1. Tell us about your market and how it is unique?

We are one of two states not connected to the 48 states (or as we call them, the lower 48), and we are bigger than TEXAS!! Because of this, Alaska has more of an independent nature to it. We are also unique in the weather here in Anchorage. We average 25 in the winter, and 65 in the Summer, and there is no humidity and no thunderstorms, but we do get earthquakes now & again. Our people are very receptive to a diverse variety of music, mostly due to the fact that we are a cultural melting pot, and all races tend to co-exist with each other in a amicable way. Plus our people tend to travel a lot, because the only place we can go around here is to Alaska! So to get a break from monotony, we travel to get out of state. Entertainment is vital to our people as well, so we provide LOTS of Christian concerts for our audience, about 3-4 per year, each getting about 1500 people or more to attend.

 

2. What is the most fulfilling aspect to you personally about Christian radio?

Being able to play a top 40 style of music to reach a greater audience in Anchorage. Typically, most Christian “CHR’s” reach only the white bread soccer Mom’s, but we have made a concerted effort to reach beyond that and include music that appeals not only to all members of the body of Christ, but to be a light to those who are pre-Christians. With the addition of rap, dance, and urban music, we have seen significant growth in our audience, gaining one full point in the recent arbitrons, moving from a 2.0 to a 3.0, and getting higher numbers in core demographic females 12-35. It really has helped unify the body of believers and make a greater impact for the body of Christ as a whole. People are being encouraged and strengthened and no longer have to listen to secular stations!

 

3. How has God used you in your role at KAFC?

I brought with me a large CD collection and was able to re-vamp the playlist with a LOT of CHR material. Before I came on board, KAFC was an AC station trying to lean more CHR but without a lot of time and music to get them there. As soon as they gave me the go-ahead, I brought in the music and brought my style of music flow to help generate a more consistent sound. We also got rid of a lot of lower level music, and created a tighter playlist, helping our audience become more familiar with the artists and their music.

 

4. What is the criteria that determines if a song receives airplay on your station?

First off, it MUST be musically relevant. If it is not something that would capture the audience with todays sound, the words will never be heard. The lyrics must also be scriptually accurate. Not every song has to have the J quotient, but all songs must fit in with the Christian lifestyle, whether it be about worship, or about family, or about finding a godly boyfriend/girlfriend.

 

5. What kind of promotions work best for your station?

Concerts! We have brought 5-6 concerts in the past year and a half and seen over 1500 come for each, including our most successful concert, OUT OF EDEN, in which over 2000 people were in attendance.

 

6. How do you think Christian Record labels can better serve Christian radio?

By not being afraid to sign rhythmic artists! Other than that, they are doing a great job!

 

7. In your opinion what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian radio today?

Getting beyond the racial barrier! We have created a very “safe”environment, making CHR a more HOT AC format than that which reflects today’s top 40 sound. If we build a format that reflects todays sound, there is a greater chance that you will build a bigger audience and unify the body of believers.

 

8. What do you believe is the primary role of the Christian radio air personality today?

Communicate! We have the best message in the world and too often we fail to communicate it in a way that attracts both Christians and pre Christians. In whatever we say, it has to fit the lifestyle of our audience, and be entertaining. Don’t bore them with useless information unless you can make it entertaining or make it relatable. Also communicate facts and interesting things about the artists that you play. Don’t be a liner card reader… personalize it, communicate the event like you are giving a personal invite to a friend, not like you are super radio announcer guy (or girl).

 

9. What (if any) other Christian radio stations do you consider as innovators today?

WNAZ! Though I think they stole our playlist! J Seriously, Ken Farley and the boys at ‘NAZ have done a great job of giving Nashvagas a style of music that was sorely missed when another station abandoned the rhythmic years ago. Also, I love WONU, WAYK, and KOKF, plus KLYT! They are all willing to take a chance on a real top 40 sound and see success in their respective markets. Also Q-90 FM in Green Bay has an incredibly professional and tight sound. Great production and forward motion! Kid Raider does a great job with da Q!

 

10. Where do you see Christian radio in 5 years?

I see us making more impact upon popular culture as more and more people get tired of the world’s system and start reaching more for truth and encouragement, They’ll get that through Christian radio and then look for deeper understanding of spiritual truth in the local body. I believe Jesus’ return is very near and we are privileged to live in such a time as this, to boldly proclaim Jesus to a lost world!