The saga of Issues, Etc., after much drama, is moving to a happy resolution. The confessional Lutheran radio show was booted from the LCMS-owned radio station KFUO for its uncompromising theological stands, sparking an uproar that, arguably, contributed to the election of new, more conservative leadership in the church body. After being killed off, Issues, Etc., hosted by Todd Wilkens and produced by Jeff Schwarz, rose from the dead on the Internet, raising their own money and purchasing some time from another St. Louis station.
But now the program is coming back in triumph to KFUO AM. (Though the Missouri Synod sold the classical FM station, it still owns the AM facilities.) But the program will retain its internet presence, its own funding, and its independence. Paul McCain tells the tale:
It was, to say the least, a horrendously bad decision when Issues, Etc. was removed from KFUO AM. Issues was, by far, the most popular show on KFUO and the only theological programming The LCMS was producing of this depth and substance.
After that most unhappy incident, Issues Etc. went on to establish itself as a strong, independent voice for confessing Lutheranism. I officially learned today that they are returning on March 12 to KFUO AM in syndication which will allow them to retain total control over their content, while giving the St. Louis and KFUO AM listening audience access to two hours of programming, Monday to Friday.
This is great news! Here is the press release.
“Issues, Etc.”, a radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio and hosted by Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Pastor Todd Wilken, will begin broadcasting live Monday, March 12 from 3-5 p.m. CST weekdays on KFUO, 850 AM in St. Louis. “Issues, Etc.” has been broadcasting on KSIV, Bott Radio Network in St. Louis since June 30, 2008. KFUO is owned and operated by the LCMS. The popular radio show aired for more than 15 years on KFUO. However, the LCMS cancelled the program on March 18, 2008.
“By purchasing airtime on KFUO instead of KSIV, we will be able to offer ten hours of live programming each week to St. Louis area listeners instead of five hours of programming. KFUO also provides a stronger signal for our listeners in southern Illinois,” said Jeff Schwarz, general manager of LPR.
“We will not become employees of KFUO or the LCMS,” said Pastor Todd Wilken, host of Issues, Etc. “Lutheran Public Radio and KFUO are totally separate entities. When listeners donate to KFUO, they won’t be supporting LPR and vice versa. It is vitally important for us to have complete editorial control and financial independence from the LCMS.”
via The Boys are Back in Town – Issues, Etc. Returns to KFUO AM Saint Louis | CyberBrethren – A Lutheran Blog.
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