as it was 3-5 years ago. This medium is constantly changing because of rapid change in technology and how people listen to music and radio. We have to stay flexible and teachable.

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

I’ve learned from so many. I would say my hero when it comes to being a godly leader and manager is my friend and boss, Dave Brooks. Seriously, he is someone I look up to greatly.

Currently, I’m learning a lot from Tracy Johnson, and he’s helped me spread my wings to become more of a personality, and as a result, I’m having more fun.

I’ve also learned from Alan Mason, Brian Wright and many, many others including my co-worker, Scott Wheeler, who is a radio vet and full of wisdom. I’m in constant need of growth…and I’m okay with that.

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