The Christian Radio Homepage

Daves' Career Capsule

I got into radio in 1977 when I was 14 at a little radio station outside of Raleigh NC, a 1000 watt daytimer that had 3 listeners. However, because it was in a suburb alot of good air talent came through the station and moved on to bigger stations in the Raleigh/Durham metro. I went on to work at WKIX in Raleigh after graduating from high school. I spent the next 20 years in secular radio doing CHR, oldies, rock, ac, and chr. I came to Birmingham in January 1997 to program and do mornings at country WDXB, but God was dealing with me in many ways. As a Christian I always wanted to do Christian radio, but I had never heard anything in Christian radio that sounded fun or even filled with joy, it always sounded stiff and boring. When WDJC GM Nathan Park contacted me I told him I would be interested if he let me program the station like a secular station in terms of quality and fun. He said sure and we have been having alot of fun.

1. How did you wind up at WDJC?

Mentioned that above...........

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

My entire life is now focused on Christ. Everything I do at work is Christ centered. My walk is so much more fun and intense. Being able to do this for a living has been so cool, I feel like I am a better husband and father, it is the most fun I have ever had in my career.

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

He has allowed me to use years of experience in promotion and marketing pushing secular music and car giveaways etc...to promote Christ. In secular radio you create events that focuses attention on the music and personalities, here we put together the "Mark&Mack Revival Tour"....local artists and drama teams, Mark and I share the gospel in events designed to draw crowds to hear about Jesus!

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

Great question! We actually listen to everything, but a hit is a hit regardless of what it is labeled. We look for songs that have meaning, are motivational, uplifting.

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

We have done everything from "Survive and Drive" car giveaway to the "Million Dollar Bible Bowl".....but we turn everything into a promotion of some type. Concerts can be promotions if you position them properly.

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

To serve us with product from core artists like they do with new artists, to help promote loyalty with the artists to do Christian radio stations first when given the opportunity to do morning talk radio in a given market. Since Christian radio has become mainstream in many markets artists are given more opportunities to do talk radio. If the labels could make the artists understand that when they do a morning show that doesn't play their music, they hurt the relationship with the station that does play their music in the market.

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

Status quo, not expecting excellence. Too often we take the easy route instead of working harder. We need to be competitive in the market place. The Apostle Paul made tents to support himself so he wouldn't become a burden to the church. We should adopt the same philosophy. We should work harder than our counter parts in secular radio.

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

To minister to the lost, motivate the believers, and entertain.

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

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

I think broadcasting companies will begin programming Christian music as they do other formats because they see the profitability and growth of the format. However, if they do it for money only with no real committment to the work of the Kingdom they will find themselves in really bad shape. I also think that we will continue the trend in morning radio to see more and more personalities in all formats to share their faith openly regardless of format. This will push "Christian stations" to be better.