SonicTrek Media has launched its seventh format as veteran programmer and consultant Rob Wagman debuts Christian Hot AC “Manna“.
SonicTrek Media Managing Partner and CEO/Formats Division Joel Denver said,”Rob understands both sides of this equation – great radio and the mission behind Christian radio. He immediately understood what we’re building with Manna: using real radio personalities and their AI personas to create timely, localized content for each individual market while maintaining the personality, warmth and connection that great radio requires. Combine that with Rob’s market-specific approach to music, and Manna gives broadcasters an end-to-end Contemporary Christian format that can sound genuinely local without the expense of building an entire programming and talent operation from scratch. For broadcasters with an underperforming signal, a station in need of a new direction, or operators looking for a more localized alternative to generic national Christian programming, Manna presents a powerful new option.”
Wagman has served as Director of Network Programming for WAY-FM and hosted afternoons on Christian AC “95.9 The Fish” WFSH Los Angeles preceded by a long run in commercial radio including programming WIBT Charlotte, WEZB New Orleans and WFBC-FM Greenville, APD/MD of WNOW-FM New York, and various roles at WNTQ Syracuse, WFLZ Tampa, and AllAccess.com.
Wagman commented, “Joel Denver has been a visionary in new technology for decades. I had the opportunity to work with him at AllAccess.com from 1999 to 2005, when he was already talking about Wi-Fi in cars, streaming and how technology would fundamentally change radio. What excites me about Manna is that we’re using today’s technology to create something deeply human and authentic. Our personalities are real people of faith. The stories and testimonies are genuine. The content is localized for each community, and the music strategy is designed for each individual market rather than simply duplicating a national playlist. For me, it was essential that Manna be authentic and God-honoring. SonicTrek shares that commitment, and I’m humbled and excited to be working with Joel again.”
Manna will feature the artificial voice ‘Sparkle’, the former midday host on CHR “95 SX” WSSX and nights on “Classic Hits 96.9” WIWF Charleston SC until exiting in the August layoffs at Cumulus Media. Sparkle previously worked in the format at Radio Training Network’s “His Radio” She said, “I’m excited to collaborate with Rob and SonicTrek in bringing localized content to Manna affiliates and see how we can move radio into the next phase! I like the thought of helping radio stations with my talent and creativity, but also with the power of AI technology.”
