Aas previously stated, in different language, Camping is protected to broadcast such things, as it is based on a religious belief (whether a misinterpretation of scripture, or not). If he were in the position of an NPR station, which receives government funding, he would not be able to broadcast anything of a doctrinal nature. However, he is protected to broadcast as a religious station. Additionally, it was the choice of his followers to subscribe to his interpretation of scripture and to help fund its broadcast. I do not spend much time listening to Family Radio. Occassionally, I would hear Camping on Shortwave and would stop to hear what he was talking about. However, their music programming is similar to that of Bible Broadcast Network. From what I understand, he was not doing any 'active' fundraising on-air leading up to this non-event. As many non profits do, they do air spots recruiting supporters, but there was no active pledge drive going on (in fact, I don't think Family Radio ever did pledge drives). As crazy as it seems, and as against my personal convictions as such predictions are, I believe this man believed he had received such knowledge directly from God. (...and all this time, we had been told that it was Rush Limbaugh that had talent on loan from God). Evidentally, in his heart and mind, he was trying to save souls. News media local to Family Radio's headquarters report of 'official' documentation exists to support that Camping's claims to never having received a salary from the organization were actually true. He claimed to work as a volunteer. Of course, there are loopholes and such that would allow a volunteer to ultimately get paid, as well. Also, FR, as all non-profit broadcasters have a Board of Directors. The question here is, whether the Board consists of legitimate board members, or simply yes-men for Harold Camping, leaving Camping to rule the network like a dictator. IMHO, I believe Family Radio's format could be modified to be a great alternative for BBN stations. Not every Christian Radio listener wants to hear the same Christian Pop, Urban Gospel, or Southern/Country Gospel Music. I, of course, believe it should be done without Harold Camping's version of doctrine. I have also read that 70% of camping's staff do NOT believe in his interpretation of scripture. So, prehaps Family Radio could rehash things and keep their network going in that way. If not, there are plenty Christian Broadcasters that would want to take the frequencies. Even if that doesn't happen, think of all the colleges, school systems and other community organizations that could launch public/community stations (or upgrade from LPFM). It should be interesting to see what happens.
On the personal side, I do feel sorry for those who did buy into this. Religious fanatasizm is powerful, especially among those who are 'searching'. My prayers are with them and with Mr. Camping, that he may make the right decisions in the next few days. It will be impossible to undo the damage done to families, who sold everything they had, but again, they made those decisions. As someone else mentioned, think of the good that Family Radio could have done with the money they spent on billboards and such. I believe most Christians, whether Catholic or Protestant, would agree that using money like that to strengthen their ministry (that spreads the legititmate Word of God), or more to help so many people, who are suffering from the economic downturn would be the better ministry. Besides, if Judgement Day is today or in 10,000 years, it is in the control of God and not of man!
