1. How did you
wind up at KKFS?
I left a bad personal
experience at KDND. Great radio station but I
didn't belong there. I retired from radio really
content I would never work in the industry again.
God had different plans, I found the Fish and
thought I might give it one last shot. Steve
Sunshine (former PD) really pushed me professionally
and conviced me I still had something to offer.
Landing here was the best decision I've made.
2. What is the most fulfilling aspect to you
personally about Christian radio?
No compromise. I
don't compromise my faith here, that was a habit of
mine in the past that bit me in the butt one too
many times. I also believe in the format, I am the
demo. Except for the fact that I'm a guy. It's real
radio, reaching people exactly where they are
at...right smack in the middle of their busy lives,
searching sometimes for just enough grace to get
through the day. That's real and that's what this
format is.
3.How has God
used you in your role at KKFS?
Hard to answer, I pray
He isn't done using me. Because of the radio
station, He has given me the opportunity to work
closely with groups who I line up with on social
issues. I'm honored to be a spokesperson for groups
like "Teens For Life". So, in my role here, He has
challenged to step up and stand up for issues I
wouldn't have stood up for before. I've been called
a "Christian social activist" before.
4. What is the
criteria that determines if a song receives airplay
on your station?
How much free stuff I
can be given. What have they done for me lately?
Just kidding.
You never know where a
hit is going to come from. With that said, I lean
on research, I want to know what "Jackie" wants to
hear. It might not be what you assume it is. Scott
Riggans "I Love You Lord" is a perfect example.
Here's a guy who pushed it himself on some advice
from a friend of his and it's now one of our biggest
songs. You also can't base it on the artist's last
song, because "Jackie" typically doesn't keep track
of that. All she knows is what sounds good to her
and what's speaking to her right then. And everyone
is capable of recording a stiff.
5. What kind of promotions work best for your
station?
I believe in giving
stuff away. No hoop jumping, no guessing, just give
it away. If you have to listen for a song in the
5pm hour, I believe you should tell them exactly
when it will play. The lives of our demo, most of
the time, are a little too busy to camp out by the
radio for even an hour to listen for something.
Promotions that allow us to get out and touch
people. We have had 2 really successful garage
sales right here in our parking lot. Hundreds of
people participating and thousands shopping, that's
alot of people to touch.
6. How do you think Christian Record labels
can better serve Christian radio?
That question can be
asked the other way around, too. We both need to
realize and act like we are both on the same team.
I think, we can butt heads too much. There's alot
of great great people on that side of the fence and
and a few have become pretty good friends of mine.
Keep giving me hits and free stuff doesn't hurt
either! (wink, wink)
7. In your
opinion what are the biggest obstacles facing
Christian radio today?
I would say that not
being taken seriously. Only a handful of Christian
stations have been able to break that barrier in
which they are looked at as a viable competitor in a
market. I don't want to be compared to the other
Christian station in town, I want to be compared to
the other formats in town. We all need to strive
for access to that playing field.
8. What do you
believe is the primary role of the Christian radio
air personality today?
That's pretty simple.
Be real, be honest, be yourself. We all don't live
perfect lives so don't pretend like you do. I think
that is what will eventually commit a listener to
the station. Talk with her, let her know that you
are going through the same things she is. Kids,
spouses, (or lack of spouse), life, money, etc.
9. What (if any) other Christian radio stations do
you consider as innovators today?
KLTY...by far. They
set the stage for the way things need to be done. I
am also very partial to all my fellow Fishes. We
(as Fish stations) are extremely fortunate to have
some of the best programmers and brightest talent
this industry can offer.
10. Where do you
see Christian radio in 5 years?
Grabbing shares in
markets all over the country. Finally in a position
of power, viability and profitability in every
market we're in. A people promotions machine that
is introducing Christ to new listeners everyday,
causing others to have to compete with us rather
than the other way around. And how do we do that?
By living it, not talking about it.....but living
it, breathing it, in and out every day.
