Welcome to our Faith in the Media interview series on Christian Media Leadership. Here, we have the privilege of delving into the minds and experiences of influential leaders in the field of Christian media. Throughout this series, our aim is to explore the unique challenges and opportunities faced by these leaders as they navigate the ever-evolving landscape of media and technology, all while remaining steadfast in their Christian values. Join us as we gain insights, wisdom, and inspiration from these remarkable individuals who are making a profound impact in spreading the message of faith through various forms of media. In today’s installment, we have the pleasure of checking in with Jeff Scott, Station Manager at WBGL radio.
Jeff Scott has been in radio for nearly 40 years. He began at KGOL 1180 AM, worked for 10 years at KSBJ, and recently celebrated 21 years as Station Manager at WBGL. Jeff is an avid duck hunter and motorcycle rider, has been married for 35 years to his wonderful wife, Shari, and has 3 adult children. Hannah, Zachary, and Micah. Jeff also loves to play the drums. One of his many life verses is 2nd Corinthians 4-5.
Elaine Welcome recently sat down with Jeff Scott.
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Q: As a leader in Christian Media, why do you do what you do?
I guess you could sum it up as a calling. God gave me music at a very young age, and when I hit my 20s and was at a crossroads of either continuing on with playing in rock bands or getting serious about my faith, I chose the latter. I still love rock, and my musical tastes are more in line with Skillet than Mercy Me, but I see a huge value in what we get to do at WBGL on a daily basis. I love what I do and who I do it with.
Q: What are your thoughts on AI and how it might impact Christian Media?
I feel incredibly old school and somewhat intimidated by it, but I’ve seen younger colleagues embrace it and it seems to better their work. It reminds me of a cartoon I saw as a child where a man is competing against a machine to put down railroad tracks. Yes, I’m Saturday morning cartoons old. I look back over history and see faith leaders who were calling Radio a tool of the devil so I know a tool can be used for either good or bad.
Q: What do you see as the greatest challenges for Christian Media in the next 5 years?
Relevance. We know our demo is aging and we need to figure out how to attract the next generation without losing our current audience. My friend, Mark Ramsey uses a phrase “Evolution, not Revolution” and I agree with that 100%. I also feel when we focus our energies on going deeper, wider will automatically grow. Deeper relationships. More intentionality to super-serve our current audience. I prefer the title friends over audience.
Q: What advice do you have for mid-level leaders that desire to grow to Senior Leadership roles in a Media Company?/
Pray as if it’s up to God. Work as if it’s up to you. Leaders recognize leaders on their teams. If you are serving under a leader who is intimidated by you, you might be on the wrong bus. Be faithful to God and your calling where you are and He will promote you where you are or somewhere else. I do find great value in what my friend Corey Mann says. He encourages you to “Leave Well”. Don’t burn your bridges.
Q: As a leader of a Christian Media organization, how would you define success: 1. as a leader 2. for your organization
- Having a team I can mobilize to go anywhere God calls us to go and to do anything God calls you to do.
- seeing wins on the important fronts. WBGL is part of Northwestern Media and our mission statement is “To lead people to Christ and nurture believers in their spiritual growth through Christ-centered media.” When we see the spiritual temperature go up in our communities, we know we are advancing His Kingdom.
Q: What should the #1 priority be for Christian leaders in media.
Listen.
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