Case for Support: National platform for UCB Inspirational
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every week over 91% of adults listen to radio, that’s over
‘For Such A Time As This’
BILLION HOURS OF LISTENING
WHAT ARE THEY LISTENING TO? WHY national dab for
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Dear Friend, UCB exists to inspire our listeners, watchers and readers to raise their expectation for God to move in their lives and upon the nation in an unprecedented way. It is imperative that we seize every opportunity to reach out into our nation and share quality content which evangelises, disciples, encourages and equips in a relevant and engaging way. We share stories of lives changed for good, evidencing the ‘power of testimonies’ and raising the nation’s expectation, which is a fertile ground for miracles and revival.
Changing Lives for Good by the Power of God’s Word
Each week a staggering 91% of the adult (15+) UK population listen to radio – that’s over 1 billion hours of listening1 – but what are they listening to? We recognise that secular radio’s content informs, influences and reinforces our world view – UCB’s content informs, influences and reinforces God’s view.
There is a growing need for diversity of choice in the secular world yet there are only two national Christian radio stations for a population of 63 million. Now is the time to seize the opportunity to change this. Please take time to read and consider this important document as it outlines: • God’s promises for UCB • How God’s Word heals a hurting nation through Radio • The expansion of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) • The impact of UCB Radio – what our listeners say • The opportunity to expand UCB Inspirational onto a national platform Please stand with us and claim God’s Promises for our nation. Every blessing,
David L’Herroux UCB Managing Director 1 RAJAR Q2 2013 results 2
“It is imperative that we seize every opportunity for our nation” David L’Herroux UCB Managing Director
Case for Support: National DAB platform for UCB Inspirational
‘For Such A Time As This’
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword. Hebrews 4:12
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God’s Promises for UCB
In 2009, Ian Mackie, UCB Founder & CEO said: Changing Lives for Good by the Power of God’s Word
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“Twenty three years after God spoke to me and promised a national Christian voice through radio, UCB finally began broadcasting to the entire nation on 1st December 2009. This was the fulfilment of the first promise that God gave me! There is now so much to be done - as a nation it seems in many ways that we are in the midst of one of our darkest times. The country remains in recession, and people feel helpless and in despair; yet our Heavenly Father continues to touch people’s hearts through The Word For Today, National Christian Radio, Prayerline and other areas of UCB’s ministry. Many of these hearts may not have been reached were it not for hearing about God’s great love for them through UCB. After the darkness of winter, spring breaks forth and for us the hope of Revival is just around the corner. This was the second promise God gave me all those years ago: that there would come a time when throughout our nations people would turn to God in their thousands: UCB was created for such a time, to encourage these new believers in their faith.”
“There is now so much to be done” Ian Mackie UCB Founder & CEO 4
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Case for Support: National DAB platform for UCB Inspirational
An endorsement from Evangelist J John:
‘For Such A Time As This’
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“UCB Radio is an excellent way to spread the gospel message as it goes into all the places where people spend time. It goes into leisure places, shops, homes, cars and into the workplace. It reaches the lonely and hurting, the housebound as well as the Chrisitan and the non-Christian looking for refreshment and encouragement. DAB is ‘where it’s at’ in the market place at the moment – that’s why UCB Radio needs to be in the same place – at the cutting edge of digital technology carrying Christ’s freedom into UK homes. I invite you to join me in standing together with UCB – to expand UCB’s radio reach into our nation”.
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A hurting nation The UK has become one of the most secular nations in the world and its people are desperately hurting. Here is just a snapshot of the state of our nation: Changing Lives for Good by the Power of God’s Word
• Somebody in the UK commits suicide every 85 minutes. (Office National Statistics 2011) • On average, 2 women a week are killed by a current or former male partner; 1 in 4 women will be a victim of domestic violence in their lifetime. (Womens Aid) • According to a recent NSPCC study 18% of 11-17s had been exposed to domestic abuse between adults in their homes during childhood. (NSPCC 2012) • Almost 20% of all 16-24 year olds had used an illicit drug in the last year. (Crime Survey for England and Wales 2012) • More than half of all adults in Britain ‘binge drink’. (NHS UK 2013) • Nearly three-quarters of Britons (73%) indulge in some kind of gambling. Whilst almost 1% of Britons admit to a gambling addiction. (British Gambling Prevalence Survey 2012) 6
Case for Support: National DAB platform for UCB Inspirational
Depression and heartache are deep and invasive problems throughout our nation. As secularism increases so also do issues such as loneliness and addiction as people desperately try to unsuccessfully replace God with other things. Many of these people feel trapped and cannot see any way out of their situation and so are turning to alcohol, gambling and drugs as forms of escape, which often lead to addiction.
‘For Such A Time As This’
God’s Word is the Answer!
There has never been a time when God’s Word is needed more than it is today. Every day at UCB we hear the cries of the nation - cries of desperation, helplessness, fear and hopelessness. As a leading Christian media ministry, our mission is to offer every person, every place, every moment of the day the opportunity to hear, watch or read the Word of God in a relevant and engaging way. We are privileged that, through UCB Radio, UCB TV, The UCB Word for Today and other printed and digital resources, God’s Word is being heard throughout the UK. Last year we reached over 2.7 million people but there are still many more people who need to hear God’s transforming Word.
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Why Radio? Each week a staggering 91% of the adult (15+) UK population listen to radio – that’s over 1 billion hours of listening - an average of 21.3 hours of radio listened to each week! 1
Changing Lives for Good by the Power of God’s Word
Through listeners’ invitation, radio passes through barriers and reaches into homes; reaching people who would never normally hear the Word of God – bringing healing and freedom to a hurting nation.
Radio has the ability to reach a huge audience quickly and connect with the listener in a way that is immediate and relevant. Radio is powerful because:
• It is immediate. News can be reported more quickly on radio than in newspapers or on television, because the technology is simpler. • It is accessible. You can tune in to radio wherever you are. You can take a radio to the fields, or listen to it in a car.
• It is inclusive. Radio can reach most people, including the poor, the marginalized and those who cannot read or write.
Radio is the most readily available, diverse and powerful medium to get a message across to the widest audience. Because of its diversity, radio can reach more people more often in a more cost effective way than any other medium. 1 RAJAR Q2 2013 results 8
76% of radio listening takes place in the home 1 62% in vehicles 1 27% in the workplace/elsewhere 1
Case for Support: National DAB platform for UCB Inspirational
Why Digital Audio Broadcasting? (DAB) The UK Government, the BBC and commercial operators have signed a joint agreement, establishing a framework for up to £21 million of new investment in radio infrastructure.2
‘For Such A Time As This’
The BBC has confirmed it will pay for the rollout of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) radio to 97% of the population. The Corporation’s Director of Audio and Music Tim Davie said the BBC would fund the expansion of its national DAB platformcoverage currently stands at just over 90% ‘despite the tough financial environment.’3 At a House of Commons reception (in July 2013) to mark the completion of the three-year Digital Radio Action Plan, Minister Ed Vaizey confirmed the Government’s commitment to make an in-principle decision about radio switchover by the end of 2013. He highlighted the success of the Go Digital radio switchover consumer pilot which shows that listeners prefer digital radio to analogue. 4 2 www.gov.uk 3 www.theguardian.co.uk 4 Digital Radio News summer annoucement
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“Radio can’t be left behind as an analogue island in a digital world”
Changing Lives for Good by the Power of God’s Word
‘Digital’ isn’t just the future of radio listening - it’s now, and DAB is the predominant platform. UCB’s investment into DAB is essential to reach and impact our nation now and for the foreseeable future. Whilst listening ‘on-line’ is available (i.e. web, mobile, apps, wi-fi radio) it currently has too small a radio listening share to make the significant impact which is urgently needed for our hurting nation. UCB simply cannot wait for this listening share to increase before we are able to reach and impact our nation. Lives are waiting to be touched by God’s Word – now! Here are some amazing DAB growth facts and figures – confirming DAB as the dominant platform where UCB’s investment is needed: • 52.5% of the UK population, now tune in to digital radio each week 1 • DAB is the predominant digital platform, having around 65% of all digital listening 1 • Whilst ‘on-line’ plays a significant role in digital listening, it only has 16% of the listening share 1 • Nearly 40% of new cars now have digital radio as standard ( June 2013). The percentage of cars with digital radio as standard now exceeds the proportion of new cars where digital radio is unavailable. This latest data follows recent announcements by Audi, Volvo and Lexus that their new cars are moving to 100% digital across the range. It is projected that the majority of new cars will have digital radio as standard by the end of the year.2 1 RAJAR Q2 2013 results 2 Digital Radio News Summer Announcements
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Case for Support: National DAB platform for UCB Inspirational
Ford Ennals, Chief Executive of Digital Radio UK, warns:
“Radio can’t be left behind as an analogue island in a digital world.” ‘For Such A Time As This’
“UCB has a Kingdom heart perspective and, through the many platforms of multimedia, has a passion to support the body of Christ to become a 24/7 Church and see many lives changed by the power of god’s Word.” jARROD COOPER, ucb inspirational contributor.
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Why UCB Radio? The move of UCB Radio onto the digital platform has been revolutionary – we are now on the same platform as the BBC and other major broadcasters, offering God’s life-changing Word 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 52 weeks of the year! (see Appendix 1: UCB Radio stations). UCB Radio offers a great mix of contemporary and thought-provoking interviews, discussions, great teaching programmes along with with today’s best Christian music and we broadcast using cutting-edge digital technology (DAB radio, web, mobile, apps and wi-fi radio). (See Appendix 2 Ways to listen). Changing Lives for Good by the Power of God’s Word
Since 2009, we have seen an amazing number of listeners connecting with God’s Word through UCB Radio – which is growing year on year. In just the first six months of this year, we have seen an average of 1,371,915 listeners each month to UCB Radio – that’s 504,441 more listeners than last year. This graph shows the tremendous growth in the number of people listening to God’s Word through UCB radio since we began broadcasting on digital platforms:
1,600,000
Number of Listeners
1,400,000 1,200,000 1,000,000 800,000 600,000 400,000 200,000 0
2009
2012
2013 (Jan - June)
UCB RADIO Listenership 12
Case for Support: National DAB platform for UCB Inspirational
‘For Such A Time As This’
In a recent UCB Radio survey: • Over 50% of listeners have told us UCB Inspirational has strengthened their faith • 6% of listeners say they have become a Christian since listening to UCB Radio • 35.6% of UCB Inspirational listeners said they found the station by ‘just stumbling on it’ • 62% of listeners said they spend more than an hour each day listening
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Threat of losing God’s territory UCB’s regional DAB multiplex licence provider, MXR, has decided not to renew its licence to operate services.1 As a result, our regional UCB Inspirational DAB radio service will be terminated between July and September this year. This is outside of our control and means a potential 21.8 million individuals will lose a spiritual lifeline available to them since October 2007. (See Appendix 3 for MXR switch off timetable)
Changing Lives for Good by the Power of God’s Word
We do not want to lose the territory God gave us to proclaim His Word throughout the UK! Instead we want to use this opportunity to expand our reach onto a national platform for UCB Inspirational listeners. Until such time, see Appendix 2: Ways to listen (albeit on a reduced coverage). 1 http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/09/regional-mxr-digital-multiplexes-to-close
UCB UK and UCB Inspirational: impacting the Nation UCB UK is currently our only national station broadcasting on DAB. The station aims to be the best music formatted Christian broadcaster in the UK, connecting people to God. It offers a mix of culturally relevant music, faith content and conversation in a way that is accessible to, and makes a connection with, the concerns of people of all faiths and none. UCB UK provides positive and uplifting teaching and presenter input to encourage people in their journey with God and is based on the more popular lifestyle radio formats. For listeners who want to go deeper with God, we offer UCB Inspirational (which is not yet broadcasting nationally on DAB). UCB Inspirational helps people to experience the presence of God by offering anointed praise and worship music, along with teaching that encourages listeners to go deeper with God. It inspires and encourages the people of God to rise up to the fullness of their calling through insightful teaching and positive presenter input.
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Case for Support: National DAB platform for UCB Inspirational
‘For Such A Time As This’
Let Us Together ‘Rebuild’ Our Nation Through the Proclamation of God’s Word!
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UCB Inspirational – experience the presence of God
Changing Lives for Good by the Power of God’s Word
UCB Inspirational has a music - based format with a greater emphasis on praise and worship, encouraging the listener to discover and feed the deeper side of their faith and spirituality. UCB Inspirational is made up of 70% great music with a message of hope and 30% quality teaching with time for prayer at regular intervals. (See Appendix 4: UCB Inspirational radio schedule). Up to 30 gifted communicators, artists and teachers from all areas of ministry (like Derek Prince, Chuck Swindoll, Jarrod Cooper, Steve Uppal and Bob Gass) speak God’s Words powerfully in their own distinctive way, bringing words of encouragement and wisdom to our listeners (See Appendix 5 for Contributor Profiles). Imagine: • holding hands with God as you walk through life on a daily basis • experiencing the personal presence of God in an encouraging and uplifting way • listening to music and teaching which strengthens the relationship between you and God • praising and worshiping God in a deeper and more meaningful way • waking up in God’s presence and staying there for the day • a station which encourages listeners to intercede in prayer for our nation That’s the impact of listening to UCB Inspirational for many, many of our listeners. Imagine what the impact would be on this country if even more lives were touched by God through broadcasting nationally on UCB Inspirational! 16
Case for Support: National DAB platform for UCB Inspirational
‘For Such A Time As This’
UCB Inspirational Presenters An amazing team of experienced and new broadcasters, passionate about God and who want to see their love of God broadcast around the nation. Anne Henderson
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What our listeners say Since October 2007 UCB Inspirational has been broadcasting God’s Word non-stop and has had an amazing impact. UCB Radio doesn’t just broadcast a Christian message - it carries freedom to those who need it. It is always amazing to hear that when the Word of God is carried over the airwaves we see chains fall off, whether those are chains of addiction, low self esteem or any other kind. Changing Lives for Good by the Power of God’s Word
By God’s grace, people’s lives are being transformed – in their thousands. Here are testimonies from just three of our radio listeners:
“I thank the Lord most sincerely that you are always there with your broadcasts. I feel it in my heart and throughout my entire body that I am home. I could cry with relief and joy as I have felt so very, very lost and alone for a long time. I am truly glad to be in the fold of listeners and God’s people. It really has made a big difference to my daily life. Listening to your broadcasts each day gives me strength, courage and comfort. It also makes me know without doubt that God will conquer all.’ Ann 18
Case for Support: National DAB platform for UCB Inspirational
“I bought my radio when my wife was dying of cancer some years ago and listening to your broadcasts was a source of inspiration and comfort to us both. UCB Inspirational is set as my alarm to wake me up and is the last thing I hear at night as I drift off into sleep, what could be better than to hear God’s Word and the praises of Jesus!”
‘For Such A Time As This’
PHIL
“During my time in hospital, I was unable to walk or talk for two months. When I started listening to UCB on my DAB radio, my faith was strengthened so much, I was able to walk to see my consultant and talk to him face to face. I explained to everyone that God had won. He really turned up for me to heal me.”
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Christians should not be denied choice There is a growing need for greater diversity of choice in our consumer culture. The BBC alone offers a choice of seven national, and multiple local, stations, yet there are only two national Christian radio stations for a population of 63 million. Christians should not be denied variety in how they connect with God’s Word – there should be greater choice, not less!
Changing Lives for Good by the Power of God’s Word
At the same time, the digital revolution has seen the growth of many stations whose views are contrary to the Gospel. It is imperative that we grow UCB’s prominence on DAB to respond to this. So at a time when Christian freedom is being stifled and attacked by secularisation and ungodliness, this is an opportunity to extend God’s voice and reach further into some of the darkest parts of our nation and gain ground for God! What could this mean? Less crime, less violence, less fear, more peace and more unity. This can only be achieved if God’s Word is proclaimed far and wide.
Funding the UK Radio Industry The UK Radio Industry is split roughly 50/50 between stations owned and operated by the BBC and stations owned by commercial groups. The BBC is funded by the licence fee paid by UK households and income generated from commercial activity. Commercial radio is funded through sourcing advertising.
Contrary to belief, UCB Radio is NOT funded by the BBC’s licence fee, or the Government, or by advertising, or by membership or subscriptions fees. UCB Radio is funded by its listeners – through voluntary donations. 20
Case for Support: National DAB platform for UCB Inspirational
‘For Such A Time As This’ 21
Funding UCB’s Vision We continue to be amazed and encouraged by the generosity of our faithful supporters. Without their prayer and financial support during 2012, our ministry would not have reached 2.7 million people with God’s Word! Just as Jesus used the most effective way of speaking to ‘huge crowds’ – delivering His sermon on the mount – God is now working through UCB to use the most powerful means possible of reaching millions: national Christian media. Changing Lives for Good by the Power of God’s Word
Like many charities in the UK and around the world, our resources have been stretched thin in this difficult economic climate.
No. of committed givers
Yet, we continue to witness the generosity and faithfulness of our committed givers – which has grown year on year. Praise God! This commitment has enabled us to plan for the on-going growth of this ministry and to seize opportunities to expand our reach into our nation. 39,000 38,000 37,000 36,000 35,000 34,000 33,000 32,000 31,000 30,000 29,000 28,000
2009
2010
2011
2012
growth in UCB committed givers 22
Case for Support: National DAB platform for UCB Inspirational
UCB 2012 Financial Summary
Expenditure: £8.5 million 57% UCB Radio and UCB TV broadcasts
24% The UCB Word For Today, Word 4U 2Day, Book of Hope and other publications
1% Overseas Christian Broadcasting Support and Aid 8% Publicity and Fundraising
1% Governance 43% Regular Supporter Donations
‘For Such A Time As This’
5% Prayerline, OneHope and LookingforGod 4% Charitable Trading Costs
Income: £8.8 million 32% Non-Regular Donations
13% Legacy and Gift Aid Income
12% UCB2GO and Other Income
The above information has been summarised from our audited financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2012. Copies available upon request. 23
Call for support: National DAB platform for UCB Inspirational As UCB continues to stand in faith and prepare for the fulfilment of God’s second promise ‘that there would come a time when throughout our nations people would turn to God in their thousands’, let’s work together to bring God’s life-changing broadcasts to the whole nation through UCB Inspirational!
Changing Lives for Good by the Power of God’s Word
The cost to UCB for a national DAB licence for UCB Inspirational will be an additional £800,000 per year for the duration of the contract.* This is just £1.90 per listener (based on current regional UCB Inspirational listenership figures1) for 24/7, 365 days per year. And, with the continuing expansion of DAB radio into homes, cars and lorries, shops and workplaces, this unit cost simply gets lower the more people tune into UCB Inspirational on national DAB – making this the most cost effective form of evangelism and discipleship which supports the church 24/7. We know that: • Through listeners’ invitation, radio passes through barriers, reaching into homes and reaching people who would never normally hear the Word of God – bringing healing and freedom to a hurting nation • Hearing God’s Word has a profound and lasting influence on many of those who hear it. • UCB Inspirational strengthens the faith of most of its current listeners, discipling them and helping them feel closer to God. • Radio is an extremely cost effective way to share Jesus with our nation. Will you stand with us in offering your prayer and financial support to see God’s promises for our nation?
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January – June 2013 including all five regions
* Future contracts are negotiated to include a short term exit clause which will allow us to maximise the opportunities should technology grow faster on other platforms. 24
Case for Support: National DAB platform for UCB Inspirational
‘For Such A Time As This’
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“Please make it possible for UCB Inspirational to be broadcast on a national DAB Radio platform – to reach and impact our nation with God’s life-transforming Word”. Thank you. David L’Herroux UCB Managing Director
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Changing Lives for Good by the Power of God’s Word
every week 91% of the UK population listen to radio – that’s over 1 billion hours of listening...
WHAT ARE THEY LISTENING TO?
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Case for Support: National DAB platform for UCB Inspirational
‘For Such A Time As This’ 27
2013/2014
every week 91% of the UK population listen to radio – that’s over 1 billion hours of listening... United Christian Broadcasters Ltd
Operations Centre Westport Road Stoke on Trent ST6 4JF t. +44 (0)845 60 40 401 ucb@ucb.co.uk
Company Registered in England 2182533 | Registered Charity 299128 Registered Office: Stoke on Trent ST4 8RY
Donations in response to this appeal, will be used towards expanding or maintaining UCB DAB Radio. In the event of UCB being unable to secure a national licence for UCB Inspirational, donations will then be used towards UCB’s broadcasting ministry.