Angela Tomlinson, station manager of WSFI Catholic Radio 88.5 FM/750 AM, said the "spectacular response" of listeners to EWTN's programming and the countless stories of conversions and reversions convinced the WSFI board that they needed to reach more people.
"From its inception, WSFI always wanted to continue Mother Angelica's legacy of treating listeners like family," Tomlinson said. "That's why we not only air national programs, but programs produced here in Chicagoland, programs that allow local charities to shine. Lots of people are staying home now more than ever. They need the encouragement and support that our programming provides. This programming really transforms lives. It's especially important now when the world is living in such fear."
"When it comes to Catholic media, EWTN is the best in the world, and our listeners will love their national programming, along with WSFI's local shows that originate out of [WSFI's] Libertyville studio," said WNDZ General Manager Mark Pinski.
"The growth of Catholic radio in this country really began with Mother Angelica," Warsaw said. "Mother launched the world's largest privately-owned shortwave radio facility on Dec. 28, 1992, and, in February 1996, EWTN launched a worldwide AM/FM radio service. Mother's vision was to build Catholic radio in this country, and around the world, by offering quality Catholic programming to local stations free of charge."
EWTN radio content is available on the Internet (www.ewtn.com/everywhere/radio), and on more than 350 U.S. terrestrial radio affiliates as well as numerous international affiliates. It is also available through the free EWTN app, SIRIUS/XM Satellite Radio Channel 130, iHeartRadio, and other audio streaming services. The Network's Spanish-language service EWTN Radio Católica Mundial, broadcasts around the clock in Spanish.
As EWTN Radio General Manager Jack Williams noted: "The opportunity that WSFI has in Chicago is one of the most important in the history of EWTN radio. I am thrilled that WSFI wants to grow their listening audience so that the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, is known throughout Chicagoland."