Encouragement Media Group

What Encouragement Media Group does

Encouragement Media Group is a Texas-based non-profit corporation that operates KVNE, a commercial-free Christian radio station broadcasting since 1983 across three FM frequencies: 89.5 FM in East Texas (Tyler/Longview), 89.1 FM in Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana, and 93.3 FM in Little Rock/Central Arkansas. The organization's mission is to provide encouragement, prayer support, and faith-based music and programming to listeners across its three-state regional footprint. KVNE is 100% listener-supported, meaning it carries no commercial advertising and is funded entirely through voluntary listener donations and a tiered Business Partnership program (ranging from $150 to $1,500 per month) that provides on-air recognition to local small businesses.

The technical platform combines traditional FM broadcast infrastructure with digital distribution: online streaming via a TuneGenie-powered web player, dedicated iOS and Android mobile apps (built on JacApps), and the Prayer Center community prayer platform powered by Prayer Engine. Content offerings include original on-air shows such as The God Shot with Tara-Leigh Cobble and New Mercies for Moms, plus The Encouragement Effect podcast launched in Spring 2025 and distributed on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music. Engagement features include a listener feedback panel (The Music Crew), a Share Line phone-in story platform, a community events calendar, a volunteer program, and the Small Town Summer Stop grassroots tour.

Commercially, Encouragement Media Group monetizes through three channels: voluntary listener donations solicited on-air and online, recurring Business Partnership subscriptions from 200+ local East Texas SMBs, and event/concert sponsorships with partners such as BioMax, Yosemite Roofing, Renicker Wealth Management, and East Texas Baptist University. The organization maintains a network of 40+ ministry partners and operates a family of additional stations (Lift Worship, Fuzión, The Well, Evergreen, Modo Vida), and holds ECFA accreditation for financial accountability. Leadership includes President & CEO Troy Kriechbaum and COO Rodney Skyles, supported by a staff of approximately 25.

Name

Encouragement Media Group

Legal name

Encouragement Media Group

Website

https://kvne.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Christian Radio Broadcasting

NAICS

Radio Broadcasting Stations (51611), Radio Broadcasting Stations (516110)

SIC

Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832)

akta.pro primary industry

Christian Broadcasting (TV & Radio) (MPABALAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Local Religious/Faith-Based Stations (MPABACAL), Religious Radio Broadcasting (MPAIAEAF), Religious Music & Worship Broadcasting (MPABALAN)

Keywords

• Commercial-free christian radio
• Listener-supported ministry
• Community radio broadcasting
• Christian music programming
• Radio ministry broadcast

Headquarters

HQ city

Tyler

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Listener Donations / On-Air Appeals: The primary revenue source is listener donations. The station is 100% commercial-free and 100% listener-supported. Listeners can donate online via the donate portal (donate.encouragementmediagroup.com/kvne/), and the station conducts on-air fundraising appeals. The station also has a dedicated Your Share Line phone number for story submissions and connection.
2. Business Partnerships: Monthly sponsorship tiers that include on-air mentions. Four levels: $1,500/month (7 on-air mentions/week on KVNE + 3/week on Lift Worship, Fuzión and The Well), $750/month (5 on-air mentions/week on KVNE), $450/month (3 on-air mentions/week on KVNE), $150/month (1 on-air mention/week on KVNE). Business partners are listed in an online directory and recognized on-air. The station lists approximately 200+ business partners across East Texas.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Encouragement Media Group operates KVNE, a non-commercial, listener-supported Christian radio ministry broadcasting 24/7 on three FM frequencies (89.5 East Texas, 89.1 Shreveport, 93.3 Central Arkansas) and via online streaming and mobile apps. The ministry delivers commercial-free Christian music, prayer support, devotional content, podcasts, and community engagement programming funded entirely by listener donations and business partnerships.

Product overview

Encouragement Media Group operates KVNE as a platform of interconnected products centered on its flagship Christian radio station. The core offering is commercial-free terrestrial radio on three FM frequencies across East Texas, Shreveport, and Central Arkansas, supplemented by digital access via the KVNE mobile app (iPhone/Android) and web audio player for online streaming. Programming includes original shows (The God Shot with Tara-Leigh Cobble, New Mercies for Moms) and the Encouragement Effect podcast. Community engagement features include the Prayer Center for intercessory prayer, Verse of the Day devotionals, The Music Crew listener feedback panel, and the Community Events Calendar. Additional offerings encompass volunteer programs, the Your Share Line story-sharing feature, and the Small Town Summer Stops community outreach tour.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Encouragement Effect: A podcast from Encouragement Media Group featuring uplifting conversations and faith-filled stories, officially launching Spring 2025.
• The God Shot with Tara-Leigh Cobble
• New Mercies for Moms

Products and services

• KVNE Radio Station Commercial-free Christian radio station broadcasting on 89.5 FM (East Texas), 89.1 FM (Shreveport, LA), and 93.3 FM (Central Arkansas), operated as a non-profit listener-supported ministry 24/7.
• KVNE Mobile App Mobile application for iPhone and Android enabling free streaming of KVNE Christian radio content anytime, anywhere.
• KVNE Online Audio Player Web-based streaming audio player allowing listeners to tune in to commercial-free Christian music from any web browser.
• The Encouragement Effect Podcast Uplifting conversations and faith-filled stories podcast featuring interviews with inspiring artists, exclusive in-house special series, and behind-the-scenes moments. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
• The God Shot with Tara-Leigh Cobble Weekday daily radio show where Tara-Leigh Cobble from The Bible Recap explains scripture passages one or a few verses at a time.
• New Mercies for Moms Weekday afternoon on-air ministry partnering with a local East Texas ministry to encourage moms through devotional content.
• Prayer Center Community prayer support platform enabling listeners to submit prayer requests, pray for others, and share praise reports across categories such as guidance, healing, family, and finances.

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• St. Paul Children's FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEast Texas ministry partner. KVNE collaborates with St. Paul Children's Foundation to support community outreach and serve those in need in the East Texas region.
• BucknercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEast Texas ministry partner. KVNE partners with Buckner (a Christian organization serving children and families) to provide community support and outreach in East Texas.
• PATHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEast Texas ministry partner. KVNE collaborates with PATH (a human services organization) to support community members in need in the East Texas area.
• Crisis Response MinistrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEast Texas ministry partner. KVNE works with Crisis Response Ministry to serve community members facing crisis situations.
• The Mentoring AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEast Texas ministry partner. KVNE collaborates with The Mentoring Alliance to support mentorship and youth development in the community.
• Pine CovecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEast Texas ministry partner. KVNE partners with Pine Cove (Christian camp and conference center) for community events and outreach.
• The Fostering CollectivecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEast Texas ministry partner. KVNE collaborates with The Fostering Collective to support foster families and children in the East Texas community.
• Bethesda CliniccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEast Texas ministry partner. KVNE works with Bethesda Clinic to provide healthcare support and community outreach.
• East Texas Food BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEast Texas ministry partner. KVNE supports and promotes the East Texas Food Bank's mission to fight hunger in the community.
• Healing WaterscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentral Arkansas ministry partner. KVNE partners with Healing Waters in Little Rock to serve the community.
• Immerse ArkansascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentral Arkansas ministry partner. KVNE collaborates with Immerse Arkansas to support community outreach.
• STEP MinistriescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentral Arkansas ministry partner. KVNE partners with STEP Ministries for community service and support.
• Every ArkansancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentral Arkansas ministry partner. KVNE collaborates with Every Arkansan for community advocacy and support.
• The Call in ArkansascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCentral Arkansas ministry partner. KVNE works with The Call in Arkansas to serve the local community.
• New Mercies for MomscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEast Texas ministry partner specializing in encouragement for mothers. New Mercies for Moms produces a weekday on-air segment on KVNE, distributes devotional cards and products, and hosts 'Scripture and Script' events at churches. The partnership includes revenue-sharing through the KVNE10 discount code for product purchases.
• Tara-Leigh Cobble / The Bible RecapcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTara-Leigh Cobble, host of The Bible Recap podcast, produces 'The God Shot' daily radio segment on KVNE, which takes a passage of scripture one or a few verses at a time to explain how God's love can be found in each verse. This segment airs each weekday on KVNE.
• Belcher Center (East Texas Baptist University)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBelcher Center in Longview, TX serves as a key concert venue for KVNE-promoted events including Crowder (October 2026) and Zach Williams (November 2026). KVNE promotes Belcher Center events on its concert tickets pages.
• BioMax Spray FoamminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConcert title sponsor for KVNE East Texas concerts. BioMax Spray Foam provides financial sponsorship in exchange for on-air and event visibility at KVNE concert events.
• Yosemite RoofingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConcert title sponsor for KVNE East Texas concerts. Yosemite Roofing sponsors concert events in exchange for event visibility and brand association.
• Renicker Wealth Management / 2911 Wealth AdvisorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConcert title sponsor for KVNE East Texas concerts. Renicker Wealth Management provides financial sponsorship for concert visibility.
• East Texas Baptist University (ETBU)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerConcert title sponsor for KVNE East Texas concerts. ETBU sponsors concert events, aligning its brand with KVNE's Christian radio ministry.
• Billy Graham Prayer LinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Billy Graham Prayer Line (1-855-255-PRAY) is promoted on KVNE for after-hours prayer support, providing 24/7 prayer access to listeners beyond the station's live DJ prayer hours (Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm).
• Lift Worship, Fuzión, The Well, Evergreen, Modo Vida (EMG Family of Stations)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKVNE is part of Encouragement Media Group's family of stations including Lift Worship (myliftworship.com), Fuzión (mifuzion.com), The Well (mywellradio.com), Evergreen (myevergreenradio.com), and Modo Vida (modovidaradio.com). Cross-promotional opportunities exist and the highest business partner tier includes mentions on multiple EMG stations.
• ETX Connection CampminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEast Texas community partner. KVNE promotes ETX Connection Camp, a weekend retreat for recent graduates to connect with believers and local churches. The station features the event on its community events calendar and website.
• Love Thy CityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner. KVNE promotes Love Thy City, a ministry focused on meeting physical needs, supporting emotional wellness, and creating space for spiritual connection in the community.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Bott Radio Network: One of the largest U.S. Christian radio networks, broadcasting Bible teaching and Christian music across multiple markets. Closely comparable as a multi-market, listener-supported Christian broadcaster competing for similar donor and listener audiences.
• His Radio: Listener-supported contemporary Christian music radio network broadcasting in multiple Southeast U.S. markets. Comparable regional scope, donor-supported funding model, and contemporary Christian format to KVNE.
• WAY-FM Media Group: Non-commercial contemporary Christian music radio network operating signals across multiple U.S. markets. Mirrors KVNE's listener-supported model and target demographic of Christian music listeners.
• CSN International (Calvary Chapel): Non-commercial Christian radio network broadcasting Bible teaching and worship music across multiple U.S. markets. Closely comparable as a faith-based, donor-supported broadcaster with FM and streaming distribution.
• Moody Radio: Non-commercial Christian radio ministry operated by Moody Bible Institute with multiple FM stations and digital distribution. Directly comparable as a faith-based, listener-supported broadcaster producing original Christian content.

Broad incumbents

• Air1 Radio (Educational Media Foundation): Sister network to K-LOVE under EMF, focusing on contemporary Christian music. Operates the same listener-supported, commercial-free model that KVNE uses, with national reach across FM, app, and streaming.
• Salem Media Group (Salem Communications): Publicly traded multi-format broadcaster owning a large portfolio of Christian and conservative talk radio stations. Operates in overlapping markets and competes for the same evangelical Christian listener base, though as a commercial model rather than listener-supported.
• K-LOVE (Educational Media Foundation): Largest non-commercial Christian radio network in the U.S. with hundreds of signals and a national digital footprint. Directly comparable to KVNE as a listener-supported Christian radio ministry but vastly larger in scale and geographic coverage.

Emerging players

• Worship 24/7 / Positive Alternative Radio: Non-commercial Christian music radio broadcasting in select Virginia markets. Similar listener-supported and ministry-partner-driven model, though smaller in geographic scope than KVNE.

Others

• SiriusXM Christian Channels (The Message, Praise): Subscription satellite and streaming service offering dedicated Christian music and talk channels. Not a direct competitor for community engagement or local business partnerships, but competes for overall Christian listening time and donation-driven media attention.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubevimeo.com/user65357569
• Facebookfacebook.com/kvneradio
• Instagraminstagram.com/kvneradio
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/encouragement-media-group

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Encouragement Media Group