10 Questions with ... Ace McKay

NAME:Ace McKay TITLE:Morning Show Co-host for 'Ace & John O' in the Morning' STATION:WLAB Star 88.3 MARKET:Ft. Wayne, IN COMPANY:Star Educational Media Network BORN:Cleveland, TN RAISED:Birmingham, AL

Brief Career Synopsis:

I celebrate 18 years in radio this October. The first six were in mainstream radio ranging in Oldies, AC, Country, Top 40 and News Talk in the Birmingham and Huntsville markets. After 10 years with WAY-FM Media Group ranging from nights in Nashville, mornings in Huntsville and starting the WAY FM in Tallahassee, I am one half of the morning show on Star 88.3 in Fort Wayne.

1) What was your first job in the industry? Did you have any mentors early on?

I started at an Oldies station in Birmingham, running the board and doing anything I could to work my way on to the air. I worked with the legendary Bill "The Birdman" Thomas. He was a great mentor who taught me not to get caught up in titles and market size but just love where you are and what you do. He's a constant reminder to still have fun on my show. Also, Jeff Cruz, who now is at Z88.3, was on that staff.

2) You're on in the mornings. What does your routine for prep include?

I've always let the show reflect life. So I go home around lunchtime and spend time with my wife, my girls and friends so I can feed off that vibe as much as possible. Then I give my wife the remote and watch what she watches and ask her questions as we cuddle so I can keep a female perspective on news, pop culture, etc.

3) What has been your favorite feature/spoof/promotion in the past year at your station?

We just held a Dad's Day Olympics here for Father's Day. We set up a six-station obstacle course for dads to run through that mirrored daily tasks that moms normally would handle: stuff like changing diapers, putting away clothes, finding a "binky" in a pile of stuff, etc. The winner got a free week at a KOA campground in a sweet camper and we got huge exposure since we ran the course in the mall. Lot of great traffic that day.

4) Who is your favorite on-air personality NOT at your station?

I'm a big fan of Brant Hansen at WAY-FM. He's the best in radio period. Plus, I enjoy Denny Schaffer from DennyRadio.com.

5) What does Christian radio need to do to break through to a mass audience on a more consistent basis?

Simply relate to the listener. It's not rocket science. If you talk to them about what they care about and not over spiritualize, you can penetrate hearts and minds in your market.

6) What are the greatest challenges in your position/job?

Being that our show is an all male team, there is a struggle from time to time on issues facing our female listeners or things that need to be seen through her eyes. Thank God for my wife so I can bounce those things through her mind to have the right perspective.

7) And what are the greatest rewards in your position/job?

It's always been about connecting with the listener for me. I love when they share a window into their lives and vice versa.

8) If you could have any other job outside radio, what would it be?

Full time author and Speaker

9) Any favorite or funny artist run-ins? Highlights from a promotion or interview?

They all start to run together after a while but the first time I ever met Mandisa, I apologized for not voting for her more that week she went home. Who knew my votes really do count?

10) Shameless plug alert! Tell us about The Marriage Playbook.

This is a ministry my wife and I started after going through some amazingly difficult times in our own marriage. We use sports terms and analogies to helps couples learn how to work as a team while telling our story and how God helped us reconcile. We target men, of course, with the sports theme so we can challenge them to be godly husbands. We started live events this year that we call "Playbook Pep-Rally's" and this fall we are publishing a workbook for couples and small groups along with the launch of our "Marriage Playbook" radio show and international division with World Mission Broadcast to have the playbook turned into radio features for Spanish and Portuguese languages.

1) Do you read everything or nothing? Do you have any favorite magazines, books, or newspapers?

I write more than I read but fave book of all time is John G. Miller's "The Questions Behind The Question."

2) What music is in your CD player/on your iPod right now?

Well, not to sound clique but been vibin' on Michael Jackson for the last few days.

3) Cat or dog person?

Neither. I have asthmatic kids so it doesn't fit.

4) Describe your favorite meal.

A plate of Buffalo Wings with crispy celery and Onion rings on the side. Plus an ever flowin' glass of sweet tea.

5) What is your favorite quote?

We make plans and GOD laughs.

6) If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you and why?

My iPod because I don't do anything that music is not involved, my wife because she truly gets me, and my laptop so I can tend my farm on Facebook.