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Sonny's
Career Capsule
I
started in radio 4 years ago with absolutely no experience. I went
to a weekend radio workshop/seminar and asked a lot of questions,
took a bunch of notes and proceeded to get our station up and
running. We had plenty of little glitches in the early days but
things run pretty smoothly now. So CVCR is my first radio station.
(not what you would call a very impressive resume!!)
1.
Personally how do you keep the ministry in the “business”?
I consider the radio ministry as a calling and not a job. If you
keep your focus on the Lord Jesus the business end of radio just
seems to fall into place. I start each day with prayer and if you
know Him then how can you go wrong?
2. Overall, how is
Christian radio different today, from 5 years ago?
Probably the biggest difference I've
noticed over the past 5 years is the huge increase in the number of
recording artists in Christian music both solo and groups. There is
certainly no shortage of material to choose from.
3. What do you think
are the main characteristics of today’s Christian radio PD?
Today's PD needs to be dedicated to the ministry and requires a
creative mind. He also needs to be open minded to ideas that come
from others and must be in touch with current events in the local
community. A positive attitude is essential!!!
4. What criteria do you require for a song to be
played on your station?
The most important part of any song is the message. If we can't
hear the words above the instruments it won't get airplay. The
lyrics must also contain some form of a Christian message. We don't
play any secular artists even if they sing "Amazing Grace"!! We are
also a bit hesitant to play songs that go beyond the 5-minute mark.
Unfortunately, there are still musicians who think they can plug a
cheap microphone into their home computer and record a quality
product. It's not impossible but it is rare! We don't play poor
quality independent artists. Artists need to get their work mastered
for airplay.
5. What kind of
promotions work best for Christian radio?
I'm sure this differs from station to station, but any kind of
event that allows the listener to get involved is what we strive
for. The listeners need to feel part of the action.
6. How do you think Christian Record labels can better serve
Christian radio?
They need to make sure that the music of the artists they
represent gets out not only to the large commercial stations but
also to the little non-comm. stations as well. We struggled our
first year of operation trying to get access to current top 50
material.
7. In your opinion what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian
radio today?
Tough question!! I don't spend much of my time looking at the
obstacles, I try hard to avoid them. I do think that we have to be
aware that when it comes to music there are many ways it can be
delivered. Computer sites, ipods, mp3 players, television, etc all
want a piece of the action. I don't know if these are obstacles or
just challenges that we need to overcome.
8. What do you believe is the primary role of the Christian radio
air personality?
The role of the on air personality is to be upbeat and positive.
Most people have their own problems to deal with and listening to
good radio helps them to get through the rough times. The on air
guys need to express joy in what they’re doing after all we serve a
risen Savior!!!
9.
What (if any) Christian radio stations do you consider as innovators
today?
Scott Jackson and the crew at Life 100.3 in Barrie Ont. always
seem to be doing something new and exciting. Great station!!
10.
Where do you see Christian radio in 5 years?
I've discovered recently that a lot of non-Christians have been
tuning in to our station. I believe if you provide a quality
alterative to secular radio people will listen. I think this trend
will continue over the next 5 years. I also think there will be more
exposure through Christian satellite stations.
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