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About Us:
The Association serves as the trade association for Catholic radio.
It seeks to unite all involved in Catholic radio, including
stations, program providers, and Church Hierarchy. As a trade
association, the CRA works to advance the cause of Catholic radio by
providing member services, facilitating the sharing of knowledge and
resources, and speaking with one voice for its members. The
Association's membership includes virtually all Catholic radio
apostolates in the country, program providers, and several (arch)dioceses.
Over the past 10 years the Association has helped Catholic radio
grow at an average rate of one new station per month. An effort
currently underway will yield an additional 170 noncommercial FM
stations in the next 3-4 years. A projected Low Power FM
application window by the FCC in 2010 will provide for nearly
complete coverage of the United States.
Purpose
The purpose of the Catholic Radio Association is to serve the Church
in its mission to bring all people to holiness in Jesus Christ by
assisting and uniting Catholic radio apostolates to reach more
people with efficacious programming.
Association Goals and Objectives:
"Its objectives are the institution of critical member services such
as engineering, legal, fundraising, and insurance benefits."
The Association also seeks to contribute to, and help shape,
the thought and reflection on Catholic radio. Specifically, the
Association works to answer questions arising from the development
and growth of Catholic radio from both theological and
practical perspectives.
Business Philosophy
The most important philosophy that guides the Association is not a
business philosophy. It is the recognition by its members and
leaders that the apostolate of Catholic radio is a work of the Holy
Spirit, in which we are but instruments for the glory of God. All
of our efforts are entrusted to the Holy Spirit to bear fruit.
Thus, the Association believes it is unquestionably paramount that
those involved in Catholic radio are guided by total fidelity to the
Magisterium of the Catholic Church. "Keeping this philosophy
foremost in mind, the Association is guided by our twelve member
Episcopal Advisory Board in its efforts to provide services and
counsel to Catholic dioceses, groups throughout the United States
and abroad who endeavor to establish and operate Catholic radio
stations, and to Catholic radio program providers."
Need for the Association
Catholic radio is crawling out of infancy. Approximately 150
stations across the United States now broadcast full or part time
Catholic programming. This is an increase from only a handful a few
years ago. Today the frequency with which new stations are being
established is not diminishing. In fact, as the Bishops of North
America utilize Catholic radio more readily, the apostolate should
experience continued phenomenal growth in the next several years.
Because of the Association’s unique knowledge and experience, as
well as the necessary services it provides, its role, both in
Catholic radio leadership and service, will continue to grow. In
addition, the Association provides a much needed forum in which to
discuss the growth pains and ever-changing broadcasting marketplace,
so that the apostolate may take full advantage of all opportunities
to expand and spread the Gospel. These reasons, in effect, make the
Association indispensable. |
