Christian Broadcasting News

TWR Antenna Upgrade Completed

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:33:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 23:47:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:32:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 11:07:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 11:53:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:29:00 +0000

“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

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 23:42:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Christian Radio Blog) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 00:48:00 +0000

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

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.