It has been an interesting week in the Grand Rapids, Michigan radio market. On Monday, Tommy Dillon and Brook Taylor, morning show co-hosts for 91.3 WCSG (AC Christian Radio) bolted for Star 105.7, a secular AC radio station (Clear Channel). “Bolted” is a jaded word. But, I really don’t know how else to describe it. But, that’s not for me to judge, but it does bring me to my point of discussion.
Is Christian radio personality driven, or content driven? The other question is: Should Christian radio be personality driven?
I know in many communities Christian radio HAS become personality driven. And, to some extent, it I think it has to be. But, should Christians focus so much on personalities? And, should Christian radio stations put so much emphasis on personalities?
I really don’t know the answer to this. But, I would like to discuss the pros and cons.
It’s always great to have people on the air that people like. I think that’s obvious. Great communicators and bright sounding people naturally attract listeners. Without them, your radio station is sunk. Without them you can’t compete. Without them you can’t take your radio station to the next level. And, without them you really can’t promote a great ‘morning show.’ More importantly, you can’t share the Gospel in way that’s pleasing the the listener.
But, by doing so are you promoting the personalities. And, by promoting the personalities are you giving them too much credit? Are you making the programming too ‘man centered?’ By giving them the ‘top billing’ are you setting yourself up for a situation similar to that of what happened in Grand Rapids, MI?
Obviously, Christian radio can’t pay the high salaries that secular radio stations pay. If you have a team that’s sees such success, don’t you risk losing them to the top bidder?
I think I know what you’re going to say. “If you’ve got committed Christians working for you, they won’t want to ‘bolt.’” I agree. Perhaps, that’s the answer to the questions I’ve posed.
As for 91.3 WCSG, who knows what they’ll do. I do know they’re looking for a new morning team. And, who know what will happen with Tommy and Brook. I do know John Balyo is doing a great job filling in. I hope he works into the regular morning guy. He’s been very refreshing. It hasn’t sounded overly produced and rehearsed. It been great hearing radio that challenges me again.
Because Christians listen to Christian radio to help them refocus their gaze toward Christ (at least that’s why I listen) and fill their hearts with ‘things above,’ I doubt WCSG will be hurt at all. The thing the keeps people listening to 91.3 WCSG isn’t just the good talent, it’s the Christ centered music and content. It’s the thing that binds all Christians, Jesus Christ.
December 9, 2007 at 11:02 am |
I’ve been involved in Christian music since 1986 and in the last seven years produced music “commercially” as a recording artist. Your comments about Christians insisting on their comfort level is sad, but true. Many Christians prefer invisibility and are actually focused more on the world than on God. However, the truth goes beyond this. Christians want it for free and expect it that way. The internet, while creating opportunity and better communication panders to that mentality. I can’t tell you how many companies want me to offer my music free for download and to use for their own promotion with the allure that I can make a few dollars somewhere down the line. Christians must remember that man’s ways are not God’s Ways. Doing things like the world does them is a certain path to failure and that is exactly what Christian music wants to do: a shiny shadow of the dirty music industry. Doing anything for God takes prayer and persistence, coupled with faith. This does not guarantee commercial success. What helps is that I know music is important and touches the heart in ways that little else can, especially in a stony heart. I have found wonderful opportunities in the secular world, both online and offline, that don’t generally recognize Christian music where I can reach the folks that don’t normally listen to Christian radio. I get criticism for it and I also get good response. Also, I have found that I can make a mark by ministering directly to my friends and fans in the ministry beyond self-promotion. Since my ministry is about God and not myself or even “my music”, I need to be certain that I am reaching out to everyone that will listen and I don’t just feed them easy truth and light encouragement. A few are blind-sided, but most love the attention and the new focus. Being in Christ is not about personal comfort and unfortunately, about dollar signs. A disciple of Christ cannot put God in a box and expect results and yet that is what every human tends to do. I find that I must know that I am reaching others by their direct response to me or I am not fulfilling my commission. I believe that this is where most of Christianity falls short. It’s called follow-up. It’s called commitment to others beyond the most casual. This takes real effort beyond what is human. Not a disciple can do anything without Jesus.
January 17, 2008 at 5:28 pm |
I feel there needs to be another point of few considered that few are talking about in any circle. I empathize with Tommy and Brook because I have been in their place. God called me out of CCM (Christian radio) several years ago to work for a year in secular broadcasting. Yes…I said GOD called me out of religious service for a time. It does happen. Before I go any further, let me say something.
Some of the post below may feel a bit passionate. But please take it in the spirit in which it is intended.
God calls you somewhere and you go out of obedience. It doesn’t make any sense to the people in religious circles many times. But he calls you and you go. God may call one out of traditional ministry at some point. And when he does, it’s hard; hard for your ego, your ministry piers, and those whom you have served so faithfully. It may take an even larger measure of faith to LEAVE a ministry than it did to join it.
But the bottom line is that when you and I get to heaven, we won’t be held accountable for “ticking off” the people in our lives who think they know God’s will for us. We’ll only be held accountable for whether or not we did what he asked us to do. I have little doubt that God called T&B to Star. Those who know them personally say that they’re deeply committed believers who listen to God.
If they’ve moved, it’s MOST likely because God told them to go. Few take into consideration the HUGE amount of faith it must have taken them to leave an industry that they have been a part of for so long. They must have anticipated the scoffing and chiding they would receive from those of us “faithful” who behave as if we know God’s perfect will for those around all the time. =)
Whether or not you or I believe God would call them to something “secular” is no measure. We are called simply to watch our own attitudes and obey Christ. God bless T&B, WSCG, MNN, all readers/listeners.