Case Study: Sound of Life Radio

Sound of Life Radio Network covers a large area of New York state, including such diverse areas as the northern suburban New York City metropolitan area to Vermont to Cooperstown, NY--and areas in-between.  With 12 full power radio stations and multiple translators, the Sound of Life Radio Network has an extensive chain of facilities which require substantial maintenance and promotion.

The Situation

Sound of Life Radio Network grew quickly and raised enough money to put the broadcast facilities on the air, but the day-to-day operations were left underfunded.  The network had difficulty paying all the bills or, sometimes, even making payroll.  The network needed new equipment a larger more up-to-date facility and several more key personnel.

The Challenge

Sound of Life's development efforts were not effective enough to pull them out of the operating deficit.  The network felt like it was 'going to the well' too many times with their on-air appeals--and those on-air appeals were become less effective.

“In only a few short weeks, our relationship with Advocace built a development plan that immediately began attracting significant new donations. This plan is personal to our needs and empowering to our team. We are doing things we have never done before thanks to Advocace!” Tom Michaels Zahradnik General Manager / CEO Sound of Life Radio Network

The Advocace Solution

With quite a bit of broadcasting experience, Sound of Life's team could make a radio station sound good, but the financials did not match the air sound.  Sound of Life contacted Advocace Media to create a complete development plan including less on-air fundraising and more face-to-face relational development and off-air development.  Following interviews with key Sound of Life staff and every board member, Advocace built a plan the emphasized the tremendous strengths of the network while implementing new points of engagement for donors.

The Results

Within six weeks of working with Sound of Life, Advocace invited eight prospective donors to participate in the life of the network in a major way.  All eight prospects became significant donors and began funding the network at a level that the station--nor the donor--ever considered.  Enough money was pledged and fulfilled to more than pay for Advocace's involvement for 18 months.

In addition, Sound of Life's income from direct mail appeals dramatically increased.  Advocace created letters and offers that tied to the the vision for the network.  These letters helped prospected donors realize how to impact their area with the gospel.

Today, Sound of Life is building deeper relationships with listeners, community leaders and donors to create a stronger network.