FAQs


Q. What in the world is Mater Dei Radio?

A.  Mater Dei (Mother of God) Radio is a Catholic, lay-owned and operated, radio ministry broadcasting the truth and beauty of the Faith on KBVM 88.3 FM in the areas of Portland and Salem, Oregon and Vancouver in Washington, as well as on KMME 94.9 and 100.5 FM in Eugene and Cottage Grove, Oregon – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Mater Dei Radio can also be heard online at www.MaterDeiRadio.com.

Q. Didn’t you used to be KBVM?  Or Catholic Broadcasting Northwest?

A.  We still are… but not just that any longer.  Once we expanded into Eugene with KMME, we could no longer refer to ourselves by out Portland call letters (KBVM).  So, in order to include both stations (and any others that we may add in the future) we adopted a DBA – ‘Doing Business As’ – name.  This is a common business practice.  All other Catholic radio station ‘groups’ do the same: i.e.  Covenant Network, Queen of Peace Radio, Sacred Heart Radio, Holy Spirit Radio, etc.  Catholic Broadcasting Northwest is still our official registered business name.  But it certainly doesn’t roll off the tongue or look good on a billboard.

Q. Isn’t Mater Dei Radio just EWTN?

A. While Mater Dei Radio (KBVM/KMME) is an “affiliate” of EWTN, we are not owned or operated by them. We are also an affiliate of Relevant Radio.  We air the programming they both graciously provide throughout the day, but are our own business with employees, bills and studios located in Portland, Oregon.  This allows us the opportunity to provide you with a mix of EWTN, Relevant Radio, and our own local programming.

Q. What locally produced shows do you air?

A. Glad you asked! Mater Dei Radio produces a live morning show which airs weekdays from 7-9 am called “The Morning Blend.” We also have  a group of original programs that air at 7:30 pm each night and on the weekends.  More details can be found here.

Q. How is Mater Dei Radio funded?

A. As a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization, Mater Dei Radio is supported by you – our listeners. That means that we can’t do what we do without you! Twice a year (Spring and Fall) we hold on-air Sharathons. Additionally we sell underwriting to local businesses, churches and schools, we apply for appropriate grants and occasionally receive monies via bequests/wills.

Q. How much does it cost to run your station?

A. Our current budget is approximately $750,000 a year. This includes six paid staff positions, advertising, electricity, phone services… and all the other things it takes to run a business. We know that you do not give your donations lightly, so we do our best to be good stewards of the money that you, and God, have entrusted to us. We run a very tight ship and do all that we can each year to make sure to keep our budget under control.

Q. How many people listen to Mater Dei Radio?

A. That’s a great question. The short answer is, “We don’t know.” The longer answer is it costs money to find out that information, and we’d prefer to use your contributions for furthering the Kingdom of God rather than acquiring statistics. Do you think that’s a good choice?

Q. Will you accept underwriting on this station?

A. Absolutely! We have many businesses, churches, schools and lay-ministries who underwrite portions of our programming. It’s simple, economical and tax deductible. And it gets your information out to the Catholic radio listener. Just call David Endres at (503) 285-5200 for more information.

Q. Is the station owned by the Archdiocese of Portland?

A. While Mater Dei Radio is not owned by the Archdiocese of Portland, OR, we do work very closely with them in ministering to the people in our listening area. In fact, they have a representative on our Board of Directors. We are also extremely blessed to have Archbishop Sample and his staff as part of our extended broadcast family and have his full support (as well as Auxiliary Bishop Peter Smith’s) for our mission and vision.

Q. What can I do to help continue the mission of Mater Dei Radio?

A. Where do I start? First, and most importantly: please pray for us! We can’t broadcast the Gospel message of Jesus Christ and His Church if we are not spiritually supported by our listeners. Secondly, we need your financial contributions. Contrary to what some might believe, it is not cheap to run a non-profit radio station. We have equipment to buy, staff to pay… and bills such as power and telephone just like everyone else. Literally, every dollar that you can contribute is VERY appreciated. And lastly, we are also always looking for volunteers. Give us a call at (503) 285-5200 to find out how YOU can help.