G360: For those who are not familiar with the responsibilities of a Program Director, Ms. Bryant, can you please enlighten us?

CB: A Program Director is responsible for the flow of his/her station. When talking about the flow of the station, I'm referring to making decisions as to what programs should be aired, the imaging of the station, and the personalities to be hired. We work with the promotions director to develop various promotions that will work for the station to create ways to stay involved and connected with the community and to ensure that we have a working relationship with the staff and the Operations Manager.

G360: Have you always worked in the Gospel radio industry? How did you get started?

CB: No, I haven't always been in the radio industry. During college, I was front-end manager at a local grocery store. I also produced the in-store commercials at this store and one day the owner of the store came in and heard one of the ad's and asked the manager who produced the ad. I was then asked to start producing his on air ad's and from there the doors of opportunity opened so much more in my life. After graduating from Alabama State University with a B.A. in Communications, I received employment at WXVI-1600 am, where I later landed a position to host a Midday Program called "Perfect Praise" that aired daily from 10 am- 2pm. After leaving 1600 am in 1998, I received employment with Clear Channel,  at the time I think it was Capstar. I've been working with Clear Channel since 1998. The opportunity to be on air came in 2007. I started out with a weekend pm drive shift. Later was moved into the evening position, then to the midday position... and from there to the morning shift! In all shifts, I was able to maintain. I was then offered the Program Director position. I accepted the position, and I'm still learning even now more about the position.

G360: Please tell me more about your station. What is WHLW targeted audiences? Who are your listeners?

CB: Our primary targeted audience is women 25-54, and our secondary target is adults 18-49.

G360: What are some of the shows that air on your station?

CB: We currently air the Donnie McClurkin Show- Monday-Friday and on Sundays, and also The Mirage Countdown on Sundays. We also have local announcers, Sylvester McPherson during the midday and Yvette Dillard during the pm drive time.

G360: Ms. Bryant, I am asked this question numerously from independent artists trying to break into the gospel music genre, and seeking radio airplay... What is the most effective way to get their music to you. Can artists get in contact with you to submit their music?

CB: For me, the most effective way is to mail the projects in to the station. I will also accept mp3's via email. Our station address is 203 Gunn Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 and my email address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

G360: With all the various styles of Gospel Music ranging from Urban Contemporary and Neosoul Gospel to Gospel Reggae and Holy Hip-Hop... What are some of your views on the way gospel music has evolved?

CB: I believe it to be a good thing the way music has changed, however we can not forget the foundation of the traditional-quartet genre of music. No matter how music is changing, the message is still the same. I think people just have to get use to the change but still not forget the genre where gospel music was founded- traditional quartet music. As a program director and music director for my station, I have to be open to ALL GENRES of music, keeping in mind my target audience and what will work best for my listeners and for my market. I have an audience that loves both traditional and contemporary... and even lately, I've been receiving requests for hip-hop artists as well. So, you have to be open to all types of music and be able to work in what works for your audience and your market.

G360: Is there anything that you would like to see changed or more of relating to the gospel music industry?

CB: I would like to see more independent labels and artists showcased and receiving airplay. There is so much talent that hasn't even been discovered. Just recently, I heard an artist by the name of Patrick Dopson... he is AWESOME! So, I would like to find a way to give them an opportunity to be showcased and to receive more radio air play.

G360: Ms. Bryant, what are some of your gospel music favorites? What artists do you regularly listen to on your down time?

CB: Some of my favorites are Troy Sneed, James Fortune, Marvin Sapp, Lee Williams, and Rance Allen.

G360: Thank you so much, Ms. Bryant for taking time out of your very busy schedule to talk with me. It is greatly appreciated! Is there anything else you would like to say in closing of this interview?

CB: Yes... I would just like to encourage all programmers to stay focused and remain humble!!! What God has for you is for you! The first shall be last and the last shall be first. For me, not having as much experience as many other programmers... I appreciate my Operations Manager, Michael Long and Darryl Elliot/PD-MD from my sister station WWMG-FM for teaching me, showing me, and working with me as a new programmer in the business of radio!

Make sure you tune in Mon.-Fri., 6 AM- 10 AM CST to 104.3 Hallelujah FM Montgomery, AL to check out the "Queen of Gospel"! Don't forget to tell her that Gospel360Online.com sent you!!!