In this interview, on the day Christian Leadership Alliance launches CLATV, Tom Michaels Zahradnik, CEO of Sound of Life, Inc., tells us how his radio network is taking a lead on using CLATV’s Leadership Channel and gives us a glimpse of what benefits a fully-developed Internet Radio and TV network can bring end users.
Gordon: Tell us about Sound of Life Radio Network and your role in the ministry.
Tom Michaels Zahradnik: The Sound of Life was founded in 1985 by a dedicated group of individuals that had a vision for a listener-supported, community-impacting Christian radio station. For almost 30 years the Sound of Life has been connecting people with the positive message of Jesus Christ. We reach the heart of the Northeast through our 12-frequency radio network, spanning much of eastern New York, parts of 5 other states and a potential reach of 1.8 million people.
Our Adult Contemporary Christian music mix, relevant and entertaining announcer comments and program features brings our seeking listeners hope and truth. We are reaching across the United States and around the globe with online streaming through our website and via mobile applications. This puts the Sound of Life in the hands of listeners around the world.
– As the CEO, I help my team see to the daily implementation of the mission and vision set by our Board of Directors. I bring to the Board ways we can be more innovative in fulfilling our mission on multiple content platforms. They rely upon me for that. I also carry the role of Chief Development Officer and Chair our Advisory Council, a non-governance board of volunteers who bring expertise, input and resources to the ministry. In all these areas, with all these groups, I endeavor to assist them in being better leaders.
Gordon: God is on the move in the world and many see technology as a cornerstone to 21st century mission. What has brought you to launch an eStation?
Tom Michaels Zahradnik: We knew we needed to grow our mission beyond the terrestrial radio network. We needed to provide multiple content platforms. As a seeking person begins to desire to know more about God but is not yet ready to enter into the life of discipleship in a local church, we wanted to offer markers or guideposts to move them closer to God. Our eStation, SoundofLife.tv. does that, and thus our brand statement: “Media moving you closer to God”. This is effective for the seeking person and the follower of Jesus.
Gordon: Radio broadcasters have always been able to tell people about the work of the gospel. Now, with video, you can show them too. Why is that significant?
Tom Michaels Zahradnik: We live in a culture that needs more mosaics (a combination of diverse elements forming a more or less coherent whole). People need to hear, see and experience something in multiple ways. It validates the message. Video content on SoundofLife.tv provides that in a cultural context.
Gordon: I know you function as a spiritual leader in your organization. How do you see the Leadership Channel assisting you as you lead others in their own encounters with God?
There are people who have no God-center but will seek out this channel simply because they want to be a better leader.
Tom Michaels Zahradnik: I am more passionate about leadership than most other issues in my role as CEO. I need tools to help me grow as a leader. The Leadership Channel will provide that. It is the channel I have been most enthusiastic about coming to our eStation. Also, people are hungry for the answer to the question: “Can I be a leader?” and then want to know how to live that out. I am confident there are people who have no God-center but will seek out this channel simply because they want to be a better leader. That is my hope. Some of my best conversations with people who don’t know Christ have been around the topic of leadership.
Gordon: Could you envision collaborative outreach projects between SoundofLife.tv and organizations providing content to your eStation?
Tom Michaels Zahradnik: Absolutely. Partnership is the only way to grow. It has been our modis operandi, at first for survival when I came on as CEO ten years ago, then as a growth model for our organization, for the last 7 years. It is a key to making us a better organization!
Gordon: If you were speaking to a room full of leaders in media, what would you tell them to do, to get real traction for gospel-focused content online?
Tom Michaels Zahradnik: Don’t reinvent the wheel. Be a part of the wheel! There is so much out there, especially with Glorystone’s eStation. All you need to do is collaborate. No organization is an island. Help another organization succeed by giving what you have to them and in turn using what they have. We can succeed individually if we serve the greater good by working together.