Unless you’re in the mood to surf your radio dial or channel listings, chances are you aren’t aware of all the stations available to you. So let the following guide fill you in on some of the Christian radio and television stations in the area:

Horizon Broadcast Network

The Horizon Broadcast Network is breaking new ground in the Christian radio industry, network operations supervisor Matt McNeilly says, by offering Bible teaching in the morning with adult contemporary Christian music until about noon, when Christian top 40 music is added to the mix. By 3 p.m., the adult contemporary is gone, and top 40 carries on until 8 p.m. when Christian rock is added. The network broadcasts at 91.9 FM in St. Joseph.

“The purpose of our multi-format is to reach every Christian with what they desire to hear,” Mr. McNeilly says. “For example, by 8 p.m. most of our older listening audience is calling it a day and they are away from their radios; however, this is when the youths of the nation are out in their cars and listening to the radio.”

He adds that a couple of unique programs the network airs are “The Hype,” Christian hip-hop and R&B from 9 to 11 p.m. Fridays; and “The Stand,” a Christian hard rock show from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

K-LOVE

K-LOVE, a programming service based in California carried by FM radio stations throughout the country, states on its Web site that its mission is to effectively communicate the Gospel message to those who don’t know or fully understand it through full-time contemporary Christian music and short educational elements over radio and the Internet, using modern-day language and the highest professional standards.

It can be heard in the Kansas City area at 97.3 FM and in Atchison, Kan., at 97.7 FM.

KGNM

KGNM 1270 AM aims “to promote unity within the body of Christ, to equip the church through information and encouragement and to influence our community with a positive Christian image through public service and ministry,” according to the mission statement on its Web site. Its programming includes Bible teaching and contemporary Christian music.

Bott Radio Network

Bott Radio Network, broadcast in St. Joseph at 89.7 FM and in Maryville, Mo., at 101.5 FM, offers Bible teaching and Christian news and information to listeners in 10 states. According to its Web site, it is also available through its audio stream at www.bottradionetwork.com and all across the United States and Canada through Sky Angel on audio channel 9781 or IPTV channel 202.

Catholic Radio Network

Catholic Radio Network, available at 106.1 FM in St. Joseph and 106.7 FM in Maryville, Mo., carries only Catholic programming — yet surveys have shown that half its listeners are non-Catholic — and broadcasts several shows that are local, says network president Jim O’Laughlin.

“We have the ‘Ask the Bishop Show’ that airs four times a week. This is hosted by Bishop Robert Finn, who is the bishop of the Kansas City/St. Joseph diocese,” Mr. O’Laughlin adds. “We also carry a one-hour show on Saturday called ‘Kingdom Come,’ and it features happenings and guests from the diocese, including St. Joseph.”

In addition, the network broadcasts a daily Mass for shut-ins and others who are unable to make it to Mass. It also offers a number of question-and-answer shows, including the popular “Catholic Answers,” which airs from 5 to 7 p.m. on weekdays.

KTAJ TV16

KTAJ TV16 is a local 24-hour, commercial-free Christian television station that has been in St. Joseph for nearly 23 years, says station manager Julie Cluck. Its signal reaches all of the St. Joseph and Kansas City area and is available for free over the air, as well as through nine cable systems. TV16 is owned by the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

“TV16 multicasts five different Christian networks in digital television in order to appeal to every member of your family,” Ms. Cluck says. She adds that in addition to TBN, it also broadcasts The Church Channel, which is all church services; JCTV, which is for 13- to 29-year-olds; Enlace, which is broadcast entirely in Spanish; and Smile of a Child, which is for children ages 2 through 12.

In addition, TV16 produces a 90-minute weekly “Praise the Lord” program in its St. Joseph studio that features local pastors and ministries. This program is free to participate in and also to attend as a member of the studio audience. TV16 produces a weekly public affairs program featuring local community leaders and agencies, as well, and produces segments that air around the world on TBN networks features various Christian professionals from our area, such as athletes, physicians and vocalists.

TV16 also has a 24-hour telephone prayer line, with prayer partners available to pray with callers, at (888) 731-1000. For more information about the station, contact Ms. Cluck at 364-1616 or go online to www.tbn.org.

Lifestyles reporter Erin Wisdom can be reached at ewisdom@npgco.com.