AI-assisted radio is heading to Contemporary Christian. SonicTrek Media has named Rob Wagman to lead Manna, a CCM format that combines AI localization technology with personalities, locally customized content, and music programming.
Wagman’s background includes Alternative, Top 40, Urban, and Classic Rock as an on-air personality, programmer, and VP of Marketing in Tampa, New Orleans, Charlotte, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. He moved into Christian radio in 2013 at KFSH in Los Angeles. He later became Network Program Director for WAY-FM.
Sparkle, a personality at Cumulus Media’s 95SX (WSSX) and Classic Hits 96.9 (WIWF) in Charleston, SC, anchors Manna. She previously worked in Christian radio at His Radio (WLFJ) in the Charleston market. Instead of Sparkle recording breaks for every affiliate, a licensed AI persona of Sparkle will produce market-specific content such as local references, timely topics, and station-specific talk, so each affiliate hears a “local” host.
Manna is SonicTrek’s seventh format since launching in October 2025, each one following the same model.
Wagman stated, “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 [SonicTrek Media Managing Partner] Joel [Denver] again.”
Denver commented, “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.”
Denver noted, “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.”
Denver added, “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.”
SonicTrek Media Manna Anchor Host Sparkle 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.”
