3 Questions with Programmers – 2025 Wrap up
2026 is right around the corner. Looking forward, PDs are focused on many things including deeper storytelling, smarter promotions, and connecting with both longtime listeners and the next generation. Check out all this and more…
Going into 2026, what is on your mind? Are there big initiatives or priorities you’re preparing for?
Tommy Dylan PD • JOY 99 (WJQK) – Our biggest push for 2026 will continue to be storytelling, and brand awareness in the community. JOY99 has an incredible opportunity to reach more people from West Michigan than ever before.
Mike Kankelfritz Director Broadcast Content • Family Life Radio – We are reviewing our 2026 Calendar and analyzing PPM. Which promotions are making an impact, and which ones can we drop? Is it okay to have periods without a promotion? The extra white space allows us to showcase the ministry’s features better. Outside the promotional calendar, we have not addressed this subject recently. We are preparing for the entire Christmas season. For the first time, we have dropped all long-form programming. This is the first step toward eventually eliminating it all together. For the first time, we won’t be holding a fundraiser in December! We’re ramping up our marketing efforts and want to really make a good impression. It’s like inviting new people over and asking them to help cover the cost of dinner.
Bridget Kehrt-Groce Executive Director • Christian Family Radio – CFR will celebrate 40 years of broadcasting in April. Our team is planning to be out in our community celebrating with our listeners with an acoustic series of concerts partnering with churches, ministries, and local churches. When we signed on the air, there was no other Christian radio in our area. The steering committee was dreaming big and praying hard in hopes of bringing “this new Christian music” to our community, I am so glad they were faithful to follow the Lord. I look back and see all he has done and anticipate all He will do. We see the revival in so many areas locally our intention is sharing the listeners transformation story. It is exciting to see God change people so fully. We will be doing some fun road trips to Nashville as a team, one will include touring the Christian and Gospel music museum. We love that we are only and hour and 15 minutes from Nashville—there is so much wonderful-ness to enjoy there.
Tony Weir Director, Programming & Content / Morning Show • The House FM – At The House, we’re still navigating some honest growing pains – but in all the best ways. Over the last year, we’ve intentionally expanded our outreach into schools, churches, and ministry partners to engage our local communities more consistently than ever. It’s been exciting to watch God open those doors, even though stepping through them has stretched our staff pretty thin. Our donations have remained steady – which we’re incredibly grateful for – but they haven’t quite grown at the same pace as our ministry opportunities. We’ve used reserves to ensure we never have to sacrifice ministry impact, but 2026 will be a year of sharpening our focus. We’re approaching budgeting with fresh eyes, determined to maximize the gifts our listeners have entrusted to us. We’re also leaning into volunteers, smarter systems, creative promotions, and content that strengthens connection. The goal is simple: do more ministry more efficiently while keeping our message hopeful, local, and deeply relational. I’m excited for the clarity and creativity this next season will bring.
Michelle Ross President/GM • KSWP/KAVX/LEBF – As we look toward 2026, funding stability and budget pressures continue to be front of mind. We’re exploring creative ways to deepen our connection with listeners and donors, including expanding conversations around planned giving, attracting a younger demographic, and diversifying revenue streams. Our team is also planning more opportunities to meet listeners in person throughout 2026, strengthening relationships beyond the airwaves. And like many stations, we’re prioritizing inventive strategies to engage the next generation. We’ve invested in more video and audio content across social platforms, joining cultural conversations, and connecting with young people who are experiencing a genuine spiritual revival. We want to be present where they are and be part of what God is doing in their lives.
What is something you learned this year about programming and/or music?
Tommy – While our music is available anywhere, at any time, our storytelling and ability to connect with the audience is not. We have to give them a reason to continue to come back to JOY99. We have found that deeper on-air relationships, unique contesting, and personal local connection is a driving factor to growth of our brand.
Mike – We just did a study with Mark Ramsey, and contrary to popular belief, CCM listeners and potential CCM listeners don’t prioritize community information as a main reason for choosing the format. So, be local, local, and local? Nope, it’s actually not that big of a deal!
Tony – This year, we really learned the power of fully “owning” who we are. For our House of Praise network, that meant returning to the heart of what worship radio can be. Even though the network began in 2003, over time it drifted toward a softer AC/Inspo blend. This year, we refocused, rebranded as Worship Lives Here, and doubled down on the really BIG worship songs listeners have been singing over the last few years. That reset brought new energy, clearer purpose, and stronger engagement. It reminded us how important it is to stay focused – and to keep refining that focus as seasons and listener needs change. Radio thrives when we’re confident in what we bring to the table, and I feel like we rediscovered that this year.
Michelle – This year, I learned that it’s okay to experiment. I’ve been intentional about letting go of a “fear of failure” mindset and embracing a more open, “what if this works?” approach. It has freed us to try new ideas whether in our playlist, promotions, or on-air elements and trust that being different can serve our listeners well.
What songs or artists are you most looking forward to in 2026?
Tommy – Brandon Lake’s King Of Hearts record is fantastic. Also, 2025 was a very big year for Phil Wickham. I am excited to hear what 2026 has for both of them!
Mike – Jamie MacDonald
Bridget – I am super excited about the music our artists are sharing. Radio has been trusted with the air, and the songs they are sharing are poignant for what culture is experiencing right now. God always spoke things into existence. This is the evidence of His creative ingenuity; I am humbled He would trust us to steward the air and fill it with His truth and spirit.
Tony – 2026 already feels like it’s going to be a strong year for new music. I’m especially excited about the new songs coming from Jamie MacDonald – I think she’s going to be a staple on Christian radio throughout the year. I’m also watching new artist Jaye King closely. I have already heard 2 songs I know would be amazing for The House FM. He’s incredibly gifted and has a powerful story that I believe listeners will connect with immediately. I’m also hopeful we’ll see new music from Tauren Wells (friendly nudge!). Beyond that, I’m energized by the wave of fresh Christian pop that’s emerging. Artists like Claire Leslie, Carly Ann Taylor, Mary-Clair, Hopeful., Shalom Malee, LIN D, bodie, gio, Allison Eide, and others are bringing sounds that feel current, accessible, and full of life. 2025 proved – with artists like Forrest – that listeners are ready for stations to take some risks and embrace a more modern sound. I’m hopeful that momentum continues into 2026.
Michelle – As a self-proclaimed Christian-music super fan, it’s almost impossible to pick! I love so many of the artists we play. While I definitely have favorites, I’m just as excited for the surprise of newcomers and breakout songs that end up connecting with listeners in unexpected and meaningful ways. I especially look forward to music that resonates with our long-time audience and attracts the next generation. Those moments when a single song bridges multiple ages and life stages are truly energizing.
