An Auckland based Radio broadcasting group is fighting for survival and time is running out.
RBG New Zealand, which incorporates Rhema Broadcasting Group Inc, has to mobilise $6.4 million this month to renew its licence with the Crown and stands the risk of closure if the objective is not achieved.
At a gathering organised by Kalamazoo Group Managing Director Steve D’Souza and his wife Odelia (who is also a Director of the Company), guests were told how critical the situation was for the broadcaster.
RBG Chief Executive John Fabrin said the Christian Radio network with extensive coverage throughout New Zealand was in crisis mode and needed the money to remain in the broadcasting industry.
“RBG is committed to continuing our Christian radio coverage across the nation. In 2010, this commitment not only requires faith, vision and strength of purpose, but also a sizeable capital investment. We must pay $6.4 million to the New Zealand Government by October 1 to renew most of our commercial radio frequency licences for the next 20 years,” he said.
The Group’s ‘Southern Star’ and ‘Life FM’ are stated to be popular with people of all ages in the country.
Mr Fabrin appealed for public help, saying that it was vital to renew the frequency licences and that the Group had positive impact on the lives of the ensuing generation.
“We need you to partner with us to ensure that we are able to pay the amount to the Government. This is a critical mission and the future of Christian Broadcasting hangs in the balance,” he said.
Information posted on the Group’s website said there was no option but to invest in the frequency licences and stay on air across the nation.
It said such investment would enable thousands of people to experience ‘life-changing impact.’
The website quoted the results of a nationwide Colmar Brunton Survey of Life FM, saying that the station had influenced the relationship of 26,000 listeners with their spouses or partners and 55,000 relationships with other family members.
“The radio station impacted 16,000 listeners to stop or decrease the amount of crime committed, while 52,000 listeners were encouraged to help people who were not well-off in New Zealand. About 5000 listeners were influenced to reduce or stop using illegal drugs, while 6000 persons were able to reduce or stop smoking or drinking,” the Survey said.
Mr Fabrin said inability to mobilise $6.4 million or a shortfall would mean that important frequencies would be lost.
“This means towns, cities and whole regions will have no RBG broadcast coverage, possibly forever. Without frequencies, RBG will be shut out of the digital future of radio and we will not be able to reach thousands of people,” he said.
Mr D’Souza said that the RBG was rendering good service and hence deserved public support to remain in the industry.
“We have gathered today on the occasion of the 100th Birthday of Mother Teresa, who devoted her life to serving the poor and the needy. There are people who need help and the RBG Group should be supported in providing such assistance,” he said.
Wenceslaus Anthony, Chairman of the India New Zealand Business Council and Chairman of the Divine Retreat Centre New Zealand (An Apostolate of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland) extolled the qualities of Mother Teresa and underlined the importance of continuing her mission.
“We should help RBG to carry on its noble service of helping people,” he said.
Warren Leslie, Executive Chairman of Wickliffe, said his Group was fortunate to be associated with the Kalamazoo Group.
Editor’s Note: As reported in our August 15, 2010 issue, Kalamazoo acquired Wickliffe Limited last month, following an Agreement signed between the two companies. The 250-strong management and staff of the latter will be transferred to the new Group. Indian Newslink will report the progress of the deal in an ensuing edition.
*
Photo :
Wenceslaus Anthony, Steve & Odelia D’Souza, John Fabrin and Warren Leslie at the gathering at Stamford Plaza Hotel on August 26, 2010. Picture by Lindsay Steele.
