KFEX 

From a transmitter atop the FireEscape Coffee House in Chanute, Kansas, a convincing voice comes over the airwaves: "93X FireEscape Radio...It's HIS station." It's the sound of KFEX 93.1fm, a Christian rock radio station that is getting some attention.

In late April of 2006, KFEX switched their broadcasting signal to a new frequency.  Originally on 97.7fm, they moved to 93.1fm in order to provide listeners with a better signal. They did just that...now reaching into Humboldt, Thayer, Erie, Iola, and Altoona as well as covering the Chanute area.
Across the country, Christian radio is expanding from a niche industry to a major media player.

The number of religious radio stations jumped 14 percent nationwide in the past five years -- from 1,770 stations to more than 2,000 -- according to Arbitron data. The total number of U.S. radio stations grew just 4 percent during the same period.

It has gained acceptance in the marketplace," said Cody Nichols, general manager of KFEX and missionary to the FireEscape Coffee House. "Most importantly it's giving our kids and even our adult audience a positive alternative to what is being played on secular radio."

Christian radio stations are reporting increases in listenership because of that revival in Christian ideology, as well as the climbing popularity of contemporary Christian and Christian rock music.

In increase in listeners can draw more dollars into a station -- through added donations and increased local support -- but Christian stations say the most important factor is that their message reaches more people.

KFEX offers more than just music...It offers life!!  It offers a message!  KFEX airs a mixture of Christian rock music, syndicated rock shows, as well as ministry-based talks by local and area Christian kids that volunteer as disc-jockeys on KFEX.  Being able to broadcast to the South Eastern Kansas area allows KFEX to extend a warm welcome to the FireEscape Coffee House in Chanute, a place where relationships are made and Jesus is prevalent in the atmosphere.  

The FireEscape Coffee House has been serving high school and college-age kids in the South East Kansas area for nearly twelve years now.  "It has become home to a lot of kids," says FireEscape missionary Becky Nichols.  Mark and Marilyn Harms, directors of the FireEscape, have seen many relationships made and many lives transformed through the coffee house ministry.  Mark was none too crazy about the idea of a radio station being added to the ministry, but now understands it was definitely "a God thing."

As with other local Christian radio stations, KFEX is nonprofit and gets operating dollars through donations and some underwriting.  KFEX, which is affiliated with FireEscape Youth Ministries, is looking to expand both the radio station and the coffee house ministry...they cannot do that without the financial support of individuals and local businesses and/or organizations.  The radio station allows businesses to support the ministry and establish their name and their services with listeners.  KFEX and the FireEscape ask that businesses not treat this as 'advertising.'

We're asking businesses to invest in a child," said FireEscape director Marilyn Harms.  "We want to provide listeners with a professional sounding radio station that is completely positive and focused on ministry," says Cody.

Cody attributes much of the growth in Christian radio to better Christian music.  "The Christian rock market is really starting to blow-up.  More and more major record labels are starting to sign Christian rock bands and they're gaining popularity even among the 'unchurched' audience.
"The quality of the music, technically, is as good as secular music," he said.

Performers such as Switchfoot, Pillar, P.O.D., Superchic[k] and Relient K among others, have achieved popularity as not only Christian artists, but as mainstream acts.

We provide radio with a message...radio that can transform lives.  We also have a place where we can get kids plugged in, minister to them, build friendships and relationships with them...a place where they can be accepted, loved, and encouraged.