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Longest Running Radio Program

M

MikefromDelaware

The program first aired in 1950 and is still on the air today, being heard on 1550 radio stations world wide. It is still produced as it was back in 1950 with live music, a sound effects person doing the sound effect live, and the actors acting their parts live as it is recorded. It is a 1/2 hour radio drama called "Unshackled". It is based on true life stories of people from around the country who became unshackled when they turned their lives over to Jesus Christ.

The studios are located at the Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago, Ill. Their web site has plenty of photos of the actors, sound effects, and the studio from way back when and today's very modern studio. There is a radio log also that will tell you anywhere in the world the program can be heard, which by the way is now translated into, I believe, 7 languages besides the original English. Whether or not you are into radio drama (religious or secular) , that's quite a feat. 55 continuous years of broadcasting. One person, I believe is still there from the original crew/cast.

The web site is www.unshackled.org Locally in and around the Philadelphia,PA /Trenton, NJ /Wilmington, DE/ Baltimore, MD area it can be heard on:

Camden, NJ WTMR - 800AM M-F 2am
Trenton,NJ WCHR - 1040 Sun 10:30pm Sat 4am, 11pm.
Lancaster, PA WDAC - 94.5 Sun 6pm
Philly WPHE 690 Sat/Sun 5pm
Baltimore WRBS - 95.1 M-F 2am
Elkton, MD (Wilmington market) WOEL- 89.9 M-F 3pm/8pm, Sat/Sun 3pm/5:30pm
 
> The program first aired in 1950 and is still on the air
> today, being heard on 1550 radio stations world wide. It is
> still produced as it was back in 1950 with live music, a
> sound effects person doing the sound effect live, and the
> actors acting their parts live as it is recorded. It is a
> 1/2 hour radio drama called "Unshackled". It is based on
> true life stories of people from around the country who
> became unshackled when they turned their lives over to Jesus
> Christ.
>
> The studios are located at the Pacific Garden Mission in
> Chicago, Ill. Their web site has plenty of photos of the
> actors, sound effects, and the studio from way back when and
> today's very modern studio. There is a radio log also that
> will tell you anywhere in the world the program can be
> heard, which by the way is now translated into, I believe, 7
> languages besides the original English. Whether or not you
> are into radio drama (religious or secular) , that's quite a
> feat. 55 continuous years of broadcasting. One person, I
> believe is still there from the original crew/cast.

mike-unshacked was carried on the wcvo where i first got my class 3 fcc radiotelephone operators license. it was a tremendous program in 1989 and still IS. in Ohio, i believe that wcrf and wcer carry it in northeast ohio. another long running series was the Chapel Of The Air, hosted for the first 45 years by John D. Jess, and for the last 5 years by his son-in-law, David Mains. i can rememeber our church doing the 40 day Spiritual Adventure on Overcoming Fear.-david5258
>
> The web site is www.unshackled.org Locally in and around
> the Philadelphia,PA /Trenton, NJ /Wilmington, DE/ Baltimore,
> MD area it can be heard on:
>
> Camden, NJ WTMR - 800AM M-F 2am
> Trenton,NJ WCHR - 1040 Sun 10:30pm Sat 4am, 11pm.
> Lancaster, PA WDAC - 94.5 Sun 6pm
> Philly WPHE 690 Sat/Sun 5pm
> Baltimore WRBS - 95.1 M-F 2am
> Elkton, MD (Wilmington market) WOEL- 89.9 M-F 3pm/8pm,
> Sat/Sun 3pm/5:30pm
>
 
"Unshacked" may be the longest-running radio drama, but there is an even longer-running radio program out there: "Southwest Radio Church."

SWRC started in 1933 and has been on the air continuously ever since. It was hosted by Dr. E. F. Webber from 1933 to 1959, then by his son, David, along with Noah Hutchings, until 1988. Noah Hutchings has continued to host solo from 1988 until present. More info on the history and current carriage of SWRC can be found at www.swrc.com.
 
> "Unshacked" may be the longest-running radio drama, but
> there is an even longer-running radio program out there:
> "Southwest Radio Church."
>
> SWRC started in 1933 and has been on the air continuously
> ever since. It was hosted by Dr. E. F. Webber from 1933 to
> 1959, then by his son, David, along with Noah Hutchings,
> until 1988. Noah Hutchings has continued to host solo from
> 1988 until present. More info on the history and current
> carriage of SWRC can be found at www.swrc.com.
>

I don't know how the original SWRC program was, but the program as it is now is one of the worst in Christian radio, loaded with KJVO, anti-CCM, and prophecy/conspiracy oriented guests. They usually end up on dollar a holler stations that will allow anything on for a buck or stations owned by pepole who actually agree with them.
 
Totally Inaccurate

There are several broadcasts (many of them religious broadcasts, but not all) that have been on the air since 1950 and up to 25 years before 1950.

I posted a list of those of which I am aware on the Philadelphia board where I first saw this same message cross-posted.

http://www.radio-info.com/mods/board?Post=514501&Board=philadelphia


> The program first aired in 1950 and is still on the air
> today, being heard on 1550 radio stations world wide. It is
> still produced as it was back in 1950 with live music, a
> sound effects person doing the sound effect live, and the
> actors acting their parts live as it is recorded. It is a
> 1/2 hour radio drama called "Unshackled". It is based on
> true life stories of people from around the country who
> became unshackled when they turned their lives over to Jesus
> Christ.
>
> The studios are located at the Pacific Garden Mission in
> Chicago, Ill. Their web site has plenty of photos of the
> actors, sound effects, and the studio from way back when and
> today's very modern studio. There is a radio log also that
> will tell you anywhere in the world the program can be
> heard, which by the way is now translated into, I believe, 7
> languages besides the original English. Whether or not you
> are into radio drama (religious or secular) , that's quite a
> feat. 55 continuous years of broadcasting. One person, I
> believe is still there from the original crew/cast.
>
> The web site is www.unshackled.org Locally in and around
> the Philadelphia,PA /Trenton, NJ /Wilmington, DE/ Baltimore,
> MD area it can be heard on:
>
> Camden, NJ WTMR - 800AM M-F 2am
> Trenton,NJ WCHR - 1040 Sun 10:30pm Sat 4am, 11pm.
> Lancaster, PA WDAC - 94.5 Sun 6pm
> Philly WPHE 690 Sat/Sun 5pm
> Baltimore WRBS - 95.1 M-F 2am
> Elkton, MD (Wilmington market) WOEL- 89.9 M-F 3pm/8pm,
> Sat/Sun 3pm/5:30pm
>
 
Re: Totally Inaccurate

I went back to the Unshackled web site and found that they said "longest running radio drama". My mistake, I stand corrected.
 
Re: Unshackled...

I remember being in Chicago about 15 years ago and the Howard Line took me right passed the door of the mission, and the people, and the apparent "Jesus love" going on there every single day en route to work...

It was too obvious not to notice it. Even though I was pretty shackled back then.

Years later, I was working Christian radio and wanted to see the studios of the program we aired. Following directions from the producer, I stepped off the same train, walked up the stairs and took a deep breath at the sight of Pacific Garden Mission...

One of those moments when God freezes time long enough for us to see the picture He's painting!

We watched the live production and toured the rooms of the mission. I think I cried the whole time...

:)
e<P ID="signature">______________
RADIOELIZABETH
Pleasant, Passionate, Persuasive
www.radioelizabeth.com</P>
 
Pretty similar in the 70s and 80s..and SWRC was on some big signals back then. The end was coming, by nuclear bomb, tommorrow!<P ID="signature">______________
Did the Corinthians ever write back?</P>
 
Yes, SWRC does get into many topics that are a bit out of the mainstream. That isn't always a bad thing, however. Long before I heard anyone else mention it, I heard SWRC talking about the persecution in Darfur and the need for action. They also talk about the church in countries like China and spend a lot of time talking about Israel. Unfortunately, many of the bigger national programs never get outside the United States in their focus. So SWRC does fill a niche, even if you have to listen with discerning ears.
 
I love "Unshackled"!

Just a few weeks ago a show I run boards for celebrated its 55th anniversary of same day, same station, same time continuous broadcasting. The Ukrainian Radio Show, hosted by Michael Komichak since 1950. A Pittsburgh institution!





> The program first aired in 1950 and is still on the air
> today, being heard on 1550 radio stations world wide. It is
> still produced as it was back in 1950 with live music, a
> sound effects person doing the sound effect live, and the
> actors acting their parts live as it is recorded. It is a
> 1/2 hour radio drama called "Unshackled". It is based on
> true life stories of people from around the country who
> became unshackled when they turned their lives over to Jesus
> Christ.
>
> The studios are located at the Pacific Garden Mission in
> Chicago, Ill. Their web site has plenty of photos of the
> actors, sound effects, and the studio from way back when and
> today's very modern studio. There is a radio log also that
> will tell you anywhere in the world the program can be
> heard, which by the way is now translated into, I believe, 7
> languages besides the original English. Whether or not you
> are into radio drama (religious or secular) , that's quite a
> feat. 55 continuous years of broadcasting. One person, I
> believe is still there from the original crew/cast.
>
> The web site is www.unshackled.org Locally in and around
> the Philadelphia,PA /Trenton, NJ /Wilmington, DE/ Baltimore,
> MD area it can be heard on:
>
> Camden, NJ WTMR - 800AM M-F 2am
> Trenton,NJ WCHR - 1040 Sun 10:30pm Sat 4am, 11pm.
> Lancaster, PA WDAC - 94.5 Sun 6pm
> Philly WPHE 690 Sat/Sun 5pm
> Baltimore WRBS - 95.1 M-F 2am
> Elkton, MD (Wilmington market) WOEL- 89.9 M-F 3pm/8pm,
> Sat/Sun 3pm/5:30pm
> <P ID="signature">______________
~Always leave a hole when you go.
<a target="_blank" href=http://www.OneVoiceNow.Blogspot.com>Are we really one voice?</a></P>
 
Re: Unshackled...

Someday, I'd like to visit Chicago and visit the Pacific Garden Mission to watch them do the production of Unshackled, both from the spiritual blessing it must be to witness this outstanding program that has faithfully honored Our Lord for 55 years and also from the technical point of view.

I had the opportunity to produce a short radio "soapopera" while on Armed Forces Radio (AFRN 1490 Eielson AFB, Alaska) back in 1972-73 called "Life Can Be a Hassle". They were 2-3 minute vinettes, sort of like the old "Chickenman" series of the 1960's. High school kids from the base played the parts. One of the students and I wrote the scripts. I did the sound effects. I pre-recorded the organ as the studio didn't have an organ in it. It was suprising how much work went into doing a 2-3 minute radio drama that aired once a week. So to put together a top quality 30 minute radio drama all done live (all music and sound effects and acting) as they are recording it 5 days a week must be a major undertaking. It would be wonderful to watch and learn from the experts.

I first heard Unshackled while stationed in Alaska on KJNP 1170 NorthPole Alaska back in 1972. I wasn't saved then, but have always had an interest in radio drama (The Shadow, The Lone Ranger, etc,) so when I found this program as I scanned around the radio dial one evening I was hooked. What a great way to get introduced to the Gospel message of Christ. KJNP-AM a 50K watt powerhouse of Christian programming up there. Today, they also have an FM station and I believe a TV station too.

Radio e, Thanks for sharing your experience visiting the Unshackled broadcast and the Pacific Garden Mission.


> I remember being in Chicago about 15 years ago and the
> Howard Line took me right passed the door of the mission,
> and the people, and the apparent "Jesus love" going on there
> every single day en route to work...
>
> It was too obvious not to notice it. Even though I was
> pretty shackled back then.
>
> Years later, I was working Christian radio and wanted to see
> the studios of the program we aired. Following directions
> from the producer, I stepped off the same train, walked up
> the stairs and took a deep breath at the sight of Pacific
> Garden Mission...
>
> One of those moments when God freezes time long enough for
> us to see the picture He's painting!
>
> We watched the live production and toured the rooms of the
> mission. I think I cried the whole time...
>
> :)
> e
>
 
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