December 2025

Past, Present & Future...

At Cross Rhythms City Radio, our FM station in Stoke-on-Trent, the past, the present and the future are all in focus at the same time. But why?...

First, the future: And something major to celebrate - the thrilling news that Ofcom have granted this station a brand new 10 year licence, to continue broadcasting across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffs until the end of 2035!

Having launched in 2002 this new licence will take us to an incredible 33 years in serving the people of this city and sharing a Christian worldview and message of hope in Christ. But we never take such news for granted. These are moments we see God’s favour, his approval. It's a time when He could choose to close a door, but instead, with 10 more years, He has flung it wide open!

Next, the past: Two weeks later, and an unexpected surprise at the CMA (Community Media Association) conference. This time Cross Rhythms City Radio was honoured with an award as one of the pioneering 15 stations who piloted community radio back in 2002 - making a way for what now sees more than 300 UK stations!

At a time of seeing a fresh future to press into, why should we also look back? I believe God is simply drawing a line on that past. He's saying "well done, but that former season has come to an end and it's time to step into the new one". An encouragement from a listener, also coming at this time, helped confirm we are poised and ready for such a transition: "I've been listening since the 2000's and the quality recently has been absolutely outstanding. Well done!" So what does this new season look like?

The present: When the station launched in 2002 we felt God show us that the openness towards faith/God/Church in the city was like dry, cracked ground and we were to approach our broadcasts as bringing a 'soft, gentle rain'; to help soften the ground of people's hearts towards Him. Our approach was to 'be a blessing', 'build relationships', 'serve the community', 'give the gift of a voice'.

As a result, in the last two years, we have seen a marked increased in openness from the wider community towards engaging with us. Partnerships with the City Council, Chambers of Commerce, University of Staffordshire, SOT College and many others highlight a sense of 'softer ground' towards working with a Christian organisation like ourselves. It coincides with the Bible Society's 'Quiet Revival' statistics, which show a marked increase in church attendance, particularly amongst 18 - 24 year olds (from 4% to 16%)! In short, people's hearts are more open to God!

So, our community engagement is increasing AND it’s time to increase the 'weight' of the spiritual content we share. Not just to 'be a blessing' to the local community, but also to be more intentional about increasing the 'seed' we sow into that 'softer ground' we perceive. Right now both are flourishing as we position for a new season of effectiveness across the city. Here are some examples:

Community Engagement: Partnering a local PR Agency, and
sponsored by Chambers Of Commerce, our Business Spotlight programme has shone a light on 100 local businesses in two years; we partner the University of Staffordshire Business Awards; we celebrate the unsung heroes of the city as media partner for the Your Heroes Awards; My Simple Money provides relevant financial advice, including for those on low income or benefits; and we supported the City Council’s centenary celebrations, covering the People's Parade, Big Centenary Tea Party and 100 Years 100 Faces mural launch.

Plus, our media training opportunities for young people now offers work experience and placements for students from local schools, the 6th Form College, UCB's Kingdom Academy, the SOT College (for their T-Level Broadcasting course), and
PINC College (who support neurodiverse teenagers into employment).

One example is Jack Marshall. He completed a course in our Production Dept. Jack is blind but can use audio editing software. After completing his degree he continued as a volunteer. He says: "One special moment for me was during Close Encounters when the guest and Anne prayed for me. That really ignited my faith and encouraged me to start going to church".

Spiritual Content: That Close Encounters show has come
alive under new presenter Anne Donaldson. It presents in-depth interviews with ordinary people who've experienced extraordinary things as they've trusted in Jesus. Guests have shared stories about being delivered from anxiety, depression, drug addiction and crime, to name a few, and feedback has been great: "I just wept as I listened about the power of God's transforming love"; "What an inspirational programme. Every story touches the heart"; "Inspiring conversations that leave me feeling uplifted and encouraged"; "The stories shared are truly life-changing"; "We blubbed the whole way through". You can also watch this show on YouTube (www.youtube.com/@CrossRhythmsCityRadio/playlists).

Testimonies are powerful on radio and in response to the Quiet Revival we are now gathering three minute stories from individuals across the country, for a brand new series called Stories Of Awakening. These testimonies will be a timely witness to our listeners of people responding to God today!

Also being added soon is Christian Faith Essentials, a series of two minute features ready made for a non-Christian 'seeker'. Simple and clear, these will answer the types of foundational questions people ask, such as: 'What Is Sin?', 'What Happens When I Die?', 'How Do I Get To Heaven?', 'Does Hell Exist?', 'What Does It Mean To Be Saved?', 'Does God Speak To People?', 'Who Is The Holy Spirit?'.

I hope I have managed to convey how this station in Stoke-on-Trent is being positioned for a new season of effectiveness. God has opened the door to us afresh. Our connections with the city are stronger than ever. Our voice is being spiritually emboldened.

Thank you for considering us at Cross Rhythms. Your support really does make all the difference!