Quick question: which format is available on more radio frequencies originating in Erie County than any other? If you guessed religious or Christian radio, you would be correct. Here’s the rundown of frequencies:
- 88.1 – WEFR/Family Radio
- 89.3 – translator for Calvary Satellite Network (CSN Int’l), Twin Falls, ID
- 95.9 – WXNM-LP/7th Day Adventists
- 96.9 – translator for Family Life Network, Bath, NY
- 98.7 – ditto
- 99.1 – North East translator for WCTL
- 105.5 – WGOJ/Conneaut (xmtr in Erie County, PA)
- 105.9 – WCTL (Downtown translator)
- 106.3 – WCTL (main)
- 107.1 – CSN International LPFM
Despite the proliferation of Religious-formatted radio stations in the US, Arbitron shows that the consistent ratings growth the format saw for years has fallen off and the national share of audience for religious stations is flat or slightly declining. Meanwhile Tom Taylor reports (thanks PBRTV.com!) that stock in big market religious broadcaster Salem Communications is selling right around $1.00, which is off from $9.00 a year ago, causing them to start selling off their stations at fire sale to reduce debt.
Against this backdrop is Erie’s own 106.3 WCTL, who celebrated 41 years of service last week and right now is in the middle of their twice-a-year Sharathon on-air fundraiser. (Editor’s disclosure: I am a guest host on WCTL’s Sharathon broadcast this week.)
In the latest ratings, WCTL ranked 10th overall in Erie with a two share, which still outperforms 2 to 1 the average Contemporary Christian station in the Middle Atlantic States, according to Arbitron’s Radio Today report. More importantly, even as traditional advertising in general is in decline in the Erie market, WCTL maintains steady sales growth and is further developing their non-traditional revenue streams such as concerts and special events. Finally, its popular High School Football broadcasts continue to win PA Association of Broadcasters awards for quality, and they are often hopelessly sold out of ad space.
General Manager Ron Raymond and his team are representing well…keep the faith!
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