Educational Media Foundation (dba K-LOVE and Air 1 Radio) 
The information on this page was last updated 7/22/2022. If you see errors or omissions, please email: [email protected]
Summary
Educational Media Foundation (EMF) is a nonprofit, multi-platform media company on a mission to draw people closer to Christ. Founded in 1982 in Santa Rosa, CA, with a singular radio station, EMF today owns and operates the nation's two largest Christian music radio networks (K-LOVE and Air1) with over 1,000 broadcast signals across all 50 states, streaming audio reaching around the world, and a growing family of media ministries including podcasts, books, films, concerts, and events. EMF employs nearly 500 team members between its offices in Nashville, TN, Rocklin, CA, and field locations around the country.
Contact information
Mailing address:
Educational Media Foundation
P.O. Box 2098
Omaha, NE 68103-2098
Website: emfbroadcasting.com
Phone: (916) 251-1600
Email: [email protected]
Organization details
EIN: 942816342
CEO/President: Bill Reeves
Chairman: Dean Stordahl
Board size: 9
Founder: Mr. Bob Anthony
Ruling year: 1980
Tax deductible: Yes
Fiscal year end: 12/31
Member of ECFA: Yes
Member of ECFA since: 1996
Purpose
Educational Media Foundation (EMF) and its K-LOVE, Air1, WTA and AccessMore brands exist to combat hopelessness by sharing the truth and love of Jesus Christ with a world plagued by division and despair.
Through media, we help people focus on the peace, joy, inspiration, unity, and transformative power of the Gospel.
Our goal is that all people have somewhere to turn to 24/7 to find hope, encouragement, community, support, and most importantly-the love of Christ. We offer this through radio, film, publishing, podcasts, pastoral care and other free Biblical-support services.
Mission statement
To create compelling media that inspires and encourages you to have a meaningful relationship with Christ.
Statement of faith
The Bible to be the inspired, only infallible and authoritative Word of God.
(2 Tim 3:15-17, 1 Thess 2:13, 2 Peter 1:21)
There is one true God eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
(Deut 6:4, Isa 43:10-11, Matt 28:18-20, Luke 3:22)
In the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, substitutional death on the cross, bodily resurrection, ascension to the Father and His personal return in power and glory.
(Matt 1:23, Luke 1:31-32, Acts 10:37-38, Acts 2:22, Heb 7:26-27, 1 Cor 15:3-5, 2 Cor 5:21-6:1, Matt 28:6, Luke 24:39, 1 Cor 15:4-6, Acts 1:9-11, Phil 2:9-11, Heb 1:3)
Regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential for the salvation of sinful man; a person must experience a spiritual rebirth. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit is the Christian able to live a more godly life.
(Rom 10:12-13, Eph 2:8-10, Titus 2:11, Titus 3:4-8, Rom 8:16, Eph 4:24, Titus 2:12)
There is a resurrection of both the saved and the lost, the saved to eternal life in heaven, the lost to hell.
(1 Thess 4:15-17, Rom 3:23-24, 1 Cor 15:51-52, Rev 20:11-15, Rev 21:6-8)
Jesus Christ rose from the dead and is returning soon.
(Zech 14:4-5, Matt 24:26, Matt 24:30, Rev 1:7, Rev 19:11-13)
The Great Commission of the church is to go into the entire world and preach the Gospel to every person.
(Mark 16:15, Luke 14:23, Matt 28:19-20, Acts 1:7-8, Mark 16:15 -16)
In the spiritual unity of believers through the working of the Holy Spirit and the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Eph 4:11-13, Ps 133:1, Phil 2:1-3)
We believe in holy Christian living, and we must have concern for the hurts and social needs of our fellowmen.
(Col 3:12-14, Rom 15:1-2)
We believe we must dedicate ourselves anew to the service of our Lord and to His authority over our lives.
(Col 2:9-11, Eph 6:7-8)
Donor confidence score
Transparency grade
A
To understand our transparency grade, click here.
Financial efficiency ratings
Sector: Radio/ TV Stations
| Category | Rating | Overall rank | Sector rank |
| Overall efficiency rating | | 546 of 1050 | 20 of 29 |
| Fund acquisition rating | | 266 of 1051 | 7 of 29 |
| Resource allocation rating | | 296 of 1051 | 19 of 29 |
| Asset utilization rating | | 1040 of 1050 | 29 of 29 |
Financial ratios
| Funding ratios | Sector median | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
Return on fundraising efforts Return on fundraising efforts = Fundraising expense / Total contributions | 6% | 4% | 4% | 4% | 4% | 4% |
Fundraising cost ratio Fundraising cost ratio = Fundraising expense / Total revenue | 5% | 3% | 4% | 4% | 4% | 4% |
Contributions reliance Contributions reliance = Total contributions / Total revenue | 91% | 96% | 94% | 100% | 92% | 96% |
Fundraising expense ratio Fundraising expense ratio = Fundraising expense / Total expenses | 7% | 6% | 6% | 6% | 7% | 6% |
Other revenue reliance Other revenue reliance = Total other revenue / Total revenue | 9% | 4% | 6% | 0% | 8% | 4% |
| Operating ratios | Sector median | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
Program expense ratio Program expense ratio = Program services / Total expenses | 80% | 80% | 79% | 83% | 83% | 84% |
Spending ratio Spending ratio = Total expenses / Total revenue | 91% | 59% | 60% | 70% | 59% | 63% |
Program output ratio Program output ratio = Program services / Total revenue | 67% | 48% | 48% | 58% | 49% | 54% |
Savings ratio Savings ratio = Surplus (deficit) / Total revenue | 9% | 41% | 40% | 30% | 41% | 37% |
Reserve accumulation rate Reserve accumulation rate = Surplus (deficit) / Net assets | 11% | 11% | 12% | 9% | 14% | 14% |
General and admin ratio General and admin ratio = Management and general expense / Total expenses | 14% | 14% | 15% | 12% | 11% | 10% |
| Investing ratios | Sector median | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
Total asset turnover Total asset turnover = Total expenses / Total assets | 0.46 | 0.16 | 0.16 | 0.20 | 0.18 | 0.22 |
Degree of long-term investment Degree of long-term investment = Total assets / Total current assets | 1.93 | 14.09 | 15.06 | 17.65 | 11.93 | 11.90 |
Current asset turnover Current asset turnover = Total expenses / Total current assets | 1.22 | 2.21 | 2.48 | 3.45 | 2.14 | 2.58 |
| Liquidity ratios | Sector median | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
Current ratio Current ratio = Total current assets / Total current liabilities | 13.64 | 2.37 | 1.88 | 1.92 | 1.66 | 1.53 |
Current liabilities ratio Current liabilities ratio = Total current liabilities / Total current assets | 0.07 | 0.42 | 0.53 | 0.52 | 0.60 | 0.66 |
Liquid reserve level Liquid reserve level = (Total current assets - Total current liabilities) / (Total expenses / 12) | 9.55 | 3.13 | 2.27 | 1.67 | 2.22 | 1.60 |
| Solvency ratios | Sector median | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
Liabilities ratio Liabilities ratio = Total liabilities / Total assets | 6% | 5% | 10% | 9% | 13% | 9% |
Debt ratio Debt ratio = Debt / Total assets | 0% | 2% | 6% | 6% | 7% | 4% |
Reserve coverage ratio Reserve coverage ratio = Net assets / Total expenses | 180% | 602% | 547% | 467% | 486% | 419% |
Financials
| Balance sheet | |||||
| Assets | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Cash | $45,750,405 | $39,903,738 | $28,250,661 | $25,356,232 | $24,973,101 |
| Receivables, inventories, prepaids | $12,568,416 | $11,011,433 | $9,399,385 | $10,125,984 | $8,819,527 |
| Short-term investments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $17,500,000 | $10,000,000 |
| Other current assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total current assets | $58,318,821 | $50,915,171 | $37,650,046 | $52,982,216 | $43,792,628 |
| Long-term investments | $102,169,800 | $73,634,681 | $87,996,878 | $69,324,537 | $47,465,844 |
| Fixed assets | $53,781,465 | $53,235,434 | $53,807,181 | $54,864,980 | $55,232,580 |
| Other long-term assets | $607,532,022 | $588,797,275 | $484,882,443 | $454,659,072 | $374,848,252 |
| Total long-term assets | $763,483,287 | $715,667,390 | $626,686,502 | $578,848,589 | $477,546,676 |
| Total assets | $821,802,108 | $766,582,561 | $664,336,548 | $631,830,805 | $521,339,304 |
| Liabilities | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Payables and accrued expenses | $8,875,109 | $10,061,092 | $9,829,062 | $7,077,344 | $6,912,353 |
| Other current liabilities | $15,735,396 | $17,035,831 | $9,783,459 | $24,880,904 | $21,803,063 |
| Total current liabilities | $24,610,505 | $27,096,923 | $19,612,521 | $31,958,248 | $28,715,416 |
| Debt | $19,122,807 | $49,811,305 | $37,736,408 | $47,343,254 | $19,242,438 |
| Due to (from) affiliates | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other long-term liabilities | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total long-term liabilities | $19,122,807 | $49,811,305 | $37,736,408 | $47,343,254 | $19,242,438 |
| Total liabilities | $43,733,312 | $76,908,228 | $57,348,929 | $79,301,502 | $47,957,854 |
| Net assets | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Without donor restrictions | $769,590,596 | $684,986,606 | $605,354,528 | $551,944,615 | $472,718,741 |
| With donor restrictions | $8,478,200 | $4,687,727 | $1,633,091 | $584,688 | $662,709 |
| Net assets | $778,068,796 | $689,674,333 | $606,987,619 | $552,529,303 | $473,381,450 |
| Revenues and expenses | |||||
| Revenue | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Total contributions | $209,061,279 | $195,249,074 | $184,854,193 | $176,997,637 | $170,198,720 |
| Program service revenue | $1,320,989 | $1,817,672 | $1,348,308 | $6,382,720 | $0 |
| Membership dues | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Investment income | $7,421,432 | $9,184,356 | ($2,903,331) | $5,270,869 | $439,098 |
| Other revenue | ($260,590) | $2,500,371 | $1,143,873 | $4,104,951 | $7,477,869 |
| Total other revenue | $8,481,831 | $13,502,399 | ($411,150) | $15,758,540 | $7,916,967 |
| Total revenue | $217,543,110 | $208,751,473 | $184,443,043 | $192,756,177 | $178,115,687 |
| Expenses | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Program services | $103,853,708 | $99,402,535 | $107,292,874 | $93,912,984 | $95,373,250 |
| Management and general | $17,704,152 | $18,588,818 | $15,155,355 | $12,202,194 | $11,165,949 |
| Fundraising | $7,590,787 | $8,073,406 | $7,536,498 | $7,493,146 | $6,462,005 |
| Total expenses | $129,148,647 | $126,064,759 | $129,984,727 | $113,608,324 | $113,001,204 |
| Change in net assets | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Surplus (deficit) | $88,394,463 | $82,686,714 | $54,458,316 | $79,147,853 | $65,114,483 |
| Other changes in net assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total change in net assets | $88,394,463 | $82,686,714 | $54,458,316 | $79,147,853 | $65,114,483 |
Compensation
| Name | Title | Compensation |
| Alan Mason | President (retired) | $656,155 |
| Jon Reeves | Chief Executive Officer/Director | $606,585 |
| Janet Cherry | Chief Operations Officer | $437,810 |
| Christopher Barron | Chief Information Officer | $369,059 |
| David Pierce | Chief Partnership Officer | $334,424 |
| David Atkinson | Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer | $332,451 |
| Shaine Greishaber | General Counsel/Secretary | $329,121 |
| Joe Miller | VP Signal Dev/Assistant Treasurer | $318,604 |
| Michael McCall | VP of Donor Engagement | $293,588 |
| Sam Wallington | VP of Operations & Engineering | $287,006 |
| Randy Rich | VP Dare To Dream | $252,287 |
| Amy Baumann | On Air Talent | $251,734 |
Compensation data as of: 12/31/2020
Response from ministry
Caveat for One Star Rating under Asset Utilization: Educational Media Foundation ("EMF") has been afforded a rating of one star for Asset Utilization, primarily due to the calculated ratio for "Degree of Long-Term Investment" under the Investing Ratios section. The resulting ratio appears high when you compare it to the Sector Median and in our opinion, does not accurately reflect the uniqueness of our ministry among most of the other companies in our sector. EMF's growth in long-term assets is driven primarily by the acquisition of FM radio stations and translators; the principal medium used to fulfill our mission of broadcasting positive and encouraging contemporary Christian music to new and existing populations. The value of these acquisitions is captured in the line item "Other Long-Term Assets" in the Balance Sheet shown on this page. We believe the prudent purchase of existing stations and translators at financially responsible prices is the most cost-efficient means of conducting our operations. Accordingly, EMF does not believe the resulting one-star rating in the Asset Utilization category adequately reflects EMF's financial stewardship and health. More information about EMF's finances can be found at www.klove.com.
The information below was provided to MinistryWatch by the ministry itself. It was last updated 7/22/2022. To update the information below, please email: [email protected]
History
1980s:
- 1982: KLOVE began in Santa Rosa, California, as a single radio station, under the call letters KCLB. It was owned by Educational Media Foundation (EMF), a non-profit 501(C)3 Corporation. The idea for this full-time contemporary Christian music radio station was conceived by popular radio personality Bob Anthony. The slogan used was "Positive Alternative, Christian Music Radio KCLB 92 FM".
- 1986: Dick Jenkins was hired as General Manager, replacing Bob Anthony.
- 1988: KCLB moved to Mount Saint Helena and changed its on-air brand to "K-LOVE" and adopted their now legendary slogan, "Positive, Encouraging K-LOVE".
- K-LOVE expanded its reach by purchasing small stations and translators and repeating its signal.
- Experienced on-air talents were added to include David Pierce, Mike Novak, JD Chandler and Larry Wayne.
- With the help of satellite technology, K-LOVE Radio network expanded into Oregon, Arizona, Oklahoma and Texas.
- K-LOVE increased its reach online by streaming live on klove.com.
- 1995: Two radio stations in Southern California joined together with a third, near Portland, Oregon, creating a sister network to K-LOVE called AIR1, which targeted to a younger demographic.
- K-LOVE went through a period of expansion through the purchase of stations and translators across the United States when the FCC allowed the filing of new applications for FM translators. Over 250 applications were approved during this time, allowing for further expansion into other states such as Colorado, Illinois and Missouri. This expansion made K-LOVE Radio network the largest broadcaster of contemporary Christian music in the world.
- K-LOVE/AIR 1 began to purchase more stations and translators within all 50 US states including Alaska and Hawaii. Medium and larger markets were entered in the states of California (Stockton, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego), Connecticut, Florida, Illinois (Chicago), New York, Ohio, Tennessee (Nashville) and Utah.
- 2013: K-LOVE announced the inaugural K-LOVE Fan Awards-a listener-voted awards show for contemporary Christian musicians held in Nashville, TN.
- December 2013, EMF partnered with UP Television Network for a televised Christmas event titled, "K-LOVE Music City Christmas". For the first time in history, EMF was on television in over 58 million homes nationwide.
- 2017 & 2018: EMF expanded its reach through the purchase of stations and translators in the Los Angeles, New York and Chicago markets.
- June 2018: K-LOVE Radio launched K-LOVE Classics, streaming classic Christian music from the 80's, 90's & early 2000's.
- 2018: Mike Novak, CEO, announced his retirement. Mr. Novak joined EMF in 1998 and became CEO in 2007. He led dramatic grown of the networks, now heard on more than 900 stations in all 50 states and streamed online. When he began as CEO, K-LOVE and AIR1 were heard on more than 600 stations in 45 states.
- January 2019: After much research and planning, EMF changed the format of Air1 to offer an authentic, worship-centered experience for listeners and became the first contemporary Christian radio network focused on worship music.
- June 2019: EMF expanded its reach in a Cumulus Media acquisition of six of its stations across the county. This led to significant growth in major markets, including first-time entry into the nation's capital and the influential southern city of Atlanta, as well as the strongest, farthest-reaching signal in New York City, and new signals in Syracuse, Savannah and San Jose, increasing the networks' total reach by more than 32 million.
- July 2019: Bill Reeves became the ministry's fourth CEO in the organization's 37-year history. Bill's experience in Christian entertainment and marketing is viewed as an asset that will help EMF expand its reach beyond radio and diversify its media portfolio.
- October 2019: EMF acquired the business and media assets of The WTA Group, a leader in marketing, licensing and distribution of faith-based books, products and films, including box-office hits Overcomer, I Can Only Imagine and God's Not Dead. Together EMF and WTA will explore new ways to bring positive, encouraging, relevant faith-based media to growing audiences.
- May 2020 - EMF launched AccessMore, a faith-focused podcasting platform featuring content from Christian authors, artists, pastors and others. More than 3.5 million episodes were downloaded in the first six months, exceeding ministry goals and expectations.
- October 2020 - there was a soft launch of K-LOVE On Demand, a new video streaming platform designed to offer concerts and other faith-based video content that aligns with the positive and encouraging K-LOVE brand
- May 2021 - October 2021 - EMF Publishing and the K-LOVE Books imprint launched, releasing four titles during its first six months, including: The Way of the Father (autobiography of musician Michael W. Smith); Smells Like Bacon - The Skit Guys' Guide to Lifelong Friendships; The Jesus Music (companion to the documentary film); inhale (exhale) - a 40-day devotional from recording artists MercyMe.
- September 2021 - K-LOVE Films put out its first theatrical release, The Jesus Music, in partnership with Kingdom Story Company (I Can Only Imagine, I Still Believe) and Lionsgate.
- More information may be found on www.emfbroadcasting.com
Program accomplishments
What began as a single radio station back in 1982 has grown into the country's two largest non-commercial Christian radio networks and is among the top 10 U.S.-based audio streaming companies. But more than that, EMF is helping people grow closer to God and to find hope and encouragement in Jesus Christ.
With a traditional-signal reach of 200 million, stretching across more than 66 percent of the U.S. population, EMF has a dedicated listenership in all 50 states. Every listener is offered the opportunity to be prayed for (by submitting a prayer request online), or to be prayed with (by calling an 800# to speak with one of EMF's 36 fulltime pastoral care team members, which includes 12 ordained pastors).
EMF offers community and resources to accompany people on their faith walk, regardless of where they are in their journey. Free products and services they provide include:
- 2 radio networks, broadcast on more than 1,000 signals nationwide - positive and encouraging K-LOVE and Air1 Worship Now!
- Faith-based podcasting platform, AccessMore, with dozens of free faith-focused audio downloads from Christian artists, authors, entertainers, pastors and more
- K-LOVE OnDemand faith-based video streaming platform
- K-LOVE Books/EMF Publishing - books that point people to Jesus
- 24/7 Crisis Prevention - Intervening in an average of more than 700 crisis situations per year
- Biblical Counseling from Trained Pastors - Coming alongside those in need to provide hope and guidance through God's Word
- Prayer Support - Engaging in more than 200,000 prayer-focused calls annually, and praying for an average of 1,500 people daily
- Crisis Response Care - Soul-care training for First Responders throughout the country
- Dare 2 Dream - Student assemblies focused on promoting Biblical values in public schools
EMF also partners with other ministries through fundraising and the donation of airtime to support a variety of causes. Additional partners have included: International Cooperating Ministries, Compassion International, Teen Challenge, Cure International, Faith Comes by Hearing, Shoes for Orphan Soles, Angel Tree, Operation Christmas Child, Operation Warm, Survive to Five and World Vision.