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Christians Working In The Mainstream
- Thread starter Retro
- Start date
Many of our staff have passed through mainstream stations.
Until my present Christian station (which is the most efficiently run operation I've ever worked at), I learned the most from non-Christian formats. My earlier Christian stations were small-budget operations... some with great intentions, others just owned by non-believing sitting ducks, content with no set standards or formatic direction (while making a killing renting antenna tower space).
Much of my time at one secular oufit was spent on being "the Christian who showed up on time, & actually did his job." A previous Christian co-worker bashed everyone in sight, still wanted to be a "party girl" to some degree, wasn't good at her job, & became an ongoing joke w/ all the times she arrived late or called out sick.
Still, you have to be careful about your personal walk if you feel led into secular broadcasting. Be above reproach, constantly on time (not too early, lest you look like a desperate cling-on), willing to stay late, not above anything or anyone, quick to listen & learn, slow to speak, & really make sure you're in the right place for the right reason. ***Essential reading: Robison's "Cat & Dog Theology"***. IMHO, too many Christians use faulty logic: I am a Christian, I like the radio, therefore maybe that's what God wants me to do. When really, it becomes an identity issue. In secular or Christian broadcasting, it's a real pity when someone becomes "the job," to the extent that they feel less important without the title of ____ from station ____.
AND FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, bars DO offer Poland Spring water. Attached? WHY WOULD YOU EVER TAKE OFF YOUR WEDDING RING, OR SHOW UP (or even worse, LEAVE) SOMEWHERE ALONE W/ SOMEONE YOU'RE NOT COMMITTED TO?
Ahem. While I'm at it, get used to Ramen noodles, & make sure you know all the station appearances w/ free food: you'll probably need it in this business. Make sure you have something to fall back on, or save up now: most broadcasting jobs pay low, & Christian stations generally pay even lower. Schooling is good, especially if you can get a Master's... but it's not always essential: I'm big on interning. Hope this helps, Retro.
Much of my time at one secular oufit was spent on being "the Christian who showed up on time, & actually did his job." A previous Christian co-worker bashed everyone in sight, still wanted to be a "party girl" to some degree, wasn't good at her job, & became an ongoing joke w/ all the times she arrived late or called out sick.
Still, you have to be careful about your personal walk if you feel led into secular broadcasting. Be above reproach, constantly on time (not too early, lest you look like a desperate cling-on), willing to stay late, not above anything or anyone, quick to listen & learn, slow to speak, & really make sure you're in the right place for the right reason. ***Essential reading: Robison's "Cat & Dog Theology"***. IMHO, too many Christians use faulty logic: I am a Christian, I like the radio, therefore maybe that's what God wants me to do. When really, it becomes an identity issue. In secular or Christian broadcasting, it's a real pity when someone becomes "the job," to the extent that they feel less important without the title of ____ from station ____.
AND FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, bars DO offer Poland Spring water. Attached? WHY WOULD YOU EVER TAKE OFF YOUR WEDDING RING, OR SHOW UP (or even worse, LEAVE) SOMEWHERE ALONE W/ SOMEONE YOU'RE NOT COMMITTED TO?
Ahem. While I'm at it, get used to Ramen noodles, & make sure you know all the station appearances w/ free food: you'll probably need it in this business. Make sure you have something to fall back on, or save up now: most broadcasting jobs pay low, & Christian stations generally pay even lower. Schooling is good, especially if you can get a Master's... but it's not always essential: I'm big on interning. Hope this helps, Retro.
Thank you for the info! When I worked at a PR firm, many people came from radio as well, and they wanted to discourage me from going into the industry. I do have a natural love for radio, I like how it all ticks. I heard from others that some of the happiest people are the ones who do it part time on the weekends while have a "real" job during the week.
I have thought about interning or volunteering at a station as well. I am not young though, well at least by industry standards. I am 37 and live in the Boston area. I guess that I do have opportunities if I decide to go pursue them, but there is always that nagging thing that it might be a bad idea, I dunno.
In any case, thank you for the information. At my present job I have excellent attendance and punctuality, and try my best to be above reproach as well.
I have thought about interning or volunteering at a station as well. I am not young though, well at least by industry standards. I am 37 and live in the Boston area. I guess that I do have opportunities if I decide to go pursue them, but there is always that nagging thing that it might be a bad idea, I dunno.
In any case, thank you for the information. At my present job I have excellent attendance and punctuality, and try my best to be above reproach as well.
M
MrJoey
Guest
I've worked in Country Radio for 2 and half years...now in Christian radio.
B
BehindTheLines
Guest
I'm a Christian who works in Mainstream.
My career started in mainstream in the late eighties. Since then, I've gone back and forth between the two industries. My career is about 50/50 mainstream to Christian.
While budgets are usually larger in mainstream and the pay is better on the whole, this is not ALWAYS the case. I worked for a Christian AC for several years that paid better than it's direct mainstream competitor. Granted, at the time this Christian AC was also whipping the snot out of said mainstream station in the ratings. So that may have had something to do with it.
In addition, remember that workplace environment and employee satisfaction has little to do with whether or not the station(s) you work for is (are) Christian or mainstream.
The real deciding questions on whether your station is a good place to be are:
(1) Are the leadership true and good leaders? (there's a difference between a shepherd and a cattle driver. Guess which one is prefered.)
(2) Are your co-workers team players, in love with their jobs, and are they easy to get along with?
(3) Are you called to be there at given point in time?
Many times people assume that a 'Christian' formatted station will be a better place to be simply because it's a Christian station. By the same token, mainstream isn't necessarily the best place to be either.
Here's the litmus test on where the best place to be is: "The safest place for you to be at ANY given time is in the center of God's will."
If that's maintsream, then do it. If that's Christian radio, then do it.
My career started in mainstream in the late eighties. Since then, I've gone back and forth between the two industries. My career is about 50/50 mainstream to Christian.
While budgets are usually larger in mainstream and the pay is better on the whole, this is not ALWAYS the case. I worked for a Christian AC for several years that paid better than it's direct mainstream competitor. Granted, at the time this Christian AC was also whipping the snot out of said mainstream station in the ratings. So that may have had something to do with it.
In addition, remember that workplace environment and employee satisfaction has little to do with whether or not the station(s) you work for is (are) Christian or mainstream.
The real deciding questions on whether your station is a good place to be are:
(1) Are the leadership true and good leaders? (there's a difference between a shepherd and a cattle driver. Guess which one is prefered.)
(2) Are your co-workers team players, in love with their jobs, and are they easy to get along with?
(3) Are you called to be there at given point in time?
Many times people assume that a 'Christian' formatted station will be a better place to be simply because it's a Christian station. By the same token, mainstream isn't necessarily the best place to be either.
Here's the litmus test on where the best place to be is: "The safest place for you to be at ANY given time is in the center of God's will."
If that's maintsream, then do it. If that's Christian radio, then do it.
I just think I would be a natural working either in or around radio. That is why I took the job at the PR firm a few years back. I am no longer in that field but continue to enjoy radio as a medium. I probably wouldn't make much in radio, however I do not make a whole lot now as it is though.
I started in Christian radio and planned to be in it my entire career, but that's not how it's worked out.
Early in my career, I wanted Sunday mornings off to sing on praise team at church, and the owner of the Christian station wouldn't budge. I also realized I knew no non-Christians. So I left to go the "gasp" secular station down the street that is privately owned by a Christian family. It was wonderful, and I worked banker's hours with the occasional appearance on weekends but never a Sunday morning. I worked for them for several years before landing a great job in Market 5. That opened the doors to do lots of Christian narration.
Recently, I left the Big D and returned to the small market where I started, but I took a ton of Christian freelance with me. I'm still in Christian radio just in a very different way.
My BIGGEST pet peeve though are Christians in Christian media who think just because you are in secular media, you are somehow out of God's will. I've had that said to me on several occasions including by that small town station owner who wouldn't let me off on Sundays so I could go to church. I was told by a senior producer at TBN with a big sigh that she guessed we needed Christians in "secular" radio too. Yep, we do. I've been asked when I would start serving the Lord again, and just some other really dumb things.
I am not called to Christian radio now. I think it's important to be salt and light because we do need Christians in the mainstream media, and there actually are a lot.
I think I'd have a hard time in Christian radio now. So much of it isn't real. I did a narration the other day where I had to say, "loving operators are standing by." I actually cracked up in the VO booth. I suppose secular radio has jaded me. ;D
Early in my career, I wanted Sunday mornings off to sing on praise team at church, and the owner of the Christian station wouldn't budge. I also realized I knew no non-Christians. So I left to go the "gasp" secular station down the street that is privately owned by a Christian family. It was wonderful, and I worked banker's hours with the occasional appearance on weekends but never a Sunday morning. I worked for them for several years before landing a great job in Market 5. That opened the doors to do lots of Christian narration.
Recently, I left the Big D and returned to the small market where I started, but I took a ton of Christian freelance with me. I'm still in Christian radio just in a very different way.
My BIGGEST pet peeve though are Christians in Christian media who think just because you are in secular media, you are somehow out of God's will. I've had that said to me on several occasions including by that small town station owner who wouldn't let me off on Sundays so I could go to church. I was told by a senior producer at TBN with a big sigh that she guessed we needed Christians in "secular" radio too. Yep, we do. I've been asked when I would start serving the Lord again, and just some other really dumb things.
I am not called to Christian radio now. I think it's important to be salt and light because we do need Christians in the mainstream media, and there actually are a lot.
I think I'd have a hard time in Christian radio now. So much of it isn't real. I did a narration the other day where I had to say, "loving operators are standing by." I actually cracked up in the VO booth. I suppose secular radio has jaded me. ;D
B
BehindTheLines
Guest
Great post.
Speaking of "loving operators"
I called Robert Tilton's prayer line when I was 14 and was promptly greeted by a thick Indian accent. I found out later that 'pastor Bob' outsourced his 'prayer warriors'.
I think 'Abijahd' probably hung up the phone with me and then answered his next call "Tech Support, can I have your serial number?"
I'm going to hell for saying that.
Speaking of "loving operators"
I called Robert Tilton's prayer line when I was 14 and was promptly greeted by a thick Indian accent. I found out later that 'pastor Bob' outsourced his 'prayer warriors'.
I think 'Abijahd' probably hung up the phone with me and then answered his next call "Tech Support, can I have your serial number?"
I'm going to hell for saying that.
Are you kidding? God has a great sense of humor. My life is a prime example.
I'm a full-time freelancer now who does afternoon drive on a country station. I'm a Christian. Two of our three morning show co-hosts on this station are. The morning show at our heavy metal station both are. Oh, the irony! Our morning news guy, news talk PD, sales manager, owners, several sales people and continuity director. It's a very Christian environment.
At megabucks big station in Dallas, there were believers everywhere. It was great. Bottom line. If you are called to Christian radio, do it with everything you've got. If you aren't, go whereever God has called you.
He's opened some amazing doors for me. I can't even believe them sometimes, but had I not worked in secular radio, they wouldn't have been opened. Major market secular radio gave me credibility I might not otherwise have had. And how was this door initially opened? I volunteered with the radio ministry at my church in Dallas. Six months later I was in a recording studio with a huge Christian author.
Get in however you can get your foot in the door. It's a fun job, even when you aren't making a whole lot of money, but it is a job. Take any advice you can get, and don't be afraid to go some place small and be poor for a while. Any launching point is a good launching point. I went from Market 11 to 217 to 5 back to 217 always at God's prompting. He's a great agent, and I can't imagine doing anything else.
I'm a full-time freelancer now who does afternoon drive on a country station. I'm a Christian. Two of our three morning show co-hosts on this station are. The morning show at our heavy metal station both are. Oh, the irony! Our morning news guy, news talk PD, sales manager, owners, several sales people and continuity director. It's a very Christian environment.
At megabucks big station in Dallas, there were believers everywhere. It was great. Bottom line. If you are called to Christian radio, do it with everything you've got. If you aren't, go whereever God has called you.
He's opened some amazing doors for me. I can't even believe them sometimes, but had I not worked in secular radio, they wouldn't have been opened. Major market secular radio gave me credibility I might not otherwise have had. And how was this door initially opened? I volunteered with the radio ministry at my church in Dallas. Six months later I was in a recording studio with a huge Christian author.
Get in however you can get your foot in the door. It's a fun job, even when you aren't making a whole lot of money, but it is a job. Take any advice you can get, and don't be afraid to go some place small and be poor for a while. Any launching point is a good launching point. I went from Market 11 to 217 to 5 back to 217 always at God's prompting. He's a great agent, and I can't imagine doing anything else.
Thank you for all of your replies! I live in a major market and I am very knoweable about the radio stations around here, and their history as well. There is a bunch of smaller markets right around me too, I live in New England. I guess its just a matter of getting motivated and getting the door open somewhere.
All told, I spent 14 years working in radio, and spent about half of that time working in Christian radio. Looking back on the time I spent in the business, I can draw some generalizations...
1) Management tends to be less secure in Christian radio than in its secular counterpart. I found that managers of the Christian stations I worked for would more readily steal a good idea from an employee and tell ownership that it was his/her own.
2) Listeners to Christian Radio are some of the nicest people you would ever want to meet. They will make you feel like you're doing the most important work on Earth, even though you may not save one soul doing it.
3) Commercial advertisers feel that they are doing a good work by advertising with the Christian station. They really don't expect the advertising to deliver the traffic that they do when they advertise on the secular station. That has positive and negative connotations. They're not as likely to complain about the effectiveness of their advertising, but when their budgets get tight you're the first one they cut.
4) The owners of most Christian Stations operate with the mindset that if times turn bad, they can still make money by turning off the music and selling the time to preachers. The owners of MOST secular stations operate with the mindset that if times turn bad, they'll sell the station and get out of the business.
5) Nepotism is rampant is both secular and Christian radio, but it is WAY more blatant in Christian radio. Sometimes, no matter how good your ideas are, "Junior's" ideas are the ones the boss listens to...after all, he will take papa's place some day.
6) The rate of job losses in broadcasting is like the divorce rate, it's about the same in the secular world as it is in the Christian world. However, as a Christian who has been through both, I'll testify that losing a job in Christian radio or a Christian getting a divorce hurts a LOT worse.
I'll probably think of a half-dozen more comparisons after I post this, but I think that's enough for now. These days, I manage a secular television station, but am also assistant pastor of a church in the same town.
Sometimes there are conflicts, but I've found that being a Christian in a secular marketplace has its own set of blessings. The opportunity to live the Christ life before a sinful world is difficult, but (IMHO) more valuable to God's kingdom than all of the "preaching to the choir" that I used to do in Christian radio.
Later....
Matt Smith
WGSR-TV, Reidsville, NC
1) Management tends to be less secure in Christian radio than in its secular counterpart. I found that managers of the Christian stations I worked for would more readily steal a good idea from an employee and tell ownership that it was his/her own.
2) Listeners to Christian Radio are some of the nicest people you would ever want to meet. They will make you feel like you're doing the most important work on Earth, even though you may not save one soul doing it.
3) Commercial advertisers feel that they are doing a good work by advertising with the Christian station. They really don't expect the advertising to deliver the traffic that they do when they advertise on the secular station. That has positive and negative connotations. They're not as likely to complain about the effectiveness of their advertising, but when their budgets get tight you're the first one they cut.
4) The owners of most Christian Stations operate with the mindset that if times turn bad, they can still make money by turning off the music and selling the time to preachers. The owners of MOST secular stations operate with the mindset that if times turn bad, they'll sell the station and get out of the business.
5) Nepotism is rampant is both secular and Christian radio, but it is WAY more blatant in Christian radio. Sometimes, no matter how good your ideas are, "Junior's" ideas are the ones the boss listens to...after all, he will take papa's place some day.
6) The rate of job losses in broadcasting is like the divorce rate, it's about the same in the secular world as it is in the Christian world. However, as a Christian who has been through both, I'll testify that losing a job in Christian radio or a Christian getting a divorce hurts a LOT worse.
I'll probably think of a half-dozen more comparisons after I post this, but I think that's enough for now. These days, I manage a secular television station, but am also assistant pastor of a church in the same town.
Sometimes there are conflicts, but I've found that being a Christian in a secular marketplace has its own set of blessings. The opportunity to live the Christ life before a sinful world is difficult, but (IMHO) more valuable to God's kingdom than all of the "preaching to the choir" that I used to do in Christian radio.
Later....
Matt Smith
WGSR-TV, Reidsville, NC
V
VERITAS DE VOCE
Guest
OH YEAH <<he says while rubbing his hands together>>. Retro, you opened up a can.
I can give you another perspective. Worked all my radio days in major market radio. One of those guys that didn't "come up the ranks." First job was eves producer on the number one station in the market. God blessed me indeed... catch is... wasn't saved. I met Jesus in RADIO, and have seen quite a bit. Working both sides (Christian and Mainstream) while experiencing what they have to offer. If I may pontificate:
1. Ministry IS RADIO, if that's your fancy. But understand, ministry would be perfect... if it weren't for people.
2. Forget the net at the house. CCM is not about ministry. It's about ratings and commercials. Most CCMs do not ALLOW (yeah I said it) their jocks to say "JESUS". Let the music do it and everyone else can use generic holy-speak... "God is good. What a blessed day. I am excited."
3. Matt is dead on. Christian radio (and the lower down the format totem pole you go... CCM to Christian to Religious to Inspirational to LISTENER SUPPORTED) is very incestuous. What mom an' dem can't think of, you can't either. Forget the promotion... if you are not service and steward-minded in these formats and situations, get out now (and that's a prophesy ;D)
4. Commercials don't get big play on other Christian formats because there is no target audience. Ask the sponsors. They don't consider Christian radio to be "JESUS ON AIR"... it is "SOCCER MOM USA". To a truth. BUT, Christians wouldn't know a branding campaign if it hit them in the face. Which is why big money often uses holy frequencies as a designated offering to a faith-based organization rather than outreach to a new audience.
5. Lastly, know your place. Brother, I can't tell you how many saved folk are in secular radio wishing they were on the other side. Meanwhile, those same folk on the other side are questioning their religion because of the inhumane treatment they get while "doing God's work." Bottom line, if you are called, pick up the phone and shout HELLO all day long. NOTE: Just because you call them shoes don't mean they still aren't part of the cow they came from. You are a child of God WHEREVER you work.
Man, that'll preach. ;D
I can give you another perspective. Worked all my radio days in major market radio. One of those guys that didn't "come up the ranks." First job was eves producer on the number one station in the market. God blessed me indeed... catch is... wasn't saved. I met Jesus in RADIO, and have seen quite a bit. Working both sides (Christian and Mainstream) while experiencing what they have to offer. If I may pontificate:
1. Ministry IS RADIO, if that's your fancy. But understand, ministry would be perfect... if it weren't for people.
2. Forget the net at the house. CCM is not about ministry. It's about ratings and commercials. Most CCMs do not ALLOW (yeah I said it) their jocks to say "JESUS". Let the music do it and everyone else can use generic holy-speak... "God is good. What a blessed day. I am excited."
3. Matt is dead on. Christian radio (and the lower down the format totem pole you go... CCM to Christian to Religious to Inspirational to LISTENER SUPPORTED) is very incestuous. What mom an' dem can't think of, you can't either. Forget the promotion... if you are not service and steward-minded in these formats and situations, get out now (and that's a prophesy ;D)
4. Commercials don't get big play on other Christian formats because there is no target audience. Ask the sponsors. They don't consider Christian radio to be "JESUS ON AIR"... it is "SOCCER MOM USA". To a truth. BUT, Christians wouldn't know a branding campaign if it hit them in the face. Which is why big money often uses holy frequencies as a designated offering to a faith-based organization rather than outreach to a new audience.
5. Lastly, know your place. Brother, I can't tell you how many saved folk are in secular radio wishing they were on the other side. Meanwhile, those same folk on the other side are questioning their religion because of the inhumane treatment they get while "doing God's work." Bottom line, if you are called, pick up the phone and shout HELLO all day long. NOTE: Just because you call them shoes don't mean they still aren't part of the cow they came from. You are a child of God WHEREVER you work.
Man, that'll preach. ;D
Unfortunately, I'm afraid I've experienced a lot of what my last two counterparts have. I've worked for both secular and Christian stations. I've worked for great Christian stations and am now working for a really horrible one. My experience with secular radio has always been great though, but I think it's due to the level of expectations. Every situation is going to be different. Some are going to work for great stations and some are going to have really bad experiences in both secular and Christian formats. That being said, in the church there's no hurt like the one a fellow believer can leave which is also true to a higher level when getting burned by a Christian station. The expectations are going to be higher and the letdown is going to be worse when working in Christian radio. I currently work for a station that has some great people but a bad manager which happens a lot in whatever line of work you're in. The truth be told it wouldn't be as big of a deal if I were in a secular company, I just expect more out of a Christian organization and I don't think that I'm out of line with those expectations. God has called Christians to be held to a different set of standards.
I've learned that you have a to have very thick skin if you're going to be in Christian radio. I believe that is because the enemy doesn't want us to succeed. You do have to be 100% called into Christian radio though. No doubt. Our line of work can be tiring and sometime down right nasty, but we have always keep in mind why we do what we do and if that ever changes I will be the first to get jump ship.
I've learned that you have a to have very thick skin if you're going to be in Christian radio. I believe that is because the enemy doesn't want us to succeed. You do have to be 100% called into Christian radio though. No doubt. Our line of work can be tiring and sometime down right nasty, but we have always keep in mind why we do what we do and if that ever changes I will be the first to get jump ship.
V
VERITAS DE VOCE
Guest
??? you think there is a theme on this post that most CCM PDs should be made aware of.
Just thought I would ask.~ Retro, hope you are taking notes brother.
Just thought I would ask.
~ Retro, hope you are taking notes brother.
B
BehindTheLines
Guest
VERITAS DE VOCE said:??? you think there is a theme on this post that most CCM PDs should be made aware of.
Just thought I would ask.
And what would that point be, my friend?
That having people skills and treating people right is actualy necessary for leadership?
(sarcasm on the way in 3...2...1...)
Nah. Couldn't be.
Let me tell you about working at a secular-formatted station owned by a Christian ministry. No money for payroll, pay always late, 60 hour weeks at minimum wage, being blamed for the fact that the station is broke and having to literally hold money from deposit before paydays so they couldn't spend the money on something else and tell us "we're short again and its your fault". Bathrooms never cleaned, having to bring our own toilet paper and hand soap, then the guy has the audacity to challenge unemployment claims, clean the bathrooms and taking pictures to refute a claim...then trashing the reputation of people who had no choice but to leave, even accusing the outgoing staff of stealing gift certificates and damaging a relationship with a client that I'm working with for my new print media sales job. Brother W, you're walk doesn't show you're a Christian.
B
BehindTheLines
Guest
gr8oldies said:
I didn't know the guy that owned that station was a Christian. They still on the air or is that transmitter dark?
Are they ever gonna sell that thing?
No matter what "format" you're in you will see good and bad.
AT WLW we had a huge lineup of personalities with no bitter sniping. And this wasn't a Chirstian station.
You'll always have jocks (AND MANAGERS) who steal you blind in any format. Christian radio makes this part seem worse than it is. Having jocks solicit donations and even vehicles from people.
One got two vans and a truck from listeners. Dont forget the same happens with cash. Have seen it in secular media also.
AT WLW we had a huge lineup of personalities with no bitter sniping. And this wasn't a Chirstian station.
You'll always have jocks (AND MANAGERS) who steal you blind in any format. Christian radio makes this part seem worse than it is. Having jocks solicit donations and even vehicles from people.
One got two vans and a truck from listeners. Dont forget the same happens with cash. Have seen it in secular media also.
- Status