Local UCB 'truly changing lives'
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Local UCB 'truly changing lives'This article first appeared in the Belleville Intelligencer. Letters, calls from listeners a testament to impact of Christian radio station by Henry Bury
And one of the vehicles He's using is the United Christian Broadcasting Canada radio station in Belleville. Now entering its sixth year on the 102.3 FM frequency, its mandate continues to use the gospel of Jesus Christ to change lives for good. The station's format of uplifting contemporary music and hymns, Christian spiritual teaching, children's programming as well as news, sports, weather, traffic and community events has helped achieve its mission of changing lives, said James Hunt, chief operating officer. " We receive letters, comments and phone calls from many listeners who share with us how the station has impacted their lives," he said. "We have had comments from listeners who were contemplating suicide and 'stumbled' across our station and believe God spoke to them. Those in marital stress say how a program of ours spoke right to their situation." Hunt said many elderly residents have reported the radio station "is a true companion to them." "Interestingly enough, we've also heard in penitentiaries and we get calls and letters from prisoners who value what the station brings to them." Hunt said the feedback from listeners is important to him. "It gives credence to what we're trying to do and what is being achieved through our station. We know it's the message that we carry that makes the difference in people's lives." Belleville is one of two standalone fully-operational radio stations with UCB Canada -the other is in Chatham-Kent. The Belleville station is heard on the 102.3 FM dial locally as well as on different frequencies in Brockville, Cobourg, Port Hope and soon in Bancroft and then Kingston next year through a "rebroadcast" technology. "It allows everything produced in Belleville to be broadcast in these other communities simultaneously," he said. Hunt said the station uses "stringers" in those communities to provide weekly reports and updates on local news, sports and current events. Located on the top floor at 214 Pinnacle St., the Belleville radio station employs nine full-time and five part-time staff, from announcers to technical personnel. It also has a number of volunteers who do some on-air shifts, administrative work and liaise with area churches and operate the prayer line. "Volunteers are a big part of helping us do what we do and we're always looking for volunteers with various skills to lend a hand," he said. Trenton's Gail Conrick has been volunteering since the station hit the airwaves at 1:02 p. m. Oct. 18, 2003 and has been operating 24/7 since.. "I find working here in a Christian atmosphere is very uplifting," she said. "I've heard that every job is thankless but this is definitely not. It's very rewarding and people appreciate what they do around here." Hunt said UCB is different from commercial radio stations because it's a registered non-profit Canadian charity and most of its revenue comes from donations. "Sixty-five to 70 per cent of all our income comes from donations, both from individuals and churches that support the radio ministry. It's amazing that Belleville and surrounding communities have not only contributed but supported the station which doesn't make commercial sense in today's radio industry," Hunt said. "I think the radio station has been blessed right from the beginning and many people in the community have been a blessing to us." Advertising revenue accounts for 20 to 25 per cent of the station's income and the remainder comes from teaching ministries who pay to be on air. The operating budget for both UCB radio stations and the other frequencies will be about $1 million this year -- donations come from all the communities served by the stations. The 45,000-watt Belleville station can be heard as far as Havelock to east of Kingston and west of Port Hope. It has four to five per cent of the local listening market which, Hunt noted, are good figures for a Christian radio station. "We are a station that uses the medium of radio to provide a positive family friendly place on the dial to encourage and bring hope to the community we're in," Hunt said. Even though it's a Christian station, he said it always invites other points of view regarding public concerns. "Part of our mandate is also to be a neutral Christian hub in the community," he said. "We ensure that we are not influenced or aligned to one group or denomination. We're here to support the wider Christian community." The formula for UCB Belleville's success is providing around-the-clock programming suitable for all members of the family. Weekday mornings, announcers Kevin and Dana play music and read the news, sports, announcements, school bus cancellations, on-air contests and birthday greetings from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. There are a number of bible-based teaching programs offered from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on such topics as family, finance and faith. Rev. Kevin Kay heads the 11 a.m. to 2 p.m time slot hosting a music show, lunchtime praise and worship hour and discussion various topics. The afternoon drive show from 2 p. m. to 5 p. m. is hosted by Jay Christie. Between 5 p. m. and 10 p. m., there are different programs and music, including children's programs. Melanie Linn is the late night host and provides a mix of music and teachings during the 10 p. m. to 6 a. m. time slot. "On weekends, we run a variety of programs that are hosted by staff and volunteers, ending with a youth music program called The Edge," Hunt said. The station's broadcast audience is the entire family -mom, dad and children. "But we also cater to different music genres and tastes," he said. The UCB started in New Zealand 30 years ago and since then has grown to UCB affiliates in 15 countries. Hunt said UCB Canada is an autonomous Canadian company and charity that capitalizes in working in relationship with other UCBs around the globe. The Belleville radio station was started five years ago by Gary Hoogvliet, who came here from New Zealand at the request of a few local people wanting to start a Christian radio station in this country. Hoogvliet helped run the station for the first few years. Hunt and his wife, Pam, arrived in Belleville 18 months ago to operate UCB Canada. The United Kingdom resident has a background in corporate development and ministry. "Heading up the radio station has been an enjoyable journey," he said. "We love being in Canada. We find the people very friendly and helpful, which makes it home to us." Article ID# 1266443
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