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Establishing a
Catholic Radio Station
What Does
the Church Say About Radio?
“The most important of these inventions are those media which, such as
…radio, television and the like, can, of their very nature, reach
and influence, not only individuals, but the very masses and the
whole of human society” (Inter Mirifica, 1).
“Effective support should be given to good radio and television programs.
…An effort should also be made…to set up Catholic stations” (Inter
Mirifica, 14).
“This sacred Synod advises them [the laity] of the obligation they have
to maintain and assist Catholic …radio and television programs and
stations, whose principal objective is to spread and defend the
truth and foster Christian influence in human society” (Inter
Mirifica, 17).
“The Church must continue, in spite of the many difficulties involved, to
develop, maintain, and foster its own specifically Catholic
instruments and programs for social communications. …Catholic media
work is not simply one more program alongside all the rest of the
Church's activities: social communications have a role to play in
every aspect of the Church's mission” (Aetatis Novae, 17).
Though each situation is unique, the following is a brief
outline of the steps necessary in starting a Catholic radio station.
Although specialized knowledge is not necessary, the process is not
easy and will require a dedicated commitment of time and effort on
your part.
The Catholic Radio Association was founded to specifically
assist new groups establish Catholic radio in their communities.
Please contact us for more guidance and information.
 Prayer:
The Most Important Step
Prayer is the most essential step. You must discern and seek
the Lord regarding what you are about to undertake. Starting a
Catholic radio station is a calling and an apostolate, not a
business or part time venture. It is something that God
accomplishes through you and not something that you will accomplish.
We have learned from Christ himself, as well as from the
saints and Fathers of the Church that prayer, and conformity of our
lives to Christ, is necessary for the success of all our works:
“Every believer in this world of ours must be a spark of light, a center
of love, a vivifying leaven
amidst his fellow men. And he will be this all the more perfectly, the
more closely he lives in communion
with God in the intimacy of his own soul.”
-- Blessed Pope John XXIII,
Peace on Earth, 146, 164
“The apostolate
, of whatever kind it be, must be an overflow of the interior life.”
-- Jose Maria Escriva, Friends of God, 239
“Dear friends, do not be afraid to take up this challenge: be holy men
and women! Do not forget that the fruits of the apostolate depend on
the depth of spiritual life, on the intensity of prayer, on
continual formation and on sincere adherence to the Church's
directives. Today I repeat to you…that if you are what you should
be – that is, if you live Christianity without compromise - you will
set the world ablaze. “
--Pope John Paul II on the Jubilee of the Lay Apostolate
If, after prayerful discernment, you wish to continue contact
the Catholic Radio Association for more assistance.
Formulating
a Plan – Questions to Ask
In establishing a station, it is imperative that you develop
an organized and practical plan. Many important questions will arise
and each must be answered with prayer, thought and discussion.
Consider the following points as your apostolate progresses
through its organizational stages:
·
Do you have
an existing organization? Example: Prayer group, Catholic bookstore,
K of C Council, etc.
·
Speak to
your friends and choose a core group of individuals who want to
begin this project. Limit the size of the core group in order to
maintain consensus and vision.
·
Consider the
type of entity you wish to establish: for profit or
nonprofit. Operating Catholic stations in a nonprofit manner has
repeatedly proven successful. If the entity is established as
nonprofit it will be eligible to receive tax-deductible donations.
·
Speak with
your Diocesan Bishop. Share with him how your apostolate can assist
him in his role as chief teacher of the Faith in his diocese.
Request his input and blessing on your apostolate.
·
Are you
seeking to develop a commercial or non-commercial station? The most
successful stations started in the last five years are
non-commercial in nature. While some accept sponsors for individual
programs, the majority of funding comes from listeners.
·
Is the
location that you seek to cover rural or urban? Is there a
sufficient population base to support the type of station you are
seeking to purchase/establish?
·
Do you want
an AM or an FM station? FM stations will cost more on average, but
will have the same transmitter output power day and night, resulting
in a clearer signal.
·
Do you have
a plan for raising the required funds? An effective plan in this
area is crucial to the success of your endeavor. The CRA offers
specific advice in this area and can direct you to a reputable
development company, or even assist you in soliciting large gifts.
·
Identify
local Catholics with the means to make a significant contribution,
as well as those who may be willing to assist in your fundraising
efforts. There will be donors who are especially attracted to your
initiative that would not otherwise make donation. Note well that
other Catholic institutions may feel threatened by your proposed
campaign. It is important to keep in mind that it is God who moves
the heart of the giver to give. As the Holy Spirit converts the
hearts of those who listen, there will be more financial resources
available for all Catholic institutions.
The Catholic Radio
Association offers its assistance and guidance in formulating, and
carrying out, an effective and practical plan. We can assist you
in establishing your organization by sharing with you tested methods
that work and pitfalls to avoid. We can also refer you to an
attorney experienced in assisting Catholic radio groups in getting
organized.
Programming
Programming can
make or break your apostolate. Consider whether you want to develop
your own programming or use programming already available. It will
take approximately three to four hours to develop each thirty-minute
program. The time and cost involved in producing your own
programming usually precludes this option until well established.
There are sources
available that offer orthodox, well-produced Catholic programming
free of charge. The most notable of these providers is the Eternal
Word Television Network (EWTN). It is because of the programming
made available by EWTN that Catholic radio has experienced such
record growth these past few years. Other sources of programming
include Catholic Answers, and Ave Maria Radio.
Selecting
a Station
There are many options available in selecting a station. Consider
the following points in determining which manner best suits your
apostolate’s goals and requirements:
·
Purchasing a Station – In the long run this
is the least expensive option. You generally receive the necessary
equipment to begin broadcasting and do not have extended lease
payments.
-
Leasing a Station
– You
can consider leasing a station from the current owner. In leasing,
you have the necessary equipment to begin broadcasting and pay a
monthly fee for use of the broadcast station. You may find some
relatively inexpensive opportunities depending upon the city or
town. However, this is generally the most expensive way to
broadcast.
-
Buying Time On An Existing Station –
In the short run this is the least expensive way to
get a Catholic presence on the air. An effective method has been
to lease an hour each day for broadcast of Catholic Answers Live
or Open Line. Prices will generally range from $100 to $500
dollars per hour, depending upon the city or town and the time of
day.
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