About Adventist World Radio

AWR’s mission is to broadcast the Adventist hope in Christ to the hardest-to-reach people groups of the world in their own languages.

WHAT IS AWR?

Adventist World Radio is the official mission radio arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. AWR uses AM/FM, shortwave, satellite, and web broadcasts to carry the gospel to people who are difficult to reach because of political restrictions on religion, cultural barriers to Christianity, and geographic barriers.

HOW CAN I LISTEN TO AWR PROGRAMS?

WHERE DOES AWR BROADCAST?

One of AWR’s main objectives is to share the gospel with people living in the 72 countries within the 10/40 window. This area is located between 10 and 40 degrees north latitude – a region spanning North Africa, the Middle East, and part of Asia/Pacific. More than four billion people – two-thirds of the world’s population – live in the 10/40 window, and less than two percent of them are Christian.

AWR also broadcasts radio programs in Africa, other parts of Asia, Europe, and Latin America, and satellite coverage extends to North America and northern Australia. It is a challenge to calculate the exact number of countries that AWR reaches, since signals fluctuate and numerous radio stations access our downlinks throughout the year.

WHAT MAKES AWR'S BROADCASTS EFFECTIVE?

AWR does not create a central collection of programs in English and have them translated into various languages. Instead, we work with local producers in about 75 studios around the world. Producers are chosen from the same language and cultural group as the target audience so that the topics and illustrations will truly connect with listeners. For example, programs in Nepal include agricultural information and updates, which are appreciated in a society that has a largely agricultural economy.

Programs for Non-Christians: Preparing interesting, uplifting, and relevant programs for non-Christian listeners is AWR’s purpose. The programs encourage listeners to grow into a personal relationship with Jesus. Segments include short sermons, Bible lessons, interviews, and dramas. AWR also airs programming for children, medical advice forums, discussions on family matters, musical presentations, and more.

Media Selection: AWR carefully selects the broadcast media that is appropriate for each region. This traditionally has meant shortwave radio, but more recently has included local AM/FM broadcasts and also Internet broadcasts, which can be accessed anywhere in the world.

HOW DO LISTENERS RESPOND?

AWR receives well over 100,000 letters, phone calls, and e-mail messages from listeners every year. We know that there are many more listeners than the number we actually hear from because they are prevented from contacting us due to security issues, illiteracy, poverty, and lack of mail service. AWR maximizes its potential listening audience by broadcasting during the high-volume morning and evening hours, and by producing programs in local languages.

Listener Letters: Messages or inquiries from listeners receive a response from the program speaker or a caring, knowledgeable correspondent at the local production studio or Bible school. Listeners who contact AWR with an interest in learning more about Christ are sent free Bible study guides. Where possible, arrangements are made to put them in touch with Adventist church members, who can personally nurture them in their walk with God.