Christian-format radio station launches in southern New Jersey
A Delaware-based Christian radio ministry began providing programming March 16 on WNJH, 105.5 FM, covering much of southern New Jersey.
Formerly WAIV-FM, the station was purchased by the Bridge of Hope Inc., a Christian media group already serving Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia. Known as the Bridge, the nonprofit, community-supported radio station will play contemporary Christian music with local news, weather, events and information.
WNJH, which stands for New Jersey's Hope, will feature 24/7 music programming with artists including Lauren Daigle, Chris Tomlin, MercyMe, Casting Crowns and many others. Meteorologist Pat Pagano, who has been accurately forecasting weather for New Jersey for over 30 years, is also part of the team.
The Bridge plans to promote Christian concerts in the area and other events as part of its mission to connect people to Jesus and each other, and strengthen their lives.
Bill Sammons, station manager, said expansion of the Bridge into New Jersey is a natural evolution for the ministry. “We've been serving Cape May and coastal New Jersey with our original FM signal in Delaware for just over 10 years. The purchase of 105.5 FM will now give our New Jersey listeners a much better signal and give us the opportunity to reach hundreds of thousands of potential new listeners.”
The Bridge is looking to partner with New Jersey churches, ministries and nonprofits. It offers a free online calendar of events and shares those listings on the radio. The Bridge organizes an annual project called Hands and Feet, which is a day of service when listeners volunteer at nonprofit organizations; the station plans to have at least one New Jersey location this fall.
One of the Bridge's benchmark initiatives is the Drive Thru Connection, and New Jersey residents will soon experience this program. The radio station asks listeners to pay for the car behind them in the drive-thru on the first Friday of every month, and the results are incredible.
The Bridge is heard around the world through online streaming, the Bridge mobile app, and on smart speakers. Listeners tune in to three FM signals in Delaware and Maryland. The Bridge can be found online at WeAreTheBridge.org.
