wfn.org | UMCom to launch youth survival radio series May 1

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

April 6, 1999	Contact: Linda Green*(615)742-5470*Nashville, Tenn.
10-71B{188}
  
By Nancye M. Willis*

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - May Day, known internationally as a call for help,
will mark the beginning of a new radio "survival program" for youth.

The "Survivors" daily radio series is intended for members of the Millennial
Generation, the oldest of whom is 18. The series has been sent to all 12,271
stations across the nation, with a suggested broadcast launch date of May 1.

The 60-second programs, the second series produced cooperatively by United
Methodist Communications (UMCom) with Presbyterian Media Mission (PMM) of
Pittsburgh, offer one-minute glimpses into the life of a young person today.

"Survivors" represents an effort "to help remind listeners that, in a day
when some youth are involved with destructive behaviors, many others are
making positive differences in their lives and neighborhoods," according to
Bill Wolfe, UMCom's director of radio ministries, 

"Every station has thousands of youth listening to its signal at least  part
of the day," he said. "They, along with parents, teachers, neighbors and
others, will be interested in this series, featuring real youth, revealing
in their own words amazing stories of survival in a world of drugs, gangs,
sex and violence."

The "Survivors" production team represents the two major denominations
involved. Executive producer Dennis Benson and associate producer Amy
Benson-Brennen of PMM, affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), worked
with producer Wolfe and engineer Lafayette Richardson of UMCom. They join
host Ketrina Lewis to help young people of varying ethnic backgrounds and
circumstances to relate how they have lived through challenging times.  

Wolfe encourages people to visit stations in their community and to support
having the messages broadcast on a regular basis as a service to local youth
and others who care about the young.  

UMCom is also seeking cover photos for the "Survivors" CDs, which contain
the programs and are sent to radio stations every other month. Youth groups
that represent positive values, as well as a mix of gender, ethnicity and
socioeconomic status, are needed. Action shots (sports events, concerts,
outreach ministries, etc.) are preferred. 

For more information on "Survivors" or on how to submit a photo for
consideration, e-mail UMCom's Public Media Radio Ministries at
radio@umcom.umc.org or call (800) 476-7766. 

# # #

*Willis is promotional resources coordinator at United Methodist
Communications.

______________
United Methodist News Service
http://www.umc.org/umns/
newsdesk@umcom.umc.org
(615)742-5472