Air 1

Infobox Network
network_name = Air 1
network_
country = United States
network_type = Radio network
available = National, through translators
owner = EMF Broadcasting
launch_date = 1986
website = http://air1.com

Air 1 is a Christian music radio network in the United States, operated by the non-profit organization EMF Broadcasting. Air 1 primarily plays a heavier blend of contemporary Christian music than its sister station K-LOVE, mainly Christian pop and lighter versions of Christian rock music. It is essentially a Top-40 (often leaning Hot Adult Contemporary) station with Christian Music - so many of the rules that commercial Top-40 stations use for musical rotation apply. Air1 reports its playlist to trade magazines Radio & Records (R&R) via its station in Portland, Oregon (KZRI), and Christian Radio & Retail Weekly (CRW).

History

In 1986, KLRD began broadcasting Christian music from Yucaipa, California, and went by the on-air moniker K-LORD. In 1994, KXRD was started as a sister station to KLRD. In 1995, K-LORD changed their name to "Air 1" and began broadcasting via satellite from St. Helens, Oregon. In 1999, Air 1 joined with EMF Broadcasting, and finally in 2002, it moved its headquarters to Rocklin, California. Air 1 makes heavy use of broadcast translators to spread the signal across much of the country. As of November 2006, the network lists 65 translators of various power levels.

K-LOVE, Air 1's co-owned network, plays a softer blend of contemporary Christian music.

Pledge Drives

Because Air 1 is a commercial-free and non-profit ministry, it is financially supported by its listeners. About twice a year, Air 1 holds a pledge drive for several days, encouraging listeners to donate and continue to financially support the station. $32 USD covers about 1 hour of air time at one station.

Music LAB

Air 1 listeners can vote on their favorite songs in a process called the Music LAB (Listener Advisory Board). Listeners register at Air1's website and receive periodic e-mails surveying their opinions of current songs. Each song is rated from 1-5 and listeners indicate how often they would like to hear the song played. Air 1 then compiles the data collected and produces a weekly top song chart where listeners can hear a sample of the song, obtain its lyrics, or click a link to buy it online. Air 1 yearly produces a top countdown from all of the top songs from that year. Past top songs have been "My Savior My God" by Aaron Shust in 2006, "Take Me" by Hawk Nelson in 2005, "Blessed Be Your Name" by Tree63 in 2004, and "Run" by Kutless in 2003.

Air 1 Morning Show

The Air 1 Morning Show is hosted by Scott Smith and Kelli Caldwell. and runs from 4 am PT (7 am ET) to 9 am PT (12 Noon ET). During the morning show, various topics are discussed, such as relationships and the day's headlines, while playing commercial-free music. They also discuss Christian music news and occasionally feature artist interviews from the studio or via telephone. The day's top news are read and discussed every half hour at a quarter before and after the hour.

Every morning, three listeners have the opportunity to call in and participate in "Airhead trivia." Airhead trivia challenges the contestants with five simple questions of various topics, such as pop culture, history, or common sense. The first contestant with three correct answers or the most after five is declared the winner. There is no prize for winning.

On February 8, 2008, Eric and Coppelia replaced Jeannie Green, who had hosted the Air 1 Morning show for the past 2 years. This came shortly after the surprise exit of her co-host Mike Shaeffer on November 7, 2007, former long-time host of the Air 1 Morning Show, when it was announced that he was no longer a part of the morning show. Jeannie speaks of Mike's departure [http://www.air1.com/listen/?href=/stream.asp?href=/Audio/Podcasts/air1msmoments_podcast1210_20071107.asf&author=Air%201%20Morning%20Show&title=Where's+Mike%3f&onespeed=true here] explaining Mike's sudden and abrupt departure. Mike's departure letter can be viewed [http://www.air1.com/promodetails.aspx?i=3314 here] .

On Monday, May 12th, 2008 Scott Smith and Keli Caldwell became the new Air 1 Morning Show. Coppelia has moved to middays and Eric has taken on more Programming responsibilities internally. Scott & Keli were a team on middays for Air 1's sister station, K-LOVE. JD Chandler has also moved over to host the midday show where Scott & Keli were located on K-LOVE. The changes come after EMF Broadcasting continues to try to meet the needs of listeners.

Information updates

At regular intervals, Air 1 news staff provide an update on current and positive news stories from listeners about what is happening in their communities. Right now, Air 1 has two news anchors: Sean Copeland from 7am-12pm EST, and Jennifer James from 4 pm - 9pm EST.

tations

See also

* Contemporary Christian Airplay panel

External links

* [http://www.air1.com/ Air 1]
* [http://www.air1.com/Listen/ Air 1 Listen On-Line]
* [http://www.air1.com/Music/Chart/ Air 1 Top Songs]
* [http://www.air1.com/Music/stationsPrinterFriendly.aspx Station list]
* [http://www.klove.com/ K-LOVE]