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Corey's Career
Capsule
Top 40 radio for
15 years....student ministry for 5 years...back into radio, (this
time Christian AC) for 9 months and counting.
1.
How has WPHZ evolved over the last few years?
Staff changes...PD Tom Scott left in July 08 after a great 5-6 year
run, leaving an empty spot in programming for a few months. I
stepped in that role in January 2009 along with morning drive.
Kimberly Ann is a 20 year veteran in middays with amazing talent,
and a massive audience. Marko has been in the South Bend
market for 20 years, he is new to this format, (like me) but is an
amazing guy who brings a new, fresh perspective to afternoons.
From an outside perspective, I always thought tempo and pace needed
some work at Pulse FM. It came down this for me, we have an
opportunity to talk, and play songs about THE GREATEST MESSAGE IN
THE WORLD and we made it boring. Every song sounded like a
ballad. So I've been working on that. We are a AC/CHR
hybrid, so we lean hot.
I
also think there needed to be an element of fun too, so the
promotions are are attempting these days have a little more "fun"
element to them.
2. Has WPHZ made any changes due to economic situation, been
affected in any way?
Sure. Promotional budgets are scaled way back. Staffing
is scaled back too. But we are doing what we should all be
doing, and should HAVE BEEN doing all along...watching what we
spend, making sure we are spending correctly with the resources that
are given to us.
3. What criteria do you require for a song to be played on your
station?
Let's start with "the gut." There are just songs that you hear
and you know that this song will do well. I believe that there
are artists that do well. I keep an eye on the core artists of
the genre. Song content is big too. You cannot go wrong
in our community right now with a song that offers hope.
(Recently we were named "6th Worse Place to Live" due to
unemployment locally, 18% unemployment. Our audience is
hurting. Some songs will connect here better than elsewhere.
I
also watch itunes. When people are spending money on music, to
me that says it means something to them. So there will be
artists that pop up that I didn't have any idea about, but because
of great sales and the way the itunes store is set up, I can go
listen and do my homework on that artist.
And of course, you have to put on your "Ok, will a Female 25-34 Like
This Song" hat too.
4. What kind of promotions work best for Christian radio?
No
idea. In my short time here, I haven't had a "Well, that
didn't work" moment but you can always learn from what you have done
and polish it up some more. I can't believe how much access
we, (radio) have with artists. I think we all should take that
out for a drive whenever possible. If an artist is coming to
town, put them to work. I think working alongside an artist in
a service project would be pretty cool.
If
I learned anything in the secular-radio days, any time you can get
out and meet listeners, shake hands, etc....thats a win.
5. How do you think Christian Record labels can better serve
Christian radio?
The only suggestion I have is lets both keep dreaming up
possibilities. Let's not get stuck in the box of the same ol',
same ol'...keep dreaming dreamers!
6. In your opinion what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian
radio today?
Being content. The attitude of "Well, thats how we've always
done it". Getting too comfy in our roles. My biggest
error in my previous radio career was that I forgot what being a
"listener" was like and thinking that I actually knew the type.
When I left radio, I became a dad-husband-listener again. That
was the most helpful couple of years as far as really learning your
audience and their habits.
I
think I have an advantage by not only working in secular radio, but
also in the "outside world" for a while too.
7. What do you believe is the primary role of the Christian radio
air personality?
To
be encouraging. Don't try to be someone you are not.
Finding your voice takes time, and listeners smell a fake. I'm
allowed to have down-days too, and that will come out sometimes.
But being nice is huge! I say that because in my "Top 40"
days...I was not nice AT ALL. All it takes is one word of
encouragement to turn a listener's day around.
8. What (if any) Christian radio stations do you consider as
innovators today?
Sorry, haven't heard one yet. That includes me. I've got
work to do.
9. Where do you see Christian radio in 5 years?
Radio has changed so much in the last 5 years, so I'm guessing we'll
look back at 2009 and giggle a little more. I just want to be
open to new ideas, new technology, and new artists that are
hopefully leading the way in music for our genre.
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