Relevant Radio
Relevant Radio is an American Catholic radio network that broadcasts talk radio programming aligned with the Magisterium and Catechism of the Catholic Church, operating over 200 owned, operated, and affiliate stations across the United States with potential reach to 250 million people.[1][2] Founded in December 2000 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, by Fr. Francis "Rocky" Hoffman and associates, inspired by St. John Paul II's call for evangelization, the network provides 24/7 informative, entertaining, and interactive content integrating Catholic faith with current events, moral issues, and spiritual formation.[3] Its stated mission is to bring Christ to the world through the media, assisting the Church's New Evangelization by bridging faith and everyday life.[4] In 2017, Relevant Radio merged with Immaculate Heart Radio—founded in 1997 by Doug Sherman—to form Immaculate Heart Media, which rebranded as Relevant Radio, Inc. in 2020, enabling coast-to-coast expansion to 133 million listeners across 39 states.[3][5] The network has achieved notable growth, including over 1.2 million downloads of its top-ranked Catholic app and worldwide digital access, while maintaining fidelity to orthodox Catholic teaching amid a fragmented media landscape.[6]History
Founding and Early Development (2000–2010)
Relevant Radio was founded in November 2000 by a group of Catholic lay businessmen in Green Bay, Wisconsin, who sought to provide faith-based radio programming amid the call for a New Evangelization articulated by Pope St. John Paul II.[3][7] The initiative launched with the acquisition and conversion of WJOK 1050 AM, a local station, into the network's flagship outlet broadcasting Catholic talk, teachings, and interactive content to serve the local community and counter secular media influences.[3][8] Key figures among the founders included Bob Atwell, a Wisconsin banker and past chairman, John Cavil, who directly facilitated the WJOK establishment, and Mark Follett, alongside other local entrepreneurs motivated by personal devotion and a desire to evangelize through accessible media.[8][9][7] In its initial years, the network focused on building a foundation of listener-supported operations, emphasizing apologetics, scripture, and moral guidance tailored to contemporary issues, with programming hosted by priests and lay experts.[3] Fr. Francis "Rocky" Hoffman emerged as an early on-air personality, contributing to the development of engaging, formation-oriented content that distinguished the station from traditional religious broadcasting.[3] By prioritizing call-in shows and practical Catholic advice, Relevant Radio aimed to foster direct engagement, drawing on the founders' business acumen to secure funding through donations rather than commercial advertising, which allowed editorial independence aligned with magisterial teachings.[7][10] Expansion accelerated in the mid-2000s as the network acquired additional frequencies, primarily in the Midwest, to extend its reach beyond Green Bay while maintaining a nonprofit, donor-driven model.[11] This period saw steady growth from a single station to a regional presence, with affiliations and owned outlets enabling broader dissemination of daily Masses, rosary devotions, and discussions on bioethics and family life, reflecting the founders' vision of media as a tool for spiritual renewal.[3] By 2010, marking the tenth anniversary, Relevant Radio had established itself as a viable Catholic alternative in multiple markets, supported by a growing base of lay volunteers and listeners who valued its unapologetic orthodoxy amid cultural shifts.[7][11]Expansion and Acquisitions (2010–2020)
During the early 2010s, Relevant Radio expanded its owned-and-operated station footprint from 33 stations reaching 22 million people in 2010 to 66 stations across 31 states serving 68 million listeners by mid-2017, through a combination of targeted acquisitions and affiliations that strengthened its presence primarily in the Midwest and Northeast.[12][3] A pivotal development occurred on October 13, 2016, when Relevant Radio announced a merger with Immaculate Heart Radio, a California-based Catholic network operating 36 stations and reaching over 50 million people, primarily in the West and South; the combined entity, operating as Immaculate Heart Media d/b/a Relevant Radio, aimed to create a national Catholic radio presence.[13][3] The merger was consummated on July 3, 2017, following FCC approval, instantly expanding the network's reach to approximately 133 million people across 39 states with over 100 owned stations, enabling coast-to-coast programming and enhanced evangelization efforts.[14][3][15] Post-merger, the network pursued aggressive acquisitions to enter major markets. In November 2018, it purchased a station in Oakland, New Jersey (WNYJ 1160 AM), extending coverage to seven million residents in the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut area, and bringing the total to 70 owned-and-operated stations while bolstering signals in high-Catholic-population regions like Los Angeles and Chicago.[16] The most significant expansion came in 2019, when the network acquired 32 stations and translators, including a $7.75 million deal announced August 15 for 13 facilities (nine AM stations and four FM translators) from Salem Media Group, targeting underserved Catholic markets such as Boston, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, St. Louis, Denver, and Youngstown.[17][12] These included additions like WMEX 1150 AM in Boston (October), KSLR 1140 AM in San Antonio (October), and KVDT 1110 AM/96.1 FM in Houston (November), culminating in over 170 stations reaching 220 million people by year-end and surpassing $100 million in total assets.[12] In February 2020, Immaculate Heart Media rebranded its corporate name to Relevant Radio, Inc., unifying operations under a single identity to support further national growth.[3]Recent Growth and Milestones (2020–present)
In February 2020, Immaculate Heart Media completed its merger with the original Relevant Radio network and changed its corporate name to Relevant Radio, Inc., unifying operations under a single Catholic media entity and expanding coverage to 127 stations across 39 states, reaching an estimated 133 million people.[5][3] Following the merger, Relevant Radio launched the "Go the Distance" initiative to acquire additional stations in major markets, aiming to extend its terrestrial footprint nationwide. In 2023, the network acquired stations in ten additional metro areas as part of this effort, including five stations in the Detroit market (four FM and one AM) finalized in August, enhancing local Catholic programming in southeast Michigan.[18][19] Further expansions in Indiana included the $1.262 million purchase of WRDF (106.3 FM) in the Fort Wayne market in August 2023 and additional FM translators secured in March 2024, bolstering signals in the Indianapolis vicinity ahead of the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress.[20][21] By 2024, Relevant Radio reported owning over 200 stations and affiliates with potential reach exceeding 250 million listeners via broadcast, reflecting sustained growth through targeted acquisitions.[1] As top sponsor of the 10th National Eucharistic Congress held in Indianapolis in July 2024, the network contributed to record attendance by promoting the event via its airwaves and digital platforms, aligning with its evangelization goals.[22] The organization anticipates completing its acquisition targets by the end of 2025, coinciding with celebrations for its 25th anniversary, marked by a gala event in Chicago on December 12.[22][23]Mission and Principles
Core Mission Statement
Relevant Radio's core mission is to bring Christ to the world through the media.[4] This objective centers on delivering Catholic content via radio broadcasts, podcasts, and digital platforms to foster spiritual growth and evangelization.[24] The network emphasizes programming that applies Church teachings to contemporary challenges, aiming to deepen listeners' relationship with Christ while remaining faithful to magisterial doctrine.[1] In support of this mission, Relevant Radio assists the Catholic Church in the New Evangelization—a papal initiative to rekindle faith among those influenced by secularism—by producing relevant, interactive content that bridges the divide between doctrine and daily existence.[25] [26] Operations focus on 24/7 availability of talks, prayers, and reflections, with an emphasis on moral guidance rooted in Scripture and Tradition rather than secular viewpoints.[1] This approach prioritizes transformative encounters with the Gospel over entertainment, as evidenced by commitments to holiness and doctrinal fidelity in programming decisions.[27] The mission underscores a proactive apostolate, where media serves as a tool for conversion and formation, distinct from passive broadcasting by encouraging listener engagement and personal application of faith principles.[28] Founded on the belief that Christ can change lives through accessible media, Relevant Radio positions itself as a counter to cultural relativism by promoting objective truth derived from Catholic revelation.[29]Guiding Principles and Evangelization Approach
Relevant Radio adheres to three core guiding principles that shape its operations and content: faithfulness to the Magisterium and Catechism of the Catholic Church, unity with the bishops in their pastoral authority, and invocation of the protective intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.[30][31] These principles prioritize doctrinal orthodoxy, ensuring that programming remains aligned with authoritative Catholic teachings and avoids deviation from Church doctrine.[32] The network's evangelization approach centers on the New Evangelization, as promoted by the Catholic Church since the pontificate of John Paul II, focusing on renewing faith among baptized Catholics and reaching those alienated from the Church.[11] It employs media platforms to deliver "relevant programming" that applies timeless Catholic truths to contemporary issues, bridging the divide between faith and daily life through catechesis, spiritual counsel, and practical guidance.[25][33] This method emphasizes solutions-oriented discourse, teaching listeners how to integrate Church teachings into family, work, and cultural challenges, while steering clear of unproductive polemics.[34][19] Evangelization efforts extend beyond broadcasts via initiatives like parish ambassadors, who act as missionaries to foster deeper relationships with Christ in local communities.[11] The mission is explicitly entrusted to Our Lady of Guadalupe, invoked as the Star of the New Evangelization and patroness of the Americas, underscoring a Marian dimension to outreach that seeks conversion through prayer, sacraments, and media accessibility.[11] This integrated strategy has supported measurable growth, with the network reporting increased listener engagement in faith formation since its expansion.[19]Programming
Format and Content Categories
Relevant Radio employs a talk radio format centered on Catholic themes, emphasizing live, interactive discussions that blend doctrinal instruction with practical applications to contemporary life. Programming features host-led segments where callers engage directly on faith-related queries, supplemented by scheduled prayer recitations and liturgical broadcasts to foster daily spiritual integration. The network maintains a 24-hour schedule, including morning inspirational talks, midday news updates from a Church perspective, afternoon interactive call-ins, and evening replays or specialized reflections, all accessible via AM/FM stations, streaming, and mobile app.[24][35] Content categories prioritize evangelization and moral guidance, drawing from Scripture, the Catechism, and papal teachings to address listener needs without diluting orthodox Catholic positions. Key categories include devotional practices, such as live Rosary prayers, Divine Mercy Chaplets, and Holy Mass transmissions, which provide structured spiritual nourishment multiple times daily. Doctrinal and apologetic content explains core beliefs, counters misconceptions about Catholicism, and explores topics like suffering, saints' lives, and scriptural interpretation to deepen faith understanding.[24][36] Practical application segments form another core category, applying Catholic principles to family dynamics, ethical dilemmas, pro-life advocacy, and cultural issues, often highlighting the inseparability of faith from public life. Church news and global events are covered through a lens prioritizing fidelity to magisterial authority, including updates on canonizations, apparitions, and ecclesiastical developments. This categorization supports the network's aim to bridge faith with everyday challenges, encouraging listener participation to promote personal conversion and societal influence aligned with Catholic social teaching.[24][25]Key Shows and Hosts
Relevant Radio's programming emphasizes live talk shows, prayer segments, and faith-based discussions, with key programs hosted by experienced Catholic apologists, journalists, and clergy. These shows integrate current events analysis, spiritual guidance, and interactive listener engagement, often drawing on Church teachings to address moral, social, and personal challenges.[24] Morning Air, the network's primary morning program, is hosted by journalist John Morales and co-hosts Glen Lewerenz and Sarah Tafoya. Airing weekdays to provide an uplifting start to the day, it features coverage of breaking news, social issues, business tips, parenting advice, and family life topics through a Catholic lens, emphasizing balanced, faith-informed perspectives.[37][38] The Drew Mariani Show is a midday staple hosted by award-winning broadcaster Drew Mariani, who examines daily news and cultural issues via Catholic doctrine. The program includes live broadcasts reaching millions, with a signature recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3:00 p.m. Central Time on weekdays, fostering devotion amid discussions on Church developments and global events.[39][40] The Patrick Madrid Show, led by apologist and author Patrick Madrid, focuses on contemporary issues and current events, offering scriptural insights, debate-style analysis, and caller interactions to clarify Catholic positions on ethics, politics, and theology. It airs in the afternoon slot, providing lively discourse grounded in traditional Church teachings.[41] Prayer-oriented programs form a core element, including Family Rosary Across America, a live, interactive broadcast uniting listeners nationwide in communal rosary recitation, led by hosts who facilitate petitions and reflections to promote family spirituality and intercession.[42] Other notable contributions come from hosts like Father Simon Heinrich on spiritual counseling segments, Cale Clarke addressing biblical exegesis, and Timmerie Geagea on women's and family topics, enhancing the network's depth in evangelization and moral reasoning.[24]Interactive and Digital Features
Relevant Radio offers a free mobile application, available on iOS and Android devices, that enables live streaming of its programming, access to podcasts of popular shows, and devotional content such as the Family Rosary Across America and live Divine Mercy Chaplet.[43][44] The app also supports interactive features including submission of prayer requests and sharing of content via social media, email, or messaging apps, facilitating user engagement with the network's Catholic-focused material.[45][28] Complementing the app, Relevant Radio maintains a dedicated video platform called Relevant Radio+, which provides on-demand and live video streams of events like Holy Mass, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and visual renditions of the Family Rosary Across America, accessible via mobile apps, web browsers, and Smart TVs.[46][47] This platform emphasizes visual faith experiences, allowing users to watch broadcasts that extend the network's audio content into multimedia formats for broader digital accessibility.[48] The organization's website, relevantradio.com, serves as a hub for digital offerings, including on-demand podcasts for most weekly shows, live audio streams, and sections for devotional prayers and program archives.[49][50] Interactive elements extend to live radio programs, such as the Family Rosary Across America, which unites listeners nationwide in real-time prayer sessions, often incorporating caller participation during broadcasts.[42] These features collectively support Relevant Radio's mission by extending traditional radio engagement into user-driven digital interactions and portable content consumption.[4]Organizational Structure
Ownership and Funding Model
Relevant Radio, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation headquartered in Lincolnshire, Illinois, operating as the legal entity behind the Relevant Radio network.[51] The organization emerged from the 2017 merger between the original Relevant Radio and Immaculate Heart Radio, initially forming Immaculate Heart Media, Inc., doing business as Relevant Radio; in February 2020, the corporate name was changed to Relevant Radio, Inc.[3] As a non-profit, it has no private shareholders or owners, with governance provided by a board of directors that oversees strategic direction and fiduciary responsibilities.[10] Rev. Francis J. Hoffman serves as chairman of the board and chief executive officer, a role he has held since the merger, supported by other executives including a chief financial officer and vice presidents for programming and operations.[52] The funding model relies predominantly on voluntary contributions from listeners and supporters, reflecting its status as a donor-funded public charity without commercial advertising revenue.[27] In 2023, total sources of funds reached $31.025 million, with contributions comprising $28.027 million (90.3% of revenue) and sponsorships plus miscellaneous income accounting for $2.998 million.[18] Similar patterns held in prior years, such as 2021 when contributions totaled $29.090 million against $3.682 million from sponsorships and other sources.[53] Funds are raised through mechanisms including one-time and recurring monthly donations (e.g., $25 or more per month via automatic withdrawal), pledge drives like the "Give Hope" campaign that met a $3 million goal in 2025, planned giving options such as bequests, and specialized programs for asset donations like real estate.[54][55][56] Sponsorships involve partnerships with Catholic-aligned organizations or businesses for on-air acknowledgments, but these do not constitute traditional ads and must align with the network's faith-based mission.[51] Giving societies incentivize higher-level donors, such as the Guardian Angel Society for those contributing $1,000 annually and the higher-tier groups requiring $5,000 or more with commitments to daily prayer for the organization.[57][58] Expenses in 2023 were allocated primarily to programming (62.6%, or $19.415 million), with the remainder covering operations, fundraising, and capital investments like station acquisitions, maintaining net assets exceeding $100 million.[18] This model supports expansion, including the 2023 acquisition of 10 additional stations, while prioritizing evangelization over profit.[18]Leadership and Governance
Relevant Radio operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization under U.S. tax code, classified for religious, educational, and charitable purposes, with governance structured to align its media apostolate with Catholic doctrine and the New Evangelization.[59] The organization's leadership combines executive management for operational efficiency with a board of directors providing strategic oversight and fidelity to Church teaching, including input from bishops to ensure doctrinal integrity.[10] The executive team is led by Rev. Francis J. Hoffman, JCD, serving as Chairman, CEO, and Treasurer, a role he has held since the network's early development, emphasizing programming that integrates faith with contemporary issues.[52] Key executives include Preston Allex as Chief Financial Officer, responsible for financial strategy and sustainability; Josh Raymond as Vice President of Programming, overseeing content development; and Garyn Coulson as Senior Vice President, contributing to operational leadership.[52] This structure supports day-to-day management while prioritizing donor-funded growth and broadcast expansion. The board of directors, as of April 1, 2025, includes a mix of lay professionals and Catholic clergy, reflecting governance informed by both business acumen and ecclesiastical authority:| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Robert Atwell | Secretary |
| Most Rev. José Gómez | Director |
| Most Rev. Bernard Hebda | Director |
| Rev. Francis Hoffman | Treasurer, Executive Director |
| Bruce Lachenauer | Director |
| Neal McNamara | Director |
| Most Rev. David Ricken | Director |