A contract with Radio 2000 (SABC) was concluded in 1988 and has been extended on numerous occasions. Although the management of Radio Pulpit has tried to make this a permanent arrangement and obtain more airtime, all efforts have failed.
Radio Pulpit broadcasts on FM in all South Africa's official languages, covers most of the country and reaches more than half a million people in all race groups. It also broadcasts 24/7on 657 KHz, covering Gauteng and most of the northern parts of the country, but only about 270,000 listeners can receive MW.
The Theological Advisory Committee of the Board includes official representatives from most of the mainline churches and Christian groupings in SA, including the SACC Teasa, DRC and AFM, and acts on behalf of an estimated 23 million South African Christians.
In early August, Radio Pulpit was informed by Mr Afzel Mohamed, General Manager of Radio 2000, that airtime would be reduced, as a new programme schedule would be implemented in November 2005.
Urgent negotiations took place and in September Radio 2000 said the status quo would be retained until February 2006, after which Radio Pulpit would have airtime from 4am to 9am on weekdays. From June 2006 there would be a further reduction, leaving airtime from 4am to 6am on weekdays and 4am to 7am on Sundays.
Only 10% of Radio Pulpit's audience are listening in these time slots.
The move will have serious ramifications for Radio Pulpit and its future - more than 300,000 listeners will no longer be able to listen to Radio Pulpit on FM.
The station has played a significant role in moral regeneration and upliftment in a society in dire need of a new morality, but its future impact as an instrument of transformation will be minimised as a result of this decision. The financial implications will also be severe and Radio Pulpit will be faced with huge losses. Retrenchment of staff is a real possibility.
In the light of the above, the Board of Directors will undertake further discussion and negotiation with the SABC and authorities on all levels about the right of access of Christians to the airwaves on FM, identify and develop alternative broadcasting opportunities and technologies, and consider all other options to protect the vested interests of listeners.
According to Radio Pulpit, a negotiated solution is preferred but the legal option is not excluded.
