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OSHAWA EXPANSION UPDATE - March 15, 2007

WHAT TO DO NEXT

Today, our engineer provided us with a map for the projected coverage of the new FM station. It is certainly limited, and not as much as we had hoped for. However, we believe we can reach about 400,000 listeners and that is the minimum needed.

Our engineer will be looking for a tower site where there is space on the tower for our antenna. He will also be providing a Technical Study that we submit to Industry Canada and the CRTC. It costs about $5,000. The engineer has been directed to begin the study.

Simultaneously, we will be forming a local Oshawa committee whose mission is to advise us about local events, connect us with churches and help us find business people who are willing to underwrite the start-up costs. The Committee reports to myself.

All of these needs are real. It can happen but it is up to you. If you want Christian radio in Durham Region, we need your help.

Pray for us:

-To find the right people for the committee; People who share our vision, are willing to volunteer for this project and have a submissive heart.
-A suitable tower site.
-Finances.
-Favour with the CRTC for acceptance of our application.

Bless you all!

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OSHAWA EXPANSION UPDATE - February 1, 2007

WHAT TO DO NEXT

Last Sunday, I had a fantastic night at church. Pastor Wayne was teaching about vision-casting, how to overcome obstacles and how to know when to change plans. The teaching comes at a God-chosen time because over the weekend I was ready to surrender the Oshawa project. Too many issues, too many people not communicating and the burden of it all having taken two years to complete step one. None of our other four stations had delays like this.

What impacted me the most about the teaching on Sunday night was understanding the difference between "the vision" and "the plan". The "vision" comes from uncovering a need and a strong desire to fulfill that need. The vision may or may not come from God, but it burns inside of us, waiting for us to address it. The "plan" is what we do to accomplish the "vision".

"Vision" and "the plan" are two different things. Pastor Wayne said "be stubborn about your vision but flexible with the plan". Change the plan if it’s wrong but don’t give up on your vision.

I believe in the vision, although to be honest, I am not convinced it is "my vision". Still, since I am uncertain, I believe I need to continue and therefore I am willing to change my plan.

Therefore, I approached a different engineer whom I have used before and have a good relationship with, and asked him to start the process all over again, hoping for better results.

Pray for positive results and that I would hear God’s voice.

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OSHAWA EXPANSION UPDATE - November 22, 2006

WHAT TO DO NEXT

Good news and bad news.

First, the good news. A business owner has provided us with funding for the new engineering study which is part of the application process, required by Industry Canada and the CRTC.

Now the bad news. The tower site must be on the west side of Oshawa with at least 150 feet, or more. That narrows down the choices.

This has become a ridiculously long process. Over the last six months, we approached three different tower site owners. One asked for $1,500 just to look at our application. Another site owner is hard to nail down. Another site required a plethora of structural paperwork, requiring more technicians that we are able to hire. Clearly, we should be further along in the process.

Starting 100.3 in Barrie was a breeze compared to this project. Everything fell into place. With Oshawa, it is bogged down by people who charge large amounts of money and want specialized studies just to review our request to use their tower sites.

We have spoken at a couple of churches to share the vision - but only a couple. Those who know of the station seem interested, but not much more. The response has been quite poor from business owners and pastors. I have to wonder, with all the delays and poor response, does Oshawa really want or need a Christian radio station. I can’t imagine living in a city with without the blessing of Christian radio pouring into my life every day, every minute, but maybe life in Barrie is different than Oshawa.

I realize that serving the Lord is not supposed to be easy all the time. The Christian life is hard and starting a ministry has lots of opposition. I’ve experienced seven years of ups and down but God has always provided. I love building radio stations. We seem to have some success at LIFE 100.3 in Barrie, Owen Sound, Peterborough and Huntsville, plus our massive power boost. Life at LIFE is very, very good.

Now, I am wrestling with two ideas. 1 - Perhaps I am chasing after someone else’s dream in Oshawa and this is not my Calling; and 2) if I give up, Durham Region will not have a professional Christian radio station, like LIFE 100.3 in Barrie.

If, "it is not my Calling" is correct, it does not mean Christian radio will not come to Oshawa. Perhaps it is a mission for another broadcaster, although it likely wouldn’t have the "sound" that we produce. But, maybe that is God’s will.

Today, November 22, 2006, I am waiting for responses from two parties, neither of whom are in any hurry to help, and that adds to my discouragement.

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OSHAWA EXPANSION UPDATE - June 28, 2006

Our plans to expand into the Oshawa market continue, although very slowly.

Only 50% of the funds were raised for the technical market study. LIFE 100.3 management kicked in the remaining 50%. Our consulting engineer completed the study and we are unhappy with the technical results. The coverage is far less than we expected and the possibility of interference by other radio stations nearby is great. With less coverage, the revenue base for advertising and donations is decreased which affects our viability. Without sufficient revenue, we cannot operate at a professional level.

Plan B is to do another study for another FM frequency and broadcast from a different tower site. The cost for the new study is a minimum of $6,000. The expense is the hourly rate of the engineer.

We shall wait for our Oshawa committee to raise that amount before proceeding further.

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Lisa MacFarlane and her family lived in Barrie and enjoyed Christian radio LIFE 100.3. She listened everyday to the teaching shows, the music and DJs and at night her kids rocked out to Slammin’ Christian Hits. Even with a busy household there was an atmosphere of peace. Now the MacFarlanes live in Oshawa and feel the void of not having Christian radio.

Lisa emailed us and asked us to bring to Oshawa.

We told Lisa, "we can do better than that! We’ll build a whole new station for Durham Region with local DJs, local news and a radio station that reflects the area."

And the planning begins!

WHY US?
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Because Lisa asked us. And because we have a track record of success in Christian radio.

LIFE 100.3 launched in August 1999. We grew from 4 people to 12 in five years. Since starting, the station has not been in debt or owed money. Our advertising base is primarily Christian and our donations grow each year. This year’s operating budget is one million dollars.

Today we have stations in Barrie, Owen Sound and Peterborough. We are awaiting approval of 98.9 in Huntsville and by Fall 2005 we will apply for another station in Iqaluit, NU.

While it is not our quest to grow, we do so only as God provides opportunities.

Over the years, LIFE 100.3 has become a leader in Christian radio, respected by other broadcasters for our leadership and generosity. Our Station Manager Scott Jackson has worked in radio since 1977. He programmed radio stations in Sudbury, Toronto and Nashville and also publishes "More Radio" magazine, designed to teach and equip new Christian radio employees about broadcasting.

The LIFE 100.3 staff loves Jesus and prays for the expansion of Christian radio across Canada.

We accepted the offer to bring Christian radio to Oshawa and Durham Region.


HOW DO WE DO IT?
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We will hire a broadcast engineer to prepare a study of the airwaves. The engineer will tell us what FM frequency is available and how much power we need to cover Durham Region. The study will cost about $8,000.

Next, we apply to the CRTC. Our application provides information about our format, the music, the features, the news, commercials and fundraising. We must provide the CRTC with compelling evidence as to why Christian radio is not only wanted in Oshawa and the area, but is financially sustainable.

This step takes about 12 months from submission of the application to approval.


AFTER APPROVAL
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The real work begins. We will need to find a minimum of $250,000 to launch the radio station. This money buys the transmitter and antenna, the studio equipment, computers and workstations and promotional material.

Other Christian organizations have started their stations with a fraction of our budget, but we believe we have one chance to make a first impression and we do not want to let our supporters down. To start with a bang we will purchase professional broadcast equipment and hire a staff of experienced broadcasters to ensure we have the best possible product.

From the CRTC approval to sign-on there is a period of at least six months. But it is solely dependent on the capital funding being available and could take up to two years. We will not go into debt to build the radio station. The sooner funding is available, the sooner the station will start.


BENEFITS TO OSHAWA AND AREA
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• Local staff reflecting the local needs of the church community.



• Access to advertising for churches, ministries and other Christian-owned businesses that feel we have an audience not served by other radio stations in the area.



• A voice for the church for Christian information and activities usually not offered on secular stations.



• Evangelical Christian music that targets adults during the day and teens at night.



• 24 hour Christian radio.

WHAT WILL IT SOUND LIKE?
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If you have listened to LIFE 100.3 in Barrie or 89.3 Peterborough, you already have an idea. The Oshawa station will be modeled after LIFE 100.3, and then take on it’s own character and needs as the station evolves.

Daytime artists include Steven Curtis Chapman, Casting Crowns and MercyMe. Evening music is performed by Skillet, KJ-52 and Switchfoot. Talk shows, such as "Focus On The Family" could be included.


WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE STATION?
[top]
Sorry - can’t tell ya. Our high-paid marketing brass have the name of the station locked in a impenetrable room in a secret location, protected by guard dogs. It will not be named LIFE. It has its own name and identity and it remains a secret until the launch on the first day.


WHERE DO YOU GET THE MONEY?
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We are not asking the church to provide money. We are not asking Barrie listeners to fund the Oshawa station. If Oshawa wants Christian radio, we need your local financial support.

We are asking business people to help. If you have a successful business or if your family is in a strong financial situation and you would like to help underwrite this local ministry, please let us know.

Trust Communications Ministries is a registered charity and you will receive a tax receipt for your donation.

If you have questions about our financial history, please contact:
Scott Jackson at the Barrie office - 705-735-3370.


WHAT IS THE LOCATION?
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The Engineer will suggest a location for the transmitter and antenna. The ideal location will be on a tall tower in order to saturate the city with a strong signal.

The studios and offices will be in an office building, easy accessible to listeners.


CAN YOU WORK AT THE STATION?
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Maybe. Most full-time positions, but not all, will require the experience of professional broadcasters who have a background in secular or Christian radio. We believe all paid personnel must exude a passion for the Christian format however previous radio experience is what gives us the ingredient to establish and maintain a great station.


WHAT CAN YOU DO?
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• Pray for CRTC approval.



• Tell everyone you know that Trust Communications Ministries is applying for this license.



• Tell your church to pray for us.



• Provide funding for the Engineering Study and the start-up of the radio station.



• Invite Lisa MacFarlane or Station Manager Scott Jackson to present the vision to your business.