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10 Questions with ... Rob Dempsey
September 27, 2005
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NAME:Rob DempseyPOSITION:Director of Network ProgrammingSTATION:His Radio NetworkMARKET:Multiple Markets (NC, SC, AL, GA)COMPANY:Radio Training NetworkBORN:3.26.67RAISED:Tampa Bay FL
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
My start in radio really began as a homeless teenager, addicted to drugs and alcohol. A youth pastor who reached out to me during this time introduced me to WCIE in Lakeland, FL. One night while leaving a bar WCIE was on my radio. I had given up on life. Dave Stewart reached out over the radio. It was as if he was speaking to me. "God loves you," he said. "He will never leave you nor forsake you." He prayed the sinner's prayer and at that moment I rededicated my life to Christ. Then I prayed another prayer. "God, I want to do what that guy on the radio is doing."
I never believed that prayer would be answered. However, it was. One year later I became a volunteer DJ at WLPJ in North Tampa. God was using me to help others the same way WCIE helped me. Easter Sunday 1988 I began a part time shift at WJIS in Sarasota, Florida. It was here that I learned how to do radio. By January 1989 I became the full time overnight announcer. In the years to come I became well versed in radio. The job duties performed were Traffic Manager, Production Director, Program Director, Station Manager and now Director of Network Programming for His Radio in the Carolina's and Georgia.
1. What was your first job in radio? Early influences?
Volunteer DJ at WLPJ in North Tampa - Influences ... Mason Dixon, Cleveland Wheeler and Scott Shannon from Q105 ... later Jon Hull and Bill Scott from WCIE in the 1980's.
2. What does Christian Radio need to do in order to break through to a mass audience on a more consistent basis?
I feel we need a clear focus and a strong strategy. Plus, our talent on the air needs the opportunities to connect with their listener. Allowing them to break the mold of the stereotypical DJ and become a real person talking about real life and real faith.
3. Can you be a boss and also a friend to your employees?
Yes, however it's a fine line on being a friend and a boss. Gaining trust and respect is important in motivating your staff.
4. Who has had the biggest impact on these facets of your life: Personal, Professional and Spiritual? Why?
Out side of my relationship and faith in Christ I'd have to say three people have equal impact in all three areas. Jim Campbell, Allen Henderson and my Pastor Gary Strickland. In the past three years I've worked with John Frost at ADG. He has rocked my world in thinking through strategy on my station. I'd have to put him in that group of impact as well.
5. Who is your favorite air/personality not on your air staff?
There are two actually...Johnny Stone and Scott Smith.
6. What are the most important tools/resources you use to stay on top of the Christian format's growth and changes?
Leadership Books, the radio trades, the CMB seminars at GMA, and John Frost
7. If you could have any job outside the music business, what would it be?
I went on my first mission's trip to Quito, Ecuador this year. I'd have to say it would be a missionary.
8. Which character in the Bible do you most relate to? Why?
Peter - I'm thick skulled at times
9. What is the most precious memory of your life so far?
The day a man let me live in his garage so I didn't have to live in the streets. I was 17 years old.
10. If you could ask God about anything, what would it be?
Why did you create the cockroach?
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