Religious and conservative talk radio continue to be the main business lines at Salem Communications, but the company is increasingly involved in non-radio businesses. The company has now announced formation of a Church Products Division, based in Richmond, VA.
The company says this new addition to the Non-Broadcast Division will extend Salem’s reach in providing products and services catered exclusively to churches and pastors, “giving churches of all sizes access to exceptional tools for ministry.”
Sites in Salem’s Church Products Division include recently acquired WorshipHouse Media and WorshipHouse Kids, described as “the premier source of creative Christian videos and media and children’s ministry video resources,” SermonSearch.com, a source for sermon outlines and illustrations for pastors, as well as ChurchStaffing.com, a tool for church and ministry job seekers, and ChristianJobs.com, “offering job-seekers the broadest selection of opportunities at Christian-friendly companies and organizations and while giving employers access to the largest Christian audience anywhere.”
“Equipping churches and pastors is something we’re passionate about,” said Andrew Pino, General Manager: Church Products Division. “This new division allows us to connect with the Church on many levels and provide the specific resources they need to accomplish their mission. These websites, in addition to future acquisitions, strongly demonstrate Salem’s continued commitment to the Church.”
RBR-TVBR observation: Just what all is in Salem Communications these days? It’s a lot more than radio, although radio still accounted for about four-fifths of revenues when Salem reported its Q4 financial results.
Here’s how Salem describes itself:
“Salem Communications Corporation is the largest commercial U.S. radio broadcasting company that provides programming targeted at audiences interested in Christian and family-themed radio content, as measured by the number of stations and audience coverage. Upon completion of all announced transactions, the company will own and/or operate a national portfolio of 95 radio stations in 37 markets, including 59 stations in 22 of the top 25 markets. Salem also programs the Family Talk™ Christian-themed talk format on XM Radio, channel 170, and on SIRIUS, channel 161.
Salem owns Salem Radio Network, a national radio network that syndicates talk, news and music programming to approximately 2,000 affiliated radio stations and Salem Media Representatives, a national media advertising sales firm with offices across the country.
In addition to its radio broadcast business, Salem owns a non-broadcast media division. Salem Web Network is a provider of online Christian and conservative-themed content and streaming and includes websites such as Christian faith focused Christianity.com, Questions and Answers about Jesus Christ at Jesus.org, Christian living focused Crosswalk.com®, online Bible at BibleStudyTools.com, and Christian radio ministries online at OnePlace.com. Additionally Salem owns conservative news leader Townhall.com® and conservative political blog HotAir.com, providing conservative commentary, news and blogging. Salem Publishing™ circulates Christian and conservative magazines such as Homecoming® The Magazine, YouthWorker Journal™, The Singing News, FaithTalk Magazine, Preaching and Townhall Magazine™. Xulon Press™ is a provider of self publishing services targeting the Christian audience.”
