Catholic Radio on upswing
Eyes expansion at 10-year mark
After 10 years on the air, Boston Catholic Radio is looking to expand its reach as it provides a ray of hope to people during the darkness of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The station is looking to buy another radio outlet in Massachusetts, said Louis Murray, chairman of the board for the radio station.
“Our goal is to make our unique programming available to at least 80 or 90% of the population of Massachusetts,” he said.
The Station of the Cross Catholic Media Network bought Business 1060 AM in 2010, delving into the Boston region and other parts of New England, a potential market of 5 million listeners.
Since then, WQOM has been an outlet where people can listen to Mass and other
Catholic programs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“This is an incredible achievement that was made possible first and foremost by the grace of God and second by the great people in Boston and New England,” said Jim Wright, president of The Station of the Cross. “This station and its success belongs to the passionate and dynamic people of Boston, one of the most Catholic and vibrant regions of the country.”
An affiliate of Eternal Word Television Network, 1060 AM broadcasts shows produced by EWTN and Ave Maria Radio, as well as a growing number of programs the station produces itself.
Listenership has doubled during the coronavirus crisis, as many people find the station to be a spiritual refuge. With Masses fully or partially suspended in parishes at times, Catholics can listen to Mass on 1060 AM each day at 8 a.m., as well as the other Catholic programs.
“With the election-year turmoil and pandemic isolation, more and more people are looking for alternatives to traditional talk shows,” said Murray. “COVID-19 has caused so much isolation and worry, some people are afraid to go to Mass and receive the sacraments. Our station has provided spiritual sustenance for those people who are isolated and lonely.”
Mass is broadcast every day at 8 a.m. and a “Holy Hour” consisting of the Liturgy of the Hours, reciting the rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet is broadcast daily at 3 p.m. Other featured daily shows include “Sermons for Everyday Living” at 6 a.m., “Mother Miriam Live” at 10 a.m. and “The Terry and Jesse Show” at 2 p.m.
“The Catholic Current,” the network’s flagship show, which airs at 5 p.m. and is hosted by the Rev. Robert
McTeigue, has attracted national attention and will be picked up by many new affiliates in 2021.
As a nonprofit supported entirely by listeners, the support of benefactors, donors and sponsors has enabled the station to be financially stable and debt-free. It receives no funding from the Boston Archdiocese.