It’s the most important question we can ask. Or better, it’s the most important question we can ANSWER.

Our format is foundationally based on values. It attracts people that share those values. Our most loyal listeners and donors and even staff are those that share those values the deepest.

That’s our WHY!

I’m fixin’ to do some fuzzy math so hang on.

It recently dawned on me that I see more bumper stickers for churches than I do for radio stations. And where I live would hardly be considered the Bible belt.

This week I was a part of a conversation that had nothing to do with radio. Until I realized that it did.

For 790 weeks (that’s 15+ years for those of you keeping track), I’ve been churning out these Frost Advisories on my nifty laptop with the hope that they may inspire you to do better radio. Maybe even transformational radio. Golly, maybe even to impact your listeners’ lives.

Which is more important? Creativity or discipline?

My answer is ‘yes.’

My first Program Director gig was when I was 21. Obviously, I didn’t know anything about programming at that age, but I did have the lowest voice on the air staff, had my own car, and laughed at the boss’s jokes.

In the decades since I’ve trained a couple of program directors, coached a few air personalities, and taught up to a few general managers about the fundamentals of programming.

I don’t mean to brag but I was third chair Sousaphone player in high school. I could puff out my cheeks on the half notes right along with the best in the county. My West Texas public school education learned me a lot about good music.

But enough about me. I wonder what we could learn by comparing the design of a great radio station to that of a great song.

Let’s start at the beginning.

In the two previous Frost Advisories here and here I have shared a few brief ideas of how we can learn from the Turning Point USA movement created by Charlie Kirk. This week I’ll dig a little deeper on one of those ideas.

#2: Do your homework. Prepare.

On last week’s show I shared a few brief ideas of how we can learn from the Turning Point USA movement created by Charlie Kirk. This week I’ll dig a little deeper on one of those ideas.

Have a clear vision and purpose. Charlie made it clear what Turning Point USA stood for.

“The mission of Turning Point USA is to identify, empower, organize, and mobilize students to promote the principles of freedom, free markets and limited government.”

“Charlie Kirk was asked how he wanted to be remembered when he died: ‘Courage for my faith,’ he answered.

Charlie wanted his life to bring people to Jesus Christ. After today, it’s clear Charlie’s life is igniting a Christian revival across America.

Churches are booming, parking lots are filled to the brim, mass baptisms are taking place, and huge Jesus walks are happening across the country from California to New York.”

Benny Johnson

As we make decisions for our Christian media companies I ponder what we can learn from the legacy of Charlie Kirk.

It’s a question that too few stations every ask. What’s your goal?

It only takes one minute. That’s the premise behind the “One Minute Manager” series of books from my friend Ken Blanchard who share the concepts of one-minute goals, one-minute praisings and one-minute reprimands.

A few years ago I learned another lesson from Ken that was just as simple and profound.

When I wrote my Frost Advisory last week about the disastrous branding decisions of Cracker Barrel I had no idea that the story line would change so much that I’d be writing about it AGAIN this week. Let’s review their Bud Light-level marketing blunder and their actions to remedy the situation. Maybe we can learn something.

“We thank our guests for sharing your voices and your love for Cracker Barrel. We said we would listen and we have. Our new logo is going away and our ‘Old Timer’ will remain.”

CR press release

Here is what we radio folks can learn from it.