Matt's Career Capsule
I have been in the radio business since 1997.  I worked at a couple mainstream stations in small towns in my home state of Michigan before my first opportunity to work in Christian radio came here at 89Q in 2001.

 

1. Tell us what's new at 89Q....

We’re in a bit of a time of transition right now as we look to hire a new Promotions Director and Announcer.  Change can be difficult, but we’re excited to grow in new areas and hopefully become even more effective in sharing hope and encouragement in Central Wisconsin.

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

It’s not about you, it’s about the listener.  We’re the ones playing the songs and with microphones in front of us, so it can be easy to think “me first.”  But if we’re going to get (and keep) our listeners’ attention, we need to playing songs they love and talk about things that will make them say “Shh…I’ve got to hear this.”

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

Honestly, I’m just really grateful to be able to do what I do every day.  Like a lot of others in this industry, I get up really early and sometimes work much too late.  But think about it, our job is to play songs and talk about things that encourage people.  Listeners who probably have way too much on their plate, and just need a little something to get them through the day.  We get to help them get that little something.  How cool is that!

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

The Internet.  We have so many great resources available online these days, it’s hard to remember doing a show without it.

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

Anywhere and everywhere!  I believe there will still be people coming through the traditional channels (universities, broadcasting schools), but I think we need to open to looking in non-traditional areas as well.  We all have super-fans of our stations who are good communicators with a built in passion for our stations.  Our job is to find them, train them and get them on the air!

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

Coming from the PD at a small market station, I can tell you it’s been a great resource for us.  While we would prefer having a full time 24/7 staff, that’s not realistic for most of us.  We use syndication for our evening programming and have several out of market voice trackers (shout out to Morgan Smith, Joe Polek and Terese Main!) that do an excellent job helping us round out our on-air lineup.

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

I think awareness is a big obstacle.  When budgets are tight as they are for many non-com’s, advertising can be one of the first things to go from the budget.  That’s why it’s important to be involved in the community and have your people interacting with listeners and potential listeners as much as possible.  Using social media effectively can also be a budget friendly way to spread awareness about your station.

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

Chuck Finney has been a great friend for many years.  We worked together before we were in Christian radio, and I’m thankful that we’re working together to make 89Q more effective in sharing the hope we have in Jesus Christ here in Central Wisconsin.  His advice is always right on the money.

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