This Week’s Update

Dear Carolina Catholic Media Family,

I greatly appreciate the outpouring of support and encouragement received from many of you over the past week.  With the arrival of our new Bishop-Elect Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv. we have renewed hope that electronic media communication like ours will be embraced, promoted and utilized as we always prayed it to be since our inception 7 years ago.  We are excited about what we have accomplished and welcome the opportunity to talk with Bishop-Elect Martin about the future and how we can best work together to evangelize the Truth of Jesus Christ and our Catholic Faith for the Greater Glory of God!  

Previously

As most of you know, based on year-end giving, Carolina Catholic made a commitment to stay on the Charlotte radio airwaves through Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday.  Since that time donations have dropped dramatically.  As a result, we plan to sign off AM1270 WCGC next week.  We are working with a couple of local companies who have expressed interest in purchasing the station but they will change format which will end the 5-year run of local Catholic Radio in Charlotte, the 21st largest metropolitan area in the United States.  We are grateful for the opportunity to have been a national leader in creating local Catholic content.  But that commitment came with an investment that was not funded as needed to serve our community.  

Going forward we expressed our intention to operate our remaining 6 platforms which include livestreaming EWTN programming from their English, Hispanic and Classic channels.  We also made a commitment to our digital platforms led by Friday’s Carolina Catholic Weekend Newsletter, Carolina Catholic website, Mobile App, YouTube Channel and social media on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.  Our combined platforms have grown to reach over 4000 souls!  Most of our followers are in the 3 dioceses of the Carolinas.  I am always touched to see how many local Catholics open their newsletters when it’s released every Friday at 4am.  Many of the early risers are from our clergy.  Overall, I receive regular feedback of how much you all enjoy the wide variety of topical stories, calendar of events, prayers, learning and “Did You Know?” refreshers of our rich Roman Catholic Faith.    

Along with the platform commitment, we also made a commitment to not operate at a loss after removing our biggest expense (radio station) from the budget.  As a result of our lower than expected first quarter donations, we have decided to suspend daily operations effective immediately and extend fundraising through June 30, 2024, to coincide with the new diocesan fiscal year.  We will send out weekly updates to track our fundraising progress with you.  

In closing, whatever God’s plan is for the future of Carolina Catholic Media, I will take a page out of Hallow’s Lent Pray 40 Challenge for perspective and acceptance...

“Oh Jesus, I surrender myself to you. Take care of everything.”

In the peace of Christ,

David M. Papandrea, OFS

Founder/Chairman

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