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Ocean Shores radio board to seek public feedback on paid Sunday broadcasts for churches
Summary
The Ocean Shores Radio Board voted to solicit public feedback and run on-air PSAs about a proposal to sell Sunday morning broadcast time to local churches for prerecorded sermons or services.
Chair Patrick Wenlet said the board will seek public feedback before deciding whether to allow churches to purchase Sunday morning airtime on KOSW. The board voted to announce the proposal to the public and collect input through on-air public service announcements and an online survey.
The board’s action follows discussion about whether the station should sell blocks of time to local congregations to help generate revenue. Proponents said selling recorded sermons, one-hour blocks or similar programming could help the station raise money; opponents and some board members urged caution because of legal and logistical concerns.
“We should get the word out to the public before we just say yes or no,” Chair Patrick Wenlet said during the meeting, urging a period of public comment and outreach prior to any policy change.
Board members discussed possible pricing examples offered during the conversation, including a suggestion of $250 per hour or $500 for two hours. Butch, the station staff member who gave the station report, described how the arrangement might work in practice: prerecorded sermons provided by churches would be played on Sunday mornings, and the station would require files be delivered in advance. “If they’re buying the time, if they want to do their whole church services or their sermon, it’s their hour of power,” Harold said, arguing the station should treat bought airtime as paid commercial time with a disclaimer.
Several board members raised concerns about political content and compliance. Harold said the board should accept only congregations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service, so the station would not have to vet churches’ legitimacy: “If they’re listed as ... on IRS, then they’re a church.” Marilyn Ferguson cited statewide data about low regular church attendance as a reason to consider demand before investing staff time in outreach.
The board did not adopt a rate or sign any contracts. Instead members approved a motion to move forward with public outreach: run PSAs announcing the possible program, post an online survey (SurveyMonkey or a city-hosted form), and gather community input before any further action. The motion was seconded and approved.
Nicole (staff) was asked to coordinate the survey and messaging and to report back at the April meeting. The board set no firm deadline for a final policy decision; the next board meeting is scheduled for April 27, 2025.
