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 Lane in Atlanta, so that was a good sign before I even met him.

Like everyone just starting to do CCM radio, he's struggling a bit with ministry thoughts, and that's a good thing, because way too many people in this format ASSUME that the listener wants to hear you blather on about your faith.

But here's the hard truth: you have to EARN the right to talk about your faith. In our daily lives, we don't just walk up to strangers and start talking about Jesus. (And if you do, just know that this is not the way to win people over.) We share our more intimate thoughts about our faith with our closest friends; people we've spent the most time with and know the most about. Consider the listener's perspective: I just heard a four-minute song about Jesus; that you're a Christian isn't exactly a surprise. Part of doing our jobs well is talking to the person who may not even go to church.

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. ...

One of the great things about radio is unpredictability. That's the key that keeps listeners coming back for more. If you are hosting a show and you feel you are doing the same thing day after day, how about mixing it up? Add in some new elements, fresh ...

You read that right. Do sweat the details. No offense to the person who coined the phrase with "don't" at the front. Think about the most remarkable things you've ever seen or been part of. People often say "the attention to detail is amazing!" Remember Bob Ross of PBS ...

When you think about it, many air personalities are rude. Some radio stations are, too. We put some much time and effort into brevity. We rush into content to get off to a quick start. And when we reach a high point, we suddenly bail on the break. Those are important ...

Dream with me for a moment. The year is 2028. And radio DJs aren't just on the radio anymore. And ideally, your DJs aren't just on the radio anymore. Truth be told though, DJs don't even exist anymore in 2028. There are no discs to jockey. Shockingly, they don't even ...

A popular tool for online publishers to attract clicks is creating lists. You see them everywhere: The Top 14 Ways to Organize Your Life or The 10 Fastest Ways To Get A Raise This Month! Lists work online because they're concise, easy to scan, focused and helpful. It's ...