Educational Media Foundation (dba K-LOVE and Air 1 Radio) 
The information on this page was last updated 11/29/2023. If you see errors or omissions, please email: [email protected]
Summary
In a nation where media is among the top influencers of culture, Educational Media Foundation (EMF) creates and distributes compelling media that inspires and encourages audiences to have a meaningful relationship with Christ.
EMF is comprised of the nation's two largest contemporary Christian radio networks-K-LOVE and Air1-and is in among the top 10 U.S.-based audio streaming companies. It is also parent company to WTA Media (a leader in faith-based films and publishing, acquired in 2019), AccessMore (a faith-focused podcasting platform launched in 2020), K-LOVE Books and K-LOVE Films (each of which released debut product in 2021), and K-LOVE On Demand (which more than doubled its subscriber base in 2022)
The ministry serves its audiences by offering a positive alternative to divisive and negatively charged media, and by providing pastoral care, prayer and Biblical guidance to hundreds of thousands of people each year.
This organization is a nonprofit 501(C) (3) corporation. All contributions to it are fully deductible to the extent allowed by law. EMF is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).
Contact information
Mailing address:
Educational Media Foundation
5700 West Oaks Blvd
Rocklin, CA 95765-3719
Website: emfbroadcasting.com
Phone: (916) 251-1600
Email: [email protected]
Organization details
EIN: 942816342
CEO/President: Todd Woods
Chairman: Donna Ecton
Board size: 8
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 share the truth and love of Jesus Christ.
Through media, we help people focus on the peace, joy, inspiration, unity, and the 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
Create compelling media that inspires and encourages audiences to have a meaningful relationship with Christ. EMF aims to ignite hope, change lives and unite hearts through Christian media and Biblical support.
EMF's Values:
We trust in God-Our faith, trust, and hope is in Christ. God's Word guides our decisions, refreshes us, and creates an unshakable faith. Our dependence on God is reflected in our commitment to prayer.
Create an Extraordinary Impact-We serve an extraordinary God who deserves our all. He allows us to create, produce and share media with His life-changing message.
We are Passionate, Creative, and Have Fun-Innovative ideas and solutions, individual initiative and having a good time make our work and lives more interesting.
Learn, Improve, and Grow-We challenge and stretch ourselves, each other, and the ministry to realize the full potential God has given us.
Statement of faith
Educational Media Foundation uses the following to express its faith:
We believe:
1. 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)
2. 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)
3. 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)
4. 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)
5. 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)
6. 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)
7. 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)
8. 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)
9. 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)
10. 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 | | 695 of 1106 | 21 of 29 |
| Fund acquisition rating | | 394 of 1107 | 11 of 29 |
| Resource allocation rating | | 465 of 1107 | 15 of 29 |
| Asset utilization rating | | 1035 of 1106 | 27 of 29 |
Financial ratios
| Funding ratios | Sector median | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
Return on fundraising efforts Return on fundraising efforts = Fundraising expense / Total contributions | 6% | 5% | 4% | 4% | 4% | 4% |
Fundraising cost ratio Fundraising cost ratio = Fundraising expense / Total revenue | 5% | 5% | 4% | 4% | 4% | 4% |
Contributions reliance Contributions reliance = Total contributions / Total revenue | 84% | 97% | 98% | 99% | 97% | 98% |
Fundraising expense ratio Fundraising expense ratio = Fundraising expense / Total expenses | 6% | 7% | 6% | 7% | 6% | 6% |
Other revenue reliance Other revenue reliance = Total other revenue / Total revenue | 16% | 3% | 2% | 1% | 3% | 2% |
| Operating ratios | Sector median | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
Program expense ratio Program expense ratio = Program services / Total expenses | 78% | 78% | 79% | 79% | 79% | 82% |
Spending ratio Spending ratio = Total expenses / Total revenue | 93% | 69% | 55% | 60% | 62% | 69% |
Program output ratio Program output ratio = Program services / Total revenue | 69% | 54% | 43% | 48% | 49% | 57% |
Savings ratio Savings ratio = Surplus (deficit) / Total revenue | 7% | 31% | 45% | 40% | 38% | 31% |
Reserve accumulation rate Reserve accumulation rate = Surplus (deficit) / Net assets | 6% | 8% | 12% | 11% | 11% | 10% |
General and admin ratio General and admin ratio = Management and general expense / Total expenses | 15% | 15% | 14% | 14% | 15% | 12% |
| Investing ratios | Sector median | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
Total asset turnover Total asset turnover = Total expenses / Total assets | 0.35 | 0.16 | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.16 | 0.19 |
Degree of long-term investment Degree of long-term investment = Total assets / Total current assets | 1.86 | 3.80 | 3.86 | 5.23 | 6.45 | 6.49 |
Current asset turnover Current asset turnover = Total expenses / Total current assets | 0.83 | 0.60 | 0.56 | 0.81 | 1.05 | 1.26 |
| Liquidity ratios | Sector median | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
Current ratio Current ratio = Total current assets / Total current liabilities | 16.52 | 8.03 | 29.41 | 18.10 | 11.92 | 10.43 |
Current liabilities ratio Current liabilities ratio = Total current liabilities / Total current assets | 0.06 | 0.12 | 0.03 | 0.06 | 0.08 | 0.10 |
Liquid reserve level Liquid reserve level = (Total current assets - Total current liabilities) / (Total expenses / 12) | 13.88 | 17.47 | 20.67 | 14.04 | 10.43 | 8.59 |
| Solvency ratios | Sector median | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
Liabilities ratio Liabilities ratio = Total liabilities / Total assets | 11% | 10% | 4% | 5% | 10% | 9% |
Debt ratio Debt ratio = Debt / Total assets | 0% | 1% | 3% | 4% | 9% | 7% |
Reserve coverage ratio Reserve coverage ratio = Net assets / Total expenses | 228% | 571% | 664% | 614% | 551% | 469% |
Financials
| Balance sheet | |||||
| Assets | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Cash | $131,117,326 | $81,933,244 | $45,054,619 | $39,255,938 | $28,250,561 |
| Receivables, inventories, prepaids | $24,948,154 | $22,670,409 | $12,322,254 | $10,782,481 | $9,336,889 |
| Short-term investments | $119,191,350 | $136,808,120 | $100,281,611 | $68,857,500 | $64,891,379 |
| Other current assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total current assets | $275,256,830 | $241,411,773 | $157,658,484 | $118,895,919 | $102,478,829 |
| Long-term investments | $5,459,601 | $5,444,022 | $5,431,790 | $4,770,625 | $615,545 |
| Fixed assets | $86,189,344 | $62,262,905 | $53,781,465 | $54,335,869 | $56,224,181 |
| Other long-term assets | $679,341,816 | $623,145,090 | $608,112,914 | $589,277,793 | $505,633,438 |
| Total long-term assets | $770,990,761 | $690,852,017 | $667,326,169 | $648,384,287 | $562,473,164 |
| Total assets | $1,046,247,591 | $932,263,790 | $824,984,653 | $767,280,206 | $664,951,993 |
| Liabilities | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Payables and accrued expenses | $34,265,354 | $8,208,924 | $8,709,289 | $9,977,849 | $9,829,062 |
| Other current liabilities | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total current liabilities | $34,265,354 | $8,208,924 | $8,709,289 | $9,977,849 | $9,829,062 |
| Debt | $14,718,491 | $24,545,548 | $34,858,203 | $66,847,136 | $47,519,867 |
| Due to (from) affiliates | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other long-term liabilities | $52,007,467 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total long-term liabilities | $66,725,958 | $24,545,548 | $34,858,203 | $66,847,136 | $47,519,867 |
| Total liabilities | $100,991,312 | $32,754,472 | $43,567,492 | $76,824,985 | $57,348,929 |
| Net assets | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Without donor restrictions | $910,048,599 | $868,681,561 | $772,938,961 | $685,767,494 | $605,969,973 |
| With donor restrictions | $35,207,680 | $30,827,757 | $8,478,200 | $4,687,727 | $1,633,091 |
| Net assets | $945,256,279 | $899,509,318 | $781,417,161 | $690,455,221 | $607,603,064 |
| Revenues and expenses | |||||
| Revenue | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Total contributions | $231,285,801 | $241,047,367 | $209,061,279 | $195,249,074 | $184,987,293 |
| Program service revenue | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Membership dues | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Investment income | $3,461,127 | $4,357,222 | $253,799 | $3,800,950 | $2,240,504 |
| Other revenue | $3,606,976 | $1,656,521 | $1,171,807 | $2,203,069 | $1,782,967 |
| Total other revenue | $7,068,103 | $6,013,743 | $1,425,606 | $6,004,019 | $4,023,471 |
| Total revenue | $238,353,904 | $247,061,110 | $210,486,885 | $201,253,093 | $189,010,764 |
| Expenses | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Program services | $129,408,160 | $107,067,801 | $100,905,504 | $98,731,384 | $106,800,785 |
| Management and general | $24,505,086 | $19,628,133 | $17,595,384 | $18,498,565 | $15,171,626 |
| Fundraising | $11,588,408 | $8,711,523 | $8,785,500 | $8,035,480 | $7,523,077 |
| Total expenses | $165,501,654 | $135,407,457 | $127,286,388 | $125,265,429 | $129,495,488 |
| Change in net assets | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Surplus (deficit) | $72,852,250 | $111,653,653 | $83,200,497 | $75,987,664 | $59,515,276 |
| Other changes in net assets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total change in net assets | $72,852,250 | $111,653,653 | $83,200,497 | $75,987,664 | $59,515,276 |
Compensation
| Name | Title | Compensation |
| Jon Reeves | CEO/Director, Ending 03/21/23 | $621,251 |
| Michael McCall | Chief Engagement Officer | $430,663 |
| Janet Cherry | Chief Transition Officer | $424,071 |
| Todd Woods | Chief Legal Officer/Secretary | $417,045 |
| Michael Lewis | President, Ending 05/17/23 | $402,733 |
| Sam Wallington | VP of Operations & Enginee | $402,302 |
| David Atkinson | Chief Financial Officer/Tr | $401,116 |
| Christopher Barron | Chief Information Officer | $383,845 |
| Shaine Greishaber | Sec.end.5/25/22,Evp Ggr End.12/31/22 | $362,238 |
| David Pierce | Chief Partnership Officer | $347,730 |
| Matthew Rigdon | Sr Mgr Transition Sat. Tech. | $329,271 |
| James Houser | Chief Content Officer | $315,879 |
| Joe Miller | VP Signal Dev/Assistant Tr | $314,822 |
| Kristina Miller | Chief People Officer | $309,902 |
Compensation data as of: 12/31/2022
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 11/29/2023. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 2020: A new video streaming platform, K-LOVE On Demand, was created 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.
- 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.
- 2022 - The publishing arm or EMF released four new titles: Bible For Me: Bible Stories and Prayers (the ministry's first book for children/families); Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God's Joy (an autobiography by Grammy Award-winning artist Mandisa); Behind the Lights: The Extraordinary Adventure of a Mum and Her Family (Helen Smallbone biography); On Our Knees: 40 Days to Living Boldy in Prayer (prayer journal by multiple Dove Award-winning artist Phil Wickham)
- 2022: EMF invested in and supported the release of four faith-focused films in theaters nationwide: The Case for Heaven (documentary with Lee Stroble), Family Camp (family comedy), Lifemark (pro-adoption story); Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon.
- 2023: Todd Woods was appointed CEO of the growing ministry.
- 2023: EMF and WTA played a part in bringing four faith-based films to theaters nationwide, including the box-office hit Jesus Revolution, as well as The Hiding Place (documentary), K-LOVE Live at Red Rocks (concert film), and Because of Bethlehem (a screen adaptation of Max Lucado's Christmas book).
- 2023: Six books were released through EMF Publishing: Believe for It: Passing on Faith to the Next Generation (autobiography by Grammy Award-wiinning artist CeCe Winans); Walking Free: Taking Small Steps to a Big God (a 42-day guide from Dove Award-winning artist Micah Tyler); Look What You've Done: The Lies We Believe and the Truth that Sets Us Free (autobiography from Tasha Layton, one of Billboard's Top 5 Female Christian Artists of the Year); On Our Knees Prayer Journal (to accompany Phil Wickham's award-winning book); Heaven's Light Breaking: A 25-Day Advent Devotional (by Pastor Greg Laurie), and 12 Truths and a Lie: Answers to Life's Biggest Questions (by Pastor J.D. Greear).
- 2023: Radio reach continued to expand as 13 new signals were added to the K-LOVE network (including signals in Hawaii, United States Virgin Islands, Michigan, Texas, New York/Canada (Ontario), Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire and Oregon). And 6 new signals were added to the Air1 network (including signals in California, New York, Mississippi, and Ohio). Online streaming reaches every country in the world and together the two networks average 16 million listeners weekly.
- 2023: Surpassed more than 500,000 App downloads of the K-LOVE/Air1 apps on Apple and Android, reaching people with music and messages of hope wherever they go.
- 2023: Two million prayers prayed by the EMF staff and online prayer community.
- 2023: AccessMore podcasting network grew to offer 54 podcast series and released 1,269 episodes this year, surpassing more than 55 million downloads since launch and 14 million lifetime listeners. More information may be found on 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.
Every listener is offered the opportunity to be prayed for (by submitting a prayer request online or via our prayer apps), 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). In the first nine months of 2023, more than two million prayers were prayed for by EMF staff and the online prayer community. This year, our Pastoral Care team received 233,000 calls (more than 600 a day!) and intervened in more than 100 crisis situations.
EMF offers community and resources to accompany people on their faith walk, regardless of where they are in their journey. Products and services they provide include:
EMF has thriving domestic and global partnerships, enhanced by support from K-LOVE and Air1 audiences. The ministry's long-term partnership with Convoy of Hope has raised millions of dollars designated for supplies and care for those impacted by natural disasters. Meanwhile, its support of Food for the Hungry has resulted in more than 500,000 people having their physical and spiritual needs met as communities, families and churches work together to end poverty in 20+ countries.
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, Operating Christmas Child, Operation Warm, Survive to Five and World Vision.