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10 Questions with ... Bill Lurwick
July 9, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
A proud 1989 Brown Institute Minneapolis Grad. Career stops in Anoka & Detroit Lakes, MN, Estherville, IA, St.Petersburg, FL, 4 years Active Duty U.S. Army Ft. Knox KY, and 6 years at WGRC in PA, and the last 8 at KJIL in Kansas.
1) What was your first job in the industry?
I was a news/sports intern at KANO/Anoka, MN. Best thing about it were the free press passes I got for Minnesota Timberwolves games. It was 1989, their first year as an expansion team, and they gave the passes to almost anyone it seemed. Nothing like riding an elevator after games with 7-foot Brad Lohaus and Sidney Lowe and others as a 24-year-old intern.
2) Who or what led you to a career in radio?
Mom said when I was young and we'd go on family car trips, I'd be doing stuff like pretending I was broadcasting a NASCAR race as we drove. Mix tapes later, DJing clubs, weddings, all that stuff. Then I was in a car accident in 1988 that left me out of work and with time on my hands, so I checked out broadcasting school.
3) What is your favorite part of your job?
Free coffee mugs from record labels. Actually, I love saying just the right words or playing the right song that connects. Then, I love hearing, while at an appearance, what those words or that song meant. Those are God moments.
4) What advice would you give to people new to the business?
Please keep moving forward, and stick it out - we need you! We are all getting older! Also Radio 101: 1) Take the first exit (email me, I'll explain), 2) "Hey Everyone" is not a person, and 3) It's not high paying, but it's the most rewarding job I've ever had.
5) What does Christian radio need to do to break through to a mass audience on a more consistent basis?
If you had asked me this 10 years ago, I would have had a whole slew of answers. But I feel and see Christian radio growing and thriving in markets like Orlando and Houston, Riverside, CA and Dallas - all getting #1 books in the coveted 25-54 demographic consistently. Keep doing what you are doing Christian radio, but don't forget to embrace becoming a brand, not just a radio station. It's so much more in 2012.
6) Who are some of your favorite on-air personalities?
I love listening to the Morning Cruise team from Joy FM - Carmen, Dave and Bill because they get it. I also really admire the team of Johnny and Stacey Stone, and there are so many others. Also, you are listening to air-checks from others, aren't you?
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?
That's a BIG question. Standard no-brainer would be Jesus, right? I really enjoy talking also to the generation that is passing on, the WWII generation, gleaning their wisdom about what matters most.
8) If you could have any other job outside radio or the music industry, what would it be?
I really like teaching and mentoring, so something in that area might work, or I wouldn't mind tackling being an independent song promoter. But my dream job would be to replace one of the Phillies radio or TV broadcasters.
9) Fill in the blank: I can't start the day without:
A workout, My Utmost For His Highest, the book of Psalms, and a kiss from my wife - not necessarily all in that order.
10) And what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Well, I've become a bit of a fitness geek after triple bypass heart surgery in 2010. So that takes up quite a bit of time. I love beating my kids in Scrabble, too.
Bonus Questions
1. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you and why?
Someone who I can converse with that is as positive as me, a smart phone with an eternal battery, and room service
2. For someone visiting your market, what one thing would you say they "must see?"
The absolute, most incredible sunsets ever are right here.
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