Re: [Swprograms] Religious Programming

[Richard Cuff <rdcuff@xxxxxxxxx>]

My theories:

1) Religious broadcasters don't need to show significant "profits"
from their operations -- presuming dollars come from other sources,
shortwave can be considered a loss leader -- bringing in new converts
that are otherwise not reached by other media (hear that, BBC?).  As a
result, as long as shortwave isn't a money pit, it's a valid delivery
method.

2) Religious broadcasting is somewhat paradoxical.  While broadcasters
claim their motivations are evangelical -- winning new converts,
reinforcing those with weaker faith -- the majority of listeners to
evangelical broadcasters are *already* Christians.  These listeners 
-- like us who begrudgingly by Sirius subscriptions to hear the BBC --
are motivated to use whatever technology connects them with their
beloved ministries.

3) Religious broadcasters already know that, in many instances,  no
one will *pay* them for their content, unlike the BBC.  Religious
broadcasters already have to rent time to get their programs on air,
so shortwave is simply another type of placement fee.

Stations that program music tend to be closer to the conventional
radio station that produces content and sells advertising (or sells
"underwriting sponsorships").  Stations of that ilk are less likely to
be on shortwave.

4) The "growth markets" for many religious broadcasters are Africa and
Asia.  These are areas more likely to embrace shortwave by necessity. 
Witness HCJB's recent transformation.  This is the rationale that
attaches to the "reach" that you mention.

Richard Cuff / Allentown, PA  USA

On 4/15/05, David Goren <dbgoren@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> In the midst of the ongoing cutbacks of shortwave, and the ensuing
> debates someone usually sez in despair: "If this keeps up, all we'll
> have left are the Bible thumpers."
> 
> I don't think that this is particularly the way things will go, but why
> are religious broadcasters sticking with shortwave when others are not.
> Is it the sheer reach of the medium, and the resistance to jamming etc?
> Does shortwave religious broadcasting make for a good cause in terms of
> raising money from religious but non-shortwave listening donors.
>

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