Christian Broadcasting News

Station Manager opportunity at Hope FM

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:09:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:52:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:17:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:04:00 +0000

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

Radio host sacked for impersonating God

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:11:00 +0000

Virgin Radio UAE, the Dubai branch of Sir Richard Branson's radio brand, was launched earlier in 2008 and is run by the Arabian Radio Network.

Breakfast show host Revin John has been sacked in Dubai after he angered listeners by impersonating God in a comedy skit about a phone call with the Almighty.

Revin John had been satirising a story from the US in which God was subject to legal proceedings. In the US case, Nebraska state senator Ernie Chambers sought a permanent injunction against God to prevent "death, destruction and terrorisation". A judge threw out the case, ruling that because the defendant had no address, legal papers could not be served.

Any portrayal of Allah or the Prophet Muhammad, is strictly forbidden in the Islamic faith, including on the radio. The spoof prompted complaints from listeners of "diverse faiths and nationalities", the station said.

Arabian Radio Network chief operating officer, Steve Smith, told Associated Press "He intended to be funny, not to offend anybody. However, what he did was highly offensive to the Muslim and Christian community in the United Arab Emirates."

Revin John was allowed back on air to apologise for the offence caused, before he left the station.

Revelation found to be in breach

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:02:00 +0000

Revelation TV is a UK Christian satellite television channel, often featuring discussion and personal view programmes which, according to Ofcom, "from time to time engage viewers with challenging debates on topical issues".

A single compliant was recently received by Ofcom alleging that an edition of the programme Vision for Israel presented by theologian, teacher and author Dan Juster, made abusive and inappropriate comments regarding Islam.

According to the Ofcom broadcast bulletine, during this hour-long programme, which compared the Christian and Muslim faiths, Dan Juster stated that it was his belief that “Islam cannot be defined as a peaceful, loving religion…Islam enforces its own viewpoint through the power of the sword through death…” and “Islam believes that violence is a legitimate means to establish and extend Islam”.

The programme was a lecture, entitled Israel, Islam and the Church, given by Dan Juster at a conference in Israel in 2007 and was the final part of a seven part series.

Revelation TV admitted that they had failed to properly screen this episode of the programme for compliance prior to transmission and that, had they done so, it would either not have been shown, or they would have arranged a discussion/debate on the issues raised.

The Ofcom decision regarding this complaint bore in mind the fact that broadcasters have a right, enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights, to freedom of expression. This includes the broadcaster’s right to transmit creative material, information and ideas without interference but subject to restrictions proscribed by law. Ofcom state that "broadcasters should therefore always take care to ensure that material it transmits is in accordance with both the general law and the Code".

Ofcom found that the comments made in the programme were said in the context of a specialised religious programme made for a particularly niche and predominantly Christian audience.

Ofcom state that they have "always considered that it is possible for the follower of one religion to reject or critique other religions in the course of sermonising or proselytising and remain within the requirements for Rule 4.1. of the Broadcasting Code. However, this Code Rule requires broadcasters to exercise the proper degree of responsibility when, for example, using hyperbole which may include more extreme views which could be deemed offensive to people in the audience who hold different views and beliefs."

Ofcom found that Revelation TV, having failed to review the content of this programme prior to transmission, placed itself in a situation in which it was not able to put the potentially offensive comments into context. Ofcom therefore found that Revelation TV "did not exercise the proper degree of responsibility with respect to the content of this religious programme as required by Rule 4.1" taking the view that this was a serious compliance error which therefore placed the programme in breach of Rule 4.1 of the Code.

ENCO incorporates Google Ads

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:05:00 +0000

Starting with version 5.3a, all future versions of the radio automated playout system ENCO DAD will include support for Google's Adsense for Audio.

AdSense for Audio is an automated method for radio stations to supplement their existing revenue streams by making their inventory available to new advertisers using the Google system.

Google’s AdSense for Audio system delivers air-ready commercials directly to a stations’ DAD automation system.

ENCO claim that this is something that will give radio stations competitive advantage in the ever increasingly difficult UK radio market place.

The release of Google's own radio automation software in the UK is understood to me imminent.

Christian Radio Presenter Disciplined and Suspended

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:12:00 +0000

Reverend Mahboob Masih presented a weekly Christian radio show on the Glasgow radio station AWAZ FM. With a live 'talk show' format, the Saturday morning programme sought to respond to questions from listeners.

Awaz FM operates under a Community Radio licence issued to serve the Asian (Indian sub continent) population of Glasgow, delivering entertainment, community information, local, national and international news broadcasting in Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi and English. The station claims to be the voice of Glasgow’s ethnic communities and their respective faiths.

Following claims by Muslim academic Dr. Zakir Naik, well known in the Asian community for his critical comments about Christianity, that Jesus was not the only person who was ‘the way, the truth and the life’ and that every "prophet" was in their own way the way, the truth and the life, Rev. Masih's programme received a number of calls asking questions about Dr Naik’s comments.

Mahboob Masih answered these questions in moderate and temporate terms, including quoting the claims of Jesus as stated in The Bible.

Despite Rev Masih's factual and honest answers to these questions, some Muslim listeners, complained the radio station.

Management at Awaz FM asked Rev Masih to offer an apology for any offence which had been caused. But after reading out a prepared apology on air, as he had been requested, the station sought to find further fault with Mahboob Masih and removed him from the rado show.

Supported by the Christian Legal Centre, Reverend Masih continues to seek answers from the radio station as to the way he has been treated and papers have been filed at the Employment Tribunal.

A formal complaint will will also be made to Ofcom that AWAZ FM is breaching the terms of its broadcasting licence.

Mahboob Masih was born in the industrial city of Faisalabad, Pakistan and raised by Christian parents in a Presbyterian Church.

After receiving his first degree in English, Journalism and Literature from the University Of Punjab, Pakistan, he worked as a language teacher in a missionary language school teaching foreign missionaries local languages enabling them to be more effective in their missionary work.

Rev Masih was dedicated to Christian ministry in his childhood and entered into full time ministry when he personally felt a strong sense of calling. He then went to Gujranwala Theological Seminary where he graduated Master of Divinity.

After his ordination he worked briefly as a minister, preaching and teaching, then taking the position of national youth co-ordinator of the Pakistani church.

In March 2000 Mahboob came to Scotland and worked as a community worker with Queen’s Park Baptist Church, at the same time working towards his M.Th (Master of Theology) degree in Biblical Interpretation from International Christian College, Glasgow.

After an attachment to Croftfoot Parish Church, Rev Masih received a call to the West Kirk, East Kilbride, where he was inducted on 1st May 2008.

See also Apology Demanded from TV Presenter

Apology Demanded from TV Presenter

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:29:00 +0000

Venus TV is a satellite television station focused primarily on British Asians in the UK and Europe with the aim of combining the best Asian cultures and heritage and its connection to Asian generations in the UK.

Ashar Mall, a Pakistani Christian who who hosts a regular weekly program on Venus TV, has been asked to apologise over hosting a program on Venus TV on October 3 in which Australian based Pakistani Christian evangelist, Daniel Scott, attempted to address Muslim misconceptions about the biblical concepts of atonement, redemption and salvation.

Mr. Scott in the past was taken to court by Australian Muslims on charges of "vilification of Islam", and was found not guilty by the highest court in Australia.

Ahar Mall reported that in recent weeks his program had come under fire from Muslims as they started asking aggressive questions about the validity of the Bible, the deity of Christ and the nature of God in Christianity.

In the October 3rd programme Daniel Scott very academically dealt with such subjects without being aggressive or insulting to the religion of Islam.

However, some leaders within the Muslim community are complaining about the programmi, claiming that it contained wrong information about their religion and was anti-Islam propaganda.

In Pakistan, the Urdu language newspaper "Daily Jang" contacted community leaders and Muslim scholars in the UK and quoted them as saying that attempts to accuse the person of Prophet Muhammad, and distorting his sayings posed grave dangers to the peaceful environment of European society.

Mr. Qazi Abdul Aziz Chishti, Chief of the Central Party of Ahle-Sunat of Britain and Europe, was quoted as saying: "We outrightly condemn it. A meeting of the party would soon be convened and we would take legal action against it."

Imam Qasim, a prayer leader of the Akhir Foundation, told the Daily Jang that he disagreed with the Christian concept of salvation and demanded that "Christians should call Prophet Muhammad's name with the same degree of respect which is attached by the Muslims when they speak about Jesus Christ".

Anwar Khokhar, a leader of Tehrik-e-Insaf Britain, was quoted as having urged Muslims to write letters to register their protest with the TV channel and "concerned authority".

See also Christian Radio Presenter Disciplined and Suspended

Radio Verdad - update

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:31:00 +0000

Radio Verdad in Chiquimula, Guatemala, is presently off air following a lighting strike which caused damage to its Omnitronix SW 1kW transmitter. (original story here)

Edgar Madrid from Radio Verdad has updated us on the stations's situation and reports that they have now identified a source and placed an order for the output transistors they need to get the station back on air. They hope to receive the spare parts within the next two weeks.

Christian Radio Fosters Unity

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:02:00 +0000

HCJB GLOBAL RADIO BROADCASTS FOSTERED UNITY ON EVE OF ECUADOR'S CONSTITUTION VOTE

Ecuador now has its 20th constitution in the nation’s history. Leading up to a referendum on the matter, HCJB Global Voice emphasized the need to seek God’s will in matters of governance.

Doug Weber of Radio Station HCJB said instead taking a side, his staff provided airtime to pastors to pray for the Sept. 28 referendum that determined whether or not Ecuador would adopt the charter.

About 64 percent of Ecuadorians voted in favor of the new constitution.

Weber believes the programming on Radio Station HCJB built church unity. He said the station’s apolitical approach to the election spoke volumes to the government.

“There was a lot of media outlets in the country that were taking a very distinct position one way or another, and we have always tried to maintain a neutral position, even in our news broadcasts and our daily programming,” Weber said.

He believes this puts HCJB Global on a more solid footing for ministry in the future, and he’s hoping this will allow HCJB Global to accomplish its future goals.

“One of the big things we want to begin doing is mobilizing and helping mobilize Latin Americans to move into missions in other parts of the world. We’re trying to figure out our strategy. We don’t want to duplicate what other people are doing, but we want to complement what other mission and church groups are doing.”

Flame CCR needs you prayers

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 23:51:00 +0000

It's been a long haul for Flame CCR as they endeavour to establish full-time local Christian radio on the Wirral in north-west England.

With an AM licence just waiting to be activated, Flame have now been advised that their planning application for the antenna is being 'heard' on Thursday 9th October, round about 't-time'.

There is resistance to the planning application because the simple mast radiator needs to be sited in what is considered a "Greenbelt Area".

Flame CCR ask for your prayers.

Weblinks

Flame CCR

ELWA now on 6070kHz

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 00:01:00 +0000

Shortwave Broadcasts
Liberian Christian radio station ELWA has been reported broadcasting on a new frequency of 6070kHz with signals sometimes audible in Europe.

The activation of this new frequency is believed to follow the news of the delivery of a new 5 kilowatt transmitter which will augment the existing 1 kW broadcasts on 4760 kHZ (60 meters)

The plan is to recommence vernacular broadcasts into the interior of Liberia. At the moment the vernacular programming is broadcast only on ELWA's FM transmitter from 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm daily, reaching only a very small portion of the target area.

Finance & Transportation
Finance has been very tight at ELWA, making spending decisions very strenuous. The absence of a functioning vehicle within the department has also contributed to less work being accomplished in downtown Monrovia because a lot of valuable ministry time is spent trying to catch a public transport.

Back Up Equipment
Lack of Back up equipment is seriously affecting the radio ministry. This includes a need for back-up mini disc player, control board, cd players, etc. Having back-up equipemnt available would provide options to fall back on in times of break downs and repairs.

FM Broadcast Signal
Since the construction of the 350 foot tower, the FM broadcast signal on the 250 watts transmitter has been able to reach Monrovia and the surrounding areas. However there is an ongoing need to repair the 2 kilwatt FM transmitter which would boost the signal to cover central Liberia and beyond.

Moving to Digital Production Techniques
The introduction of the digital studio system is step number 1 in the upgrade of ELWA's broadcast equipment and the beginning of broadening the skills of the ELWA staff with the digital system having made recording and editing easier.

Rebuilding ELWA
ELWA has been a significant presence in Monrovia for many years. But two civil wars brought damage and destruction to the station's studios and transmitters, putting it off air and, at one point, leaving it's return very much in doubt.

But ELWA Radio is now working towards the goal of renovating and improving buildings and equipment in order to maximize the impact of their broadcasts.

This includes renovation of an existing building which once housed a 50 kilowatt shortwave transmitter. The existing FM and shortwave transmitters will then be moved into this new building, with the introduction of an additional power amplifier for the FM signal and the second shortwave transmitter

Broadcasting hours on shortwave are limited, and the rural target audience typically works on farms, meaning that only a few time slots are suitable - generally 5:30am to 8am and 6pm to 9pm)

ELWA Radio currently broadcasts in nine languages for 15 minutes each broadcast.

Grebo, Kru, Gola, Bassa, Kpelle and Kissi are aired every week day, and Dan, Krahn and Loma on the weekends. ELWA Radio intends to add Mandingo, Vai and Bandi, with the ultimate goal of fourteen or fifteen different language broadcasts.

Lightning hits Central American station

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 16:57:00 +0000

An update to this story is available here

Radio Verdad in Chiquimula, Guatemala, is reported to be off air following a lighting strike which has caused damage to its transmitter and associated transmission equipment.

With finance in short supply, the station is now trying to raise funds for repairs which will allow it to return to the air. Information about assisting the station financially can be found onthe station's website at http://www.radioverdad.org/

Radio Verdad - which translates as Radio Truth - broadcasts on shortwave in the 75 metre band on 4.0525MHz using an Omnotronix SW 1kW transmitter.

After many years of planning and false starts “Radio Truth” came on the air on shortwave on the 25th of February of the year 2000, at 5:20 p. m., and was formally dedicated on the 5th of March of the year 2000.

The station has also been making efforts to obtain an FM frequency with which to broadcast to their own locality but has been encountering many obsticles from government departments. Nevertheless, the station states that it will continue with its efforts to get an FM frequency allocated, a vital step, they believe, in satisfying their desire to serve the social and economical development of Guatemala's most needy people.

Web Links

Radio Verdad

Christian radio engineer goes to be with his Lord

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 11:20:00 +0000

Source: HCJB Global

Duncan Bell, an HCJB Global missionary engineer for 18 years before retiring in 2006, died of an apparent heart attack at Hospital Vozandes-Quito in Ecuador on the morning of Friday September. 26th at the ago of 77.

Born in Hamilton, Scotland, on Aug. 4th 1931, Duncan married Wilma Chapman in Washington state in 1974 and have two children, Duncan and Shona, 28.

In his application to join HCJB Global, Duncan wrote:-

“For most of my life I believed that Christianity was old-fashioned and that in this modern era that we had outgrown the need for superstition and religion,” Duncan wrote in his application to HCJB Global. “I believed in a god because I assumed that it all had to have come from somewhere, but the god that I believed in was one of my own imagination and certainly not the God of the Bible. I had no need for the person of Jesus Christ.
“Twelve years later [at the age of 43], I started attending church to please my wife, and after two years I was converted, having seen for the first time my fallen life, my despair and my need for a Savior, Jesus Christ.
“My almost immediate action was to serve directly then in the work of the church. Wisely, the pastor recommended that I wait on God and get involved in Bible studies. I rejoice to see the path the Lord has led us in the past 10 years.”

The Bells’ first exposure to missions and Hispanics took place when they got involved in an outreach with a missionary in Tijuana, Mexico. “The local missionary challenged us by asking what we were doing among the Hispanics in Los Angeles. We enrolled in conversational Spanish and completed the available three semesters.” Then they began attending Spanish-language church called Iglesia Bautista Bethany.

When the Bells joined HCJB Global in 1988, Duncan already had 28 years of experience as an engineer in Scotland and in the U.S. His last job before joining the mission was at Hughes Aircraft where he had worked for eight years.

Upon arriving in Quito, Duncan served on the development team in the engineering department, working alongside engineers such as Charlie Jacobson, now manager of engineering and development at the HCJB Global Technology Center in Elkhart, Ind. “I appreciate people like Duncan who, after serving in a career in industry, came to Ecuador to use their electronic skills in missions to make an impact for Christ,” Jacobson said.

After the Bells retired from HCJB Global in 2006, Duncan went on to serve with ASOMA, a Christian television ministry in Quito started by HCJB Global two decades earlier. He also taught at the Berean-affiliated Buen Pastor school in Pifo. He enjoyed bird watching, and he constructed at least two homes—one in California and one in Ecuador. He held passports from the U.K. and U.S. as well as residency status in Ecuador, and he never entirely lost his Scottish accent. His wit was quick and he enjoyed a laugh with friends.

A service to remember Duncan was held the morning of Sunday, Sept. 28, in Yaruquí, a small town near Radio Station HCJB’s international transmitter site in Pifo. Yaruquí is also where Duncan and Wilma made their home and had many friends and church family.

Faith and Values TV Show on Fox Network in the USA

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 23:02:00 +0000

Most of the Fox Television Network's stations have picked up an inspiring faith and values sports show, The Real Winning Edge, which is now running on Saturdays in more than 75% of the USA, including in New York City.

Dr. Diane Preston-Reilly, president of Challenger Films, a non-profit corporation, and the creator of the show, urged Christians in America to check their local Fox listings for the time of the show.

The episodes of the show are geared toward teenagers. Each half-hour program includes three segments, with each segment featuring the personal story of an outstanding young person.

Introducing the stories is an all-star team of high-profile, professional athletes and celebrities, including Jeff Gordon, singer Martina McBride, Albert Pujols, Matt Hasselbeck, Gail Devers, and top names from the world of Extreme Sports such as Tucker Hibbert, Kevin Windham and Shaun Murray.

According to the show's production notes, the show is "more than a showcase for kids with exceptional talent and athleticism."It's also about teenagers who have built character through their struggles with cancer or death of a loved one. It's about kids who came face to face with drug abuse and peer pressure without losing their focus on their goal."

Dr. Preston-Reilly said the show gives teenagers real solutions about dealing with adversity in their lives.

Iran, Apostacy and Media

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:39:00 +0000

Sammy Tippet Ministries reports that in Iran "there is some debate taking place within the government about those who are preaching through the television and various forms of media, that they would be targets of the government if they continue to see people come to Christ."

The media within Iran is currently accountable to Islamic Law and heavily censored by the ruling religious clerics. Conservative Iranians feel the press cannot criticize government leaders who are also religious leaders, and other religious tenants must be upheld in social, cultural, and political arenas.

Iran's religious leader recently blocked a parliamentary debate and vote on a bill which aimed to ease current stringent restrictions on the press.

Sammy Tippit says the report they received indicated the new concern is a separate discussion from the apostasy law. "What you have, basically, is ministries like ours, broadcasting into the country, trying to feed the sheep, trying to help those who are believers to grow in their faith in Christ, and this has become a point of contention."

This is seen as one more step toward the repression of Christians, alongside such issues as introducing the dealth penalty for apostacy - including for moving from Islam to Christianity.

But more groups are speaking out about Iran's proposed apostasy bill, under. It has drawn the condemnation of many human and religious rights organizations. While the law has yet to be ratified, many religious minority communities are concerned because they could be subjected to death sentences.

According to Lee DeYoung of Words of Hope, there has been increased attention by the government against those involved in Christian activities. He says there may be two reasons for the crackdown. He says it could be run-away Christian church growth, or new political movement.

Many reports indicate the current government isn't very popular and it is common, when officials feel things are getting worse for them, that their response is to try to tighten and to resist even more strongly any kind of thing they perceive to be a threat.

While there hasn't been civil disobedience yet, there is disillusionment. That's why Iranians are listening to Christian radio, such as the Persian programming from Words of Hope.

TWR Radio Opportunity in Kenya

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:31:00 +0000

TWR-Kenya produces over 32 different program titles with over 60 hours of programming weekly. Every week 133 programmes are dispatched on CD from their office to ten FM radio stations in Kenya and to the TWR-Africa Regional Office in South Africa for broadcast on short wave to East Africa from the Swaziland transmitter site.

It has always been a dream of TWR-Kenya’s staff to own a network of FM radio stations tailored to meet specific needs of people groups across the country while reducing the overall cost of broadcasting in Kenya. Recently this has become possible through the awarding of seven frequencies to broadcast on FM in the outlying areas of Kenya and several remote towns in the northern and eastern parts of the country where no Christian broadcasting currently takes place. Some of these towns are home to refugees who have fled from war-torn parts of East Africa. Many have experienced extreme hardship and are open to the Gospel.

In order to preserve the frequencies awarded to TWR, temporary transmitters and antennae have been set up at Garissa, Lodwar and Marsabit. However TWR needs to establish seven radio stations in Kenya which will broadcast programmes recorded locally and in Nairobi. A studio to transmitter link needs to be set up to relay programmes to the radio stations.

Bordering the Indian Ocean with abundant wildlife and home to the Masai Mara where wildebeest and other wild animals take part in large scale annual migration, Kenya is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Despite its natural beauty, many of the people of Kenya are living in utter desperation and despair, in critical need to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Radios help people get clean water

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:49:00 +0000

47 % of people in Cambodia can't afford filters for clean water.

In Cambodia, 47 percent of the population doesn't drink clean water simply because they can't afford filters. Others simply don't know the importance of clean water, and a large number suffer from diarrhea and waterborne illnesses.

In many countries, the ease of buying clean water or having it available in your home is taken for granted.

Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC) is helping people learn more about hygiene, irrigation, the science of wells, and providing clean water for livestock in two new radio programs.

- One is called The Well of Life - a drama that runs five days a week for 5 minutes.

- The other is a 30-minute spot that is simply informative.

Listeners also hear how water and wells are a symbol of rebirth and life for Christians.

FEBC Cambodia staff travel around giving out radios so more people can hear the message. They get feedback on their programs, and most importantly, they give families water filters.

It is a small thing that can change lives.

Radio Helped Survive Kidnap

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 16:33:00 +0000

Radio Broadcasts Helped Gracia Burnham Survive Kidnapping Ordeal
Source: Trans World Radio

Imagine being held hostage for more than a year, never knowing if you would make it home again.

For Gracia Burnham and her late husband, Martin, this nightmare became a reality.

The Burnhams were missionaries with New Tribes Mission in the Philippines for 17 years. In 2001 they were kidnapped by separatist terrorists in the southern Philippines and held captive.

During a rescue operation by the Philippine army on June 7, 2002, Martin was killed and Gracia was wounded. Gracia has since returned to the U.S. where she was reunited with her three children.

She has written two books about her experiences, In the Presence of My Enemies and To Fly Again: Surviving the Tailspins of Life.

Despite enduring pain and unbearable suffering at the hands of their captors, Gracia recalls how Christian radio broadcasts brought a beam of hope in the darkness of their jungle prison.

To view a video about her experience, visit Trans World Radio’s website

Buy Gracia Burnham's Books Below

Share FM - helping you reach out

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:24:00 +0000

The Share FM website provides a useful guide through the maze of paperwork and form filling required to apply for the UK's Restricted Service License - or RSL- broadcasting licence.

If you are planning to broadcast in Northern Ireland, Share FM can also offer you a complete radio studio setup complete with mixing desk, twin cd player, mini disc, microphones and 25watt stereo FM transmitter with RDS identifier & aerial. This can easily be set up at your location, eg church hall or similar.

ShareFM Ministries also provide a CD / DVD duplication service to evangelists for any Christian outreach activity. Providing there is no copyright on your source material, they can provide you with presentable copies at a competitive cost. Discs can be printed on the face with your contact details and any design of your choosing.

Contact information for ShareFM can be found on the homepage of their website.

Christian radio helps earthquake victims

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:24:00 +0000

More than three months since the devastating earthquake hit Sichuan Province, China, the needs for the victims remain.

According to reports, it will cost more than $150 billion to rebuild schools, hospitals, businesses and homes for the nearly four million people displaced by the earthquake.

Rebuilding is just a part of the problems. People are suffering from the incredible loss of life and more.

Far East Broadcasting Company is helping in a simple way - by providing radios.

FEBC's President Gregg Harris says, "When all of the infrastructure of a particular city or area gets knocked out, radio becomes an incredibly effective and important way to give people information about what's going on in their world because most of the infrastructure has been decimated."

FEBC is also producing special programming to help people deal with their loss. "Although this programming is not explicitly evangelistic, after people have listened to the special programming about how to deal with the grief and the anxiety, they'll then be able to keep listening and tune in to the more explicitly evangelistic programming we have on the air."

Harris says giving a radio does more than provide a link to the outside world. "It's extremely important psychologically. And of course, when you add to that, specially produced programming that is really targeted to meeting their emotional and psychological need, with a view toward ultimately meeting their spiritual need, it's a great recipe for ministering to people."

FEBC is trying to place 20,000 radios into the earthquake-damaged area. "We're able to buy, distribute, and cover all the costs for getting it into a qualified listener for $30."

The radios are placed strategically through working with the local church. "They know the people who are going to really use the radios to listen to FEBC's program. And often in situations like this, people will form listener groups, and one person will take one radio and gather a group of 20, or 30 or more people."

Farming by radio in Africa

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:05:00 +0000

As the global food crisis continues, Christian radio is making a concerted effort to help those in the hardest hit regions of the world.

Africa is rich in natural resources, yet is one of the world's most poverty-stricken regions.

Poor agricultural standards often result in severe crop failures, and each year tons of grain is imported to meet the shortfall.

Peasant farmers comprise more than 85 percent of the continent's population, and most have lived malnourished, degraded lives.

Trans World Radio is endeavouring to help change that through their Farming God's Way radio program.

Farming God's Way is a 15-minute broadcast which teaches three main principles - biblical training, technology and management.

As basic farming skills are taught, farms can quickly flourish and provide food for families and a source of income.

Airing twice daily, the 31-part Farming God's Way emphasizes that the church is an accountable and faithful vehicle to demonstrate this method of farming. So far, it has changed lives in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya and Lesotho.

"My English is poor, but I am always tuned in to the radio in the morning, listening to Farming God's Way," wrote one listener in Mozambique. "You are doing a good work. It gives listeners hope and faith in God to face day-to-day challenges positively."

TWR-Africa hopes to translate Farming God's Way into more African languages to help more people not only understand basic farming principles, but introduce them to Jesus.

Christian radio for Kazakhstan ?

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:51:00 +0000

In Kazakhstan's the lower chamber of that country's parliament is planning new legislation that will impose tough new restrictions on foreign missionary activity and evangelical churches. The measure had its first reading in May.

Despite this apparent threat, FEBC have been awarded broadcast licences for FM radio stations in Almaty and Astana

Gregg Harris, president of Far East Broadcasting Company, believes that this approval comes because they work as a nationally registered entity within Kazakhstan and are therefore not viewed as outsiders.

FEBC have not yet been notified of the specific frequencies the new radio stations will be permitted to operate on, a process which can take a few weeks or months or, somtimes, years !

While the stations are still some time away from hitting the FM airwaves, FEBC are moving forward with 24-hours-a-day programming with plans to stream on the Internet and make the programming available for those in the country that have Internet access. This will help in showing the government that they are serious and can make good programming.

More people in Kazakhstan speak Russian than Kazakh but there is a growing nationalistic trend in Kazakhstan which means the Kazakh language will become more used and more influential.
FEBC's programming will be a mixture of Russian programming but with Kazakh language programming for those who are Kazakh speakers.

Christian charity announces launch of new radio station

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:05:00 +0000

PRESS RELEASE

Issued: 01/08/2008 For Immediate Release

Christian charity announces launch of new radio station

Christian Life Resources has announced that it will be formally launching its 24/7 radio station called The Power Station on 1st September 2008. The charity which sells branded merchandise and gift items to fund its activities is based in Devizes, Wiltshire and is dedicated to the promotion of Christianity mainly through the publication of its evangelistic magazine, Real Life.

One of the unusual features of The Power Station is that it sees its future being firmly based on the Internet. Often used by fledgling stations as a launching platform, they often aspire to move onto formats that are normally associated with ‘serious’ radio – such as FM, DAB and Satellite.

Not so with The Power Station. Programme Controller and Presenter Simon Cook is convinced that the Internet will have a big part to play in the future of radio and looking at the results of a recent poll, it is hard to disagree with him. The poll commission by RAJAR and performed by Ipsos Mori has shown that an extra 2.5 million Brits have tuned into Internet Radio during the past six months. Coupled with the fact that through WI-FI and mobile networks, the consumer can listen in a increasing number of ways, this trend is likely to continue.

Seeing The Power Station as ideally placed to take advantage of this growth, Simon Cook not only thinks they have the right platform but the right content for station too. Reflecting on this he said,

“We are confident that the Internet is the future of radio and as more people access radio through it they will hear the difference The Power Station offers. We play more music than other UK stations in our genre and that our features are shorter and more punchy in their delivery.”

Simon, whose passion has been Christian radio from his teens, also reckons that The Power Station will eventually become a household name among Christians in the UK. Watch this space!

###ENDS###

Notes to editors

Contact Lance Sharpe, Development Officer on 01380 739390 or lance@christianliferesources.co.uk for more.
Christian Life Resources is a registered charity no. 1121082.
Visit www.christianliferesources.co.uk to see our other activities such as our webshop and full-colour magazine, Real Life.
RAJAR poll results viewable on http://www.penelopejamespr.com/images/RAJARPodcasting&ListeningJune08.pdf