Kim's Career Capsule
I have been in radio since 1994 (I was 3), with previous stations including Morning co-host for KSLT in Rapid City, S.D.  I moved back to Texas and worked for Free 107 in Lubbock, TX.  God moved me to Nashville and I worked for WAY-FM, Salem's XM station - The Fish and for 8 years I co-hosted “Your Family Friendly Morning Show-Doug and Kim” for Salem Radio Network.  I moved north to co-host “Don and Kim in the Morning” with Bethesda’s WPFF Sturgeon Bay, WI and covering Promotions/ Listener Engagement.  For almost two years I have been with - Northwestern – St. Paul’s KNWS Waterloo/Cedar Rapids.

1. Tell us what's new at Life 101.9, news, changes, expansion... etc?

We have had a busy and fun summer!  We have had great concerts including Matt Maher and Matthew West/Newsboys.  And like many stations, we are ramping up for our Fall Share.

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

In a word – CARE.  Care most about the listener and make sure you are playing music she loves.  Care about your work.  Care about the little details. (I learned that a long time ago - Seminar at GMA with Jon Rivers, Tommy Kramer, and David Pierce)

The worst?

We know what is best for the listener and (everyone say it together) ”That’s how we’ve always done it.”

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

All of it.  I listen to air-check “tapes” from when I first started in college and think, “Bless her.”  Lol  Thankful for each person along the way who had a hand in me enjoying such an outstanding career that just keeps getting better.

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

Panera….kidding.  I think it would be heart.  A heart to connect with our Heavenly Father and allow Him to simply use me .  A heart for the listener to connect and be transparent.  A heart for the people I work with.

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

Future Christian radio air talent will come from single moms putting themselves through college.  (That’s how it happened for me.)  I think talent will come from the likely and unlikely places.  So many of my friends in this industry have the most unbelievable stories of how God paved the way for them to be a part of Christian radio.  I love that we are people from all walks of life.

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

This is a great question to ask me because my career has led me through both Network and locally run stations. While I was working for Salem, it was wonderful to provide 24 hour support to stations who could not afford a full staff. I also enjoyed flying out to stations to help with their Shares.  Where syndication becomes harmful to our industry is when it puts outstanding talent out of work.  I have been on the receiving end of that and was grateful to quickly find work again.  The hope is that both local and network stations are giving listeners a great product and I believe most of us are working toward that end.

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

One of the biggest obstacles in our industry is spreading us too thin.  We need to create budgets that allow each staff person to do their job with excellence.  We need to create jobs for those just getting into radio that have a passion and want to grow so we can leave this great industry to continue long after we are all gone.

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

Fighting Cancer a year ago and now being Cancer Free was a part of my life plan and I can’t begin to thank so many in our industry who held me up with support, love and prayers!  The precious people I do want to point out are ALL of Northwestern Media, under the leadership of Dr. Alan S. Cureton, Dr. Paul Virts, Dick Whitworth and Doug Smith. Also, Doug Griffin (94FM-The Fish Nashville), Don Burns (Virginia’s Positive Hits), Chris Hauser (Warner-Elektra-Atlantic), Dave Gordon (Northwestern Media Life 88.5 FM), Mark Plummer (One Child Matters), Therese Romano (90.7 Way Radio), Lauren Kitchens (AFR), Mike Miller and Vance Dillard (Salem), Ace McKay (WJQK), Matt Austin Shuff and Jeff Taylor Sadnes (KCBI) and so many others.  You are all my heroes! Love you bunches!

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