Educational Media Foundation has announced the promotion of Mandy Young to Program Director of the EMF Radio Group adding oversight of Christian AC “K-Love“.
Young has served as PD of “Air1” since October 2018 and has been with EMF since 2008. She has previously worked as morning co-host and midday host at “Air1” and was briefly APD/MD from February to October 2018.
Air1 morning co-host Dan Arthur will add APD/MD duties at that network, while the organization plans to hire and APD for K-Love.
Young fills the opening created by former VP/Radio Randy Chase’s exit in March.
Effective immediately, Educational Media Foundation (EMF) is adjusting its internal structure to incorporate three positions among its contemporary Christian music radio networks (K-LOVE and Air1):
- EMF Radio Group Program Director
- Air1 Assistant Program Director/Music Director
- K-LOVE Assistant Program Director (To be hired)
After more than a decade on-air and behind-the-scenes at Air1, Mandy Young has been named Program Director of the EMF Radio Group and will now head programming for both the K-LOVE and Air1 networks. In her new role, Young, who served most recently as Air1 Program Director and On-Air Talent, will continue to report to Jim Houser, Chief Content Officer.
Houser, who joined EMF in May 2020, said “I was privileged to speak with an extensive group of highly qualified candidates on the search for the programmer to lead K-LOVE. I was on the hunt for a Program Director with a passion for the Gospel, an excitement for the challenge, and an ear for hits, imaging, and air talent—a tall task. I spoke to people all over the country, and the right choice was in our building the whole time.”
“After years in the AC and CHR worlds as an air-talent giant,” Houser added, “Mandy has been blazing the trail for a ground-breaking worship format on Air1. She understands Christian formats and the faith audience in a way few do, and I’m ecstatic about the future of K-LOVE and Air1 with Mandy leading the way.”
“When I started in radio more than 20 years ago,” Young said, “coming in two minutes before the start of my morning show with a towel on my head, I never imagined I’d be here today. I am humbled by and excited for this new role. I have loved this ministry and the people it reaches for 11 years and I look forward to leading an amazing team at K-LOVE and Air1.”
Supporting Young in her expanded position, Dan Arthur (half of Air1’s morning show team, “Dan & Michelle”) adds Assistant Program Director and Music Director to his role at Air1. Dan will remain on-air, while also putting his 20+ years of radio experience as a PD, APD and MD to use. Arthur also has extensive experience with music research and a true passion for Air1 and the all-worship format.
“I’ve had the pleasure of spending the last two years working alongside Dan,” Young said. “I’ve seen firsthand how deeply he cares for the ministry and for sharing Jesus with people. I’m excited to see the contributions Dan will bring to his new role and I am sure our audience will benefit greatly from his creativity and skillset.”
The hiring of an Assistant Program Director for the K-LOVE network is planned.