Overlapping programing

[frleo]

While reading Jerry's thread on expanding CAL, the discussion seemed to point out the disappointment of some that programing overlapped and that some programing was tape-delayed for the benefit of other programming. I think that this is a good sign for Catholic Radio.

How many of the major markets have more than one "Christian" station? It would be great if we could reach the day that we have two Catholic stations in the major markets, offering different, yet solid, programing directed at different audiences.

Here in my part of rural Montana, we do not have a Catholic station that I can listen to. I selected my satelite radio provider because they provided Catholic Radio (EWTN) . I listen to Relevant Radio a lot via the internet when I am around the rectory. There are times when I am at home or in the vehicle (average of 3000 miles/month) that I wish I could get the other programming. It is usually not program dependent, but topic dependent. Should we be working harder to promote any good Catholic programming whether or not the particualr style inspires us? Some like the call in programs that promote self help or guidance for assistance (Dr. is In or Heart, Mind and Strength). Some like the programs with a host and guests (Drew Mariani, Al Kresta). Some like listening to Fathers Corapi and Barron. Of course we all love Catholic Answers Live - or delayed. Can we create a market and funding for two Catholic stations? I would hope we can make such a difference in the world that this would be possible. Perhaps it is just a dream right now, but what do you think?

Perhaps, as we become more visual, or should I say audiable, in the world, more Catholics would return to their faith and others would join us.

[chicago]

Bring Back WNIB!

[Jerry Usher]

I can easily see the day when there will be more than one Catholic radio station in a particular market. At least, I pray for that day, because I, too, believe that there's more than one way to edify the Catholic (and inquisitive non-Catholic) listening audience.

This is not likely to happen anytime soon, since many people who would like to have Catholic radio will be content to listen to an existing station rather than going to all the trouble to start their own (once they realize that their area has a station on the air).

And of course Catholic radio will have to move beyond the occasional territorialism that shows itself. It's understandable, in a sense, because all the stations are listener-supported (to my knowledge) and vying for the same dollars to stay on the air. I have a hunch that if a second group came along and wanted to start a station where one already exists, there would have to be a fair amount of dialogue and understanding, and probably a different general format choice.

But like Fr. Leo said, there are numerous non-Catholic Christian stations in many of our cities. Why can't we as Catholic broadcasters and listeners accomplish the same thing (as long as the programming is orthodox and inspires the listeners)?

Anyone else have thoughts about this?

Jerry

[chicago]

Originally Posted by Jerry Usher

Anyone else have thoughts about this?

You've pretty well summarized my thoughts on this.

The other factor which needs to be considered is that in the markets which could likely financially support a second station without too much trouble, startup costs for getting control of a station to air your programming on are probably prohibitive.

However, I do think that Salem offers something of a model (from the evangelical world) of how there can easily be different tracks of programming within the same overall sphere of "Christian" (or in our case Catholic) broadcasting. They own stations which focus on ministry programming, music programming, and political/news/current events talk respectively. Sometimes operating all three in the same radio markets.

Probably what is going to have to happen is for Catholic broadcasters to first legitimately establish themselves in whatever incarnation they variably exist and find some stability until there is an overflow of interest, talent, and creativity such that secondary stations come naturally.

[WanderAimlessly]

Originally Posted by frleo

How many of the major markets have more than one "Christian" station? It would be great if we could reach the day that we have two Catholic stations in the major markets, offering different, yet solid, programing directed at different audiences.



Here in my part of rural Montana, we do not have a Catholic station that I can listen to. I selected my satelite radio provider because they provided Catholic Radio (EWTN) . I listen to Relevant Radio a lot via the internet when I am around the rectory. There are times when I am at home or in the vehicle (average of 3000 miles/month) that I wish I could get the other programming. It is usually not program dependent, but topic dependent. Should we be working harder to promote any good Catholic programming whether or not the particualr style inspires us? Some like the call in programs that promote self help or guidance for assistance (Dr. is In or Heart, Mind and Strength). Some like the programs with a host and guests (Drew Mariani, Al Kresta). Some like listening to Fathers Corapi and Barron. Of course we all love Catholic Answers Live - or delayed. Can we create a market and funding for two Catholic stations? I would hope we can make such a difference in the world that this would be possible. Perhaps it is just a dream right now, but what do you think?

The Detroit actually has two Catholic radio stations:

WDEO 990 AM Ann Arbor / Detroit MI (Ave Maria Radio)

WCAR 1090 AM Livonia / Detroit MI (Michigan Catholic Radio)

Some of their programming is the same (i.e. CA Live) but alot of it is different.

PF