10 Questions with ... Dick Witworth

NAME:Dick Whitworth TITLE:Station Manager STATION:Life 107.1 KNWI (sister station 96.1 in Ames) MARKET:Des Moines COMPANY:Northwestern College & Radio BORN:April 18, 1954

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I worked briefly at both WLUV-AM in Rockford, IL and WSMI-AM/FM in Litchfield, IL, but spent 28 1/2 years with New Life Radio in Illinois. While at New Life Radio I was privileged to serve at various times as a Morning Show host, Production Director, Station Manager and the last 17 years as the Network Director. In July of 2004 my family & I moved to the Des Moines market to serve as Station Manager and help establish Life 107.1 KNWI.

1) What was your first job in radio? Early influences?

My first job in radio only lasted two days. It was in southern Illinois; I was 18 years old and fresh out of a broadcasting school. When I arrived at the station the shock of it all began to unfold; no running water; a "porta-potty" conveniently located at the back door, one turntable, no cart machines and a location similar to something out of a Wes Craven's movie! Two days was all I could stand. Thankfully, I landed a job with WSMI-AM/FM in Litchfield, IL (not far from my hometown) and began the journey of a life in radio.

My early influences came from KMOX 1120 AM, The Voice of St. Louis - Jack Buck, Jack Carney, Jim White, etc. All of them were tremendous communicators; professional in every way and yet down to earth.

My favorite broadcaster was Jack Buck. Besides being the best baseball play-by-play commentator of all time (imo), Jack was a respected newsman, interviewer & humanitarian. He performed his craft so effortlessly he made me and many others like me, think that we could do it too.

2) What do you think is the most important topic facing the Music Business and Radio right now? Why?

I think the greatest challenge we all face is staying current with advances in technology WITHOUT letting technology "drive" the train. For example, I don't believe for a moment that consumers are the driving force in satellite radio. Consequently, investors are trying to create an appetite for something that consumers don't really want or care about. On the other hand, I-Pods are flying off the shelves at an amazing rate. I'm not sure any of us know how, when or where it will end. In the meantime, I have a friend who reminded me it is "better to be on the leading edge of technology, NOT the bleeding edge." I believe that is good advice for all of us.

3) What do you like best about your job? Least?

I love the opportunity that I have been given to impact lives for Jesus Christ through radio. For the most part, I have always enjoyed the people that I have worked with and for and I never tire of coming into work. Radio is my passion and hobby; plus it keeps me from having to get a "real" job!

Least favorite: I'm not sure there is a "least favorite" aspect to my job. I do know there have been times of frustration and disappointment in my career, but overall it's been a wonderful journey with very few regrets.

4) Who has had the biggest impact on these facets of your life: Personal, Professional and Spiritual? Why?

Personal: My wife Jayne. She is a great wife, friend and help-mate. Plus she makes me laugh and has done a wonderful job of raising our children.

Professional: Bill Snider, my first boss at New Life Radio, for his integrity and vision; ADG Consultant, John Frost, for teaching me what I had somehow missed in my first 20 years in the business and Rev. Ernest Moen for giving me an opportunity to lead New Life Radio for 17 years.

Spiritual: Rev. Harry Hodge. He was my pastor from 1975 until 1990 and invested a significant amount of time and energy into my life. I am forever indebted to Pastor Hodge.

5) Who is your favorite air/personality not on your air staff?

Chuck Pryor, Program Director at KSBJ. Chuck and I worked together for a number of years in Illinois. He is one of the most gifted communicators and visionaries I ever had the privilege of knowing.

6) If you could add any one full-time position to your budget, with no questions asked, what would it be?

Promotions Director - This person's assignment would be to help us impact our target listener's life by involving the station in the people, events and issues "she" feels passionate about.

7) If you were just starting out in radio today, but you knew what you know now, would you continue forward?

Yes, but with one caveat. I would spend more time with my wife & family. I have learned, and continue to learn, that when it is all said and done, your relationship with Christ, your wife and your family are all that really matters. Your work and sacrifice for "the company" only represents a small portion of who you are; consequently, how "the company" judges you is not nearly as important as how your wife looks at you at the end of the day.

8) What book have you read that has touched you or taught you the most?

"Good to Great" by Jim Collins is a must read for anyone who works for me. I also recommend "The Purpose Driven Church" by Rick Warren. This book started the "purpose driven" phenomenon and is a great starting point for new ministries, stations, etc.

9) Which character in the Bible do you most relate to? Why?

Barnabus is my favorite Bible character. His name means "son of encouragement" and while I believe that giving encouragement is a part of my "gift mix, I also believe giving encouragement is a "gift" that everyone has access to and it is a "gift" that everyone needs!

10) What is your favorite passage of Scripture?

John 15:16 "You did not choose me, but I have chosen you and appointed you to go and bear fruit; fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name."

1) Do you read everything? Books, Magazines, etc. Nothing? What is your favorite reading material?

Books - Currently I am reading "Pyro Marketing" by Greg Stielstra. EXCELLENT!

2) Do you have Musical Guilty Pleasures?

IF while traveling, I happen to hear a song from Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton or Santana (the early years) playing on the radio, I won't touch that dial! Other than that, my listening habits are mostly "guilt free".

3) Describe your favorite meal?

Chicken Chimichanga from the Guadalajara restaurant in Ankeny, IA.