PORTLAND, Maine — Maine’s Presence Radio Network has joined forces with Relevant Radio.
The Presence Radio Network has filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to transfer all radio licenses to Relevant, which will assume all operating expenses and revenues moving forward. However, Relevant plans to conduct four annual pledge drives which, along with listener donations, will still fund Maine’s only Catholic radio network.
Relevant Radio broadcasts on nearly 130 stations, reaching 38 states. The Presence has broadcast the Relevant programs “Morning Air” and “The Drew Mariani Show” since January 2017.
“We are keeping the local hour at 6 a.m. (“The Holy Rosary” with Bishop Deeley, “Word on Fire” and “Food for the Journey”), but the remainder of the schedule will be what is heard coast to coast on Relevant Radio,” said Cynthia Nickless, executive director of the Presence Radio Network, who is joining Relevant’s national board of directors.
“Presence Radio is changing the lineup, but the captain remains the same: Jesus Christ,” said Fr. Francis J. Hoffman (“Fr. Rocky”), executive director of Relevant Radio. “When Jesus sent us to the four corners of the world to preach the good news, he had in mind the work we do today. We provide programming that strengthens the family and raises heart and mind to God.”
“Catholic radio offers a unique means of bringing the saving message of Jesus to those who have not heard it, and of deepening the faith of those who have. Through new programming and this exciting partnership, more listeners will be brought to a deeper knowledge and practice of the Catholic faith,” said Bishop Deeley.
“I see this as a natural development in the ministry of Presence Radio programming as it looks to meet the needs of the listeners,” said Fr. James Nadeau, pastor of Christ the King Parish in Skowhegan and a member of Presence Radio’s board of directors. “As I said at the most recent board meeting, those who cannot change and adapt to the new realities become extinct.”
To view the new schedule, including program descriptions, visit: www.portlanddiocese.org/sites/default/files/files/NewPRNSchedule.pdf.
Presence Radio Network includes 106.7 FM in Portland, 105.7 FM in Springvale/Sanford, 97.5 FM in Fort Kent, 90.3 FM in Bangor, 89.7 FM in Bath/Brunswick, 89.5 FM in Augusta, and 1390 AM in Presque Isle). For more information, visit www.presenceradio.org.
