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Bill's
Career Capsule
In my
other life B.C. I worked at various stations and formats including
but not limited to easy listening, talk, country, AC and rock.
1.
Personally how do you keep the ministry in the “business”?
With a lot of
Prayer! Following hurricane Katrina two years ago our listeners
were scattered and in many cases suddenly homeless. They woke up
after the storm to find their churches destroyed and their pastors
living in new cities. In the aftermath where most communications
were slow to return, radio became the only link with the rest of the
world. It doesn't matter what talents you possess or may not have,
if you are seeking Gods will in your entire life and putting others
before yourself, this will result in ministry on air and off.
2.
Overall, how is Christian radio different today, from 5 years ago?
Technology is
unrelenting and keeping up with the new improvements is
challenging. But the result is that the overall quality of ministry
programs and the music Christian stations air has become greatly
improved.
3. What
do you think are the main characteristics of today's Christian radio
PD?
Having a Face
for Radio helps but knowing the top 20 You Must Be in Radio jokes is
critical!
4. What
criteria do you require for a song to be played on your station?
WSHO is a
commercial AM operation, so we consider the music we play as an
important part of our on- air ministry. You wont hear the same 10
songs being repeated every hour. Our play list ranges from light AC
to Praise and Worship and even includes independent artists.
Recently we have begun to air the best music from the days of the
early Jesus movement of the 70s and 80s. Its the music you
remember that's the ministry.
5. What
kind of promotions work best for Christian radio?
Those that
include lots of money and lots of food! Just kidding about the
food! WSHO has been fortunate enough to have two billboard in two
high traffic locations, one being on the access road to the New
Orleans airport. This on-going off-air promotion has proved highly
successful.
WSHO has also
sponsored some of the most successful concerts at six flags New
Orleans bringing in todays top artists and bands. Our monthly
Christian music event, Christian Songwriters Night, brings together
our audience with local Christian artists their original material
acoustically.
This month we
are partnering with The Bible League which provides our audience an
opportunity to become part of a world wide effort to spread Gods
Word.
But our greatest
on-air promotion is a prepaid life insurance policy called Eternal
Life!
6. How do
you think Christian Record labels can better serve Christian radio?
Stop hanging up
on us when we call! And please stop sending those 45s weve tried,
but small as they are they simply dont fit into our CD players!
7. In
your opinion what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian radio
today?
Christian radio
is it's own worst enemy. Instead of recognizing the unique
experience Christian music and programming can provide we often just
try to achieve success by imitating our secular counterparts. While
piggy-backing on what the rest of the radio industry is doing might
at first glance seem the way to higher cumes, it is important to
remember why Christian radio is called CHRISTIAN RADIO. Our goals
are not the same as the rest of the industry so our various formats
must reflect our mission.
8. What
do you believe is the primary role of the Christian radio air
personality?
The radio
personality must relate to the listener on a one-on-one basis.
Consistency in the message is also important.
9. What
(if any) Christian radio stations do you consider as innovators
today?
Christian radio
stations on the whole are doing a great job of serving their
individual markets. One example would be the Moody owned stations
and their affiliates around the country, where ministry is a top
priority. Innovation usually arises out of challenge. One of my
favorite stations is Premier radio in London which I listen to
regularly on line. Another is 103.2 in Sydney Australia, that
country's first Christian radio station. Both of these stations
have to follow difficult government constraints on what they can
broadcast. 103.2 is forced to air mainstream and Christian music
together. They have managed to create an appealing blend that serves
their core Christian listeners while meeting regulatory
requirements. Everyday is a challenge for them walking a thin line
of compliance. Here we have unlimited freedom, yet there is much to
learn from our encumbered counterparts.
10. Where
do you see Christian radio in 5 years?
God willing and
the creek don't rise again, well be right here doing what we love
and serving our Lord as best we can.
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