DAB radio faces threat from satellite rival

DAB radio, the digital radio format promoted by the UK Government, commercial radio sector and BBC, is facing a challenge from a subscription satellite radio which is set to launch throughout Europe.

Ondas Media, a Madrid-based satellite radio group funded by German and Swiss investors, has agreedments to provide its radio devices to car manufacturers including BMW and Nissan. Deals are also expected with Audi, Mazda, Toyota, Honda and Jaguar.

Ondas have also announced a deal to broadcast Britain’s Jazz FM when Ondas’ satellite service launches in 2012. Jazz FM chief executive Richard Wheatly will work with the group to create additional specialist radio channels with tailored content. The satellite radio company is also in talks with the BBC.

Ondas plans to launch with 150 channels in 2012, with devices which will have the capacity for multi-lingual radio, music, video and data services. The devices will be built under licence from Ondas by electronics manufacturers including Bosch, Continental and Delphi. The monthly subscription is expected to be in the region of €10-€12 a month for individuals.

Carmakers have been viewed as vital to making a success of DAB radio, but they have been slow to offer DAB radios in their models, with scepticism about the UK’s commitment to DAB, whether another platform might take its place and whether there will ever be a universal digital standard throughout Europe.

Ondas are also hoping that households and individuals will invest in the technology, which could be available in other devices, including mobile phones and Tom Tom sat nav devices.

Christian Radio Station Planned for Muslim Area of West Africa

Christian Radio Station Planned for Muslim Area of West Africa
Source: HCJB Global

HCJB Global Voice recently signed a final partnership agreement with another organization in West Africa, to start a radio station in the area. HCJB Global Voice expects construction to be completed in the next few weeks with plans to be on the air by Christmas.

After “Pastor J” and his team complete the building of the radio tower, HCJB Global Voice will donate the radio equipment needed and will also assist in the installation of the equipment. When the radio station is in place, the mission plans to help train the staff on the technical and programming aspects of the radio station, giving local partners the ability to run the facility on their own.

Pastor J, born in West Africa, was raised and trained in Islam. As an adult, he became a science teacher at an Islamic school. During that time, a Christian couple led him to the Lord. In 1983 he dedicated his life to reaching out to Muslims and has been serving as a missionary and strong spiritual leader ever since.

Christian Fellowship Church in Ashburn, Va., describes him as “a unique visionary and a strong Christian leader of exemplary faith … an effective evangelist with a heart of compassion for Muslims…and an astute, entrepreneurial businessman who continually applies his skill to spreading the gospel.”

Pastor J’s ministry focuses on providing schools, water wells and small-business opportunities for local communities. The station will be the first Christian outlet in this primarily Muslim area of West Africa, and will reach out to people who may otherwise never hear the Christian message.

HCJB Global is also involved in other community development projects that integrate both the voice (media) and hands (healthcare) aspect of ministry.

Trans World Radio Changes Name to TWR

Trans World Radio Changes Name to TWR
Media Organization Also Embraces New Positioning Statement
“Speaking Hope to the World”

CARY, NC, November 16, 2009

International Christian ministry Trans World Radio, a pioneer in media missions, will change its name to TWR on November 18, 2009. At the same time, the organization also will adopt the positioning statement "Speaking Hope to the World" to fortify its new identity.

"While our commitment to radio broadcasting remains steadfast, the name Trans World Radio no longer fully conveys the scope of our organization," says TWR President Lauren Libby.

"TWR is more than radio. It is a multifaceted media ministry. By changing the name to TWR, we will maintain radio as a keystone communication component all the while employing a strategic integration of new media platforms. In fact, we will even seek to enlarge our broadcasting footprint."

Libby explained that TWR is committed to leveraging digital advances such as the Internet, MP3 players, video and other mobile-device formats.

"In recent years, modern technology has enabled us to make significant strides in engaging with our global audience," he said."We also recognize the tremendous ministry value of social media portals like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube," Libby adds.

"We're not just endeavoring to reach people for Christ; we want to connect and dialogue with them as they grow in faith. Furthermore, we realize social media is a fast and efficient way to communicate with our stakeholders."

The ministry's new positioning statement, according to Libby, will clearly reflect TWR's primary objective of Speaking Hope to the World "

Speaking not only refers to verbal communication but also signifies the ability to relate with people in other resourceful ways," Libby explained. "With that in mind, we will offer relevant messages of hope in Jesus to men, women and children around the globe. Whether it's by radio or other new media means, TWR is dedicated to helping fulfill Christ's Great Commission."



Frequently Asked Questions
With the name of the organization changing from Trans World Radio to TWR, does that mean people will no longer use the term Trans World Radio anymore?
The name Trans World Radio has existed for more than 55 years. It goes without saying that it is entirely unrealistic to expect everyone to stop using that name overnight. That said, TWR staff, partners and affiliated ministries are encouraged to make the gradual shift toward using TWR as the primary moniker.

Is TWR abandoning or scaling back its commitment to radio broadcasting?
No, not at all. In some areas of the world, we are increasing traditional radio broadcasts on shortwave, AM and FM outlets. As TWR's Bill Damick states in his forthcoming document "The Future is Here: Radio, New Media and Missions": "[Radio] has the unique ability to deliver its message efficiently, inexpensively, and compellingly to the greatest percentage of the world's people regardless of their economic status, educational attainment, or geographic location."

What is the meaning behind TWR's new positioning statement/tagline "Speaking Hope to the World"?
The word "speaking" is used in both the literal and figurative sense. It can either mean "communicating audibly" or "communicating a deeper message" (as in "the author's latest novel really spoke to me"). The word "hope" refers to the true, lasting expectation of something (or Someone) better. The word "world" captures the global essence of how TWR communicates the gospel. It's international in scope. After all, Jesus said "go into all the world and preach (speak) the gospel."

November

The following is not new but, as local councils in the UK continue to introduce winter festival activites (which may, or may not, include Christmas), it is perhaps a worthwhile reminder from our Stateside brothers.

November

Twas the month before Christmas

When all through our land,

Not a Christian was praying

Nor taking a stand.

See the PC Police had taken away,

The reason for Christmas - no one could say.

The children were told by their schools not to sing,

About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.

It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say

December 25th is just a ' Holiday'.

Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, cheques and credit

Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!

CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod

Something was changing, something quite odd!

Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa

In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.

As Targets were hanging their trees upside down

At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.

At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears

You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.

Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty

Are words that were used to intimidate me.

Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton,

Wolf BlitzenOn Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !

At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter

To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.

And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith

Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace

The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded

The reason for the season, stopped before it started.

So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'

Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.

Choose your words carefully, choose what you say

Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS,

not Happy Holiday !