PAR Launches New Signal In Charlotte
PAR has launched a new signal at WRFE/ Chesterfield, SC (89.3 Joy FM) in the Charlotte metro area. The new signal went on the air March 28. The PAR owned signal (WRFE) has the capacity to reach more than 1 million people each day.
The newly added Joy FM signal provides listeners with an additional choice for fans of Christian music. The nonprofit radio network—headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina—has been broadcasting to parts of the Charlotte area under its 91.3 FM frequency since 2014. The more powerful 89.3 FM was added to improve the network’s overall reach throughout Charlotte and its surrounding communities. Positive Alternative Radio—Joy FM’s parent company—identified a growing demand for Joy FM’s authentic down-home brand in the Charlotte area. The radio ministry has worked tirelessly for the past eight years to establish a more encompassing signal for the Queen City.
“We’re proud to be reaching the larger Charlotte area with real music for real life,” said Brian Sanders, Executive Vice President of Positive Alternative Radio. “This outstanding addition will not only bless listeners, but also improve our ability to provide valuable ministry support to churches, nonprofits, and Christian-owned businesses. It’s our goal to make Charlotte an even better place to live and raise a family.”
The Southern Gospel genre is picking up new listeners, including Millennials. Joy FM’s General Manager, Daniel Britt believes the internet and social media have made this new growth possible. Joy FM’s streaming broadcast is listened to worldwide through its website (joyfm.org). The free service averages 88,382 total listener hours, per month. The station’s Facebook account has attracted more than 600,000 likes and nearly the same number of followers. Furthermore, more than 60,000 people have downloaded the Joy FM app, through either iTunes or Google Play.
In addition to its popular “Morning JoyRide®” program, Joy FM features legendary Southern Gospel artists such as Jason Crabb, Gaither Vocal Band and The Martins. It also plays next generation artists such as The Erwins and Emily Ann Roberts who is best known for her appearance on NBC’s The Voice.
“People of all ages like the authenticity, sense of community, and rootsy harmonies found in Southern Gospel music, said Britt. “We have a growing listenership thanks to our terrestrial signals, streaming services, and the Joy FM app.”
Joy FM’s expanded coverage of the Charlotte market also brings with it a certain responsibility to be engaged as a community partner. This is a foundational principal set forth for all PAR stations by PAR President, Edward A. Baker. “All of our stations are encouraged to be an asset to their communities,” said Baker. “Along with great music, we provide a connection that brings people together and inspires them to do good things.”
Joy FM routinely provides ministry assistance to communities both near and far. Joy FM’s Neighborhoods & Nations® initiative has assisted displaced children, provided pastoral care, collected donated supplies for disaster relief, aided the less fortunate and provided encouragement to local law enforcement. The station also works with variety of regional and global partners. Recently, Joy FM conducted an on-air campaign with World Concern to provide an inexpensive cure to children suffering from life-threatening intestinal parasites. The campaign produced 161,846 cures for children living in various poverty-stricken regions of the world.
Joy FM touches six states through its terrestrial network. A list of local frequencies as well as other listening options can be found on the Joy FM website at joyfm.org/local.
