Christian FamilyNet Casts In With Sirius, Catching Broader Radio Audience
by Allie Martin
June 23, 2006
(AgapePress) - - A secular satellite radio network, well known for its association with notorious "shock jock" Howard Stern, is now attracting a large audience because of its addition of a Christian channel. It was several years ago that Sirius Satellite Radio was launched nationwide in the United States; however, it was last year that the company sent out a listener survey, asking customers what other types of formats they would like made available. That survey revealed to company officials that many of their listeners wanted a Christian format offered on satellite radio.
With that end Sirius officials contacted FamilyNet, the broadcast ministry of the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. Scott Miller, program director for FamilyNet Radio, says the Christian channel, which features a variety of Christian talk, news, preaching, and children's programs, has already made a big impact with Sirius customers.
"It goes back to what scripture says: what the enemy intended for evil, God has used for good," Miller observes. "Sirius Satellite has been advertised as the Howard Stern radio network, and there have been people who have been buying Sirius Satellite radios to get Howard Stern that have stumbled across Channel 159 and have accepted Christ."The FamilyNet spokesman says satellite radio provides an expansive platform for Christian ministry, even though some have questioned its use by evangelical broadcasters. "It is a growing medium," he says. "It's another option."
And, while some people have questioned why the Christian radio channel is on the same network as Howard Stern, Miller compares that to asking why have FamilyNet Television on cable where HBO's offered. "You've got to have the gospel presented," he insists, "and it's just been a tremendous outreach for us."
There are more than four million subscribers to Sirius Satellite Radio. That number is expected to reach six million by the end of 2006.
Allie Martin, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is a reporter for American Family Radio News, which can be heard online.
