10 Questions with ... Joel Burke

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

While someone people spend decades trying to figure out what they want to be when they grow up, Joel Burke had a pretty decent idea of what he was purposed to do as a teenager. Heading into his fourth decade at radio, he's only briefly considered venturing elsewhere once. Not unlike many radio guys, Joel's career has taken him all over the country, but he's grown particularly fond of his tenure in the Big D the past half decade.

1. What is the radio career path that's taken you to where you are currently at KCBI?

I got started in radio when I was 16. I'm now into my 39th year. My first Program Director job was when I was 26 at KKMJ in Austin, TX. Later was in Memphis for six years. Two of those years, I was a regional PD over St. Louis, Kansas City and Memphis. I was then PD at KYGO, Denver 2000-2010. From there, I went back to Austin to be over KASE/KVET. I've now have been at KCBI a little over five years.

2. Do you recall a moment when it was particularly clear to you that radio was what you were called to do?

I always had a strong curiosity of radio when I was very young. When was 14, I would frequently ride my bike over to a radio station a few miles from my home and would sit in the studio with the mid-day jock.

3. What was the most "I can't believe I get to do this for a living" moment that you can remember?

This one is hard to answer! I've so many of those moments. I've truly been blessed to go so many places, meet so many people and receive many awards. I guess the one that will always be a special memory was the CMA Awards in 2009. I was standing backstage, waiting to receive the CMA broadcast award for KYGO, Denver. I remember standing there thinking, "How did I end up here?"

4. Who in the music industry has been your most memorable encounter?

Another tough question. It actually isn't someone in the music industry. It happens to be legendary basketball coach John Wooden. I had the privilege of spending some time with him in 2003 and then again 2004. His teams at UCLA won 10 national championships and actually won 88 games in row! Coach Wooden was such a humble man. He really wasn't interested in talking about his accomplishments. He was more interested in me and what I was doing. He was a great man of faith!

5. Have you ever considered another career?

There was only one time and that was at the end of 2012. I was part of huge company-wide layoff in December 2012 in Austin. At that point, I thought I would just stay in Austin and sell real estate. Well, God had other plans!

6. Was it difficult to acclimate to the Christian radio format Do you think it's easier or more difficult to acclimate to the Christian format compared to transitioning to, say, Country or Pop radio?

It actually wasn't that difficult to transition into the Christian format. I've enjoyed Christian music, going back to the 80s when Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant were very popular. My biggest adjustment was going from commercial radio to a non-com radio station. Many of the promotions I was used to doing can't be done on non-com.

7. What intrigues/interests you most about the present state of Christian radio? What do you enjoy the most about the format?

It's exciting to see the collaboration and partnerships with all the Christian stations. Everyone has a desire to help other stations, anytime. Also, being part of the leadership that plans CMB [Christian Music Broadcaster]'s Momentum Conference the past few years has a terrific way for me to be plugged in and be able to help grow the format any way I can.

8. Conversely, what frustrates you most about the present state of Christian radio?

I would like to hear more diversity in our music. In particular, the lyrics. More songs that talk about the struggles of life in a real vulnerable way.

9. What are the pros and cons of programming a station in Dallas, perhaps the biggest Christian radio hotbed in the country?

It's all positive for me! I have-and still do-pay very little attention to what other radio stations are doing or not doing. Our biggest competitor is ourselves. As long as we continue to strive for excellence every day, the results and impact on people's lives will take care of itself.

10. What does KCBI do to separate itself from the vast amount of competition in your market?

We are constantly working on the art of storytelling. KCBI's air staff are terrific storytellers who are willing to open up and be vulnerable about their own life challenges. This opens the door for us to build a strong bonds and friendships with our listeners.