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10 Questions with ... Brian McIntyre
June 20, 2011
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
WONU/Chicago as student, WCFL/Chicago, Star 96.7/Joliet, World Mission Broadcast/Buenos Aires & Kansas City, WONU/Chicago
1) What was your first job in the radio/music industry? Did you have any early mentors?
Besides my college years at ONU, my first job was with New Life Media at WCFL. I started as a weekender, then production director, then eventually PD. Early mentors would be Dr. Henry Smith, then Director of Broadcasting for ONU, currently President of Indiana Wesleyan University, and Dick Whitworth, then Network Director of New Life Media, currently Assistant VP for Media at Northwestern Media.
2) How many years did you spend with Global Mission, and in Argentina? What did your job entail there? How was life in Argentina?
My family and I lived seven years in Argentina. I am currently still working in a part time capacity with Global Mission, which is the parent organization of World Mission Broadcast. This is my 10th year with them. I was the regional coordinator for World Mission Broadcast in South America. I managed radio and television production facilities in Buenos Aires as well as Campinas, Brazil and Quito, Ecuador. I was responsible for developing and facilitating media strategies throughout South America, oversaw the regional operations budget and lots of fundraising. We returned to the U.S. in 2009 to work with World Mission Broadcast on a global level, which I continue to do today.
Life in Argentina was amazing. Buenos Aires is a beautiful European city. We have many lifelong friends there.
3) What makes your station or market unique?
For one, we are CHR, which seems to be more and more unique in the industry. If you look at our target audience compared to an AC target, we share some of the same age group. The difference is that our "mom" has a nose stud and at least one tattoo. The Chicago market is a great radio market with tons of formats to choose from. It's big city with a Midwestern mindset, which is unique from NYC or L.A. That, and we play 16-inch softball.
4) What does Christian radio need to do to break through to a mass audience on a more consistent basis?
I could regurgitate what we already know: play the best songs, give them experiences they couldn't get anywhere else, be real on air, etc. This is all true, but also radio isn't just radio anymore. Our personalities aren't just "on-air." We open the door of our lives to the audience as much as we are comfortable. Through Facebook, Twitter and engagement opportunities listeners and personalities are growing this friendship which is on a much deeper level than 10 years ago.
5) What's the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
Faith, Family, Ministry, in that order.
6) If you could have any guest from any time past or present join you for a show, who would you have and why?
OK, don't think this is hyper-religious, but I would love to have Jesus on the show. Not because he is the son of God but because he was an amazing storyteller that knew how to connect to the audience.
7) Who are some of your favorite on-air personalities?
Having lived in the K-LOVE market of Kansas City for the past two years, I like Lisa Williams and Scott Smith. I think Brant Hanson is probably the most real guy on-air. I also like Roe Conn at WLS-Chicago.
8) Who inspires personally, professionally and/or spiritually?
I am personally inspired by my wife and boys. I am professionally inspired by great radio, period. Doesn't matter the market or format. I am spiritually inspired by great writers and awesome Twitter accounts like C.S. Lewis, Charles Spurgeon, A.W. Tozer and Max Lucado.
9) Fill in the blank: I can't start my day without:
My iPhone. I know that is so sad and my family would agree.
10) What music/artists currently has your ear?
Hawk Nelson, Me In Motion, Stellar Kart and my oldest son makes me play the Jamie Grace EP over and over again!
Bonus Questions
1) Do you read everything or nothing? Magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc.
I love to read. Many books and Tweets. Newspapers online, but usually just for show prep.
2) Cat or dog person?
Dog: We have a rescued boxer named Brick. He is the greatest dog in the world, so don't even try to compete.
3) Describe your favorite meal.
Let's go on a progressive supper around Buenos Aires. We'll start at La Rosa Negra in San Isidro where we will have filet mignon that will make you openly weep. Then on to the Hereford Grill in Pilar for pumpkin-filled ravioli with a walnut cream sauce. Then on to Dulce Pilar for a quarter kilo of maracuja (passion fruit) ice cream. Argentina comfort foods!
4) If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you and why?
Satellite phone, water purification system and a case of nut bars. Sorry, the practical missionary coming out on this one.
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