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WASHINGTON (July 20, 2001) -- Catholic Radio Weekly, A 30-minute program of the U.S. Bishops' Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC), has been approved for 52 more episodes thanks to its initial popularity with diocesan media leaders.
The decision to continue the program, which was piloted earlier this year, was made by the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Communications during its semi-annual meeting, June 6-7. The committee agreed to 52 more episodes noting that more than 40 dioceses and stations used the program during its 12-week pilot period.
Catholic Radio Weekly (CRW) includes a mix of features, personality profiles and news maker interviews designed to put Catholics in the pew in touch with efforts of the Church and fellow Catholics across the United States. The hosts are Johnny Holliday and Carol Lehan. The producer is Frank Morock, president of Unda-USA and director of communications for the Diocese of Raleigh.
Pat Ryan Garcia, of the CCC, is executive producer. Production coordination and facilities are provided by Paulist Media Works
Johnny Holliday is a broadcasting legend who began his career as a rock-and-roll deejay at Cleveland's WHK. For more than 20 years, his daily sports reports have been heard on the ABC Radio Networks, and have included live coverage from the Olympics of the last two decades. He has been the voice of the University of Maryland mens' basketball and football teams since 1979 on the statewide Terrapin Radio Network and on the TV coaches' shows. He is also heard on ABC TV as the announcer for This Week with Sam Donaldson and Cokie Roberts. Holliday is well known for community service. His basketball and softball teams, the Radio "One-ders," have raised more than $2 million for charity. He was the emcee for the Archdiocese of Washington's 2000 Eucharistic Congress and actively supports Special Olympics, Catholic Charities, and the Boy Scouts of America.
Carol Lehan is Director of Drama at The Glenelg Country School, a Washington area preparatory school. She is also an accomplished actress and voice over talent who is known to many Catholics as the host of Sunday to Sunday, the innovative video bible study program produced and distributed by Paulist Media Works, now in its tenth year. Ms. Lehan has taught proclamation at The Catholic University of America and offered workshops on preaching for The National Institute for the Word of God. Ms. Lehan currently serves on a committee for the Catholic Coalition on Preaching. As Resident Playwright and Artistic Director for Theatrical Arts Productions. Ms. Lehan has been nominated for three Helen Hayes Awards (Washington's local "Tony" awards) in three categories: directing, acting, and play writing.
Joining the hosts of Catholic Radio Weekly are Gerri Pare and Anne Navarro from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Office of Film and Broadcasting, who provide weekly reports on the entertainment media, Frank Morock with Spirit in Sports, Msgr. Jim Lisante with Closer Look, which features celebrities and their faith life, and Paulist Father Larry Rice with Facts of Faith. The program also includes music segments which focus on popular Catholic/Christian artists and interviews of bishops and other Catholic news makers.
Catholic Radio Weekly is now available to all dioceses and/or independent radio stations that receive diocesan permission to air the program.
There are many ways to use this program in a diocese. Dioceses already producing a radio show can use CRW as an occasional substitute program, or use segments to supplement local programming. Dioceses also might use it in a barter of diocesan newspaper ad space for radio time. Local Catholic businesses also can sponsor a CRW program in local areas.
The CCC provides CRW free of charge to subscribers. Those who wish to begin receiving the program or who need more information can contact Pat Ryan Garcia at 202-541-3404 (E-mail: pgarcia@usccb.org).
CCC Distribution will send sample copies of CRW upon request. Current and the previous week's programs can also be found on the CCC web site at http://www.nccbuscc.org/ccc/catholicradio.shtml.
The CCC produces and distributes a variety of media projects including TV documentaries that examine spiritual themes, Christmas and Easter specials, and public service campaigns about issues of national importance. It also sponsors a toll-free movie review line, 1-800-311-4CCC and promotes 1-800-MASSTIMES, a toll-free service providing travelers with locations and times of Masses.