A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
I want to share a Big Announcement with you about the future of Rise FM. After much prayer and discussion, we have decided to merge our ministry with River Radio Ministries (RRM) based in Columbus. If you are familiar with 104.9 The River in Columbus or 104.5 The River in Wooster, this is who we are merging with.
Please read the attached questions-and-answers below for further explanation of this decision.
After reading the questions-and-answers, you will have a better understanding of our decision and the next steps. My hope is that you are also excited about this merger and the increased Kingdom Impact we will have together in your community and across Ohio.
Mark Boyer
Founder / GM
Rise FM Ohio
MERGER QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
WHY MERGE?
In September 2023, I sensed the Lord leading me to reach out to RRM CEO Bill Montgomery about this idea. Are we better together? Is this what is best for God’s Kingdom? After many months of discussion and prayer, we determined the answer to both questions was a strong “YES.” Together, we can accomplish more for the Kingdom. We can take the strengths of both our ministries and make a greater Kingdom Impact throughout Ohio. Together, we will continue to provide our listeners spiritual encouragement, build partnerships in the community, and see lives transformed by the Gospel message. We will continue to serve you with a message of hope, outstanding music, and terrific concerts.
Together, we will have 15 signals across Ohio. See map.
RRM Signals (Blue and Green) Rise FM Signals (Red)
89.3 in Chillicothe 91.1 in Ashland
104.9 in Columbus 88.9 in Bellefontaine
90.9 in Lancaster 90.1 in Canton
88.5 in Logan (coming in 2025) 88.7 in Findlay
89.3 in Newark 88.5 in Kenton
104.5 in Wooster 90.7 in Mansfield
960 AM/102.9 in Wooster 88.9 in Tiffin
ARE YOU DOING THIS FOR FINANCIAL REASONS?
No. Even though the last three years have been more challenging because of inflation, God has continued to provide for our needs. As I stated above, we can accomplish more for the Kingdom by merging our resources, our connections, and the talents of our employees.
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WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR RISE FM?
The Rise FM broadcast will become The River broadcast. Yes, we are changing our name again. You will continue to hear the same great music that brings you hope and encouragement. You will continue to hear “the right song at the right time.” You will enjoy meeting new on-air personalities, making new connections, and learning about new ministry opportunities.
As you can see on the map, the 104.5 signal in North Central Ohio has a big coverage area. This is good news for those of you in the Ashland, Richland, Stark, Wayne and surrounding counties. I want to encourage you to check out the 104.5 signal, as it may be a better option for you because it has better reception.
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WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE RISE FM STAFF?
Most employees are remaining employed with RRM. The employees will remain in similar positions and fill needs in the RRM organization.
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WILL YOU STILL BE INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY?
Absolutely! Our stations have always focused on being connected in the community by being involved with local events, and partnering with local business, churches, and organizations. That was one of the main points of this merger. We did not want to sacrifice our local involvement. In fact, RRM sees this as one of our strengths and wants to use it to build local connections in all their communities.
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WHAT ABOUT ROCK THE LAKE AND OTHER CONCERTS?
RRM sees this as another one of our strengths…hosting concerts. Rock the Lake will continue at Indian Lake on the first weekend in August. The lineup for 2025 is already confirmed and will be announced before Christmas. We will also do RiverFest, a RRM concert, in Columbus in June. As we can, our desire is to continue to host other concerts and events throughout the year across our coverage area.
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WHEN WILL THIS MERGE HAPPEN?
Our target date to complete the merge and change our broadcast to The River is Friday, November 29, the day after Thanksgiving and the day we start playing Christmas music.
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WHAT ABOUT MY DONATION?
Your donation will continue to support our ministry in your community. Your continued partnership is needed to help us impact lives with the Gospel message, and help people take the next step in their faith journey. Your support helps accomplish all that God has called us to do.
If you set up an account to donate through our online giving platform, you will continue to have access to it. If your donation is set up to recur monthly, quarterly, etc. through our online giving platform, it will continue to process the same. If you donate by check, please continue to send to Rise FM.
