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Jill's
Career Capsule
My radio career began in 2005 as a volunteer assistant to the
Promotions Director of The Joy FM in Sarasota, FL. After relocating
to Indiana; I pursued my ministry passion by joining the WBCL team.
My career background has been one of diversity. From being a
secretary in the dean’s office of Huntington North High School,
Huntington, IN for 13 years, to reservations consultant for Walt
Disney World, to a self employed wedding coordinator. I feel as I
bring a wide variety of tools to the station as its Promotions
Director.
1.
Personally how do you keep the ministry in the “business”?
Whenever I am out at events/concerts/sticker stops I try to never
miss the opportunity to be a ministry tool that God clearly gifted
to me by being a part of WBCL. When I create a contest some of my
criteria of the promotion must be that I ask myself – how will this
minister to all listeners in the midst and the one or two that gain
something material. If I don’t feel ministry in what I do for WBCL
I don’t want the job. It would hurt me to think I am not doing the
great commission in what I do for the station. Whatever I do I want
to be working for the Lord and not for man.
2. Overall, how is Christian radio different today, from 5 years
ago?
I have only been in this ministry (Promotions Director) for a little
less than a year. In the time that I was a volunteer at The Joy FM
(Sarasota) until now I have marveled at the music that comes from
our Christian artists. They are feeling the penmanship of God in
their writing and in their sharing of ministry through music and
testimony.
I sense that ‘our hands on’ serving the community around us will
touch the lives of many through relationships, prayer and continual
involvement in our listening areas. With the added reach of the
internet and keeping those that love our station impacted through
what we provide, we have the opportunity only God can provide.
3. What do you think are the main characteristics of a Christian
radio Promotion Director?
To provide a sound perspective or what our mission statement is all
about. Not to provide a ‘great’ prize but to promote a safe, fun,
environment to listen to and also to be a part of. Making the
connection with the listening audience in a real way – not just on
the air waves. Getting the station out more and more is my goal.
Finding ways to connect in a tangible way with relationships as we
move out of the studios and into the hearts of the listener face to
face!!!
4. What criteria do you require for a promotion to air on your
station?
Crisp, clean, entertaining, and the end goal of ministry. How can
we touch them in a real way through the way we do a promotion.
5. What kind of promotions work best for Christian radio?
I like to think that as I walk through this career I will find joy
in having a balance that the station can strike as a whole.
Promotions that will engage the listener to be a part of and ones
that gives back. Helping and spotlighting ministries that need a
little boost from media and involve the listener so that they are a
part of it. Other types of promotions would involve making the
listener feel special and that they are important to us. I have a
lot to learn on this but I am trusting as time goes by that I will
be enlightened to find the ones that work best and that we will be
KNOWN because of them and the ministry they provide – whichever
way.
6. How do you think Christian Record labels can better serve
Christian radio?
In the short time I feel as if they do a phenomenal job. I have
found them easy to talk with, to TOL with and to work with in
promotions that I have done on their artists’ behalf. I would
really like for them to update us when staff changes happen so that
we can better serve them. Being new to the industry I would LOVE to
have updated lists of the artists they serve and a little bio on
each one (complete with pictures). I have contemplated featuring
them in e-notes or newsletters so that our listeners have the
opportunity to get to know the artists better as well as
familiarizing myself with them.
7. In your opinion what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian
radio today?
Staying up to date in technology desires of artists, labels, and how
that will play into the environment of our listeners.
8. What do you believe is the primary role of the Christian radio
air personality?
Personality!!! I believe that air personalities have to exude high
energy and do it in a genuine way. I believe that they need to be
current on what is happening today, yesterday and tomorrow… not
years ago or ‘when I was’. They need to have the ability to engage
the listener in their conversation. Have them talk to more
listeners on a certain subject of today….a new song of an artist,
play it and then have listeners call in and tell how they feel;
something that is on the news and a hot (safe) subject, have them
call. Make them feel part and embrace their feelings. Being
flexible and spontaneous are also some attributes I believe that
make a good air personality. I have never been one but who knows
what God has in store!!!
9. What (if any) Christian radio stations do you consider as
innovators today?
Since my debut has only begun at WBCL I have no personal opinion on
any stations other than my introduction into Christian radio from
the ‘inside’ with The JOY FM in Sarasota 4 years ago. I still enjoy
listening to them occasionally and the morning team seems to be very
‘on top’ of things both in broadcasting and what is happening in the
world around us. I have to admit that I am partial but it is what
it is. I do have to say that I never want to ever be in competition
with any other Christian radio station – we are all under the same
pair of eyes!!!
J
10. Where do you see Christian radio in 5 years?
In all honesty, it is scary. I think that we at Christian radio
will need to be very, very intentional about making our individual
stations WORTH listening to. With iPod, XM and Sirius and who knows
what else will come I think that the creativity of how to stay above
it will need to be thought about now, not then. We will need to
concentrate on the personal side even more due to the non-personal
side of the other options that are available. We have to stay on
the other side of voicemail and non-communicative interactions with
listeners. Give them reason to want to have that connectivity
rather than the disconnect the other options offer.
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