State College has a unique blend of conservatism and liberalism with the mix of the intelligentsia in the urban areas of State College and the rural "salt of the earth" areas in the surrounding counties.  We also have a terrible time in good signal saturation due to "terrain blocking" (Read:  MOUNTAINS!).  State College has a strong INSPO station that has been established well over 2 decades, but only now has a full-powered CCM station for the 13-35 year old demographic.

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

Being able to encourage my fellow Believer in the Lord and the challenging opportunities to share Jesus in a new & unique way.  I also love meeting the fresh new artists that continually redefine Christian music.  Their eagerness & innocence are most refreshing!

3. Here is your chance to testify on behalf of your station...How has God used WRXV?

Since being on the air for the past 6 months, many have just "discovered" us.  We have had two particular listeners, both Christians for about as long as RevFM has been on the air, who have become frequent callers to our studio line.  One of them came out of a Satanic ritual lifestyle.  He began to develop a friendship with our mid-day jock (Jill Kirby) & has now felt the call of the Lord to go to seminary & to become a pastor.  The Lord used this relationship to also energize Jill's relationship with Christ, giving her added confidence to boldly share her faith with others.

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

We will, by in large, will add most new music from established national labels & reliable promotions agencies.  Their rotation in our playlists are determined by the national trends in the industry trade publications but is also influenced by the frequency of requests by listeners in our coverage area.  In addition, the following criteria has been established for unsigned/independent artists....

From our website:  http://www.revfm.net -
1) Quality:  We have a responsibility to our listeners to play the best written, best produced, best-performed songs and artists.  Music must be professionally produced and recorded (no "garage" recordings).  Music must be on compact disc.

2) Authenticity:  CD's must be accompanied by a letter or request to be aired--no phone calls, please.  Artists must have a history of live, public performances.  Artists must have adequate management representation.

3) Spiritual content:  Songs must conform to lyrical criteria, as determined by the General and Station Managers.  Lyrics need to be included with CD's.

4) Format:  Music must be consistent with the current Christian Hit and Rock radio format in musical style and lyrical content.

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

We haven't had many in our short life, but we have had good response from ticket giveaways & CD giveaways in conjunction with concerts that come to our area.

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

By keeping databases up to date ...even when the reps change!  I've lost count on the number of times I've lost service when a rep leaves a label.  We've also had trouble with "a few" labels who have not responded to our emails & phone calls asking for service.  That's a pet peeve of mine.  If you are unable to provide service, or not... I believe it is only fair that they can, at the very least, provide a timely reply.

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

Itself.  Most of us (not all, mind you), I believe, we tend to do more backslapping and less thinking outside the box.  We tend to wait until mainstream radio tries a new method, and then we will copycat it.  There are a growing number of innovators who will take risks & "color outside the lines", and have the stamina to withstand the criticism from the "insiders" & forge ahead. 

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

To be a friend -- to have integrity & be able to be trustworthy enough to have earned the right to speak truth into the life of a listener.

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

The Call/Miami, FL;  RadioU/Columbus, OH;  The Kross/Tulsa, OK;  KADU-The Fringe/Hibbing, MN

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

Making a profit...?  Hahahaha!  That's a joke.  Actually, I think Christian radio could see a boom soon.  With the publicity of newsmagazines like 60 Minutes doing features on CCM as well as other media exposure, it's quite possible that CCM could be the new "in thing"...  But there lies the threat.  With this newfound publicity, can CCM be responsible enough to keep its integrity?

 
 

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