Radio World Buyer’s Guide articles are intended to help readers understand why their colleagues chose particular products to solve various technical situations. This month’s articles focus on media asset management including automation, traffic and billing.
Your Network of Praise is a non-denominational Christian radio ministry that operates approximately 60 radio facilities in the northwestern United States as well as two missionary radio stations in the Republic of Tanzania and one in Liberia.
In 2021 it launched the New Life Africa Satellite Network. “This ambitious project aimed to establish a 24/7 satellite radio channel that would cover the entire continent of Africa,” said Roger Lonnquist, president and network general manager.
In order to meet that challenge, YNOP sought a system that could handle not only the requirements of radio automation but also offer simplicity in programming and operation. Additionally, he said, it needed a system that was reliable and came with exceptional technical support when needed.
YNOP chose Apex automation from Arrakis Systems.
“Our initial interaction began with a phone call to Ben Palmer, where we had the opportunity to ask important questions and finalize our purchase. This positive experience continued throughout the entire process.”
Once the system arrived, Melissa Freeman reached out to guide the network through the setup and programming phases. “Her support was instrumental in making the setup process smooth and effortless, effectively removing the complexities that often accompany such tasks. Over the past three years, we have encountered only a few instances where we needed technical support, and on each occasion, the response from the Arrakis team was prompt and helpful.”
In 2022, YNOP expanded its operations by launching a second satellite radio channel in Africa and again chose the Apex system. It has since acquired a third system and plans to purchase three more in the coming year.
“Having worked with many automation systems over my 40+ years in radio, I can confidently say that APEX has been one of our best decisions,” Lonnquist said.
