Survey: Few Commercial U.K. Radio Stations Carry Spiritual Programming

June 12, 2009

Survey: Few Commercial U.K. Radio Stations Carry Spiritual Programming

June 12, 2009

Few commercial radio stations in Britain are carrying programming that applies to matters of faith, according to research conducted by HCJB Global-UK.

On-air spiritual content in the country is at an all-time low with just 18 of the 300-plus commercial radio stations nationwide broadcasting a regular religious show, indicated survey results released by HCJB Global-UK last week. Of the stations still retaining religious programming, many are relegating such content to early Sunday-morning timeslots and disbanding their religious advisory teams.

In the report, compiled by Whistling Frog Productions, the program production arm of Bradford-based HCJB Global-UK, the survey asked Christian producers and presenters nationwide to provide updates on the situation in their own towns and cities.

"The regional breakdown of the 18 stations was by no means an even split across the country," said Director Colin Lowther. "The majority of religious shows are in Scotland-10 out of the 18. Six remain in England and two in Northern Ireland. But each year we see another couple of religious shows disappear from the radar."

"Now must be the time for religious broadcasters to stop making programs for an imaginary Christian audience, and to instead redirect their efforts into producing creative material that is attractive to commercial radio's largely non-believing audience," added Lowther. "We need to stop advertising the local church coffee hour and start speaking the language of the listener."

The picture isn't altogether gloomy, however. Heart 96.3 in Bristol and Heart 103 in Cambridge air a new one-minute, showbiz-style bulletin of fun and serious religious and Christian news that is proving popular. The program is underwritten by sponsors.

In West Yorkshire, HCJB Global-UK's award-winning program, "The Full Breakfast," recently completed its 12th year of broadcasting on Pulse 2. In the Isle of Man, Manx Radio has been "increasing its religious output steadily for a number of years," Lowther said.

Rather than focus on the traditional world of Christian radio, Whistling Frog Productions "has a vision to reach those outside the church who listen to mainstream radio stations with the aim of placing creative radio material with a spiritual flavor onto local commercial stations," he explains. "It's also a resource for Christians who work in the radio industry and offers quality training to aspiring Christian broadcasters."

Director of Church & Donor Partnerships

Position Summary: The Director of Church & Donor Partnerships strengthens Reach Beyond’s ministry by cultivating purposeful, trust-based relationships with churches, pastors, donors, and mission-minded individuals. Serving as a storyteller, encourager, and connector, this role invites the Body of Christ to join in God’s mission to reach those with little or no access to the Gospel.

Working closely with the Mobilization and Development teams, this person helps raise up new workers, strengthen church partnerships, and resource strategic ministry initiatives—always with a posture of discernment, prayer, and long-term stewardship.

Location: Colorado Springs or remote

Employment Type: Full time with employer-paid benefits, including medical coverage, retirement plan, and paid time off.

What This Role Does (Core Responsibilities)

1. Church Partnership Development

This role serves as a relational bridge between Reach Beyond, churches, and missionaries.

The Director:

Maintains strong relationships with existing partner churches and develops 2–4 new church partnerships annually
Shares the vision of Reach Beyond, helping churches understand and engage with the needs of the unreached
Equips churches with resources that support missionaries and foster long-term, healthy partnerships
Collaborates closely with missionaries as they engage their sending and supporting churches

2. Donor Ministry & Stewardship

This role views donor relationships as ministry and discipleship, not transactions.

The Director:

Manages relationships with approximately 12 key donor accounts
Walks alongside donors with discernment—guiding them through education, cultivation, solicitation, and appreciation
Communicates clearly about ministry priorities, impact opportunities, and project funding goals
Maintains accurate, timely records in the donor management system to ensure thoughtful follow-up and accountability

3. Representation & Engagement

This role serves as a public voice and relational presence for Reach Beyond.

The Director:

Represents Reach Beyond at 3–5 regional or national events annually, with intentional follow-up for every connection
Communicates the story of God’s work in Reach Beyond through stage presentations, small groups, and media opportunities
Participates fully in staff meetings, chapels, retreats, and organizational prayer rhythms

4. Reporting, Collaboration & Administration

This role balances relational ministry with faithful stewardship and teamwork.

The Director:

Provides quarterly written reports tracking progress toward mobilization and development goals
Works closely with the Mobilization and Development Directors to align efforts and communicate organizational priorities
Upholds organizational policies and maintains healthy, proactive communication across teams

You must be authorized to work in the United States.

We participate in the federal E-Verify program. See more information at:

https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-right-to-work.pdf
https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-participation.pdf

Why Join Reach Beyond? At Reach Beyond, we cultivate a culture rooted in relationship, collaboration, and dependence on God. Our mission is to see unreached people transformed in Christ through media, healthcare, and community development. As the Director of Church & Donor Partnerships, you’ll play a vital role in advancing God's mission and have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making a lasting global impact.

All applicants must be able to sign the Reach Beyond Statement of Faith.

Apply Now: Join us in fulfilling God’s calling to bring hope and transformation to the unreached. Complete the application here. Contact [email protected] if you have questions.