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Adam's
Career Capsule
I was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. Even as a kid, I had a
fascination with old radios. I would tear apart my parent's radio
sets and turn them into a mini radio station right there in the
living room. I thought it was just childish imagination. It's
amazing to see how God orchestrates our lives and gives us
dreams and talents even at a young age. As I grew older,
opportunities in radio presented themselves and now I am having the
time of my life.
My first gig was overnights. In 1989, I became tape editor at a
radio station owned by a Bible College. Five years later, I started
working full time at KCJH (later to be given the call letters, KYCC)
in Stockton California as their Promotions Manager and evening host.
Slowly, I began to move through the ranks; promotions, production
and music director. In 2002, I was promoted to Stations Operation
Manager.
In June of 2006, we moved from California to Tucson Arizona where I
began managing two stations for Family Life Radio. In June 2007, I
became the Assistant to the Network Director of Programming for FLR.
Just last month (11/08) I was appointed the Director of Network
Programming.
1.
Personally how do you keep the ministry in the “business”?
First of all, radio is not an easy medium to communicate ministry.
No matter what you say, one person might think your story or bit
said was fun and another may find it offensive. Or when doing a
light devotion, one may feel comforted by what you’ve said and
another may feel that you’re too preachy. I think that’s where
experience and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit comes.
Every time an announcer opens up the microphone he/she needs to be
sensitive to His leading for what to say next. It just may change
the life of the listener. Just recently we had an anonymous note
from a listener contemplating suicide. I can’t tell you what our
announcers said that morning, but whatever it was, spoke to the
heart of that individual and they decided against suicide.
2. Overall, how is Christian radio different today, from 5 years
ago?
In the past five years, Christian radio has improved its connection
with its audience. We are sounding more real. What we’re doing at
Family Life Radio is trying to create personalities with a heart for
God that resonates throughout their program. I believe that today
Christian radio impacts families and transforms lives in a more
effective way.
3. What do you think are the main characteristics of today's
Christian radio PD?
Strong leadership. A sense of how best to utilize the talents on
your team. A good ear to hear what your station is producing on the
air.
4. What criteria do you require for a song to be played on your
station?
I have 4 criteria: #1 - good lyrics and production quality, #2 –
audience testing, #3 - distribution of artists product, and finally
#4 – does the song fit with the overall sound of Family Life Radio.
5. What kind of promotions work best for Christian radio?
It has been my experience that working closely with local churches
and organizations as well as being visible in the community at
events works best in promoting our station.
6. How do you think Christian Record labels can better serve
Christian radio?
A lot has changed over the past decade or so. I feel that the
relationship between radio and records has thinned out. My hope is
that the labels don’t completely forget the importance of “Radio”.
Radio is where the introduction of their next artist will be heard
for the first time. Therefore the relationship with the record
industry and radio stations is an important relationship to keep.
7. In your opinion what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian
radio in the future?
Performance taxes and the Fairness Act.
8. What do you believe is the primary role of the Christian radio
air personality?
I have always lived and worked by this quote: “meet people at the
point of their need.” No matter what people are facing or what
they’re going through we have to ask God to help us say the right
thing at the right time so we can meet their need.
9. What (if any) Christian radio stations do you consider as
innovators today?
There are a number of great radio stations and industry leaders that
I would consider as innovators of today.
10. Where do you see Christian radio in 5 years?
As I said earlier I truly believe that Christian Radio has an
opportunity to impact communities and transform families for Christ.
With intelligent programming and getting out into the community
lives can be changed for the kingdom and Christian radio can be the
driving force.
An example of this was Saturday November 8th in Tucson
Arizona, when Family Life Radio partnered with the Newsboys for a
FREE Global Tribe Event. 14,200 people attended the concert, over
500 people gave the hearts to the Lord and we raised over 10,000
pounds of food for local food shelters. This was a huge impact on
the community and Family Life Radio was right in the middle of it.
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