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10 Questions with ... Matt Deane
March 14, 2006
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NAME:Matt DeaneTITLE:PD/MD/AfternoonsSTATIONS:WCLQMARKET:Wausau/Stevens Point, WICOMPANY:Christian Life CommunicationsBORN:7/28/1976RAISED:Southfield, MI (right outside of Motown)
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I began my radio career in 1997 at WLEW/Bad Axe, MI. After two years in Michigan's Thumb, I took my first management position on the west side of the state as Program Director/Afternoon Guy at WYBR-FM/Big Rapids. In the summer of 2001, I jumped at the chance to do Christian radio for the first time as Afternoon Guy here at WCLQ. Six months in to my time here, I was tapped as station Program Director.
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
My first job was evenings at Country WLEW-AM/Bad Axe, MI, which I like to refer to as the smallest town in America! I grew up listening to lots of talk radio in Detroit, so voices like Dick Purtan, J.P. McCarthy, David Newman, Al Kresta, Paul Harvey and many others made me think that working in radio might be fun. I also credit the staff of the Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts and Chuck Finney for helping me learn the ropes in the world of broadcasting.
2) How do you prepare for your show each day? What's your biggest challenge?
I have a normal circuit of websites that I visit each day to make sure I know what's going on in the world. I also like to make sure I talk about "real-life" stuff each day. Since we just had our first child, I have plenty to talk about! My biggest challenge is preparing well for my show with all of the other responsibilities I have each day.
3) What is your favorite show feature and what makes it successful?
I have just started a new feature called "The All Request Drive At Five," where I take the first 20 minutes of the hour to play listener requests. It's made for some great listener interaction and I think also gives the listener a sense of ownership over the program. I'm only about two weeks in so I'm not sure if you can call it successful yet, but so far so good!
4) Best advice for making a show for a Christian station?
Don't preach. One of the best aspects of Christian Radio is the ability to share the love of Christ with our audience. However, I think we need to share it in a real-life way, and not talk down to our audience.
5) Who do you look up to as an air/personality not at your station?
When I have the chance I enjoy listening to Tony Lopez (KLTY) and Scott Smith (WPOZ).
6) If you were just starting out in radio toady, but you knew what you know now, would you continue forward?
Yes! My job has allowed me to see and do some great things and meet some wonderful people. I think God has used each step of the journey to help me to learn more about my craft and trust Him more.
7) If you could have any job outside the music business, what would it be?
Public Address announcer for the Detroit Tigers.
8) Any favorite or funny artist run-ins?
I had breakfast with Disciple last year at GMA. Good food. Good guys.
9) What is your favorite passage of Scripture?
To be honest, my favorite passage of Scripture changes quite frequently, right now it's 1 Peter 1:13-16: Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
10) What is your favorite quote?
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.Bonus Questions
1) Do you read everything? Books, Magazines, etc. Nothing? What is your favorite reading material?
I'm more of a book guy than anything else. Books I've read recently include: The Gift Of The Blessing by John Trent and Gary Smalley, Voices Of Summer: Baseball's Greatest Announcers by Curt Smith and It's All Downhill From Here: On The Road With Project 86 by Andrew Schwab. When I'm home in Detroit I also enjoy getting my hands on a copy of The Detroit Free Press.
2) What's in your CD player right now?
Fighting for spins in my CD player are the following CD's:
Derek Webb - Mockingbird, Robbie Seay Band - Better Days, Vigilantes Of Love - Audible Sigh
The Choir - O How The Mighty Have Fallen, Michael Knott - Fluid, Black Eyed Sceva - Way Before The Flood. And, thanks to our Daughter, Anna…Baby's First Nursery Rhymes
Baby's First Lullabies
3) Cat or Dog person?
We have two cats, so I guess I'm a cat person. Dogs are cool too.
4) Describe your favorite meal?
If it's formal, I'll take a big steak and loaded baked potato. If it's informal, I'll have a dozen medium wings and potato wedges from Buffalo Wild Wings. I'm quite a health nut, aren't I?!?!
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