Premier Christian Radio launches on DAB digital
Listeners in Northern Ireland will be able to tune–in to Britain’s biggest Christian broadcaster from July 26 when Premier Christian Radio becomes part of the latest expansion of DAB digital radio in the region.
‘Songs of Praise’ TV presenter Pam Rhodes, who hosts Premier’s ‘Hearts & Hymns’ programme on Sunday evenings, will be interviewing special guests from the church in Northern Ireland and other interesting personalities – including Dana – at the launch party at Belfast’s Ulster Hall.
And, to celebrate Premier’s launch in Northern Ireland, the station’s ‘Inspirational Breakfast’ show will be broadcast live from Belfast every morning for a week from Monday, July 29. The show is hosted by John Pantry, a singer, songwriter and ordained minister, who will be talking to Peter Lynas, director of the Evangelical Alliance in Northern Ireland, and other special guests from across the Christian community in Belfast.
Premier, which has been broadcasting since its launch eighteen years ago in 1995, is part of the Premier Christian Media group which also publishes ‘Christianity’ magazine. It is has a well–earned reputation as an ecumenical station with programmes covering a broad range of Christian perspectives for the broadest possible church and a wide range of Christian traditions. Premier is also an energetic campaigning force on international Christian issues.
The group’s Premier Lifeline, a unique confidential telephone facility offering emotional and spiritual support from a Christian perspective, received its millionth call last week. It receives many stories on how God has touched lives through premier’s multi–media activities. (Telephone 0300 111 0101).
Premier Christian Media’s ‘Safetynet’ initiative has also been a highly vocal force in a national campaign to protect children from on–line pornography.
“We are delighted to welcome our new audience in Northern Ireland to Premier Christian Radio,” says Premier’s CEO Peter Kerridge. “Our programmes cover a broad spectrum of news, features, interviews and music from a Christian perspective and we hope to offer inspiration and support to Christians and the Christian Church in Northern Ireland.”
Ernie Rea, former head of broadcasting at the BBC, believes that broadcasting can play a huge part in community understanding.
“I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever that broadcasting, and radio in particular, plays an enormous part in community understanding,” he said. “I think Premier Radio will go down a storm in Northern Ireland with a potential to reach a considerable portion of Northern Ireland’s 1.5 million population.”
Premier Christian Radio can be found alphabetically on the DAB Digital Radio list of stations. It is also available on Freeview 725 and at www.premier.org.uk.