Listeners from Japan to the Philippines to Australia to India repeatedly tell us they enjoy the programming of KNLS. We know it’s KNLS programming because the listeners identify the songs and program segments by name.

The KNLS English Hour has many listeners in Japan; English is a second language for many Japanese. One Japanese listener wrote that he’s again listening to shortwave radio, specifically KNLS, 25 years after he’d stopped listening to shortwave.

Recently—a young woman from Japan sent a detailed report showing not only a recognition of the pop music selections by their titles, but confirmation she’d heard the day’s Bible lesson. She added, “It was very snowy in our town. But KNLS’s best music and messages brought me to a warming heart.”

A typical comment about program content came from a listener in Australia. “I like shortwave radio because I hear music I’ve never heard before and learn things I never knew before. . . I like the variety and interesting features.” A listener in Assam, India wrote, “I am one of the regular listeners of KNLS. I especially listen to your station for current Bible news and news about your country. Besides this, all other weekly programs are also admirable, interesting, and informative. Your broadcasts cover a lot of items we never get to hear about here.”  

Another recent letter came from an English language listener in China.

Why would radio station KNLS receive mail from as far away as Australia and even India? The reason is that the shortwave signal reflects off the atmosphere and thus migrates around the world—something your local FM station normally can’t do.

The KNLS English Hour is the Pacific Rim’s source for music to love, news to know, and a message to live. The Pacific Rim encompasses the English-prevalent countries of the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. Additionally—English is widely spoken in Indonesia.

The English Hour also features stories about life in the United States and KNLS’ home state of Alaska. Two of the programs are titled The American Highway and Postcard from Alaska.

Since our target audience is mostly non-Christians, our content is different from a typical Christian format station in America. While we provide our share of positive, uplifting content, some of our programming also provides an honest look at the dark side of life on Earth. Indeed, some program segments, such as a popular music selection and the recent award-winning report about slave trafficking in India, may raise questions that a thoughtful seeker of the truth will ask. And some segments, such as the Bible lessons, serve to answer those questions.

Music is a universal language. The English hour features your favorite songs of the 80’s, 90’s, and today. International pop charts show that your favorite music is also the favorite of someone who lives half a world away—whether in Nairobi, Sydney, Singapore, or Jakarta. English language hits are popular even in non-English speaking countries.

The songs are rock, pop, and r&b, with an occasional selection of country or hip-hop. The KNLS English Hour generally features music by artists from the U.S., the U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Americans are familiar with Adele, Alicia Keys, Celine Dion, Chris Brown, Colbie Callait, Daughtry, Duffy, Jack Johnson, Jordin Sparks, the Jonas Brothers, Leona Lewis, Lifehouse, Lupe Fiasco, Matchbox 20, Miley Cyrus, Nickelback, One Republic, Sean Kingston, Three Doors Down, and Christian crossover artists such as, Michael W. Smith, and Mat Kearney. Outside the U.S., chart-topping artists include Seal, Take That, and Australian pop sensation Delta Goodrem.

In May, KNLS listeners will be introduced to music from new artists Marie’ Digby and Flyleaf.

Since KNLS is a Christian station, we screen song lyrics for their language and their message. Some songs provide a positive, uplifting, or values-based message. Some provide commentary about life, both good and bad. And some are purely for entertainment, to give the listener a chance to take a deep breath and lighten up for moment.

In addition to our pop music selections, KNLS Vice President of Programming Gayle Crowe continues work on a new series of acapella praise songs. Profiles in Christian music will start June 1st. From time to time, the classic Hymns of Praise with Dale Ward will also occupy this part of the English Hour.

The English hour features reports about topics of current interest. Marcy Bryan reports about entertainment, business, and religious news. Kelly Ann Monahan has the latest developments in medicine, science, and computer technology. Blake Farmer and Paul Ladd provide special reports about diverse topics, religious and secular. And Paul frequently interviews current book authors.

Upcoming reports for spring, 2008:

*Mouth-to-mouth is out. Kelly Ann Monahan reports on the newest thinking about treating cardiac arrest.
*Kelly Ann also reports on a new emergency text messaging network and a new music service provided by MySpace.
*He’s the inventor of soda pop. KNLS listeners visit the Philadelphia home of Dr. Philip St. Physick on a new edition of The American Highway with Paul Ladd.
*Will New Heinz go the way of New Coke? Marcy Bryan reports on an “improved” version of Heinz ketchup.
*Marcy Bryan also remembers the life of actor Charlton Heston, who passed away recently.
*Cats are not allowed in many parts of Tokyo. What’s a cat lover to do? Marcy tells us about the new Neko Cafes.
*You may be aware of efforts by Christians from the U.S. to help Honduras. Paul Ladd speaks with KNLS Vice President Andy Baker about his recent trip.
*Mary Westheimer reports on Mayo Clinic’s new medical website.
*Lloyd DeVries reports on France’s upcoming “Marianne” stamp.
*Paul Ladd interviews former rock star Brian Welch of Korn, a former drug abuser who became a Christian (baptized in the Jordan River).
*Paul Ladd takes us to Philadelphia’s new Constitution Center on The American Highway.

In May, KNLS listeners will be treated to encore presentation of The Dave Ramsey Story with Rob Scobey—a feature about radio’s favorite financial adviser.

This is what we’re about and why we’re on the air. Our mission is to present the lessons of the Bible, including and emphasizing the Gospel message, in an interesting, non-threatening way that an unbeliever can relate to.

In May, Glenn Randolph’s new series Promises will be underway with host Royce Kessler. And later in the month—Larry Souder hosts our new series Journeys in Faith by Anthony Parker.

Ongoing Series

1. God’s Passion for Humanity with Bill Young
2. Profiles of the Old Testament with Royce Kessler
3. Profiles of the New Testament with Bob Borquez
4. Letters to My Children with Greg Taylor
5. Andy Baker’s Prayer Lesson, Author’s Journal with Dick Brackett
6. Questions that Deserve Answers with Larry Souder
7. Today’s News and the Good News with Doug Poling.