Future of Christian Radio Secured

$6m Paid To Secure RBG’s Nationwide Coverage.

The future of Christian radio in New Zealand has been secured. The Rhema Broadcasting Group (RBG) paid the Government over $6 million yesterday to renew the majority of its commercial radio frequency licences for the next 20 years, retaining all existing coverage.

Rhema is a not-for-profit charity broadcaster, so the funds to pay for the licences came from many thousands of ordinary New Zealanders In the form of donations and significant interest free loans.

John Fabrin, RBG CEO says, “The response to the 2030 Vision fundraising project has been tremendous. Thank you to everyone who has helped renew our radio licences, whether financially or through prayer or advocacy. It is wonderful that we have been able to secure the right to have Christian radio freely available throughout New Zealand not only for this generation but also for the next.”

RBG also accepted an offer from the Crown to convert some of its commercial licences to non-commercial licences. While this loses some flexibility, it enabled RBG to secure all licences at a slightly cheaper cost. Broadcasts will not be affected by this conversion as RBG already operates a mix of commercial and non-commercial licences.

“This once-in-a-generation investment is of huge importance to not only the Christian community but also for the people of New Zealand. Tens of thousands of people benefit from RBG broadcasts every day. Many of them see their lives changed for good by the messages of faith, hope and love that RBG is able to provide through its home-based media mission.”

With the licences secured, RBG is committed to continuing its 24 hour, 7 day per week Christian radio coverage across New Zealand for the benefit of everyone.

While the right to broadcast for the next twenty years is secure, RBG still needs to repay the interest free loans.

John Fabrin says, “We are incredibly grateful for the support that has enabled us to retain all RBG’s licences nationwide. We would like to be able to clear the loans as soon as we can so we can focus on broadcasting life-changing messages to our nation.”

Fabrin adds that it is not too late for people to help RBG reduce the amount of borrowed money by donating to the 2030 Vision campaign. To do so, people can visit www.2030vision.co.nz or phone 0508 000 717.