The Deacon's Bench
The Toledo Blade has a long look at the rise of Christian radio in Ohio—and spotlights Annunciation Radio and the two deacons who are bringing The Word to the air:
Scan the radio dials in northwest Ohio and it won’t be long before you come across a religious song, sermon, lesson in Christian living, or a faith-oriented talk show.
Such Toledo broadcast radio stations as Proclaim FM and Annunciation Radio have studios and DJs, airing Christian-oriented music and talk with local input geared to regional listeners. They air local church services and play programs originating elsewhere, often ministers giving religious instruction.
…WNOC-FM 89.7, Bowling Green, which has its studio in Toledo along with companion stations in Mansfield, Sandusky, and Willard, is Annunciation Radio. What Annunciation explains is Roman Catholicism.
Deacon Mike Learned, the president and station manager, said the independent operation raises its own funds but still works closely with the Diocese of Toledo.
Its listeners have “decided they’re Catholic or they’re really interested in the Catholic church,” Learned said.
“Or they’re really interested in a deeper theology — because we have a lot of non-Catholic listeners — so we’ve sort of positioned ourselves in that place.”
“I feel that this is a really powerful way to get the good news out,” said Deacon Joe Malenfant, the station’s board chairman.
On the air since Aug. 15, 2010, Annunciation is getting past some financial hurdles (it has lost three transmitters, priced up to $16,000, because of weather damage), in part with successful listener “share-a-thons.”
Photo by Lori King/The Blade
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In