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10 Questions with ... Steve Swanson
April 13, 2020
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1. To the best of your ability, would you be willing to provide a snapshot of your radio career from start to current status at WAFJ?
You’re making me use my long term memory here! Let’s see: KAUS/Austin, MN, KUXL/Minneapolis, MN, KKCM/Shakopee, MN, KBQC/Davenport, IA, KGLR/Davenport, IA, KQCS/Davenport, IA, KMXG/Davenport, IA, WJIS (TheJOYFM)/Sarasota, FL, WAFJ & WBIJ/Augusta GA.
I’ve also hosted air-shifts on WVFJ/Atlanta, HISRadio in Greenville, SC, and WRBS (Shine FM)/Baltimore, MD.
2. How have you seen your purpose in radio evolve over the course of your career?
Purpose is an interesting thing, isn’t it? MOST of the time, I have clearly sensed God’s calling to be part of this specific ministry. There have been times when my purpose seemed to be just to hang on for the ride (see the number of radio stations I transitioned with during my six years in Davenport, for example). I truly believe that the Lord prepared me for this ride. I was introduced to CCM when I first became a Christ-follower as a teenager. I feel like I’ve grown up with it.
The core purpose for what we do—and WHY we do it—has not changed. I do believe it’s matured and expanded. We’re now beginning to grasp the difference we can make when we leverage our resources and partner with area ministries—and use the “BIG voice” platform the Lord has given us in the communities we serve.
3. Maybe even deeper, how have you seen your personality and character evolve from your days back in Austin, Minnesota to now?
Looking back now, I don’t believe I really had ANY concept of ALL that is involved in the radio life. I certainly had a shallow understanding of the day-to-day operation and the frontline details that go in to maintaining a station license, managing and leading people. Along with learning to prioritize, delegate, trying to maintain personal spiritual well-being, managing expectations of staff and listeners (and record label reps)—as well as grasping the big-picture perspective, while at the same time, dealing with the smallest daily details. You DO have to be called (and a little crazy) to embrace the wild and varied experiences that are a regular part of our “daily days.”
4. You’ve have lots of co-workers over the years. Since you’re already in reflection mode, who are some of the people in radio you’ve worked alongside who made a significant impact on you, professionally and personally?
I have been blessed with tremendous co-workers, that is for certain! Dick Hauf was the individual who helped fuel my interest in a radio career. He was my church youth group leader and was the afternoon guy at a local AM station in town. Jon Hull and I have never worked in the same building, but he has consistently encouraged me over the years. Dave St. John and I worked together in the Quad-Cities, IA-Il. He is a student of radio and a very conscientious leader. I am excited about where the Lord has taken him.
Mike Swaringim is a talented guy with a love for radio who was my morning guy for awhile. Radio is in his blood. Sterling Tarrant is another guy I’ve not worked with in the same building, but I am in awe of his creativity and talent. Melissa Montana is a good friend who continues to be passionate about what she’s called to do in Fort Wayne, Indiana at Star 88.3.
I have also been blessed to work with some of the MOST talented people in Christian radio across the RTN network. I could not possibly make an inclusive list of the talented co-workers I am blessed to have, in our building today and at our stations across the Southeastern U.S. We really are a family. Jim Campbell’s leadership and focus continues to provide our clear purpose for doing what we do. THANK YOU to all who continue to encourage me by modeling your faith and desire for excellence as you faithfully serve.
5. Who are some current radio contemporaries whose careers you’ve particularly enjoyed watching, gleaning from, and perhaps even speaking into?
I will mention Frank Reed, Jon Rivers, and Jon Hull, The Morning Cruise (my friends Dave, Bill, and Carmen) as well as my buddies Rob Dempsey, Rick Davison, Kurt Wallace, Dr. Joe Cerreta and Mark Giles.
Again, there are MANY I admire and thank God that we are serving the Lord together—albeit, often in different physical locations.
6. In your history at radio, is there anything that’s impacted you from an on-air, programming and leadership standpoint as much as COVID-19 has?
As I think of that question, I remember the impact of 9/11 and the flood of memories of that day and the days following. It impacted and galvanized a nation like nothing else–but it was mainly a national impact. This pandemic is reaching layers and levels I have never seen in my 42+ years of being involved in radio. I heard this morning that 182 countries are battling the virus now. That is CRAZY.
7. What are some of the most important things you’ve learned over the past month, in the midst of this crisis?
The best views come after the hardest climbs. It is certainly a “hang on for the ride” period of time. I am totally confident that God is in control. He is using this event in human history to shift and shake people. Priorities are being challenged. Relationships stretched and re-framed, and people are pondering the truth of God’s word. Does God REALLY love me? Can I trust HIM? Is he listening? It’s common for people to ask “Why God?”
I am encouraging people to ask these questions: What do you want me to learn about YOU Lord? What should I be discovering about my faith during these days? What should I learn about my family? What do I need to see with new eyes about my priorities? What’s REALLY important to me? What REALLY matters when I have life and breath for another day?
8. Firsthand, how have you seen Christian Radio respond to the crisis? Has anything surprised you?
I am NOT at all surprised to see stations mobilized as they have to give voice to the concerns, needs, and perspectives of listeners and their communities. I know our voices are encouraging, soothing, reminding and calming many. On a White House faith briefing call a couple of weeks ago, we were encouraged to be “Ministers of Calm.”
9. What have you discovered are some of the most important and timely current songs at radio that give WAFJ listeners what they’re most likely looking for in this season?
Hope Darst’s “Peace Be Still” has arrived at just the right time. Matt Maher’s “Alive and Breathing;” “Keep Me in the Moment” from Jeremy Camp; “Your Name is Power” from Rend Collective, “See a Victory" from Elevation Worship, and “I’m Leaning on You” from Crowder and Riley Clemmons.
10. When shelter-in-place/lockdowns are lifted, what are some of the first things you’d like to do?
See my kids and grandkids! FaceTime is helpful, but lacking, after a short time. I also look forward to eating out and being able to visit-out-of-town family and friends. Can I just say it? I do WISH Momentum was still happening. I miss my radio family and it’s really the only annual family reunion we have. Yes, it certainly appears it was the right decision, but (like many) those days (in person) will definitely be missed!
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