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Tom's Career
Capsule
I
began my career in 1985, working at my college radio station in
Nashville, TN (WNAZ – the ONLY Christian music station in Nashville
at that time!). I also worked at a small, family-owned AM station
in Nashville during my college days. After graduation, I worked
briefly in Memphis, TN and then moved on to WFCJ in Dayton, Ohio and
WTLT in Columbus, Ohio. In 1991, I began doing afternoons and
promotions for WNLT in Cincinnati. After that, I spent 14 years at
WMHK in Columbia, SC. I’ve been at 106.9 The Light since September,
2006.
1.
How has WMIT evolved over the last few years?
We’ve
invested a lot of resources into refining and focusing our product
and God has blessed us with top-quality air talent. Consequently,
He is using the station to reach more people now than ever before in
the history of the station.
2. Has WMIT made any changes due to economic situation, been
affected in any way?
Thankfully, we have not had to lay anyone off. In fact, we’ve been
blessed to be able to bring a couple of new people on board.
However, we are carefully watching expenses and only making the
major expenditures that are absolutely necessary.
3. How is your coverage area a unique Christian market?
Because the signal of 106.9 The Light covers such a wide
geographical area, we try to focus on a region rather than just one
city or community. That can present some unique challenges but
relevance works no matter where the listener is. And that’s what we
strive for.
4. What criteria do you require for a song to be played on your
station?
A
song needs to have solid lyrics, a clear message and technical
excellence. Of course, it must also be a stylistic fit and it must
help accomplish the goals of the radio station.
5. What kind of promotions work best for Christian radio?
Promotions that have worked well for us are the ones that give
listeners the opportunity to get involved and help others. We’ve
seen a tremendous outpouring of support for everything from
collecting baby items to supporting international missions.
6. How do you think Christian Record labels can better serve
Christian radio?
Provide excellent, compelling and relevant new music in the highest
technical quality possible. I think they’re doing pretty good job
with this but I do think there’s room for improvement. From a
customer service standpoint I think pretty much all of the labels do
an excellent job!
7. In your opinion what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian
radio today?
One
of the biggest challenges I see is keeping up with rapidly-changing
technology. To stay relevant we’ve got to adjust our methods but
it’s changing so quickly that it’s sometimes hard to stay ahead of
the curve.
8. What do you believe is the primary role of the Christian radio
air personality?
Encourage the listener.
9. What (if any) Christian radio stations do you consider as
innovators today?
I’ll say this… there are more stations that would probably be
considered innovators today than there was five years ago. And
that’s a really good thing!
10. Where do you see Christian radio in 5 years?
So
many radio companies seem to be shooting themselves in the foot by
drastically reducing investment in their product and the marketing
of their product. I think that presents a huge opportunity for
Christian radio. If we can raise the bar of excellence and
relevance and capitalize on the opportunity to connect with people
who aren’t finding that connection elsewhere, I think we’ll have a
chance to reach more people than ever before over the next few
years.
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