Broadcasting to the faithful
Grassroots effort celebrates 50 years of helping teens, families
By MARY PERHAM THE LEADER

PHOTO BY JASON COX THE LEADER Bob Price, a news anchor and reporter for Family Life Network, works on updating news at the radio station.

BATH - A grassroots effort 50 years ago to reach teens in the area has grown into a network stretching through the Twin Tiers.

Dick Sn a vely, o f Lancaster, Pa., moved his family to the area in 1957 to set up a Christian youth center to help local churches minister to their teenage members.

But as time went on, he and his son, Rick Snavely, saw a need to minister to the kids' families, too. So, the pair attended a convention looking for video equipment to tape their Saturday night programs for use on local cable TV outlets.

Instead, they began to consider radio - and with three employees, $300 for a frequency search and years of legal battles, the Snavelys launched the 790- watt WCIK radio station in 1983.

The listener-supported station, better known as Family Life Network, now employs 45 people and is available to millions of listeners across 54 outlets. Programs include contemporary Christian music, news, weather and sports, programs on financial management and Bible teachings, a nightly children's hour, and an "old-time" Gospel program during the weekend.

According to station manager Rick Snavely, the station is now ranked in the top five local radio stations in the Elmira- Corning area, by the national radio research firm Arbitron.

Arbitron rates the station in the top 10 in Binghamton market, and second in the Bradford- Olean region, Snavely said.

"It is a real asset," said Hector Bauza, principal of Central Christian Academy in Jamestown. Bauza said presenting Christianity as a positive element to youth through the media "seems to open them up somehow. It really works in their hearts."

Listener Janet Buntz, secretary at Heritage Baptist Church in Clarks Summit, Pa., said she's been listening to FLN since it reached the area two years ago.

Buntz said she listens to the contemporary Christian music on the station throughout the day.

The reason for the network's success is very basic, according to Snavely.

"Our purpose for existence is to be a service tool to bring people to Christ," he said.

That purpose has attracted national-scale talent to settle in the area and use their talents for God, he said.

Snavely said early in the radio station's history, Denny and Sandy Brownlee, from North Carolina, arrived on a "damp, snowy, April day" to interview at the station. Given the messiness of the Southern Tier weather and the warmth of the southern state, no one thought they'd be back.

Not only did they return to Bath, their creativity has had a profound influence on the station, Snavely said.

In addition to the radio station, the network provides adult programs at its center in Kanona. It includes a singles ministry, seniors' luncheon, and "Ladies Night Out." The Dramatic Arts center has hosted dinner theaters and plays. For the past 20 years, the center has provided family counseling services.

And youth programs remain an important component of the network, Snavely said.

For kids, there have been motorcycle manias and a presentation by the weightlifting Power Force. There are teen skates, Bible quizzes, and concerts. The center holds flag football and soccer tournaments, and sponsors a summer camp in July. The youth program includes camping and rocking climbing this spring in Pennsylvania, an adventure trip to Utah in late June, and trip to Splash Lagoon in Erie.

After 50 years and four additions to the original building, located off State Route 415 North in Kanona, the center is preparing to pull up stakes.

Snavely said the network expects to move up the road to 60 acres near the Kanona truck stop at Exit 37 along Interstate Highway 86. A model of the new facility will be unveiled in September, he said.

Snavely's son, Chad, has joined the FLN team to work on its audio and video programs, and potentially carry on what has become a legacy.

And, after 50 years of change and growth, one thing remains the same, Snavely said.

"Like it says in Proverbs, 'The blessing of the Lord is our greatest wealth, and nothing can be added to it,'" Snavely said. "I feel like the richest guy around."