What started as a small, local radio station in Wisconsin has turned into an outlet where DJ entertainers of today can share Catholic and inspirational messages with listeners.
To coincide with their name, Relevant Radio, the station remains up-to-date with the latest trends among the youth and has thus adapted their evangelization platform to include various social media outlets and smartphone applications, including live streaming the Mass on Facebook.
FR. FRANCIS HOFFMAN
Executive Director, Relevant Radio
'Where do we get the young people? We get the young people through social media. Thats where we're reaching them. Just walk around the streets and see what kids have in their hands; they've got a smartphone â?? we're there!â?
Fr. Francis Hoffman, aka Fr. Rocky, explains that when competing against 140 other stations, hard work, creativity and talent is needed, but it's truly the Holy Spirit who is at the core of the station. Hoffman encourages every DJ to pray silently or with others before they go on-air, and attributes the majority of their success to the power of prayer, especially those offered at their adoration chapel inside the studio.
The goal is to share the news of the day, but to do it from a Christian perspective, evoking empathy, displaying beauty and opening the door for further discussion. Relevant Radio aims to discuss the ideas resting on the minds and hearts of their listeners and is not afraid to challenge them.
FR. FRANCIS HOFFMAN
Executive Director, Relevant Radio
'When you're trying to reach young people, don't talk down to them, raise them up. Don't patronize and demoralize them, but challenge them to be great. Challenge them to make sacrifices. Challenge them because they want to be challenged.â?
These challenges are being expressed both on-air and online to the public. However, their social media presence is booming, reaching between 12 and 15 million unique visitors a week and 85 percent of these people are under age 35.
If social media is important enough for Pope Francis to reach young people, then it surely is suitable for Relevant Radio.
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