New weekly Christian radio series launches

Jim Wood, President/CEO of The Marketing Group, today announced that the company’s newest Radio program, Direct Connection, debuted this month. The weekly radio program airs for two hours on both mainstream Adult Contemporary (AC) radio stations, as well as contemporary Christian outlets.

Direct Connection debuted the first week of February with approximately 60 affiliates nationwide. Plans call for 150 affiliates by mid-year, with an audience of over 4 million listeners each week.

The program features the best of contemporary Christian music, books, and exclusive interviews. "We take the best of what’s happening in the genre and create a music-intensive, magazine-style program that showcases Christian music and books on mainstream radio stations," says The Marketing Group’s Executive Vice President/COO, Steven Ludwig. "Over 90% of U.S. Christians are not impacted by Christian radio, and there is a need within the industry to reach out even further. We’re trying to broaden the impact of the message, fueling even more growth in the genre."

The program is being produced and distributed from The Marketing Group’s new studio complex opening in Franklin, Tennessee. Brent Johnson has been named executive producer and host of the show.

Johnson, an award-winning radio professional, is currently program director and morning personality at WTCB-FM/Columbia, SC. He will continue in that role while hosting the national broadcast of Direct Connection. "Being able to combine my profession and my faith and be part of a program like Direct Connection is a major highlight in my life," said Johnson of his new responsibilities.

"Brent is one of those unique individuals who works in mainstream radio, but pays very close attention to what’s going on in the Christian genre. Since we’re trying to create a marriage between the two, he’s a perfect fit for the job," said Wood.

Johnson has received multiple nominations for the National Association of Broadcasters' prestigious Marconi Award as Personality of the Year, and has been honored with four Star Awards as South Carolina's Personality of the Year. Johnson is a published songwriter, studio musician, and leader of a Christian rock band in Columbia, SC.

"What makes this program unique is the comprehensive nature of its design," continues Ludwig. "We’ve sought out input from record labels, publishers, retailers, and anyone else who would throw in two cents. Direct Connection will find new consumers for Christian music and books; and it closes the loop by aggressively motivating these listeners to retail."

The Marketing Group produces eleven other weekly, daily, and monthly radio programs with over 1,200 total affiliates nationwide, in addition to many themed holiday and album world premier radio specials.