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

I am a native of Springfield, MO and have lived here all of my life.  There is lots of musical history and American heritage here. Springfield, MO is Arbitron Market 146.  Springfields rated population is
280,000.  It may be smaller than Dallas..but Springfield is the often forgotten window to the world. Springfield hosts 5 bible colleges and is home to the Assemblies of God.  We get many missionaries and college students who go to school here and listen to KADI.  When they go back to other parts of the world..they take the music heard on KADI with them. Branson , MO is also a neighbor to Springfield.  Dino, Kim Boyce. Jim Bakker, Gary Paxton...and other famous names live there.  They all listen to KADI as well. Springfield is also home to Attorney General John Ashcroft..Actor Brad
Pitt...Bass Pro and many in the Christian Music industry.  Don Donahue of Rockettown Records went to college here. Jeff Jackson from Gotee records grew up in Springfield., the list goes on. ....Nate Salle...PlusOne's Jeremy Mhire...former Truth and Avalon singer Rikk Kittleman....hes my little
brother. Years ago..Springfield played a big part in the early days of country music.  Red Foley used to broadcast the Ozark Jubilee on nationwide TV from Springfield, MO.  Other famous broadcasters who worked in Springfield radio.  Rush Limbaugh..Hugh Downs...Jim Bohannan...Les Garland
(who started MTV). and Bob Barker.

 

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

When people I don't know come up to me and tell me how I have impacted their life..with something I have said or done...or how they have found God again or for the first time by listening to KADI.

 

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

I have been able to apply the experience from mainstream radio to Christian radio.  To take it another level. In the spring of 2003 Radio and Records recognized KADI as one of the top Christian CHR stations in the nation. I give God all the glory on that ranking.

 

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

It has to have a fresh sound.  Don't sound like another song being played on the station. Be well produced.  Great vocals...instrumentation. Have a great Hook. Stick in the head...easy to remember  in the mind.

 

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

FUN !!!!!

 

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

Remember that every market is different and one size does not fit all. Hire promotors with experience.

 

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

Removing the stereotype that ALL Christian radio is not fun to listen to. Hey there are some of us out there having a blast....and not all of us are at the low end of the dial !  Becky.  I never hear mainstream radio talk about  Becky.  Read R & R..and the only time her name comes up is in the Christian section.
Be a creative radio station.  Quit copying the other Christian radio station down the dial. Be unique and different. No distinct sounding formats anymore. Inspo wanting to sound lilke AC.  AC
wanting to sound like CHR. CHR wanting to sound like ROCK.  .

 

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

To be REAL.   If you are having a bad day...let your listeners know.  They are probably having one too.  Lets get through it together.

 

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

RADIO U. and TV U.  They have their own style..that MTV wants to copy.

 

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

Hopefully leading the way in front of  other formats.  We need to establish Christian radio as the BEST Radio on the dial..rather than the worst. We need to do a better job of educating the public that Christian Radio today is better listening.