Guam (MNN) — Striving to extend its strategic outreach in Asia, international Christian media organization Trans World Radio has upgraded its powerful shortwave transmission station on the island of Guam. The advancement gives TWR the ability to cover much of the spiritually-needy region–including China and southeast Asia–with a robust, quality signal.
To celebrate this significant initiative, TWR President Lauren Libby and other ministry staff members will present an on-air dedication during a live broadcast Friday, November 18, from 8:30-9:00AM Eastern Standard Time. The 30-minute broadcast will begin at 1330 UTC on a shortwave frequency of 15.4 megahertz in the 19 meter band.
Libby says, "We're moving from 100,000 watts to 250,000 watts. Not only that, but they'll be digital."
"This upgrade gives TWR the opportunity to touch even more lives with the good news of Jesus Christ," continues Libby. "We thank God for the privilege of increasing our spiritual footprint in Asia."
Two 250,000-watt, digital-capable Thomson transmitters have been installed to provide increased coverage to the Asia region. These revitalized transmitters join three existing 100,000-watt units. Digital shortwave capability will enable TWR to reach both rural areas and large cities with a strong signal.
We asked Libby why digital is significant. "Frankly it sounds just about like FM radio. And India, China and Russia are rebuilding all of their broadcast platforms right now to go digital on both shortwave and what we call the 'AM band.'" TWR is now well-positioned for the future to reach listeners across Asia, and reception is excellent anywhere: from cities to dense forests.
In previous years, the challenge has always been radios to receive the digital signal. "That has basically been solved. There will be receivers under $20 in the next few years distributed, in many cases, by the countries because they want people to listen to digital. We'll be right there to provide the hope of Jesus in these countries."
Libby says with digital technology, "Not only can you transmit audio, but you can also transmit data. The applications of that are numerous."
To celebrate the official sign-on, a special broadcast will be airing from Guam and also broadcasting on KTIS-AM in Minneapolis. Moody Radio and KCBI will air the special simulcast. Special guests for the dedication broadcast include Dr. Alan Cureton: president of Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minnesota; Collin Lambert–vice president of Moody Radio in Chicago, Illinois; and Mike Tirone–general manager and senior vice president of KCBI-FM in Dallas, Texas. These three organizations, plus thousands of individuals around the globe, helped with the purchase and installation of the transmitters.
"As Moody Radio continues to expand its global focus, TWR is one of the leading organizations that we are pleased to partner with," says Lambert. "Our joint efforts tied to the [upgraded] transmitter in Guam have not only broadened our participation in spreading the Gospel throughout the world, but also allowed us to inform and mobilize our listeners in the process."
If you'd like to hear the broadcast, click here at 8:30-9:00AM (Eastern) on Friday, November 18.
