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10 Questions with ... Steve Swanson
September 20, 2005
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NAME:Steve SwansonPOSITION:Program DirectorSTATION:The JOY FM networkMARKET:Southwest and Central FloridaCOMPANY:RTN (Radio Training Network)BORN:Moline Illinois (home of John Deere tractors!)RAISED:A day at a time around loving people who invested themselves in me.
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
On the air some place since 1978- Minneapolis/Quad-Cities IL & IA/in Florida as part of The JOY FM since 1995.
1. What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
My first "job" in radio was as a listener. I was lucky enough to hear some of the greats on WLS/ Chicago, and had a youth director at my church who was on the air. So, I had encouragement from near and far. My folks evidently observed my interest as well. They gave me my first radio (I think its 6 transistor) while I was in grade school. I still have it. I guess I may need to change the battery one day soon. I was first on the air doing call-ins for a station in Austin, MN.
2. What do you think is the most important topic facing the Music Business and Radio right now?
Radio: The more things are changing in regards to delivery systems and listener options, the more we need to solidify our mission, vision, and commitment to remain focused on who we are and why we do what we do! We need to be relevant and accessible to our listeners, constantly asking ourselves (and them) how we can serve them better! As we look at changing markets and technology it is clear to me that we need to make a bigger investment in our people, specifically in the areas of team building and vision. We need to get closer to one another to effectively deal with our competition. Get the best people, impart the vision, and carry out the mission.
Music Business: How to deliver the music and still make a profit. Selecting new artists that can connect with their listeners and grow with them. From my perspective, it seems there are far too many "flavor of the month" artists that appear on the scene only to disappear a short time later.
3. What does Christian Radio need to do in order to break through to a mass audience on a more consistent basis?
We need to be seen and heard! We have to go where the people are. Find where people gather in your community and join them there! We don't need to be creating more events for people to try and participate in (with schedules that are all ready too full), we need to decide what their needs are and determine which of those needs we can meet. Do fewer things well. When you think of promotions ask "Is it big enough?" Make sure your limited staff, budgets, and time are invested in the places where they can be the most effective. Partner with churches and community events for the benefit of all. Make sure you are intentional about budgeting for marketing your station.
4. What do you like best about your job? Least?
I like knowing that what we're doing is making a difference for families who need positive encouragement. I like the variety in each day and the people who are part of it. Sometimes I dislike the fact that the job is never done.
5. Who is your favorite air/personality not on your air staff?
Craig West from KXOJ would have to be one of my favorites. He's funny, spiritual and sometimes irreverent. He's got a great sense of timing and a real sense of where the listener is moment by moment. Yes, he's also relatable and creative. No, he didn't pay me to say any of these things!
6. What's your take on current music? Is it as good as say, six months ago? Better than it was? Same? Elaborate please?
It seems to be as good as 6 months ago. I have not noted any broad sweeping trends like the move toward worship songs from a couple of years back. I do feel like we can be "too safe" and predictable in the songs we play. I think the listener is open to a wider expanse of songs than we generally choose to believe.
7. If you could add any one full-time position to your budget, with no questions asked, what would it be?
I would have a person whose sole job was to talk to listeners. Call them on the phone, visit with them on location, spend time with them in their world. It would help make sure that we are connecting at the level we wish to be connecting and answer many of the questions we often ask inside the building about expectations and the product we're offering.
8. What book have you read that has touched you or taught you the most?
Aside from the Bible? Jon Ortberg's books. And books from Lee Strobel have been very impactful for me.
9. What is your favorite passage of Scripture?
Psalm 126: 3 is our families verse. "The Lord has done great things for us, we are filled with JOY."
10. If you could ask God about anything, what would it be?
Really, how can you love me like you do??
Bonus Questions
Do you read everything? Books, Magazines, etc. What is your favorite reading material?
I love to read...Christian fiction, CCM magazine, the trades. I also enjoy history and science stories.
What's in your CD player right now?
Mercy Me- "Undone"
Cat or Dog person?
Dog, all though I don't have one at present.
Describe your favorite meal?
One shared with a friend and savored together with good conversation.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you want with you and why?
Pizza delivery, lots of fresh water, my Bible.
Favorite TV program of all-time?
It hasn't been created yet! I am not a big TV fan.
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