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New Radio for the South

Asia Pacific View, March 2002

In late January 2002, a team from the Philippines and U.S. came together in American Samoa to assist our Assemblies of God church to launch a new radio station for the Samoan islands.

The original vision for this ministry came from Rev. Max Haleck, General Superintendent for American Samoa. There were several years of groundwork by Vickie Haleck and others. Rev. Al Pulis a minister and Christian businessman in Missouri gave a considerable amount of time getting all required permits from the Federal Communications Commission. The local government granted the Assemblies of God the use of the tower and land rent-free.

American Samoa has about 100,000 people living in their islands, but the station will also reach Western Samoa where close to 200,000 people live. This station will be the only AM station in the American Samoan islands.

In a little over one week, the team installed the transmitter and studios, trained announcers and local program producers, and helped lay out the direction for the airsound and daily schedule.

Bill Snider and Jeff Gregory came from Manila representing Asia Pacific Media Ministries (APMM). Jim Enger, a professional engineer from Chicago donated his services. Chuck Pryor, manager of a Christian radio station in Illinois came with his trip paid by the radio network. There was a great sense of cooperation and excitement as Samoan believers and the team worked together.

The local team is preparing for an April 2002 sign on.

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