GrootNieuws Radio stays on air

The cost of maintaining a high power medium wave transmitter are telling on Dutch Christian broadcaster GrootNieuws Radio.

The station, which has has a staff of 8, costs around 100,000 euro per month to operate. 70% of the costs go on transmission costs, music rights and the cost of running the studio.

Following an emergency appeal to listeners, the station is reported to have received 200,000 euros in donations and advertising which will allow broadcasting to continue beyond 1st August.

Programme Director Evert ten Ham says that the station is working on concrete plans financial plans for the future. It is reported that the station is to convert from a limited company (BV) to a foundation (stichting).

The foundation aims to attract 10,000 members by the end of the year, as well as more advertising. A number of Christian organisations have offered to help keep the station on the air.

GrootNieuws Radio, took over the use of mediumwave 1008 kHz from Radio 10 Gold on 1st September 2007.

The 200kW 1008kHz transmitter, located at Flevoland in the Netherlands, allows GrootNieuws Radio's signals to be heard by Dutch speakers throughout the Netherlands and Belgium

• GrootNieuws Radio website