Developing and keeping a committed audience who regularly tune in to your radio broadcasts is key for a radio ministry.

This is achieved by having relevant content presented in an entertaining way, speaking to issues that concern the listeners. A programme that has achieved this is ZKS—broadcast daily in Urdu to Pakistan, it has been on air for 20 years.

ZKS, Zindagi Kay Sung (Along with Life), is an Urdu friendship building programme covering social issues, world news, science, health, education and entertainment. Every programme begins with a Psalm, and then moves on into dramas, interviews, proverbs and Christian songs. The teachings of Jesus are woven into the discussions of everyday topics.

One of the original goals of ZKS was to build long-term friendship with its audience. 20 years later listeners’ letters show that some 30 per cent of its audience are long-time listeners. This lively radio magazine interests the Pakistani population with a wide variety of content and has an enthusiastic following. For example, when looking at two months of listeners’ letters, we received 917 letters from listeners and most (865) were from non-Christians. A designated mobile phone number is getting good response in text messages and phone calls.

From the listeners:

“I like all Feba programmes, especially the programme Zindagi Kay Sung (Along with Life). If we observe this programme very keenly, we can conclude that it is really along with life, which covers all aspects of our life. This programme is like an evergreen tree that never sees autumn and bears fruit the whole year. This is sufficient for us.”

“I like Feba programmes very much. They teach us peace, love, brotherhood, unity. This radio station guides us in all aspects of life and provides us with useful information. I have observed that it broadcasts programmes considering the listeners' interests. Feba transmission is excellent; it promotes friendship amongst listeners. Long live Feba!”

“Feba Radio has proven itself a good and true friend. It has planted seeds of peace. By the grace of God this plant is growing day by day.”

Note: To find out more about Feba broadcasts in Urdu for Pakistan, contact angela@feba.org.uk for Upload issue 12 on this subject.
(Available in the UK and ROI only.)