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10 Questions with ... Reid Holsen
June 26, 2006
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NAME:Reid HolsenTITLE:Network Programming ConsultantSTATIONS:KTIS FM-AM Twin Cities. WSMR FM Sarasota, FL. WNWC FM-AM Madison, WI. KNWC FM-AM Sioux Falls, SD. KFNW FM-AM Fargo, ND. KDNW KDNI FM Duluth, MN. KNWI FM Des Moines, IA. KNWS FM-AM Waterloo, IA. Skylight Network, St. Paul, MNCOMPANY:Northwestern College RadioBORN:Luverne, MNRAISED:Mankato, MN
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
My first position in radio was at KEEZ Mankato, MN when I was a senior in high school. I did every shift and job you could imagine for four years there. We moved to Sioux Falls, SD and worked at KPAT for ten months before getting my first PD job at KIOV/KKLS in Sioux Falls, SD. After nine years there, I moved to Midcontinent Radio in Sioux Falls, SD where I programmed soft AC KELO FM and served as general program director for their group of five stations before leaving in 2001 to finish a graduate degree and pursue interests in health care. From 2001-2004 I was the director of the Community Blood Bank in Sioux Falls before returning to radio with Northwestern in September of 2004.
1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
I volunteered at the student run radio station at Mankato State University while in high school, and that experience helped get me a part-time position at KEEZ. Early on, I was influenced by the late Steve Wolf, the director of the college station. He was very hard on all of us to be professional. You didn't want a hotline call from him! He cared about his "kids" so much. At KEEZ as a high school and college student, I was grateful to work with and learn from Mike Dorn, Jo Guck Bailey, and Brad Nessler. Those three were patient and giving to a young kid like me just getting into radio. They really taught me how to connect with an audience and build powerful promotional relationships.
2) What do you think is the most important topic facing the Music Business and Radio right now? Why?
Staying relevant. It's all about content. We should ask ourselves everyday if what we're producing has value to our listener.
We are blessed with the opportunity of being missioned based broadcasters and performers. We have a deep responsibility to connect relevantly each and everyday while guarding against watering down our message. In Christian media, the balance of mission vs. the definition of "success" should be a daily struggle for us all.
3) What does Christian Radio need to do in order to break through to a mass audience on a more consistent basis?
It's all about building relationships. If we don't do a good job of making strong connections with the listener, we're just another vanilla choice in the growing list of media choices out there. And...it's not just the listener. We need to do what Jesus did and get outside the radio station and build bridges to our communities.
4) What do you like best about your job? Least?
The relationship we humbly attempt to build with our listeners, fellow employees, community partners and donors. What an incredible blessing to be in the communication business and see the impact our work can have on lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. As non-commercial broadcasters, we have a special bond and an important responsibility with our listeners and donors. It never ceases to amaze me to witness what the Holy Spirit does through our radio stations and listeners. It's such an incredible experience that I'm grateful for and humbled by everyday.
Least? Some weeks it's too much travel and being away from family and mushy apples at the continental breakfast at the hotel.
5) Who has had the biggest impact on these facets of your life: Personal, Professional and Spiritual? Why
Spiritually and above all, Jesus Christ. The biggest lesson in life I have learned is to consult him in prayer 24/7/365 in any matter. I'm still learning. Personally, I am grateful for my wife Jeanne. What a blessing to have her as a life partner. I have learned to trust her intuition implicitly, except for spotting open parking spaces at Target. Professionally, it's David Martin who was our VP of Programming at Midcontinent. We used to call our meetings with him "being Martinized" because you felt as if you were dry cleaned afterwards! He was extremely tough and demanding, but in the end we always learned to do our best always and to "go for greatness". Larry Bentson, CEO of Midcontinent was an excellent leadership role model on how to run a corporation, be a good steward, provide an organization with major league tools, and empower people to get the job done. He's one of the most generous people I've ever met.
6) If you could add any one full-time position to your budget, with no questions asked, what would it be?
At Northwestern, we passionately believe in working hard to use the power of our media to penetrate our listener's lifestyle, tastes and attitudes. So, in addition to empowered local program directors, we are working to have "penetration directors" in our radio stations to go way beyond basic promotion work to actively go a step further to "penetrate" relationships on many different levels. There are so many perceptions "out there" about Christian media. We hope to change that by how we approach our work and relationships in the community.
7) If you were just starting out in radio toady, but you knew what you know now, would you continue forward?
Absolutely. There are SO many opportunities, especially for air personalities. Consolidation has severely affected the "farm system" of developing talent in our industry. There's so much room for creative, engaged, focused professionals that are willing to take risks.
8) What are the most important tools/resources you use to stay on top of the Christian format's growth and changes?
Number one, our associates at Northwestern. Our people and their development are the number one resource we have. Two, our listeners. If we don't have a focused relationship with them and listen to them, we're in big trouble. The listeners are the reason we have our jobs and we have a responsibility to serve them. Through all of that, it's all about leadership. We need to listen to each other and work effectively together as a team to keep our eyes focused on the horizon...not on the rear view mirror.
9) Any funny/favorite artist run-ins?
It's a rule. At every convention there's always ONE person you ALWAYS run into over and over again. At a Gavin Convention in New Orleans in 1999, it was Leigh Nash of Sixpence. Seemed we were always in the elevator in the morning going to get coffee, on the escalator after lunch, etc, etc.
Another was sitting with Al Jarreau at a label gathering in San Francisco. He found out I was from Minnesota and we both started talking like Margie from the movie "Fargo". We laughed and laughed dere den...yah.
10) If you could ask God about anything, what would it be?
Why? All the "why's" of life. I am really looking forward to heaven and how everything worked together for His good and perfect plan.
Bonus Questions
1) What book have you read that has touched you or taught you the most?
Outside of the Bible, it's been "Good to Great". Incredible lessons in leadership and organization building. Latest one is "The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team". "Your Marketing Sucks" was good as well. I seem to always have at least seven books going at once.
2 ) What is your favorite passage of Scripture?
Philippians 4:4: "Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
3) What is the most precious memory of your life so far?
All family related. It truly is the birth of our three sons. What an incredible thing to witness. On the other end of the spectrum, holding my mom's hand as she passed away. God truly is good and merciful.
4) Cat or Dog person?
Dog. We have a Pug that rules our house. His name is George.
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