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Another Christian Radio Station Bites the Dust

August 2nd, 2010

Let me first say thank you for believing in WJTL and supporting this radio ministry. I was reminded this past week how quickly a ministry like WJTL can be swept away in these tough economic times.

Whenever I’m on vacation-like last week in Sarasota, Florida-I like to scan the lower end of the radio dial where I always find the most creativity. That includes public radio stations, college radio, and Christian radio. Sarasota radio listening includes a number of Christian radio stations including Joy FM, Spirit FM and Life 89.1. While listening to Life on Friday the general manager made an announcement that took me by surprise. What I thought was going to be a “please send in your support” ad was instead, “as of this Wednesday Life 89.1 is being sold and will no longer be bringing Christian music to your radio”.
Here is why according to the WSMR Life 89.1 website:
1. Despite a great deal of support from listeners like you and our best efforts to contain costs, LIFE 89.1 has never been able to be fully self-supported in this market. Year after year we have relied upon the help of other Northwestern stations to cover our deficits.
2. Due to the economic crunch we have lost many major donors and business sponsors.
Even those giving lesser amounts are not able to give at this time due to unemployment and/or relocation.

Wow. I was not expecting that!

While scanning the Christian radio stations I was also reminded of the musical variety WJTL offers. I kept hearing the same songs again and again. Where were the request shows, classics, praise & worship, kids cookie break? Where were the DJ’s for that matter?  It was a reminder to me that I can’t take radio like WJTL for granted.

The announcement that Life 89.1 is going off the air this Wednesday also made me want to send a big THANK YOU out to all of you who are faithful WJTL supporters and continue to find a way to support this radio ministry despite this season of financial instability. AND to those of you who keep WJTL in your daily prayers. Thank you for your support! Together let’s aim to celebrate many many more WJTL birthdays in the years to come!




  1. Jess McKnight
    August 2nd, 2010 at 12:42 | #1

    Sad to hear that 🙁 I hope WJTL will be on the air for a long, long time!!! God willing!

  2. August 2nd, 2010 at 14:17 | #2

    I feel blessed to have WJTL; especially for my kids. I LOVE hearing them walk around singing “I don’t want to gain the whole world and loose my soul” and other catchy tunes with an eternal message. There is a christian station we can pull at our lake house and while it’s nice… I do hear the same songs over and over during the course of one day. Thank You for the variety!! Classic Cafe and Kid’s Cookie are my favs, and I love the Praise & Worship mixed in with contempory songs. Keep up the great work!

  3. MaryBeth Fisher
    August 2nd, 2010 at 18:34 | #3

    Wow! I didn’t even think about how this economic crunch is effecting Christian radio. I don’t know what I would do Saturday mornings if I couldn’t listen to the Kid’s Cookie Break. I also love the variety of WJTL because I never know what I’ll be listening to when I turn the radio on but I can count on it being uplifting. Thanks for all you do WJTL, you’ll be in my prayers.

  4. Kelly
    August 3rd, 2010 at 16:28 | #4

    I have a friend who is a radio personality at a Christian radio station in a different market. I knowo for a fact that they struggle every day to pay their bills. Every day I pray that God will supply the funds necessary to keep these vital parts of our community on the air. May God bless WJTL and the other Christian radio stations abundantly (as they are such an abundant blessing to others)and provide for all of their needs.

  5. Deb Koelsch
    August 4th, 2010 at 09:15 | #5

    I have traveled the country with my family, and have learned that WJTL is an exception, rather than a rule in Christian radio. We scan the dial wherever we go, and it is rare to find a Christian radio station playing contemporary Christian songs without large segments of ‘talk’, whether it be commercials or teachings. We are so blessed to have not one, but two wonderful but different Christian radio stations to choose from, as most of the country has none. WJTL is what keeps me grounded throughout the day, with songs or short teachings coming on just as I need to hear that particular message. I absolutely appreciate the gift we have been given to have WJTL in our area!

  6. Katryn
    August 4th, 2010 at 19:31 | #6

    My husband had to close his business and is still looking for full time employment.

    Times are really tough.

    I hate to see such inspiring radio stations having to close down for these reasons.

  7. kelly
    November 17th, 2010 at 00:29 | #7

    I was very saddend to hear about the radio station that is being sold. We have to fight the great christian fight and keep as many of these stations on the air. I have five children and I am so pleased to know that I can keep your station on all day and be inspired,learn and share the love of christ with my child. There is no cursing, profanity just all out love,community,belonging and family! My prayers are with all the radio stations, speakers, etc who are spreading the word that they may continue in their powerful journeys!

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