Rob Wagman Joins SonicTrek to Lead New CCM Format

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, October 19, 2026 | 11:05am CT

Rob Wagman

SonicTrek Media has named veteran programmer and consultant Rob Wagman to lead "Manna," a new localized Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) format featuring veteran radio personality Sparkle as its anchor host. The format is designed to provide stations with a market-specific alternative to traditional syndicated programming and generic voice tracking.

Manna combines SonicTrek's localization technology with experienced on-air personalities, customized content and music programming tailored to individual affiliate markets. The format incorporates real radio personalities and AI-generated personas to deliver localized programming while maintaining a consistent on-air presence.

Wagman brings extensive programming experience across Alternative, Top 40, Urban and Classic Rock formats, having worked as an air personality, programmer and marketing executive in markets including Tampa, New Orleans, Charlotte, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York.

He entered Christian radio in 2013 at KFSH-FM in Los Angeles, where the station achieved some of its strongest audience results in Los Angeles and Orange County. He later served as Network Program Director for WAY-FM, contributing to ratings and fundraising growth.

Wagman is also known for developing customized music charts and research for Christian, Country and Pop radio programmers. His market-by-market approach to music selection will be a central component of Manna's programming strategy.

"What excites me about Manna is that we're using today's technology to create something deeply human and authentic," Wagman said. "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."

Wagman previously worked with SonicTrek Media Managing Partner and CEO Joel Denver at AllAccess.com from 1999 to 2005.

"Rob understands both sides of this equation - great radio and the mission behind Christian radio," Denver said. "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 said the format is intended to provide broadcasters with a complete CCM programming solution without the expense of developing an entire local programming and talent operation.

Sparkle, who will serve as Manna's anchor personality, brings experience from Top 40 WSSX-FM and Country WIWF-FM in Charleston, SC, along with Christian radio experience at WLFJ-FM (His Radio).

"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," Sparkle said. "I like the thought of helping radio stations with my talent and creativity, but also with the power of AI technology."