10 Questions with ... Wally Decker

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

In 2018, it's tough to find many people who've managed to stick with the same job for more than a few years, much less someone who's lasted in the same career for more than a few decades. In Wally Decker's case, almost four decades-38 years to be exact. Thirty-five of them at the same location in Greensboro, NC. That said, while that kind of tenure could wear some professionals out, it's molded Wally and WBFJ into one of the CCM radio industry's most reputable and notable-albeit often quiet-leaders as a manager/programmer and station, respectively.

1. What is the radio career path you've taken that's brought you to where you are, at WBFJ?

My dad was a preacher. When I was 15, he took a new church and moved across the state. One of his deacons was the GM of a 100,000-watt Southern Gospel station. He offered me my start in the business. When I went to college, I was hired at WBFJ-AM. Eleven years later, WBFJ-FM signed on and I became the full-time PD/MD.

2. Who has influenced/encouraged you the most throughout your career in radio?

I need a double album-worth of liner credits for this one. I have gleaned and grown at the input of countless great minds from the industry for decades. Individuals: Don League; the man that trained me on my first job was blind. He offered me one of the most unique opportunities to experience and perfect the craft from a totally different perspective. Steve Anderson was my GM during my college years. He was very patient and knew how to keep me in check, yet, professionally encourage this know-it-all kid who was ready to do things on his own. Finally, I work with a wonderful team that encourages me constantly, including the man that hired me, Phil Watson, who in 35 years has taught me so much about grace, prayer and trusting an incomparable God.

3. If you hadn't poured 38 years of your life into Christian radio programming, what do you suspect you might have done differently to make a living? Did you ever feeling like stepping away from Christian radio to pursue something else entirely?

Teaching. I'm part of a fifth-generation family of educators and it's in the blood. If not that, a passion for missions and service might have landed me who knows where in God's great plan.

4. What has kept you in CCM radio so long?

I don't know how to do anything else. Sometimes, I think it's like that cord of thre strands from Ecclesiastes. One is the artist, one is the audience and the other is industry (radio & retail). Each need the other, and properly function when balance is in place. This is not easily achieved, but does bring great reward.

5. What is one of your most memorable on-air moments?

One year during sharathon/fundraiser, a listener stopped by the station to drop off his donation. He was only in the station a couple minutes, but he had left his vehicle running in our parking lot. In a quick moment, the car was stolen and driven away. Since he had been listening to us, we immediately went back on air addressed the thief and encouraged him to abandon his plan. That and a little prayer worked. Police found the vehicle a few blocks from the station relatively unscathed.

6. Do you experience programming a radio station in 2018 as harder or easier than it was when you started? Why?

Technology has made it much easier. Even I though I tend toward numbers and statistics which are more readily available now, I feel that time and technology have removed some of the personality, the human element and the fun that accompanied some of the risks.

7. In the record label promoter circles, you're known for your "Top 10 Not Playing" list of songs you're looking to add into rotation next. If you hosted Wallypalooza Festival, who would be the artists you'd want performing there?

The Best Of The 80's: D&K [Degarmo & Key], Petra, Russ Taff, Rich Mullins, Mylon Lefevre & Amy.

8. You've listened to countless radio singles over your career. Which ones do you distinctly remember hitting you hardest during the first listen?

Thousands of songs. Hundreds of artists. Dozens of promoters. Over the course of a career, my batting average wouldn't put me in the hall of fame. There are songs that hit me right where I'm at, but never get anywhere. There are songs that soar up the charts that I just didn't hear. A wise radio programmer once told me almost 30 years ago: "If you like everything you play, you are playing the wrong songs." In retrospect, two songs that stand out that made a personal direct connection in addition to being well-received both locally and nationally would be "My Savior, My God" by Aaron Shust and "Light Of The World" by Lauren Daigle. For "My Savior," it was the song - the perfect blend that reached the heart, tickled the toes and put theology to rhythm. For "Light Of The World," it was about the artist. Talk about some talent that makes you a believer in one listen. Guess we know what happened from there.

9. When you're not at the station, how are you spending your time?

Embracing the Empty Nest and Grandparenting. I'm very involved in church, including teaching an adult class weekly and working with youth. In the winter, I serve as a high school swim official.

10. In light of your current post-surgery state, what had previously held the title for most intense physical malady inflicted upon your body throughout the course of your life?

I think HIPPA restrictions prevent me from answering that one. Actually, when I was in college, I was on my in to sign on the station on an icy morning. Another car tried to pass me, lost control, sent me down an embankment and into a tree. Totaled my car. Broke my shoulder blade - had to sleep upright in a recliner for 4 months and the impact knocked all of the fillings out of my mouth.