Protestant Radio Program 'Day1' Celebrates 70 Years of 'Preaching the Word of God' on Stations Across the World
A Georgia-based radio program centered on promoting the perspectives of mainline Protestant denominations has turned 70 this year.
"Day1," a program headquartered in Atlanta originally named "The Protestant Hour," has been on the air for seven decades and since 2004 has been overseen by the Alliance for Christian Media.
The Rev. Peter M. Wallace, president and executive producer of "Day1" and the Alliance, told The Christian Post that he was "very thankful for the opportunity to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ over the radio for so many years."
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"While the program has changed in its format somewhat over the years, its heart is still a sermon by an outstanding minister based on the lectionary Bible texts most of our participating denominations use each Sunday," said Wallace.
"We look forward to continuing to preach the Word of God for the people of God for many years to come, God willing."
"The Protestant Hour" was first heard on the radio airwaves in the spring of 1945, being launched by a coalition of Protestant Christian schools and churches.
Entities involved in the station's creation included the National Council of Churches, the Protestant Episcopal Church, the Methodist Church, and the United Lutheran Church.
"Ground was broken in 1953 for the studio and office facilities, and the Martha and Arthur J. Moore chapel studio was dedicated," notes the "Day1" website.
"In August 2013, the organization moved once again to a new office suite and recording studio on the campus of Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Atlanta."
According to Wallace, "Day1" is broadcast on 207 radio stations across the United States as well as eight other nations, with News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB in Atlanta being their flagship station.
Despite the impressive reach, this represents a severe decline from their peak reach, wrote Sam Hodges of the United Methodist News Service.
"At its height, more than 600 stations carried 'The Protestant Hour,' as did the Armed Forces Network," reported Hodges on Monday.
"That's a much diminished reach. But 'Day1' leaders give thanks for a rich history; for the continuing voice of preachers from The United Methodist Church — successor to The Methodist Church — and other mainline Protestants on radio; and for the options that the Internet presents for sharing sermons old and new."
When asked by CP as to how "Day1" intends to stay on the air for another 70 years, Wallace replied that they hope to take advantage of both traditional media like radio and newer media.
"We are also expanding our outreach through podcasts on our website, Day1.org, as well as iTunes, Stitcher, and other podcast platforms, through video reflections by our preachers and other suitable audio and video programming," said Wallace.
"As media technologies change and new ones are introduced in the future, we hope to use whatever channels we can to proclaim the Gospel. While technologies may change, the Word of God remains vitally important for our lives."
