Christian Broadcasting News

SAT-7 TÜRK Launches on January 1st 2010

2009-12-31T21:11:00.000Z

SAT-7 TÜRK Launches on January 1, 2010

Broadcasts mark a major step for indigenous Turkish Christian channel

On January 1, 2010, SAT-7 TÜRK begins its first broadcasts as a full member of the SAT-7 network of channels. For the last six years the channel has operated as an independent ministry under the name “TURK-7.” In early 2009, TURK-7’s leadership sought to become part of the SAT-7 family to expand its operations. The January 2010 broadcast launch marks the end of a six month merger process and the beginning of a significant expansion for the Turkish Christian broadcaster.

“There is a real sense of excitement about the potential for growth now that we have merged with SAT-7,” says David Middleton, SAT-7 TÜRK’s Executive Director. “Being part of a larger organization provides us with great support that we didn’t have before. With that support comes added confidence in what we can do now and what we’ll be able to do in the future.”

The Turkish broadcaster was created in 2003 to serve the needs of Christians in Turkey and to help the wider non-Christian Turkish population understand more about Christian beliefs and practices. Since early 2006, SAT-7 has provided airtime for the Turkish ministry to broadcast its locally-produced programs (most of which are made in Istanbul) on the SAT-7 PARS (Persian) channel. The two ministries have always shared a similar ethos: to be inter-denominational, affirming, non-attacking of other religions and to be a source of Christian teaching, training and encouragement through which all viewers can experience God’s love.

“We’ve been operating at a solid level for the last three to four years and I believe we’ve established a good foundation. In 2010 we’re hoping to double our hours of production which will enable us to make a much bigger impact. With some additional funding we hope that we can move to our own 24-hour channel in 2011,” says Mr. Middleton.

SAT-7 TÜRK also operates a website www.sat7turk.com on which viewers can watch the ministry’s programs on demand.

For more information about SAT-7 TÜRK or SAT-7, go to www.sat7.org

UCB Gospel goes on to DAB

2009-12-23T04:49:00.001Z

UCB Gospel goes on to DAB

Dec 21, 2009

United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) has launched its Gospel music station on to DAB radio across five regions and extended the coverage of UCB Inspirational to a further two regions.

UCB Gospel was previously only available on Sky and online and UCB Inspirational was available only in some areas of England and Wales on DAB. UCB Gospel is now available on DAB across the North West, North East, Yorkshire, Severn Estuary and the West Midlands and UCB Inspirational is now additionally available in London and Staffordshire.

UCB’s Chief Executive, Ian Mackie said, “We launched our flagship station UCB UK on to national DAB radio just a few weeks ago and to now have the opportunity to extend the coverage of two of our other stations, is providing even more choice in Christian music and content on DAB radio. We’re so grateful to our listeners and supporters who’ve joined us on this exciting journey and helped to bring us so far”.

For more information contact Paula Cummings at UCB on 01782 654741 or email pcummings@ucb.co.uk

Notes to editor

1. United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) has five radio stations, three of which broadcast on DAB digital radio – UCB UK now broadcasts nationally on digital radio, UCB Inspirational broadcasts across large areas of England and Wales on digital radio, and additionally in London, and Staffordshire. UCB Gospel is now available on DAB across the North West, North East, Yorkshire, Severn Estuary and the West Midlands .Other UCB stations and UCB TV are available on Sky, Virgin Media and the internet at ucbmedia.co.uk

2. UCB provides thought-provoking, life-changing resources to churches, Christians and people seeking a better understanding of the Christian faith, currently reaching more than a million people across the UK and Ireland.

__________________
Paula Cummings
Broadcast Publicist
United Christian Broadcasters Ltd
Broadcast Centre
Hanchurch Lane
Stoke-on-Trent
ST4 8RY
UK
Switchboard: +44 (0) 1782 642000
Direct Line: +44 (0) 1782 654741
Email: pcummings@ucb.co.uk
Web: http://www.ucbmedia.co.uk http://www.UCB2GO.co.uk http://www.LookingforGod.com

New licensing arrangements for wireless microphone users

2009-12-17T15:56:00.002Z

In the UK some wireless microphone systems require a licence. This will depend on the frequency and transmitter power of the radio microphone system.

VHF Frequencies
If your operate a VHF radio microphone which transmits between the frequencies 173.800MHz and 175.00MHz, has a maximum power of 10mW for handheld or 50mW for belt pack microphones, you will not be required to obtain a licence.

UHF Frequencies
If the radio microphone system is operated in the UHF bandwidth between 863.100MHz and 864.900MHz and has a maximum power of 10mW for handheld or 50mW for belt pack system, you will not be required to obtain a licence.

Any radio microphone which operates outside these frequencies or has above the regulation power output will require a licence. More information on obtaining the correct licence can be found at www.jfmg.co.uk It is the responsibility of the user to establish and obtain the correct licence.

Ofcom have announced that it is revising licensing arrangements for wireless microphone users to help them better plan for the future.

Wireless microphone users currently have exclusive use of one dedicated channel – channel 69 – which will be cleared in 2012 to allow for new uses, particularly mobile broadband.

To safeguard the future interests of wireless microphone users, Ofcom announced earlier this year that they would be able to use a replacement channel – channel 38 – which will offer the same utility as channel 69.

Licensees have been notified by letter that from 4 January 2010, channel 38 will become available on a shared use basis.

This means that equipment used in different locations can be covered by the same licence, reducing costs and bureaucracy particularly for those who travel with their equipment.
It will also give confidence to those looking to invest in new equipment that uses this channel.
Channel 38 is already available for wireless microphone use in most of the UK.

However there are a number of locations where it will not be fully available until 1 January 2012. This is because of the need to protect radioastronomy sites in Cheshire and Cambridgeshire and terrestrial television transmissions in adjacent channels where digital switchover has not taken place. To assist wireless microphone users, Ofcom has arranged, where possible, for channels 39 and 40 to be made available on the same shared licence in all of these locations until channel 38 becomes fully available.

In addition, channel 69 will also be included in the new licences, effectively rolling up to four channels – 38, 39, 40 and 69 – into the one licence.

Ofcom has also proposed that most of the 32 channels of spectrum retained for digital terrestrial television after switchover should continue to be available for PMSE, to meet the future needs of users.

International Conference on Computing and Mission

2009-12-15T22:12:00.000Z

GOD LOVES GEEKS ON A MISSION!

We are all aware that technology is changing lives across the globe at an ever increasing rate - many kids nowadays have never seen a vinyl record - it's deemed to be old technology after only 60 years of production!

Churches and Mission agencies are using technology and the geeks that understand it more and more to share the gospel message of hope as well as run their own operations. Keeping track of the good, the bad and the ugly of technology is a struggle for many technologists in good times, but with over-stretched budgets and people, and never-ending technological change, keeping up to date is now almost an impossible task.

The International Conference on Computing and Mission (ICCM) exists to collaboratively help and support those who work with computer technology and mission. It is a place where Christian technologists from missions, churches and industry can talk together about walking with God on the one hand and technology on the other. The conference has been running for over 20 years around the globe. It is genuinely a unique, collaborative event, run by the attendees for the attendees.

The next ICCM is being held in Europe between Wednesday the 10th and Saturday 13th March 2010 at De Betteld in the Netherlands.

For more information visit http://www.iccm-europe.org or contact Mick
Leggett, HCJB Global, The Media Centre, 131 Grattan Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 2HS. e: itdept@hcjb.org.uk t: +44 1274 721810

---

ICCM-Europe is organised and hosted by a group of people who value and work with technology in mission, many of whom work within mission organisations. It is a sister conference to ICCM-Asia and ICCM-US and like them is more of an organism than an organisation.

DAB radio faces threat from satellite rival

2009-11-20T23:41:00.002Z

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

2009-11-20T23:37:00.001Z

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

2009-11-17T01:51:00.003Z

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

2009-11-17T01:41:00.002Z

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 !

ICASA and Radio Pulpit negotiations fail

2009-10-01T22:58:00.000Z

ICASA and Radio Pulpit negotiations fail, review application continues

The attempts by Radio Pulpit and the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to resolve the dispute on a broadcasting licence for the Western Cape out-of-court have, unfortunately, been unsuccessful.

On the 7th of May 2009 Radio Pulpit submitted a Review Application to the High Court to have the decision of ICASA reviewed or set aside.

After the Review Application was served on ICASA, the Authority proposed to get a process in motion to settle the matter out of court. This proposal was made on the 15th July 2009.

Numerous attempts by Radio Pulpit to get the settlement process in motion were consistently derailed by ICASA and this course of events brought Radio Pulpit to the conclusion that ICASA was not acting in good faith.

The essence of the settlement process proposed by ICASA was that ICASA would appoint a two-man committee to reconsider Radio Pulpit’s Licence Application. Furthermore ICASA undertook that this committee would consist of board members that hadn’t previously been involved in the consideration of Radio Pulpit’s application. It soon became apparent, however, that the committee members who ICASA intended to nominate, have been previously involved in the case of Radio Pulpit and it also became clear that they have in fact voted against the approval of Radio Pulpit’s application. Based on this information which came to light, Radio Pulpit decided that it cannot place its destiny in the hands of a biased committee.

A further condition of ICASA’s settlement offer was that, pending the decision of the two-man committee, Radio Pulpit’s review application had to be withdrawn on the basis that each party will carry its own costs.

Radio Pulpit’s review application deals with various grounds for review, with particular reference to ICASA’s policy that Community Broadcasters must be geographically bound with regard to the area of their transmissions.

A withdrawal of Radio Pulpit’s review application would effectively deprive Radio Pulpit of the opportunity to obtain a fair and objective ruling from the High Court on the various grounds for review that are dealt with in the review application in respect of which the two-man committee wouldn’t rule against themselves in the process which was proposed by ICASA.

The ongoing dispute regarding the Western Cape transmitter has been strongly fuelled by unfounded and erroneous reasons from ICASA. The first of which being that ICASA classified this transmitter as a commercial transmitter; while during the past 7 years no commercial broadcaster applied to use this transmitter and while Radio Pulpit’s application has been rejected three times by the Authority in the past three years. Another reason that was put forward as motivation for the denial of Radio Pulpit’s application was the scarcity of frequencies. This is also an unfounded reason because it is a well known fact in the broadcasting industry that only 3 out of te 19 available medium wave frequencies in South Africa are currently being used.

Given the history of this application and the most recent developments, Radio Pulpit is left with only one clear option, which is to proceed with its review application to the High Court.

From Ecuador to the World

2009-10-01T22:25:00.001Z

Missionary Radio Station Broadcasts the Gospel for Nearly 6 Decades
By Kenneth D. MacHarg
Missionary Journalist

Just stepping on the property one knew that it was a special place.

Others declared that it was holy ground.

Whatever a person’s viewpoint, these 110 acres of rolling green fields with a spectacular view of the perfect snow-covered volcanic cone of Mount Cotopaxi to the south were a single point from which shortwave radio programs could be beamed to the four corners of the earth.

Pifo, as the transmitter site for international Christian radio station HCJB, the Voice of the Andes, was known, could only be described in superlatives: one of the largest radio stations in the world; the home of one of the largest broadcast antennas ever built; one of the few places in the world where radio broadcasts could reach around the globe; the place from which the gospel of Jesus Christ could be heard by listeners in each of the world’s countries.

Even before entering the property, a visitor approaching the transmitter site from Quito could see red-and-white towers poking up into the sky. Passing through the entry gate just east of the town of Pifo, one saw 31 arrays of steel towers and curtains of wire spread out. Clustered near the transmitter and maintenance buildings were the homes of resident engineers.

Each of those unique structures with their complex web of reflecting curtains was designed to throw a powerful signal to a specific target, be it North or South America, Europe, the South Pacific, East Asia or West Central Africa. Smaller antennas, configured in a different manner, served to send programs in the Quichua dialects straight up where they would bounce off electronically charged layers far beyond the reach of the highest-flying airliner and bounce back down like an umbrella over the Andes where those descendents of the Inca civilizations still live.

In the large transmitter building, 10 behemoths of electronic genius pumped out hundreds of thousands of watts of signal power, much of it generated in HCJB Global’s own hydroelectric plants even higher in those majestic mountains.

Some of those technological marvels were commercial brands known to radio engineers around the world: RCA, Harris, Siemens. Others, including the super-power, 500,000-watt HC500, were built by HCJB Global’s own engineers in Ecuador and Elkhart, Indiana, USA.

None of these were ordinary, run-of-the mill transmitters. No, they were specifically built for or adapted to Pifo’s extraordinary altitude of 8,600 feet where the air is thin and electrical arcing between components could quickly burn up precious parts and force an expensive and crucial piece of equipment off the air.

Hidden away in the roof of this fascinating building was a switcher unit, or to be more precise, dozens of switchers. These connected the appropriate transmitter to its scheduled antenna to beam the Christian message from Pifo in the morning to missionaries in the Brazilian Amazon or to German settlers in Paraguay and Argentina. In the afternoon they helped send programs to eager listeners in Europe, the Middle East and Africa; in the evening to enthusiastic listeners in the Americas and the Caribbean and in the wee hours of the morning to others in East Asia and the South Pacific.

While the transmitters were impressive, it was the antennas that were awe-inspiring. Whether seen against the backdrop of the setting sun or with Cotopaxi visible through their web-like patterns, these tall towers, reaching as high as 417 feet and holding two or three curtains of wires were fascinating as they invisibly bounced hundreds of thousands of watts of power, carrying the life-giving message of the gospel to people trapped behind the Iron Curtain, confined in the totalitarian state that was the Soviet Union. Also nurtured were those hidden behind the veil of Mideast nations or casually listening in their homes and offices in North America, Europe, Asia and the South Pacific.

It’s hard for those without engineering experience to understand how an array of thin wires can bounce an electric signal against another similar curtain and have that signal and its message arrive at a radio receiver 6,000 miles away.

But, the antennas and transmitters of Pifo, Ecuador, did just that, broadcasting at times in up to 18 languages a day, around the clock, around the world.

While the technology was fascinating, even more compelling were the people who made it happen—those men and women who relocated to the beautiful South American country of Ecuador over the years so that they could build a radio station that would carry a message of hope and life to listeners around the world. Those engineers and technicians gave up what could have been lucrative careers back home to make certain that people in Ecuador and El Salvador, Germany and Greece, Russia and Romania could hear the life-giving message of Jesus Christ in their own language on their own radios.

These people, from a multitude of nationalities, were innovators and geniuses in their own right. They designed the Cubical Quad antenna to prevent electrical arcing at the tips of antenna wires and made that model available for personal, military and commercial use around the world.

They built and operated the “steerable antenna,” said to be one of the largest broadcast antennas ever built and the only one of its design ever constructed. They fabricated transmitters, antennas and components almost out of barbed wire and tin cans when standard supplies were not available. They utilized propagation possibilities (characteristics that allowed the signal to span long distances) that were unknown to others at the time, yet allowed the signal of HCJB to reach the ends of the earth.

Why did they do this? Because they had learned that God, who created the world and everything in it, including the fascinating science of radio broadcasting, cares about His creation and wishes that each and every person, from every tongue and nation, will know His love for them. And, they discovered the truth of God as it is written in the Bible and the love, forgiveness and salvation of God which results in eternal life through God’s Son, Jesus Christ, who is the friend of sinners and the Savior of the world.

Today, those fields from which gospel programming was broadcast for almost 60 years are silent and almost empty. Gone are the huge towers and miles of wire that stretched across the green grass. Now gone silent are the transmitters* that labored day in and day out to transform the programs into a signal that would be carried around the world.

The site, which began broadcasting in 1953, signed off for good on Sept. 30, 2009. A changing world and changing methods of mass communication have challenged HCJB to move on to new ways of sharing that same message of hope. Today, satellite television and radio, the ability of local Christians to launch their own stations in communities where such broadcasters were forbidden or impossible in the past, the availability of other shortwave transmitting sites, the Internet, podcasts, social networking sites and Internet radio have become additional means of receiving information, entertainment and inspiration.

Pifo has become silent and the engineers and program producers have moved on. But today in every country of the world there are churches meeting, worshiping and serving because they practice what they heard on HCJB. There are entire communities and nations and people groups that proudly bear the name Christian because listeners heard the message emanating from Pifo. And, there are people, believers in Jesus Christ, who will attest to how their lives were transformed by Him and how today they are followers of Jesus because of what they heard from Pifo, Ecuador.

To God be the glory!

(*While the official closure date for the Pifo transmitter site was September 30, broadcasts in Portuguese were scheduled to continue for a few weeks.)

Note: Kenneth D. MacHarg served in Ecuador with HCJB Global from 1990 to 1998. He and his wife, Polly, retired from Latin America Mission in 2006 and now live in Carrollton, Ga. His website is www.missionaryjournalist.net.

Kenneth D. MacHarg
Missionary Journalist
Missionaryjournalist@gmail.com

Alive Radio - now live in Dumfries on 107.3 FM

2009-09-30T01:20:00.003Z

After several years of preparation, Alive Radio in Dumfries launched on Tuesday 1st September.

The station's initial days on air were not without their problems as it was discovered that coverage was not as expected. The problem turned out to be the aerial system and the installing company recified the situation with new aerials ordered from Italy.

Community radio is all about supporting a community, helping it grow and develop in a healthy way. Alive Radio plans to build on their past experience of short term broadcasting trials, to present a valuable resource for Dumfries and surrounding rural communities.

The station's programming has started off by majoring on the key slots of Breakfast (7am – 9am) and Drivetime (4pm – 6pm) weekdays, then building on that foundation, with specialist shows for nich music genres, community organisations’ features, sports and lots more.

Most programmes will include discussions, interviews, news and good music, brought to the public by people from local Churches and organisations.

The station is seeking to build community spirit and help people feel good about their community and their place in it.

Alive Radio is working with local organisations to unite our communities and help people know what’s going on locally.

Alive Radio is the broadcasting arm of Alive Christian Media Ltd, a not-for-profit company (Company reg: SC322811) and Scottish Charity (OSCR no: SC038224)

Station coverage will eventually be shown on the Ofcom website at ofcom.org.uk/static/radiolicensing/mcamaps/CR126.pdf

Find the Alive Radio website at aliveradio.net

Premier now available on UK national DAB

2009-09-30T01:14:00.002Z

London's local Christian radio station is now available across the UK national DAB network.

After almost fifteen years broadcasting to the Greater London area, Premier Christian Radio has secured a national licence on DAB radio. Previously, the station has been able to offer national coverage through Freeview and the internet but this is the first time a Christian radio station is being broadcast on a nationalDAB network.

Premier Christian Radio broadcasts a range of Christian debate and teaching programmes for the whole of the Church, Christian music and national and regional news from a Christian perspective.

UCB to go Nationwide ?

2009-09-30T00:50:00.002Z

UCB have written to supporters to advise them of an opportunity to provide a national Christian radio service across one of the UK's national Digital Audio Broadcasting networks.

The UK governement presently intends that DAB in the UK will replace both AM and FM, other than for very local broadcasting, by 2015. DAB will then be the only way to receive national broadcasters like the BBC and Classic FM as well as major local commercial stations.

After 2013 all new UK cars must have DAB radios so UCB sees the need to be on DAB as a delivery platform.

UCB have been considering a national DAB platform for some time and are now satisfied that the place is there for them and now "it is simply now just a case of money".

UCB currently covers just over half of the UK on DAB, primarily in England and Northern Ireland with some coverage in Wales. A presence on one of the national DAB networks would enhance existing coverage including providing, for the first time, a service to Scotland.

TWR Antenna Upgrade Completed

2009-06-12T10:33:00.002Z

Trans World Radio (TWR) has announced the successful completion of a major antenna upgrade to North Africa as of April 9, 2009.

The upgrade greatly improves both coverage and signal strength, increasing the number of potential listeners in the region to 40 million people.

Prior to the antenna modification, TWR’s signal to many North African people groups, particularly those in the Northern Atlas mountains, was nearly indistinguishable above the interference caused by electromagnetic radiation from growing cities.

Today, the reception is loud and clear. The transmission is now beamed towards the Atlas Mountains in a concentrated beam, as opposed to the earlier, wider-angle signal toward an area with not much interest in reception. The transmitter power for 1467 kHz remains at 100,000 watts.

One North African listener says, “The signal is better than before. I know that this improvement not only helps us hear the gospel message, but also allows many more in all of North Africa to listen to these programs now.”

Trans World Radio envisions North Africa committed to Jesus Christ, and broadcasts strategic programming to North Africa in Arabic and Berber dialects such as Sous, Tamazight, Tarifit and Kabyle.

HCJB Global Reaching 1 Million Households in Arab World, Research Shows

2009-03-08T23:47:00.000Z

HCJB Global Reaching 1 Million Households in Arab World, Research Shows
Source: HCJB Global

Recent research shows HCJB Global, an international media and healthcare ministry, is now reaching more than 1 million Arab households weekly across the North Africa/Middle East region via radio broadcasts through its strategic media outreach. The research was conducted by Intermedia (www.intermedia.org), an international media research organization.

“The households in the Arab world have many challenges. They are searching for a message of hope and love, and that is our focus as we reach out,” said HCJB Global President Wayne Pederson.

HCJB Global’s media strategy in the region has a two-pronged approach. First, it’s engaging households that listen to broadcasts together.

“Our media ministry in the Arab world primarily is to serve people on their journey to faith,” said HCJB Global’s regional director. “Programs are structured so we don’t offend anyone in the family – so they will not close the channel. Our desire is to keep the channel open. And we are designing programming with the entire household in mind.”

Second, programs are produced by trained local believers who could face great persecution. These local broadcasters can now tell their neighbors about the hope they have found, when they could not before.

HCJB Global recently announced its “Me and My Household” initiative based on the Arab world research. The campaign centers on the Bible verse, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15, NIV). The ministry is offering a free prayer e-card at www.hcjbglobal.org/myprayer which Christians can use to encourage their family and friends to serve God and pray for the unsaved families of the world.

HCJB Global also is sponsoring a nationwide contest in April that allows Christians to submit outreach projects based on the ministry’s commitment to declare and demonstrate Jesus to others. Contest winners will receive cash prizes to complete the project they submitted.

In addition, the ministry will be challenging households across the U.S. and the world to pray for unreached households and to give $1 to reach one household in the Arab world for one year.

The Arab world consists of 19 countries and nearly 300 million people. Although Christian radio stations are illegal in most nations in the region, residents can still hear the gospel through HCJB Global’s shortwave, satellite and Internet radio broadcasts.

Illiteracy rates, especially among women, can be high, making radio an effective tool for both evangelism and discipleship. The recent study reveals that programming focused on local needs and a message of hope is seeing a great response, with 71,000 households listening in Algeria and 72,000 households listening in Saudi Arabia alone.

“There is evidence this generation of people in the Arab world is more open to Christ due to the compassion many have experienced through Christian agencies as refugees or during famines or natural disasters,” said Pederson. “As we receive responses from listeners, we have found many listeners discover what they are searching for.”

“I am a very loyal listener to your station, because it broadcasts programs that address our spiritual needs,” wrote one listener from Tunisia.

Another listener from Algeria wrote: “I was very happy to hear about salvation and the true happiness that does not come apart from Jesus Christ. I would like to know more about Jesus.”

Death of former HCJB broadcaster

2009-01-27T11:32:00.001Z

Longtime HCJB Global German Radio Broadcaster Dies at 82
Source: HCJB Global

Sally Schroeder Isaak, a German broadcaster at Radio Station HCJB in Quito, Ecuador, for 30 years, died of cancer in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada, on Monday, Jan. 19. She was 82.

The daughter of Mennonite parents who emigrated from Ukraine to Canada in 1925, Sally was born in St. Françoise Xavier, Manitoba, on Feb. 19, 1926.

Sally graduated from Teachers College in Winnipeg and also attended Regent College in Vancouver and the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan., in 1956. She later studied at Mennonite Brethren Bible College in Winnipeg, completing a bachelor’s degree in religious education in 1964. She also received a master’s degree in communications from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill., in 1978.

In her 20s, Sally worked as a schoolteacher, but she began to feel “restless” and spent one year on a special project under the Mennonite Central Committee, working among Mexican migrant workers in Modesto, Calif.

Sensing a call to full-time missions, Sally applied with Mennonite Brethren Missions/Services (MBM/S) in 1956 and was assigned to HCJB Global’s German Language Service in Quito, a department that began just three years earlier.

After five months of Spanish language study in San José, Costa Rica, Sally arrived in Ecuador in February 1957, serving with HCJB Global under the auspices of MBM/S. The German programs she produced aired to listeners across Europe and South America via shortwave on Radio Station HCJB.

“I derived a lot of satisfaction from producing programs for non-Christian Germans,” she said in an interview several years ago. “It was especially gratifying when listeners to the programs wrote in to say they had accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. I also enjoyed every minute of Spanish study, and I had a very good relationship with the 10 churches that supported me as their adopted missionary.”

In addition to producing radio programs, Sally worked at HCJB-TV, helping in music and teaching English intermittently for nine years. She was also involved in the Iñaquito Evangelical Church in Quito, helping primarily in Christian education, teaching children, youth and adults and directing the church’s educational program. In addition, she worked with Ecuadorian women, teaching Bible classes and helping new Christians grow in their faith.

Throughout the years Sally took a number of listener follow-up trips in German-speaking Europe and South America. In 1967 she spent five months in West Germany in an effort to learn and understand more about the culture and situation so she could present radio programs from Quito that better met the needs of German listeners. In her time on the field, Sally was privileged to interview two Ecuadorian presidents, Osvaldo Hurtado and León Roldós.

A gifted linguist, Sally was fluent in three languages: German, English and Spanish. HCJB Global retiree Tom Fulghum, said she was “amazing in her cross-cultural skills. Besides all the work she did in German, she was extremely well connected in the Latin community in Ecuador. Her Spanish was impeccable, and she often did simultaneous translation work. She had an enormous heart for people, both for the German people to whom she ministered as well as the Ecuadorians. It was a joy to work with her.”

John Adams, staff and office care manager at the HCJB Global Ministry Service Center in Colorado Springs, agreed. “I wish each of us as missionaries in Ecuador could have been as culturally sensitive and as highly efficient in Spanish as Sally was,” he said. “Add German and she was truly trilingual. She set a great example of what it meant to reach out to and identify with our host nation.”

“Professionally, as a radio producer and announcer, Sally was immaculate in her preparation and presentation,” added Adams. “She was a pro in every sense of the word. She had a compassion for the lost that was palpable and a rapport with her Ecuadorian friends and acquaintances and fellow staff members that exemplified what it means to be an ambassador of Christ.”

German program producer Esther Neufeld said, “Up to the end, Sally was interested in the ongoing ministry of HCJB Global and prayed regularly with [retired German programmer] Maria Hubert. She had a tremendous impact on many lives. Her life and ministry has been a model for me.”

After retiring from missionary service in July 1987, Sally returned to Canada where she married Frank Isaak in Abbotsford on Aug. 22, 1987. Although retired, Sally never sat down, keeping active in her church until she was no longer physically able to do so. She also helped in the ministry of HCJB Global-Canada wherever possible. And she reached out to the Hispanic community in Canada, teaching Bible classes in Spanish. At one point she led a class composed mostly of refugees from El Salvador.

Sally documented the impact of the German Language Service and her personal ministry in her book, Some Seed Fell on Good Ground, published by Windflower Communications in Winnipeg in 1994.

A funeral and memorial service will be held at Bakerview Mennonite Brethren Church in Abbotsford at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Towers come down at Pifo

2009-01-19T11:07:00.002Z

Tall Towers Removed from Radio Station HCJB’s Site in Ecuador
Source: HCJB Global

Crews removed the last of the tall antennas and towers at Radio Station HCJB’s international transmitter site in Ecuador, the height of which would obstruct the flight path of the future international airport for the capital city of Quito.

Under earlier agreements between the Quito Airport Corporation (CORPAQ) and HCJB Global, the towers were removed prior to a December 31st 2008, deadline.

“The last of these tall towers were taken down on Dec. 24 at 9:30 a.m.,” said Geoff Kooistra, operations and engineering director for the station.

Christmas is noteworthy in the station’s history as its first program went on the air on Christmas Day, 1931. The first broadcasts from the international transmitter site in Pifo, just east of the capital, began in 1953.

With 14 other shorter antennas and towers still standing, the transmitters at Pifo continue to broadcast 60 hours per day with targets throughout the Americas. Trade languages such as Spanish, Portuguese and German still air, as do indigenous languages such as Quichua (Ecuador), Waorani (Ecuador’s Amazon region), Cofán (Andean highlands, Amazon region and northern Ecuador) and Kulina (Brazil and eastern Peru).

HCJB's Pifo site has previously delivered the stations programming to locations all over the world.

“We also continue digital shortwave broadcasts both to Brazil and to Europe,” Kooistra said.

The station transmits 56 hours of analogue signal and four hours of digital shortwave, according to Steve Sutherland who manages the Pifo site and staff.

However, all shortwave broadcasts from Pifo are projected to end no later than April 1st 2010.

Launch of Calvary Radio Network

2008-12-13T11:53:00.002Z

ASSIST News Service (ANS) - PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA

Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: assistnews@aol.com

Friday, December 12, 2008
Launch of Calvary Radio Network
Now has 50 stations across the United States
By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries

COSTA MESA, CA (ANS) -- Richard MacIntosh, the general Manager of the Calvary Radio Network (CRN) has announced the launch of this network with some 50 stations operating across the United States.

CRN has grown out of what was called the Calvary Satellite Network (CNS), now called the Christian Satellite Network, which has since separated from Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa, California.

“The catalyst for the Calvary Radio Network began in the 1990's as an associated ministry of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa that was begun by Pastor Chuck Smith and his son Jeff along with Mike Kestler,” said Richard MacIntosh.

“The network grew to over 200 full power radio stations and translators (low power stations) all across the United States from Bangor, Maine, to Lihue, Hawaii.

“Disputes between the directors of the non-profit ministry led to a division of the stations with a group of stations being run out of Twin Falls, Idaho, and a further group of stations under the ministry of Jeff Smith and the Calvary Radio Network operated by Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa.”
More information on the the network can be found on the web at www.calvaryradionetwork.com.

Richard MacIntosh went on to say, “The network is important because we play quality Bible Teaching programs. We feature Chuck Smith, Greg Laurie Skip Heitzig, Raul Reis and David Jeremiah. Music is secondary, but still has a high priority. The focus is the teaching of the Word of God.

“The Calvary Radio Network is a non-profit, listener supported radio ministry serving many locations throughout the United States, and is accessible anywhere in the world via the Internet by just clicking on ‘Listen Live’ on the www.calvaryradionework.com web site."

He added, “The desire of the Calvary Radio Network is to broadcast programming that faithfully follows sound Biblical teaching and passionate praise & worship music 24 hours a day to communities throughout the United States and the world. Since our inception, it continues to be our desire that through our programming, our listeners come to know and understand Jesus Christ and His amazing love for us.”

Note: Dan Wooding’s weekly Sunday interview program “Front Page Radio” on KWVE 107.9 FM, the Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa flagship station, will also be offered to the Calvary Radio Network affiliate stations. In the UK, Front Page Radio can be heard on Revival FM each Sunday evening at about 11pm.

Dan Wooding, 67, is an award winning British journalist now living in Southern California with his wife Norma of 45 years. He is the founder and international director of ASSIST (Aid to Special Saints in Strategic Times) and the ASSIST News Service (ANS); and US Bureau Chief for the Missionaries News Service (www.missionariesnews.tv) and Safe Worlds IPTV’s Christian News Services. He was, for ten years, a commentator, on the UPI Radio Network in Washington, DC. Wooding He is also the author of some 42 books, the latest of which is his autobiography, "From Tabloid to Truth", which is published by Theatron Books. To order a copy, go to www.fromtabloidtotruth.com. E-mail: danjuma1@aol.com.

Download, listen to or broadcast "The Christmas Story" - FREE

2008-12-11T22:29:00.003Z

“I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today … a Savior is born.”

This exciting announcement is part of “The Christmas Story,” a free Audio Bible program about the birth of Jesus Christ.

“The Christmas Story” is an audio drama, word-for-word reading from the New Testament books Matthew and Luke and is produced by Faith Comes By Hearing, the world’s foremost Audio Bible ministry. This realistic audio recording was produced using multiple character voices, musical backgrounds and sound effects.

You can get this free program:

By downloading free from here. (Available in .mp3 or .WAV file formats)
By texting “CHRISTMAS” to 80672.
At the iTunes store.
Or listen online now.

Faith Comes By Hearing produced this short, family-friendly program, which runs about 12 minutes, to help people engage in the Bible this holiday season and hear the Christmas story in a dramatic, audio format.

"This is part of the greatest story ever told. Everyday we need to engage in the Bible through reading or listening, and this is the time of the year we need to remember and give thanks for God’s greatest gift to humanity.”-- Jon D. Wilke, Organizational Spokesperson

“Gathering around and listening to this Bible story is an easy, yet powerful way to share God’s love with your family and start a memorable Christmas tradition,” he said.

Founded in 1972 as a non-profit ministry, Faith Comes By Hearing records and uses Audio Bible programs to reach the world with God’s Word.

Since more than 50 percent of the world’s population cannot read, Faith Comes By Hearing helps those hear God’s Word in their heart language.

By innovating industry-leading audio technology, Faith Comes By Hearing has helped people in more than 100 countries hear the Word of God in their own language. Currently, Faith Comes By Hearing has Audio New Testament recordings available in more than 330 languages.

hrough strategic partners, Faith Comes By Hearing is diligently working to reach the world’s poor and illiterate with God’s Word in format that they can both use and understand.

The Spirit Moves in Tonga

2008-12-10T23:42:00.004Z

We praise the Lord for what He is doing right now in the Kingdom thruough the Christian Radio Station.

If I'll share a testimony about what I see happen at the Radio Station now I would say that this is very different and special compare to the last two years that I've been entered this station.

So many people call and join with us in our programme even day and night. We can't count the people Graham and we see revival and restoration here in Tonga . . ."

Many listeners are still phoning in with tears of repentance and joy
10 to 20 people a day are making a public commitment over the radio, to follow Jesus Christ
Listeners are going to Willy's home looking for help
Some community leaders and their family members have been phoning to pray on air or tell about their personal faith in Jesus Christ
The government TV station interviewed Willy and Setita.
The government TV station is broadcasting a program every afternoon this week to highlight the ministry of Letio Faka-Kalisitiane 93FM

Dear Graham, since last wednesday till today He is still moving, not only during my night shift but breakthrough has take place through out the day programe.

Again last night we end our 8 to 10pm programe at about 1.30am. Graham the atmosphere between the Radio and listeners was amazing because when one is sharing on-air you felt something different in you as if you just wnat to cry for more of Jesus.

Children and youth are sharing their dreams on-air and their dreams are almost the same, they saw Jesus coming back,

In the Prison God is moving there, it is not allowed for a prisoner to use the phone and call outside, but prisoners begun to call from their cells at about 12 o'clock and whispered with tears trying not to be caught and saying that they want to live for Jesus. Some of them say when i get out I want to go to bible school.

A mother was touched by the spirit of God last night while persecuting her daughter with her new faith in Jesus, the daughter shared on-air people respond and at the end of the programe, the mother call and reconcile was made and tears of repentence was shed by the mother.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY THANKYOU FOR PRAYING

(extracts from Willy, Manager of 93FM in Tonga, to Graeme, President UCB Pacific Partners)

TheCall LIVE from Africa on GOD TV this weekend

2008-12-06T00:48:00.002Z

GOD TV News Release

TheCall LIVE from Africa on GOD TV this weekend

Thousands of prayer warriors to gather for TheCall Kenya and millions more by way of television as GOD TV broadcasts this mass prayer gathering worldwide.

4 DECEMBER, 2008:

Over the years GOD TV has broadcast TheCall from cities across the world – now for the first time, the network will be televising the event from Africa as TheCall Kenya takes to the air. A capacity crowd is expected at the Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on 6 December to cry out for revival and GOD TV founders Rory & Wendy Alec encourage Christians from across the UK to join in and support the nation of Kenya in prayer.

TheCall Kenya will be aired LIVE in the UK on GOD TV exclusively on Saturday 6 December from 7.00 to 15.00 (GMT) on both the GOD Channel UK (SKY 580) and GOD Europe (SKY 581 and Virgin 279). Viewers can also watch on the Internet at www.god.tv/stream. The full 8-hour programme will also be available for video on demand viewing at www.god.tv/god.

Founded by Lou Engle, TheCall is committed to mobilising Christians across the world to petition God for His mercy on their city and nation and to pray for spiritual awakening. This is done by holding solemn assemblies in key cities where believers of different ages, races and denominations come together for a day of prayer, fasting, worship and repentance. In addition to the USA, TheCall has been held in various European countries including the UK, Australia, Canada, the Philippines, Indonesia, Israel and now on the African Continent for the first time.
“Kenya stands at a critical juncture as its newspaper headlines expose the frailty of the nation’s moral fabric,” said Lou Engle, “but there is the promise of a great awakening on the horizon. It is always darkest before dawn, and the Church is set to enter its finest hour. When it seems like there is no hope, God still has a holy prescription: ‘Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a fast, call a sacred assembly!’ (Joel 2). We are therefore calling the people of Kenya to gather in their nation’s capital, on December 6th, to cry out to God for mercy and revival.”

TheCall Kenya takes place in the same week as GOD TV opens an office in Nairobi with Eli Rop as GOD TV’s new Regional Director for East Africa. In addition to being available across Kenya via satellite, GOD TV has three terrestrial transmitters in the nation reaching several million people.

“We sense God’s Hand on TheCall Kenya and it’s strategic timing,” said Wendy Alec who is GOD TV’s Director of Television, “which is why we will be broadcasting the entire event LIVE to our potential viewing audience of almost half a billion viewers in 214 nations. It is only through prayer and fasting that we will see revival come to our nations and we encourage viewers to tune in and stand with the people of Kenya in prayer, and as they do, we believe the Lord will touch them wherever they live.”

For more information about GOD TV visit www.god.tv
For more about TheCall Kenya visit www.thecall.co.ke

About GOD TV: www.god.tv
As the UK & Europe’s only Christian broadcaster with a global presence, GOD TV continues to break new ground for the Christian media in Britain and around the world. The network was founded in London in 1995 by Christian media pioneers Rory & Wendy Alec and in 13 short years has become a global phenomenon. Today it beams a broad cross section of cutting-edge programmes, including many life-changing LIVE broadcasts, into millions of homes worldwide. The only broadcaster to transmit globally from Jerusalem, GOD TV’s powerful signal is carried via multiple satellites providing free viewing to almost half a billion people. GOD TV in the UK comprises two 24-hour Christian channels: the GOD Channel UK and GOD Europe. The GOD Channel UK is available via satellite (SKY 580) while GOD Europe can be viewed on satellite (SKY 581) and cable (Virgin TV 279). GOD TV has offices in Sunderland and Plymouth in the UK and other offices are situated in the USA, Europe, Africa and Asia. In addition to its vast media outreach, GOD TV also helps people in charitable ways by supporting feeding schemes, orphanages, water drilling projects and disaster relief funds. The Angel Foundation is GOD TV’s official UK charity.

Station Manager opportunity at Hope FM

2008-11-18T18:09:00.003Z

Hope FM, Bournemouth's Community Radio Station, is looking to appoint someone with a proven track record in radio station management to take responsibility for the day to day running of Hope FM, it's business management, programming output and future development.

The person appointed will require to give Christian leadership and must therefore be active in the Chrstian faith.

Salary circa £25,000 depending on qualification and experience.

Closing date 1pm on Friday 21st November 2008.

For further details and an application form contact Mark Inkpen 01202 254884.

Bournemouth YMCA is an English Registered Charity number 1078728.

Celebrating 60 Years of GRF

2008-11-10T10:52:00.001Z

60 Years of Christian Radio Programmes for the World – from Scotland!

Award-winning Glasgow-based GRF Christian Radio celebrates 60 years of continuous radio production this month. And to mark this special Anniversary, GRF is hosting two very special events.

On Saturday 15th November, GRF will host an Open Day at its Argyle Street studios where guests and visitors can meet the GRF team, listen to current programmes and view the technical equipment on display. On Sunday 16th November at 6.30pm, a Service of Thanksgiving will be held at Findlay Memorial Church at St. George’s Cross, Glasgow. The guest preacher at the service will be Rev. Dr. Joel Edwards, Chair of the Churches Media Council and a Commissioner for the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

So what’s GRF? Based in Glasgow since its inception in 1948, GRF has always focused on being a programme producer, making programmes which are broadcast by other people. Beginning life as Gospel Radio Fellowship, GRF’s first programme was broadcast on a missionary radio station (HCJB) in Ecuador and was aimed at Scots living in South America. The advent of commercial radio in Britain in 1973 led to a close relationship between GRF and Radio Clyde in Glasgow, a relationship which remains to this day.

GRF produces programmes which complement the existing programme schedules of a wide range of radio stations, both mainstream and Christian. It currently supplies programmes to commercial stations across Britain and Ireland, English-speaking overseas stations such as Coastline Radio in Spain, BBC local radio stations, hospital radio, community radio stations and programmes for internet distribution. In 60 years, GRF has supplied programmes to more than 150 radio stations throughout the world.

GRF has always been at the forefront of technical innovation, being one of the first organisations in Scotland to use a tape recorder! In 2000, GRF helped pilot Audiopot, a web-based internet distributor of Christian radio programmes.

GRF is staffed by a 20-strong voluntary team who come from a wide variety of backgrounds in terms of working life, religious tradition and experience of faith. The programmes produced reflect this diversity.

About the 60th Anniversary, GRF Chairman, Andrew Barr, said, “Spread the Word. It’s a phenomenon. Very Glasgow and very Edinburgh and very global. The team can mix Radio 5 journalism with the Goon Show and still be faithful. In my comparatively short 40 years of making programmes in the BBC and ITV, I’ve seen careers destroyed as producers tried to marry humour and religion. And that’s this team’s secret – if there is laughter in heaven, it will be down to GRF.”

For further information, please contact:
Brian Muir, Programme Controller on 0141-221-0316 or
Kennedy Fraser, Technical Director on 0141-578-7557

5th November 2008

Notes to Editors:
1. Studio Open Day – Saturday 15th November 2008, 10am-4pm – 342 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G2 8LY. Please note the studios are located on the first floor of a building with no elevator and therefore sadly are not accessible for those with limited mobility or wheelchair users.
2. Service of Thanksgiving – Sunday 16th November 2008, 6.30pm – Findlay Memorial Church, 56 Clarendon Place, St. George’s Cross, Glasgow, G20 7QB.
3. Full details of the Open Day and Service of Thanksgiving can be found at www.grf.org.uk
4. The GRF studios on Argyle Street, Glasgow, are the oldest independent radio production studios in Europe, religious or secular.
5. GRF has won a raft of prestigious broadcasting awards including:
· Sony Gold Award
· Andrew Cross Awards
· Jerusalem Radio Awards
· Sandford St. Martin Awards
· Christian Communication Commission Award
· Christian Broadcasting Council Award
6. GRF Christian Radio is a registered Scottish Charity No: SC000199

UCB Ireland now live on satellite

2008-11-04T18:17:00.002Z

UCB Ireland launched on satellite on 27th October 2008 after much prayer, hard work and a number of miracles along the way.

The new station can be found on Sky Channel number 0214

This is Ireland's first Christian satellite radio station, bringing God's Word from UCB's Dublin studios.

The story of UCB Ireland began in 1987 when the UCB programme from the Manx Radio medium wave signal was picked up in Belfast and Dublin, ultimately resulting in offices being set up in both cities.

UCB Ireland's desire is to reach all the people of Ireland, north and south.

Prayerline for the British Forces

2008-11-04T18:04:00.001Z

UCB Press Release

Nov 4, 2008

UCB to launch a prayerline for the British Forces

United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) has announced the launch of ‘Forces Prayerline’ - an extension of its Prayerline service – specifically for serving members of the British Forces and their families. Forces Prayerline will be launched on Thursday Nov 6, at the Armed Forces Day of Prayer at St Clement Danes, London.

The new service is being launched in partnership with senior chaplains in the Armed Forces and will be publicised widely in bases and Forces publications across the UK.

Forces Prayerline is manned by trained volunteers who work in ‘satellite groups’ across the UK and will be available almost seven days a week until midnight each day.

Colonel Paul Eaton, who led the planning committee said, “The Forces welfare services are brilliant when there’s a crisis – as I discovered when a young RAF airman of mine tragically committed suicide. But through prayer we may be able to reach people before the crisis breaks, bringing hope to those in despair, encouragement to those who are dispirited and comfort to those who are suffering. Of course, if the Prayerline saves lives or marriages, that’s brilliant. But it’s not just for those in dire straits; it’s for everyday situations too, when we’re concerned about work, the kids, our mates, our family, our next posting. So even for those everyday issues, I believe the Prayerline will be a tremendous help for those that use it.”

The Forces Prayerline number is 0845 2637223.

For interviews with Colonel Paul Eaton, please contact Paula Cummings on 01782 654741

Notes to editor

United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) is a Christian media charity, providing radio programming via DAB digital radio and television programming via digital satellite. UCB’s radio programmes are also available via digital satellite, digital cable and the Internet.
UCB provides thought-provoking, life-changing resources to churches, Christians and people seeking a better understanding of the Christian faith, currently reaching more than a million people across the UK and Ireland. UCB recently launched a new TV and radio website; www.ucbmedia.co.uk
Forces Prayerline can be contacted on 0845 2637223

Paula Cummings
Publicist
www.ucbmedia.co.uk
pcummings@ucb.co.uk
01782 654741