Marks' Career Capsule
WLLL/WGOL 1988-1991 Board opt Music of Your Life and Oldies
WXJK 1992-1994 Saturday overnights
WRXT/Spirit FM Host of The Live Wire total of 9 years
WRVL Jan. 2010-current

1. Tell us any recent changes (news) at The Journey?

As I answer this question, The Journey - as we know it - is only 68 days young. With just a handful of amazing team members, we underwent a complete rebranding and reformatting of a radio station/network in less than 45 days – which included 2 major holidays. There were actually two transitions. First, after Thanksgiving we went 100% Christmas music, then rolled out the new format on December 26^th.

We have almost completed a 1200 sq. ft. addition to our facility which includes a third production studio, along with additional offices and a conference room. We are also in the process of searching for a morning show team and a Program Director. 

My boss tells me we are close.

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

The best advice came from my friend, Matt Stockman – “keep your segments tight and take the first exit” (This is still taped on the bottom of my monitor, after 15 yrs.)

The worst – following the advice of someone who convinced me to carry a topic into multiple breaks, even when the topic had served its purpose.

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

The 9 year run on WRXT/Spirit FM doing a Saturday night teen rock show called Live Wire, which ended in 2005. Many of the relationships that I built with young teenage listeners continue to this day.

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

Humility.

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

- People with a passion for reaching others through media.

- From colleges/universities who educate and mentor students with a desire to enter media.

- Successful podcast developers.

I believe when you bring your life story into your radio experience you become more connective to your audience.

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

Good. When we launched The Journey, we chose early on to use syndication as part of our strategy. Programs such as Keep the Faith and talent like Brant Hansen and Amanda Carroll have a lot to offer. With that being said, our hope is that we can make the transition to utilizing local talent..

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

The competitive landscape, of course, both off air and digital. There is a new emphasis on relevant and authentic content but I believe we have more work to do to connect deeply with the culture. I serve a ministry outside of radio that helps men who struggle with sexual integrity. I know how messy real life can be. I appreciate being “safe for the whole family”, but are we ignoring some of life’s most important issues?.

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

-  John Records Landecker (The Big 89 WLS)

-  John Rivers (the program Power Line)

-  Jon Hull (WCIE – Lakeland, Fla)

All three men engaged listeners by using music and conversation. Landecker was truly entertaining, Rivers helped introduce me to who Jesus was, and once I became a Christian in 1978, Hull introduced me to Christian music. They all inspired me to reach people through radio.