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10 Questions with ... Corey Mann
January 23, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
WIRX/St. Joseph, MI, WBXX/Battle Creek, MI, WNDV/South Bend, IN, Granger Community Church in Granger, IN, WZOW/South Bend, IN, Pulse FM/South Bend, IN
1) What was your first job in the industry?
I worked Saturday midnight to Sunday morning 8 a.m. at WIRX. The PD said he couldn't find anyone to work that "shift from hell." It was my first foot in the door.
2) Who or what led you to a career in radio?
I have always loved music and radio. I grew up listening to the Chicago radio greats and our local morning guy, Jim Gifford. I called him one morning and asked if I could come watch what he does. He said "yes," and by the end of the morning, he gave me my first radio break.
3) What is your favorite part of your job?
I love introducing people to music. I also have a soft spot for a listener who calls or writes and says "thanks, that's the song I need to hear" or "what you said encouraged me." I love interaction, and this career provides plenty of that.
4) What advice would you give to people new to the business?
Network with everyone you can. Honestly, in radio broadcasting, in my opinion, I have learned that "it's who you know." Also, leave well. Don't leave a company hanging; do your very best to leave without burning any bridges. Be humble. (Those who know me will giggle at that comment, but I'm working on it.)
5) What does Christian radio need to do to break through to a mass audience on a more consistent basis?
I don't mean to over-spiritualize this but we need Jesus. If there is any way to break through, he will give us the "favor" we need. But let's be honest, I don't think we could handle it or know what to do with it.
At LeSea Broadcasting, the vision for LeSea's ministry through radio, TV, shortwave radio, Internet: "Reach a million people a day, provide an alternative to the secular market, and don't go broke doing it." (That vision has been in place long before I came on board.)
I was introduced to Christian radio when the Top 40 station I worked at played "Just Between You and Me" by dc Talk, "Flood" by Jars of Clay and "I Can Only Imagine" by MercyMe. I think a crossover song is very helpful because if the mass audience hears it and likes it, maybe they go looking for more? (I did.)
I think we all have to be on our game when opportunity arises in our local communities. Christian radio should be the leader in their markets as far as community involvement (leading by example).
You've rattled my cage with that question. I have to think about that one some more.
6) Who are some of your favorite on-air personalities?
Back in the day, Kevin Matthews & Johnny B. on WLUP AM, Larry Lujack & John "Records" Landecker on WLS, Uncle Bobby (U93) and Jim Gifford (WIRX - my local hero).
Today, I really try to listen around. Thank you, technology, and yes, I actually listen to these folks. Dave Cruse & Jayar at Joy FM/Sarasota, FL, Scott Smith at K-LOVE, Sarah Taylor at KCMS (Spirit 105.3)/Seattle, Brant Hanson on Air1, Johnny B. on WGN/Chicago, and I love JACK FM as a format (Nashville) and K-HITS (Chicago), too.
7) If you could have any guest from any time past or present join you for a morning show, who would you have and why?
- George Lucas: I've got some questions
- JJ Abrams: I've got even more questions
- Jimmy Fallon: I think he is the current late night champ.
Those who have a "big platform" in ministry, like Joel Osteen, Rob Bell, Louie Giglio, Andy Stanley, Chris Seay, Bill Hybels, Max Lucado and Donald Miller intrigue me. I don't know if anybody would listen, but any of the artists that I grew up listening to would be a blast for me: Eddie DeGarmo, Mylon LeFevre, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Whiteheart, Altar Boys, Petra, Russ Taff. That would be a fun walk down the lane of memories.
8) If you could have any other job outside radio or the music industry, what would it be?
Probably student ministry again. I think stand-up comedy is such a long shot, but what if, right?
9) Fill in the blank: I can't start the day without:
A shower. I can't stand smelling bad.
10) And what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love my wife and kids. Anything that involves them individually or together is priceless. I love a great movie. I'm a comic book nerd. I like to draw. I love a great night with friends.
Bonus Questions
1. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you and why?
An iPhone. It can do everything. Just need a signal, right?
2. For someone visiting your market, what one thing would you say they "must see?"
A Notre Dame football game (when we are winning!) or maybe a trip up to St. Joseph, MI during the summer to Silver Beach (for the sunset)
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