It’s hard to believe that 30 years ago this month WIVH signed on the air for the first time! Since that time we have seen the reach and impact of the station grow. We have also been blessed getting to know many of you personally over the years. I have always enjoyed my time on the islands and look forward to the next time I get to see you, either for Share-A-Thon or during a work trip.

Tim Madeira and Burl Updyke working in the WIVH studios in the 1990s.

Of course, the work to begin the station began a few years before we signed on the air. I remember the day WIVH’s founder, Burl  Updyke, came into the lobby of our sister station, WRGN, with a map. He spread it out on the organ (doesn’t every radio station have an organ in the lobby?), pointed to the US Virgin Islands, and said “I think this is where we will be starting our sister station!” His desire was to bring Christian radio to an area that had none.

In the beginning, WIVH was solely supported by listeners in Northeastern Pennsylvania who wanted to share the joy of Christian radio with you in the Virgin Islands. Since that time, you have made WIVH your own, and aside from the support of the staff of WRGN, the vast majority of the operating costs are covered by you, the WIVH listening family.

These are wonderful reasons to celebrate 30 years of ministry with WIVH, Your Voice of Hope!

Happy Anniversary!

Tim Madeira
General Manager