Air1
 | |
| Type | Radio network |
|---|---|
| Country | |
| Availability | National, through translators |
| Owner | EMF Broadcasting |
Launch date | 1986 |
Official website | air1.com |
Air 1 is a Christian music radio network in the United States, operated by the non-profit organization EMF Broadcasting. Air 1 primarily plays a heavier blend of contemporary Christian music than its sister station KLOVE, mainly Christian pop and lighter versions of Christian rock music. It is essentially a Top-40 (often leaning Hot Adult Contemporary) station with Christian Music - so many of the rules that commercial Top-40 stations use for musical rotation apply. Air1 radio afflilate KZRI in Portland, OR serves as the reporting station of the entire network via Radio & Records.
History
In 1986, KLRD began broadcasting Christian music from Yucaipa, California, and went by the on-air moniker K-LORD. In 1994, KXRD was started as a sister station to KLRD. In 1995, KLRD/KXRD changed their name to "Air 1" and began broadcasting via satellite from St. Helens, Oregon. In 1999, Air 1 joined with EMF Broadcasting, and finally in 2002, it moved its headquarters to Rocklin, California. Air 1 makes heavy use of broadcast translators to spread the signal across much of the country. As of November 2006, the network lists 65 translators of various power levels.
K-LOVE, Air 1's co-owned network, plays a softer blend of contemporary Christian music.
Pledge Drives
Because Air 1 is a commercial and non-profit ministry, it is financially supported by its listeners. About twice a year, Air 1 holds a pledge drive for several days, encouraging listeners to donate and continue to financially support the station. $32 USD covers about 1 hour of air time at one station.
Music LAB
Air 1 listeners can vote on their favorite songs in a process called the Music LAB (Listener Advisory Board). Listeners register at Air1's website and receive periodic e-mails surveying their opinions of current songs. Each song is rated from 1-5 and listeners indicate how often they would like to hear the song played. Air 1 then compiles the data collected and produces a weekly top song chart where listeners can hear a sample of the song, obtain its lyrics, or click a link to buy it online. Air 1 yearly produces a top countdown from all of the top songs from that year. Past top songs have been "My Savior My God" by Aaron Shust in 2006, "Take Me" by Hawk Nelson in 2005, "Blessed Be Your Name" by Tree 63 in 2004, and "Run" by Kutless in 2003.
Air 1 Morning Show
The Air 1 Morning Show begins from 4 am PST (6 am CST) and lasts for five hours. It is hosted by Mike Shaeffer and Jeannie Green. During the morning show, Mike and Jeannie discuss various topics, such as relationships and the day's headlines, while playing commercial-free music. They also discuss Christian music news and occasionally feature artist interviews from the studio or via telephone.
The day's top news are read and discussed every half hour at a quarter before and after the hour.
Every morning, three listeners have the opportunity to call in and participate in "Airhead trivia." Airhead trivia challenges the contestants with five simple questions of various topics, such as pop culture, history, or common sense. The first contestant with three correct answers or the most after five is declared the winner.
Mike and Jeannie have their own portion of Air 1's website dedicated to the Morning Show where users can look at photos, listen to artist interviews, browse featured links, and watch videos of artists and other things.
Information updates
At regular intervals, Air 1 news staff provide an update on current and positive news stories from listeners about what is happening in their communities.