Friday, April 10, 2009

HCJB Global Takes to Mainstream Airwaves for Easter

Many of HCJB Global Voice's 350 media partners will carry special programming this Easter. But in the U.K. and India, HCJB Global's efforts go beyond Christian radio to provide compelling programming for secular stations.In India, HCJB Global Voice will air two 30-minute dramatized
gospel programs on two major government FM channels, potentially reaching up to 50 million people. The programs tell the story of the life of Jesus, ending with His crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. The first half of the story will air on Good Friday, and the second half will air on Easter Sunday.The programs end with a question that listeners can answer via text message or mail for the chance to receive a surprise gift. Listeners who supply an address will also receive a pre-evangelistic, comic-style book in Hindi along with a program guide for programs aired from HCJB Global-Australia's shortwave radio facility in Kununurra.According to a study conducted by the National Readership Studies Council (NRSC) between 2005 and 2006, the reach of radio broadcasts has increased by 27 percent in India to 119 million people listening in an average week. Much of this growth is in the area of FM radio listenership.HCJB Global-UK will air two short programs on major stations in the Yorkshire area. Combined, these stations can be heard by almost 180,000 people. One program called "Final Answer" is a spoof of a game show. The contestant has four possible answers to the question, "What's going to be the number one goal in your life?" The last of the four options is "Friendship with God." The second program is called "Pearly Gates Duty." This program features the thief who died on the cross next to Jesus talking about the latest new arrivals in heaven.The opportunity to build relationships with mainstream stations and provide thought-provoking programming for secular radio is a key part of HCJB Global Voice's ministry in the U.K. "This is the sort of impact we've always wanted to achieve-not just isolated programs here and there, but a lasting relationship that changes the whole output of a radio station," said HCJB Global-UK Director Colin Lowther.Evangelistic outreaches such as these are as critical as ever to the media ministries of HCJB Global. "The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is one of the most creative acts of God in all human history," said HCJB Global President Wayne Pederson. "We are committed to using the most creative radio programming to communicate this message. Our teams in India and the U.K. are great examples of this effort to connect the resurrection message with a new generation."

(Press Release)

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