Originally from Oklahoma, I’ve been with KBIQ for the last 3 years after being involved in Country radio for 7 years.

1. How did you wind up at KBIQ?

I was the morning jock at a country station in Colorado Springs for 7 years and the new GM and I battled immediately (I lost!). I was out of radio for 5 months (it seemed like 5 years!) and a couple of friends of mine who worked at KBIQ recommended I call. I was hired immediately to do afternoons.

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

The many lives that we change. EVERY song we play, in one way or another, seems to impact a listener in a positive way. Playing a small part of that life changing experience is unbelievably gratifying.

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

First, I think God took me out of country music to mature me. I have a better understanding on what’s important and what’s not and how best to approach it. I also believe God is working in me to minister to my family and friends, as many of them are now believers. Finally, there are days when I pray and wonder if radio is what I’m supposed to be doing, and God answers clearly when our station does something of enormous impact in the community, a listener tells a story of how our music or information blessed them, or my management team responds to our station’s needs and delivers the resources necessary to be successful.

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

Will listeners remember or care about it 5 years from now? Also, length, tempo and other super-secret military variables come into play, but listener impact is always number one.

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

Anything that is relevant to our listeners’ lifestyle. Colorado Springs has five large military installations and now is a lonely, uncertain time for many of those families. We are offering “diversions” from war coverage by taking military families out for pizza parties, free days at amusement parks, horseback rides, etc. We are also in the planning stages of putting together a Military Appreciation Concert for Memorial Day that will be free for the entire community.

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

The quality and quantity of the music has been incredible! I would personally like to see the artists remain exclusive to the format. I get nervous about Christian artists crossing over into mainstream formats. I know the argument is that they are bringing more listeners to Christ, but when the songs aren’t matching the intended message, it’s a weak argument.

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

Continuing to bridge the gap between “crusaders”, believers and seekers. The crusaders want Christian music radio to be exclusionary, the way that it used to be with scripture readings and “prayer-on-the-air”. Believers like the entertainment, information and family programming that they are hearing and seekers aren’t sure what to make of what they are hearing. Pleasing everybody is usually a difficult, if not impossible proposition, but I feel like some Christian music stations are close to putting the entire package together.

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

The same as the secular radio air personality: serve the community… but also to serve God.

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

I’m blessed to be involved with one of the truly innovative broadcast companies in Salem Communications and we have some phenomenal stations all over the country including KLTY in Dallas and WFSH in Atlanta. I’m also an admirer of the terrific work done by KSBJ in Houston and KXOJ in Tulsa.

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

In a word… stable. Which is a statement that Christian radio couldn’t make in the past. It’s generally accepted that music or radio formats go through cyclical phases, and when Christian music has its down cycle, (and it will) we will be better equipped to ride the rough waves until we find that smooth water once again. Better programming, music, promotions, sales and leadership, should provide us with long-term stability.