I'll be the first to admit that people tend to point out what's wrong with Southern Gospel radio rather than highlighting the good things. I'm guilty of that myself.
But let me tell you a story about "the little station that could."
In Wilkesboro, N.C., you'll find a small AM station, WWWC - 1240. This 1,000 watt station began broadcasting Southern Gospel music in the summer of 1994 (and a few years later, began an internet broadcast). With the exception of a few hours of Sunday ministry programming, the format is all music. Though many people had early doubts about the potential success of this station, it's still alive and kickin' today.
In difficult economic times - and with a format that some say just doesn't appeal to mass markets - the broadcasting achievements (numerous awards and high listenership) of WWWC alone make the station worthy of note.
But there's something else to mention. Last year, the station and it's staff took on a massive undertaking. Two years prior, a group of people at the Wilkes Community College had decided to bring to a close "The Singing In The Foothills," a two-year old Southern Gospel event that was just truly beginning to steam roll. Held at the same place where the massive bluegrass festival Merlefest is presented, the event featured a true who's who of Southern Gospel artists. Now, I'm not talking regional groups - I'm talking the "big boys."
The idea was this: the event would raise funds for various activities through ticket admissions and concession sales. Corporate sponsorships would take care of the expenses and all the money that came through the gate went to a good cause. Several high profile sponsors (for example, Lowes Home Improvement Stores) were generous with their fundage and before anyone could blink, the bills were easily paid.
Then, without warning, there was a shake-up among event organizers. And the fledgling "Singing In The Foothills" was no more.
Until John Wishon and the staff of WWWC stepped in. Realizing that such an event takes time for proper planning, the decision was reached to pick up the ball and run with it, after a one year hiatus to properly focus their energies and goals. In the meantime, The Ebenezer Garden Christian Children's Home was selected to be the beneficiary of the "new" event. (This children's home, by the way, is a tremendous organization. Visit egcch.org if you'd like more information.)
That's when John and crew kicked into high gear. They were told early on by doubters that there was no way they could pull this event off - the corporate sponsors just wouldn't be willing to help as before. Well, the checks flowed and the crowds were quite huge.
That was last year. In the weeks that followed, some people kept telling the WWWC staff how "lucky" they were. "You'll never get those huge sponsorships again" was a phrase that was uttered more than once. Well-meaning friends told them to get ready to hear "Money's too tight." "Support Christian ventures? You've got to be kidding."
On June 22-23 of this year, the event will take place under a huge tent (like Ringling Brothers Circus huge!) erected at the Wilkesboro Raceway Park. The line-up features some of Southern Gospel's most recognized names.
Did I mention that like last year, every dollar that will come through the gate will go to the Children's Home?
Yep. "The little station that could" knocked on a few doors again.
The bills are paid.
