VCY America facts for kids
 |
|
| Type | Radio network |
|---|---|
| Country |
United States
|
| Headquarters | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | VCY America, Inc. |
| History | |
| Founded | 1954 by Vic Eliason |
| Launch date | 1954 |
|
Former names
|
Milwaukee Youth for Christ |
| Links | |
| Webcast | Listen Live |
| Website | https://www.vcy.org/ |
VCY America, Inc. is a Christian group based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is known for its traditional and conservative Christian beliefs. The VCY America Radio Network broadcasts Christian talk shows, teaching programs, and traditional Christian music on its stations.
Contents
How It All Started
VCY America began as a group called "Milwaukee Youth For Christ". Later, it became "Greater Milwaukee Youth For Christ". In 1973, the group left the national Youth For Christ organization.
It then changed its name to the Wisconsin Voice of Christian Youth (WVCY). This name lasted until 1995, when it became VCY America. The main radio and TV stations in Milwaukee, WVCY-FM and WVCY-TV, still use call signs that refer to the group's old name.
Broadcasting Across the Country
VCY America runs 41 of its own radio stations in many states, including Arizona, California, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Texas, and Wisconsin. It also broadcasts on 27 smaller stations called FM translators.
The network creates its own shows, like Crosstalk and Worldview Weekend. These programs are sent to other stations across the country using satellites.
In recent years, VCY America has grown. It bought new stations to reach more listeners in places like Las Vegas, New York City, and Philadelphia. This has allowed VCY America to have stations on the East Coast for the first time.
What's on the Air?
VCY America's radio shows feature Christian talks and lessons. Some of the popular programs include:
- Crosstalk, a talk show hosted by Jim Schneider.
- Worldview Weekend with Brannon Howse.
- Grace to You with John MacArthur.
- In Touch with Charles Stanley.
- Revive Our Hearts with Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth.
- Thru the Bible with J. Vernon McGee.
- Unshackled!, a radio drama.
- Stories of Great Christians from Moody Radio.
The network also plays traditional Christian music, both with singing and just instruments. It airs children's shows too, like Ranger Bill. VCY America does not play Contemporary Christian music and has even stopped airing shows that use it.
VCY on TV
Besides radio, the group owns a TV station in Milwaukee called WVCY-TV (Channel 30). Even though it has a license to show commercials, the station is supported entirely by money from its viewers.
To broadcast, WVCY-TV shares a channel with another local station, WITI. In the past, VCY America used money it received from a government program to help buy more radio stations.
A fun fact: in 1994, the major TV network CBS offered to buy WVCY-TV to make it their new station in Milwaukee. However, VCY-TV turned down the offer to continue its own programming.
More Than Just Radio and TV
VCY America also runs other projects. It has a summer camp called "Trail Ridge Camp" near Hillsboro, Wisconsin. The group also operates a Christian bookstore in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, which sells items online across the country.
Leadership
The ministry was led for many years by its founder, Vic Eliason. He was a former worker for Youth for Christ and a Christian minister. In 2001, he received an honorary doctorate degree from Bob Jones University. After he passed away, Jim Schneider became the Executive Director.
