Who is BIBLE BROADCASTING NETWORK, INC. ?

[R.D.P.]

That is so sad indeed. Contemporary Christian Music has only helped me grow closer to God, in ways that amaze me. To say that CCM will lead to the ruin of a Church is not right. Many Churches I know of, are doing very well, because of CCM being present. One local Baptist Church, has grown in attendance, since starting up a Contemporary Worship Service a few years back. Some of my neighbors attend that church and tell me that the attendande is constantly growing. This same Church is now fixing to build a new Sancturary, once they get the funds needed to carry out this project.

With that being said, I thank God that WRNF 89.5 FM (Moody Radio) is fixing to sign on, from the beautiful community of Plantersville Alabama.  (18 miles north and east of Selma)  Once they do, my days of barely hearing WYFK from Columbus Georgia will come to an end.

Although Moody isn't too much better, with their music, I'd rather have them than BBN.  At least, they do cater to the slower CCM songs.

I'm still working on my radio project.  If it works out, I'm going to lean towards the Hot AC/CHR sound, minus the Praise and Worship songs and with a strong emphasis on sound doctrine only. 

I'm not going to be a money flasher.  Instead I'm going to promote meat and potatoes doctrine only, if my door does open.

R.D.P. <><

 

[Chuck]

Odds of older people actually accepting Christ approach zero, so using a broadcast outlet for that purpose seems to be quite the waste of a talent. Programming like that reinforces the "joke" stereotypes and makes "going ye" : to those who have a possibility of accepting Christ a more difficult task, not a less.

I don't think that is true at all. As you get older,you become more and more aware of the presence of your Maker. Ask anyone in a nursing home.

 

[neutralobserver]

I don't think that is true at all.

You should research it, then.

As you get older,you become more and more aware of the presence of your Maker.

Possibly...maybe even probably...but that doesn't mean the person ever actually comes to Christ.

Ask anyone in a nursing home.

Nursing home? Carrier current. "Talking House" transmitter. Broadcast outlet not needed.

 

[Matt]

Let's do a little bit of population breakdown, folks:

U.S. Population is just over 300,000,000 souls.

Of those, approximately 125,000,000 are age 65 and older. That's 41.7% Give it another decade and the percentage is going to be in excess of 50%

Only 5% of that 125,000,000...or 6,250,000 are currently institutionalized in care facilities of all types. That leaves 118,750.000 Americans over 65 who are widely distributed in our society and out of the reach of your "...Carrier current or Talking House transmitters... ." Let's go a little further with the numbers, shall we...

I don't have accurate figures on what follows, but let's assume that 30% of that 118,750,000 Americans over 65 are disabled, invalid or for whatever reason are dependent on family, friends or private duty care for their existence. That number comes to 35,625,000, leaving 83,125,000 healthy, hearty, active individuals who either continue to earn a living in society or successfully planned for their retirement.

Now, here's where my division becomes purely speculative. I'm going to assume that 10% of those healthy over-65's, or 8,312,500 individuals, have the funds and are willing to support Christian causes over and above their church commitments to the tune of $100/month, or $1,200 per year.

For the sake of argument here, let's assume that these 8,312,500 individuals are evenly distributed in the 200 or so radio markets in the US...that's 41,563 individuals per market, with aggregate funds that they are willing to spend for Christian causes of $49,875,000. Some of these people may even be atheists, but they just enjoy the music. For whatever reason, their money still makes up nearly $50 Million available from potential donors in each and every market in the US. And what's more, that doesn't even take a dime from what consumers are willing to spend for food, clothing, housing or transportation.

Now, let's assume that BBN can convince donors to send 3% of those funds to them to operate a station that they can listen to and pay the associated property, transmission and salary costs to do this non-commercially. That figure comes to $1.5 million average per market, or a yearly $300,000,000 potential for its owners to operate BBN on a national/international basis.

Of course, the formula works equally as well for Moody, Family Radio and a host of smaller religious broadcast operations in this country. We can, and probably will, always argue over the efficacy of the Gospel which they preach...or the theological viewpoint they espouse...or their scorn for Contemporary Christian Music...but we can neither argue with their formula, nor with its success.

I suppose that in another generation or so people will level the same charges at K-Love, Air1, WayFM and whatever keeps the great tunes of CCM alive for the increasing numbers of +65 baby boomers. I have every reason to believe that when sufficient numbers of us fall into that bracket, that we support what we like to hear to the same extent that our mothers and fathers are supporting the BBN's, Moody's and FLR's of the world in these days.

For Christ and GOOD Christian Radio...
Matt Smith, Station Manager, WGSR-TV
Assistant Pastor, Sandy Cross Wesleyan Church
Reidsville, NC

 

[The RadioFan]

Good point, Matt. I can also add that Christian networks like BBN, Moody and others also have many listeners under the age of 65 who can support them as well. I am only in my thirties and I prefer listening to Christian Talk/Inspo networks like Moody Broadcasting and the KHCB network more than any other format. I haven't tried BBN as of yet. However, I am sure that I would find their programs towards my interest as well. As I have listened to many of the call-in programs on KHCB and Moody Broadcasting, I have noticed that many callers are under the age 65. These stations aren't just reaching out to those over 65. These networks provide listeners with biblical teachings, questions and answers programmings and other life-changing services unavailable through other formats. I believe this unique delivery results in a greater listener age range for these stations than normally speculated.

 

[neutralobserver]

Let's do a little bit of population breakdown, folks:

U.S. Population is just over 300,000,000 souls.

Of those, approximately 125,000,000 are age 65 and older. That's 41.7%

The census bureau puts the 65+ population at around 37,000,000 or 12-13%.

As I have listened to many of the call-in programs on KHCB and Moody Broadcasting, I have noticed that many callers are under the age 65.

Screening.

These networks provide listeners with biblical teachings, questions and answers programmings and other life-changing services unavailable through other formats.

Virtually all offer their programs on tape, CD, and over the internet via streaming and downloading. Most offer many printed materials, as well.

I believe this unique delivery results in a greater listener age range for these stations than normally speculated.

We have ratings services and do not have to speculate.

 

[justalurker]

Let's do a little bit of population breakdown, folks:

U.S. Population is just over 300,000,000 souls.

Of those, approximately 125,000,000 are age 65 and older. That's 41.7%

The census bureau puts the 65+ population at around 37,000,000 or 12-13%.

2003 figures back that up.

As I have listened to many of the call-in programs on KHCB and Moody Broadcasting, I have noticed that many callers are under the age 65.

Screening.

Unfortunately unless you are a screener or have information from one that is just an assumption.

These networks provide listeners with biblical teachings, questions and answers programmings and other life-changing services unavailable through other formats.

Virtually all offer their programs on tape, CD, and over the internet via streaming and downloading. Most offer many printed materials, as well.

I'm impressed with how my mother, now in her 70's, has embraced the Internet but it is no replacement for radio nor should it be an excuse for not providing content via the radio.

I believe this unique delivery results in a greater listener age range for these stations than normally speculated.

We have ratings services and do not have to speculate.

Ahh, "lies, d*** lies and statistics". Ratings are only an estimate. A numbers based specucation at best.

I don't see a wide market appeal for BBN and Moody formats ... but I know people well under 65 who listen and prefer BBN to even the best CCM formats - and there are a lot of religious stations that follow the BBN/Moody direction instead of CCM.

 

[Chuck]

I don't think that is true at all.

You should research it, then.

As you get older,you become more and more aware of the presence of your Maker.

Possibly...maybe even probably...but that doesn't mean the person ever actually comes to Christ.

I don't know how old you are, but I'm guessing you are in a younger demographic. When you get in your 50's and notice that close friends (who you thought were quite good health) are suddenly showing up in the obituaries, you may change your mind.

I am fairly sure there is a huge market of baby boomers who have not made religion an important part of their lives since their high school days, if ever. If someone is not serving these people, then religious broadcasting is not doing its job very thoroughly. I'm not saying that the age 50 and up demo is the only one you should be addressing, but it is a large one that has money to support your ministry.

 

[anotherguyTN]

From the times I've heard them BBN's music is so traditional that they don't even accept most Southern Gospel or other forms of Christian music that many older listeners would accept.

I don't have a problem with BBN trying to reach the older audience if they believe that is what God has called them to do. But when they use their platform to attack CCM or any other musical form that doesn't suit their man-made standard, that is what I believe is wrong. If they were to say that they play (VERY) traditional music because they believe that is what God has called them to do and not make CCM an issue it wouldn't be so bad. I might still not support them financially, but I wouldn't have a problem with them presenting the Gospel in the way they believe they are being led by God to do.

If you'll notice it's almost always the anti-CCM people who make an issue over CCM and want to divide over it, not the people who are for CCM. If BBN would take the approach of not making CCM an issue, I believe that they would have more respect of those of us who may not like the music they choose to play, but can see the need for that type of format.

As far as the future when current CCM is what is accepted by the seniors of that time, I hope that there will be enough of us who will have learned from the mistakes of the past and realize that there is room for different forms of Christian music, and the "music wars" of today will be a thing of the past.

I grew up in a church that was mostly anti-CCM and because of the negative reaction I received over my choices in Christian music, I decided that I wouldn't fall into that same trap when I was older. I just turned 50 and I'm still listening to WAY-FM and Air 1, and I'll be for using whatever future styles of music come up to praise God and communicate the Gospel.

 

[74WIXYGrad]

What I find amusing is the fact that the same broad brush I saw used to paint many CCM music/artists when I was a young christian in a southern baptist church is now being wielded by those who think the only music that ministers to anyone is CCM.

You say that BBN is KJV only. Go to their website and take a look at their programming schedule. You will see that's not true. For example, Insight for Living is on the schedule, and in the past fundamentalist preachers have been having a field day with Chuck Swindoll. I know about the fundamentalists because I were one.

My main beef has been that the over the air outlets have not been ministering to those who either cannot afford a computer or are afraid to get one. They are the ones being left out when companies decide not to go outside the money demo.

My preferences? My radio at work is usually on the Moody radio station during my work day. I enjoy the old southern gospel, but I also like the ccm from the late seventies- early eighties. I also enjoy the WCRF playlist. I know that my 51 year old ears sometimes don't understand some of the music that ministers to the younger audiences and I accept that.

What I don't accept is the fact that a whole lot of folks who had an influence on me in my early Christian years are being snubbed by the industry in the name of ratings. We shouldn't hang those who taught us out to dry.

Please don't begrudge BBN the right to broadcast what they feel is their ministry simply because you don't agree to what they teach.

And unless you have a fixed frequency radio, if you don't like what's on the air change the station.

 

[anotherguyTN]

I have never accused BBN of being KJV only. I've looked at their schedule and have seen that they do have some good programs including Swindoll, Ravi Zacharias, and some of Dobson's programs, although I don't see FOTF listed. I'll also admit that I haven't seen any program or preacher listed that stands out as being KJVO, although I don't know about several that I've never heard of. I can even tolerate a preacher who may not be for CCM but is biblically sound otherwise as long as they don't make CCM a divisive issue like Davey does. I'll admit that I probably wouldn't want them on a CCM station though. Most of the programs I would want to listen to that they carry though are on other stations that don't make CCM a divisive issue.

BBN may be reaching an audience that isn't being reached by CCM stations, but they don't have to attack CCM and make it a divisive issue like they do. I'd listen to them before I'd listen to them before a KJV only station for teaching, but their attitude toward CCM is what I have a problem with and is why I never listen to them.

I also see a need for having stations that reach older listeners. As time goes on though that will become mostly a CCM audience. I really wish that a classic CCM network could get off the ground that would reach the people who are in between the traditional audience and current CCM. I'd enjoy a station like that, but the only options there are on the Internet with stations like The Prodigal. That's probably because of the lack of acceptance of CCM in many areas until the 90's, but that's another issue.

 

[74WIXYGrad]

You say that BBN is KJV only.

Anotherguy,

That was a collective "you", and not specifically a comment directed towards your post. I don't listen to BBN even though there is a sattelator within broadcast range of my home. I do know those who are ministered to by their ministry so in that case I don't feel that their presence is a waste of frequency any more than a demomination that I might not belong to having a church in my town is a waste of real estate.

 

[neutralobserver]

What I don't accept is the fact that a whole lot of folks who had an influence on me in my early Christian years are being snubbed by the industry in the name of ratings. We shouldn't hang those who taught us out to dry.

We play the most-loved songs -- "the hits," if you will -- "in the name of ratings." The artists you say are being "snubbed" should make some hits.


Now, you're going to be tempted to think I'm being flippant. I'm not. All any artist of any age has to do to get on the radio is make an undeniable hit. Make a song that will be absolutely loved (or, at least, accepted) by large numbers of people. That's all it takes.

Apart from that, people should stop griping.

Also, you people keep talking about "anti-CCM" and "KJV-only." In real life, I haven't come across that stuff a single time in over twenty years, yet it keeps coming up here on almost every thread! That tells me that non-pro posters are really atypical, really outside the norm from the start.

 

[MightyFrenchman]

This post tells me that you've never actually worked at a Christian radio station.

[/quote]
Also, you people keep talking about "anti-CCM" and "KJV-only." In real life, I haven't come across that stuff a single time in over twenty years, yet it keeps coming up here on almost every thread! That tells me that non-pro posters are really atypical, really outside the norm from the start.
[/quote]

 

[anotherguyTN]

Also, you people keep talking about "anti-CCM" and "KJV-only." In real life, I haven't come across that stuff a single time in over twenty years, yet it keeps coming up here on almost every thread! That tells me that non-pro posters are really atypical, really outside the norm from the start.

Consider yourself lucky it that is true.

You apparently didn't read the articles I posted links to at http://www.bbnradio.org/wcm4/english/tabid/728/Default.aspx that clearly lays out BBN's attitude toward CCM, or the article concerning Lowell Davey's dropping of David Jeremiah at http://danburrell.com/?m=200604. Take a look at them and see if anti-CCM stations don't exist.

Also, here are some links to some KJV Only (and anti-CCM) stations:

http://www.wsof.org

http://www.wajjradio.org - This used to be a CHR CCM station until the owners sold out to the first group to make an offer, which were the owners of WSOF.

These stations are both owned by a KJV Only independent Baptist church in West Kentucky.

Or how about these stations that I found in a search:

http://www.wkjv.com
http://www.kjbbfm.com

Thankfully these are local groups and not a network, but there are plenty others around the nation.

This isn't counting the Dollar a Holler stations where the owners are only concerned with the almighty dollar that turn out to be mostly this type of programming.

These are the kinds of stations that have caused CCM to have a hard time being accepted until recent years in many areas. Thankfully, these types are in the extreme minority, but they are very vocal and can definitely cause major problems in churches. Is that enough proof they exist?

 

[R.D.P.]

Lest we forget, Rejoice Radio from Pensacola Florida.

R.D.P. <><

 

[rbrucecarter5]

Also, you people keep talking about "anti-CCM" and "KJV-only." In real life, I haven't come across that stuff a single time in over twenty years, yet it keeps coming up here on almost every thread! That tells me that non-pro posters are really atypical, really outside the norm from the start.

I programmed a top-rated Hot-AC / Christian rock show for 7 years, which I think qualifies me as a "pro". And I can tell you those people ARE out there. I have endured phone calls from them laced with profanity, I have had security issues with people breaking into the studios. I have had announcers followed home and harrassed.

I think the thing that bothers me the most is the absolute arrogance of the anti-CCM crowd (who are usually KJV only as well). BBN is no threat to my faith - I am glad they are there for their listeners who prefer their programming. Same with Moody and all the other conservative networks. Personally, they are dull and boring and I never listen. But they don't cause me a crisis of faith because they exist. On the other hand, BBN and some of the stations listed above actively go on the offensive against people like me who have different musical tastes, insisting that not adhering to THEIR musical taste is synonymous with compromise with the world. I find that insulting and arrogant of them - and given the behavior of some people towards myself, the station I was on, and my announcers - I can make the statement they are either dogmatic baby Christians, or not Christians at all - in it for the money and power.

anti-CCM crowd: GROW UP! (in Christ). CCM and Christian rock is NO threat to YOUR faith - leave it alone. Or are you trying to increase ratings for your failing stations by putting the other 99.9% of the Christian community on a guilt trip?

 

[justalurker]

http://www.bbnradio.org/wcm4/english/tabid/728/Default.aspx

A sub page of that at http://www.bbnradio.org/wcm4/english/tabid/724/Default.aspx seems to be conflicted. The author complains about the music at two churches (one he walked out of and another that was "visitor friendly" but many apparently did not the songs) and then closes with these words ...

My heart is broken when I see an emphasis on style and method, rather than Biblical teaching in church ministries and certainly in music programs.

Anyone have a mirror for Mr. Smith?

I am put off by "Christian" songs that don't mention God and are practically secular love songs with little spiritual value. But to throw out all CCM just because you don't know the songs or don't like the beat? In essense he's becoming just as exclusionary.

It is a big revival tent ... as long as everyone is pointing toward God it shouldn't matter if they are using their right or left hand, or both!

Why should we be stuck with songs sung to the popular bar tunes of the 1800's?

 

[rbrucecarter5]

I am put off by "Christian" songs that don't mention God and are practically secular love songs with little spiritual value. But to throw out all CCM just because you don't know the songs or don't like the beat? In essense he's becoming just as exclusionary.

Ah the old "every song must mention Jesus argument". I answered this one ten years ago:

http://www.mindspring.com/~brucec/hymns.htm

As for people walking out of churches - it happens all the time. Over one issue or another. I walked out of "First Gossip Church" two years ago when they started in on myself, my wife, and my daughter. Quite a few other people did the same when they were talked about. Personally - I am glad if somebody walks out of a church if they don't like the music. I have been in some churches where the organ sounds like a circus calliope - and the preaching wasn't much better. I walk. Nothing against the church - if people there like that sort of thing. Acapella music - fine for some, not for me. Hymns - fine for some, not for me. I prefer music to lift my spirits, make me rejoice in the Lord. Some would call it rock, maybe that label sticks. But I'll be darned if I give a ____ about somebody else's opinion of my church and its music. They can go to whatever church they want, so can I, I won't criticize their church, and I expect the same courtesy out of them.

 

[justalurker]

I thought I was agreeing with you. Thanks for setting me straight. I don't agree with you now.

(I didn't say "every", Bruce, nor did I require the name of Jesus. I also didn't expect that sort of response for simply stating a preference by someone who allegedly doesn't give a ___ but obviously does give a ___. Thanks for ignoring my post!)