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10 Questions with ... Jim McDermott
April 17, 2006
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NAME:Jim McDermottTITLE:President & General ManagerSTATIONS:KCVO, KCVJ, KCVK, KCVQ, KCVX, KCVZMARKET:Columbia, MO; Lake of the OzarksCOMPANY:Lake Area Educational Broadcasting FoundationBORN:Oskaloosa, IA 1953RAISED:Chariton, IA
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Studied broadcasting and media while in Seminary and landed first radio gig spinning RECORDS evenings at KRMS, Osage Beach, MO in 1978. Moved from there to Gilmer, TX, and my first Christian radio job-News Director and afternoons at KHYM. Transferred to same owner's new station in Dubuque, IA, in 1980 as Station Manager, then moved back to Missouri in 1983, and started KCVO, which went on the air in 1985. Became President of the Foundation in 1989 and have now built up a broadcast group of 6 stations and 6 translators.
1) What was your first job in radio?
I started at a little "no-format" AM/FM combo, KRMS. We played a little bit of everything. The best thing I learned there was how to do news, which helped me move up.
2) What do you think is the most important topic facing the Music Business and Radio right now? Why?
Trying to fit securely into a new sales model that will enable the Record companies to make the revenue it takes to break and keep quality artists. Digital downloads are helping a lot. I just hope that the music side of the biz will continue to see the importance of radio in introducing new music to the public.
3) What does Christian Radio need to do in order to break through to a mass audience on a more consistent basis?
I'm not sure that there is any formula for this. The pat answer is: just produce genuinely great songs. But why "I Could Only Imagine," with its blatant spiritual content, gets played on mainstream radio and other great songs don't is a mystery. The one thing I get frustrated about is how often artists and songwriters water down the spiritual content of a song in hopes that they'll get mainstream acceptance. That's fine, but don't try to pass those songs off as Christian music. I am in Christian radio to play songs with an anointed Christian message, not just songs sung by Christians.
4) Who is your favorite air/personality not on your air staff?
I have always liked Lisa Williams (WPOZ), especially since I discovered her in 1989. Another guy, who is not as well known, but is one of the best in mornings is Craig West at KXOJ.
5) What is your favorite radio station outside of your own market?
I would have to say I always enjoy KXOJ when I am in Tulsa. Bob Thornton has put together a great team and picks great music.
6) What's your take on current music? Is it as good as say, six months ago? Better than it was? Same? Elaborate please!
I'm not really convinced that our music is that much better than it was even 5 years ago. Our industry has always had some great songs, even in the 70's. The production quality of Christian music has for the most part caught up with mainstream music, which means it is becoming increasingly difficult for new artists to break in, because the cost to produce an acceptable project is so high.
7) If you could add any one full-time position to your budget, with no questions asked, what would it be?
A full-time engineer. I have done this for 21 years. With more stations, I just don't have time to keep it all going these days. Whew!
8) If you were just starting out in radio today, but you knew what you know now, would you continue forward?
Probably not. I think I would be involved in internet streaming looking forward to the day when the whole country is covered in wireless and we can get internet streams anywhere.
9) What are the most important tools/resources you use to stay on top of the Christian format's growth and changes?
1) Attending GMA and the CMB seminars is the best way to keep up on everything. 2) Participating to the PD Forum. Great radio programming minds tend to gather there. 3) I am so thankful that R&R has included Christian music as a reported format, because it is not only a source of info for us, it is also a source of info ABOUT us.
10) If you could have any job outside the music business, what would it be?
Couldn't think of anything. I must be in the right place.
Bonus Questions
1) What is your favorite passage of Scripture?
Roman 3:21-26. It pretty much sums up why we need to be saved, how to get saved and what you get when you are saved.
2 ) What is the most precious memory of your life so far?
Watching my two children being born. Now, I'm hoping I have some grandchildren before I'm 80.
3) What is it that motivates you to be 'All You Can Be'?
That's just something God instilled in my being. I have always been an overachiever. Now my motivation is to make Spirit FM the best it can be so that we can reach as many people as possible.
4) What is your favorite quote?
You don't get what you expect. You get what you inspect. (Rick Warren, I think)
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