You've probably heard a variation on this line of thinking sometime over the past couple of years. The format, of course, would be that of our standard, run-of-the-mill, Christian AC stations. And, while there are differences among stations, they all play in the generally-same 25-54 year-old woman playground.

What if, though...what if that's not completely true?

First, the facts behind the statement and why people who are much smarter than me have said it: It is the easiest format to have "success;" though, I'll get back to this point in a moment. Christian AC radio songs are, overall, the most familiar songs - thanks to the proliferation of Christian AC stations across the country. And, since it's more familiar, the music tests better and tends to be the most palatable to a wide range of listeners. We, as an industry, have spent a lot of time building a successful AC format over the past 20-30 years. And it shows. Does that mean it's the only "real" format for Christian radio? The only format that can make it and have value?

I was honestly hoping a man would write this article. But since I've yet to see one written and I'm up against a deadline, I'll take a stab at it. If you decide to burn me at the stake, go ahead, it's cold in Michigan and I'd appreciate the heat. Let me start with ...

When at an event with strangers, it helps if everyone wears a name tag. Knowing a name brings strangers just a little closer together. It's the first step to getting to know someone. The same thing happens in the relationship between radio personalities and listeners. ...

If you're a regular to various radio Facebook groups and the CMB forums, you have or will soon see questions like "how much money do voice-trackers charge? How much should I pay, or ask for?" Same goes for other freelance gigs, like production. Those questions are ...

"It's not show friends, it's show business" - Bob Sugar (Jay Mohr) in 'Jerry Maguire' Have you ever noticed how many of your friends are not hosting radio shows? They aren't cut out for it. Your real-life friends probably think it's easy to do radio ... a few of ...

Just the other day, I was working with a very bright talent, CJ Lusk, who's on WAY-FM in the afternoons ("CJ & Joy"). He's new to the format, but he's the best type of person to coach, because he's always curious about how to get better. He worked with my friend Randy ...

Some of us in Christmas media are heading into Thanksgiving and Christmas with the peace of knowing that the financial need has been met for another season. Whew! Sharathon went well, the goal was met, and things are on track. Then, there's the rest of us. And we've ...

When adding a new hit song to the playlist - wait, it is a hit, right? If it's not, don't add it - consider how it can become a programming weapon as quickly as possible. There's nothing that drives most listeners away faster than an unfamiliar song. And perhaps even ...

GM to PD: "What happens if we invest in developing our air talent and then they leave?" PD to GM: "What happens if we don't, and they stay? Christian radio is now in that blessed season between summer and Christmas known as "Fundraising." This holiday also includes ...

To quote the Byrds (Okay, and the book of Ecclesiastes): "To everything (turn, turn turn), there is a season (turn, turn, turn)." Depending on who your radio station is targeting, you may have noticed something a little strange happening over the past year or two. ...