Close the Gap FAQ

What is the “Close the Gap” figure and what does it mean?

The gap is the combination of how much money remains to fulfill our Share 2018 goal when all financial pledges have been fulfilled and how much it will cost to purchase a new HD-Capable transmitter for WBCL. The financial gap as of December 27, 2018 was $134,535.

What was the Share 2018 goal?

$1,820,000

What amount of Share 2018 pledges remain to be fulfilled?

$133,377  (As of December 27, 2018.)

What is the goal to pay for the new transmitter?

$98,000

What amount remains to meet the goal to purchase the transmitter?

$1,158 (As of December 27, 2018.)

Why a new transmitter for WBCL?

We take very good care of our equipment and that fact has allowed us to keep our current transmitter up and running for 15+ years. However, we’re now into overtime with this piece of equipment. The original manufacturer is no longer in business, so we can’t even find replacement parts for it in case of a massive breakdown. Instead of waiting for that day when we’d have to replace the transmitter in the middle of an emergency, we desire to be good stewards and replace it now and use it as the back-up transmitter to be better prepared for emergencies.

Why HD-Capable?

This upgrade in technology won’t change anything if you still have analog radio receivers at home or in your vehicles. You will hear 90.3fm like always. However, if you have an HD receiver, that means you will pick up the digital signal from the HD transmitter. There is dramatic improvement of sound quality with the digital signal. Also, more data can be carried on the digital signal. That means more options for the visual display in your vehicle like album art, more detailed song/artist information and other improvements being developed. Plus, from a technological standpoint, it puts WBCL in a good strategic position for the future.

Why are you asking all listeners to contribute toward a transmitter for 90.3 fm?

90.3 WBCL is the “mother ship” so to speak. The signal that comes from the WBCL transmitter feeds our other frequency transmitters and it covers all of northeast Indiana, most of northwest Ohio, much of west-central Ohio and a portion of southern Michigan. It must remain strong out of necessity technologically but more importantly, it carries our mission “to communicate God’s redemptive love and truth…” and at no time can we afford to put that in jeopardy.

When I donate, where does the money go?

If you are fulfilling a Share 2018 pledge, then that donation will go toward meeting the Share 2018 goal and that is hugely important. That funding helps pay the bills and other ongoing operating budget costs.

Donations designated toward the WBCL Transmitter campaign will go to that effort.

Any other undesignated year-end gifts will go toward the WBCL Transmitter campaign. 

What if I’ve already fulfilled my Share 2018 pledge, can I give a little extra to help with the WBCL Transmitter campaign?

Yes! Any extra amount that you’d be willing to give will be greatly appreciated. Just remember to designate your extra gift toward that project.

I’ve prayed about it and I’m ready to partner with WBCL. What do I do next?

Thanks for praying and for partnering with us!