Moody Radio will discontinue local programming at its 64 stations nationwide by June 30, ending decades of regional content. The move is part of a strategic realignment announced by the parent organization, Moody Bible Institute (MBI). The Chicago-based ministry cited “cultural and economic headwinds” as the rationale for the shift to a unified national schedule.
National Show Replaces Local Favorites
On May 26, Moody replaced local morning programs with “Karl and Crew,” a nationally syndicated broadcast. Regional shows such as “Kurt and Kate Mornings” on WKES 91.1 FM in Lakeland, Florida, have already been canceled. Moody leadership says the change will enhance efficiency and consistency across the network.
Layoffs and Financial Context
MBI will lay off an undisclosed number of employees at local stations and other ministry units. Despite being debt-free with stable revenues and reserves, MBI stated that operational costs and ministry changes necessitated a thorough review. Radio accounted for 18% of Moody’s 2024 operating expenses, totaling $22.8 million. The ministry reported $352.4 million in net assets in 2023, according to ProPublica.
Mixed Reactions from Staff and Supporters
Former Moody Radio producer Lee Rugen expressed sadness over the shift. He praised the collaborative benefits of national and local programming, warning that the trend toward national content could dilute community engagement. “It can serve the local communities so well,” Rugen wrote on Facebook.
Veteran Christian journalist Stan Guthrie, once a regular guest on “Kurt and Kate Mornings,” echoed those concerns. He highlighted the importance of local connections in ministry and radio. “They would show up at a crisis pregnancy center,” Guthrie recalled, emphasizing how local hosts fostered trust and familiarity.
Ministry Stands by Decision
MBI President Mark Jobe acknowledged the difficulty of the layoffs but emphasized the need for responsible stewardship. “These are not just roles—they are valued team members,” Jobe wrote. MBI executives declined further comment beyond linking to the public announcement.
Source:
Although Prosperous And Debt-Free, Moody Cuts Local Radio Programming in ‘Restructuring’ Move
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Big mistake
This trend in radio has been happening for a number of years as more and more content comes from the “bird” [satellite], because it’s far less expensive. Many radio stations, even FM stations, get much of their programming from a satellite source. The DJ may not be located in your city, but 3000 miles away, but gets the play list from your station and the DJ prerecords his comments and sends them to your station via the internet where a person at your station mixes it in with the music and local spots, news, etc. So, this isn’t new. Also, a station may be owned by a company that has more than one station in a region and any local content gets produced by one station in that region and sent out to the others, so only needing one set of folks in a newsroom instead of at each station, one set of folks to produce the local spots, etc. Sane with Talk stations as most are airing national talk shows from the “bird” and not doing local live talk.
Family Radio made this switch a number of years ago so that there isn’t any local content, just the required station ID/City of License being announced as required by the FCC. The rest is from the “bird”.
Radio has made a full circle. When network radio began in 1926 with NBC Radio that was a big deal, CBS Radio started in 1928; then in the 1950’s when Television was replacing Radio as an entertainment media for drama and comedy, Radio then decided that live and local DJ’s for music and Talk shows were the thing, which it has been until the recent past, and now it’s going back to, if not network radio, to syndicated national radio, but essentially the same idea, this time though because its less expensive than having local talent.
As much as I like moody radio,I’m not very pleased with the changes that were made in the daily schedule for wrmb 89.3 Boynton Beach FL.i understand that changes occur in business models although when you get used to a schedule it’s difficult to adapt,I know that I’m a nobody I just wanted to say my piece god bless you
I was trying to gain some spiritual encouragement on the way to work which Moody has faithfully provided since the late 1980’s. This shift to an entertainment ‘feel’ while trying to retain Christian underpinnings is a step down. As a Bible teacher, there are too many issues to overcome that my listening will be primarily towards the faithful sermons by the good pastors that have been retained.
Where can I find bio on Karl? Thanks
I found this. I hope that helps.
https://www.moodyradio.org/programs/karl-and-crew/meet-us/
I don’t get it, Moody 88.1 Indiana is debt free, why cancel?
We need our Moody back, we need the mornings with Kelly and Steve.
Who made such a decision? The world needs all the Jesus it can get right now, so please wake up .