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Joey's
Career Capsule
I started out working at Salem Communications in
Chicago (WZFS/WYLL) in 2003. I'll always treasure working with the
people I did there in Chicago. Than in 2004 I moved to a small
little (SUPER little) town called Marshall, MO (KMMO). It was a
country radio station, where I did overnights. I now have a heart
for anyone working that shift. It was tough!
After a while, I moved up to Afternoon guy, with Music Director
duties. During that time, I became the imaging voice of an internet
radio station. Over 2 years of working at KMMO, I felt that calling
to get back into Christian radio. In early 2006 I was hired as the
Morning dude and Music Director at Spirit 95 (WVNI) in Bloomington,
IN.
1.
Personally how do you keep the ministry in the “business”?
At
times that can be a hard thing to do. We ALL get caught up in the
little things. Before we go on the air, we pray. When I'm on the
air, I have a little index card that simply says "Jesus", as a
reminder that I'm working for Him. Praying as a staff is important
if you truly would like to remind yourself that it's a ministry.
2. Overall, how is Christian radio different today,
from 5 years ago?
The
music plays a major role. Christian music is crossing over into
other formats. The artists are on daytime television, late night,
it's just encouraging to see that. Also, Christian radio has been
showing up in ratings book more and more lately with higher
numbers.
3. What do you think are the main characteristics of
today’s Christian radio PD?
Ministry-minded. That's important. Christian PD's are always
looking for ways to be of service in the community, it's listeners
and clients/underwriters. Also someone who motivates and encourages
the air staff as much as they can. When you're on the air, it's
hard to put on a smile everyday. Sometimes, the encouragers need to
be encouraged.
4. What criteria do you require for a song to be
played on Spirit 95?
Lyric,
Delivery, and Hook. Lyrics should touch/relate to the listener.
The way the message is delivered is important as well, and a hook is
something you need to look for. Is it something you catch yourself
humming later on in the day? Singing along to in the car?
Something you wouldn't mind hearing more than just a few times? Is
the CD worth spending 16 bucks for in a store?
5. What kind of promotions work best for Christian
radio?
I
always thought family oriented promotions worked well with our
listeners. We had a private screening of the movie "Facing the
Giants", and before the movie, we had our own little tailgate
party. It was a hit, not only with our listeners, but our clients
as well.
6. How do you think Christian Record labels can
better serve Christian radio?
People
like Nicki Silverman at INO Records are just awesome to work with.
That girl deserves a raise! She goes above and beyond giving us
service. Communication is a major thing for me. I shoot off emails
every now and than to my record company contacts, just to wish them
a good weekend.
7. In your opinion what are the biggest obstacles
facing Christian radio today?
Great
question. Sales. I know every account executive/GM reading this
understands. But again, that's where praying as a staff and giving
it to God comes in.
8. What do you believe is the primary role of the
Christian radio air personality?
Live
the lifestyle. Understand this is not a job, but a ministry.
Understand that you are NOT just another station on the dial.
9. What (if any) Christian radio stations do you
consider as innovators today?
I
haven't been around Christian radio long enough to answer that
question, but I can tell you K-LOVE is doing something right!
10. Where do you see Christian radio in 5 years?
My
prayer is that Christian radio will be on every preset in every car
in every market. That GM's don't have to worry about "budget cut's"
anymore. Where every Christian station is out in the community
being of service, in the name of the one who was a servant.
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