The crew bringing joy to New Zealand this Christmas

If you’re the type to put up your Christmas tree in November, you’re in good company.

Not only has the tree already been up for weeks in the CBA office, but our team of creatives has been thinking about Christmas since way back in September – scheming how to get the true reason for the season across to more than 200,000 Kiwis this Christmas.

That’s because we once again have the keys to the Newstalk ZB studio to share the heart of the Christian faith, and to tell the wonderful and extraordinary story of God taking on flesh to save humanity.

We have a stellar line-up of hosts – Indira Stewart, Julia Grace, Stacey Morrison, Peter Wolfkamp, Petra Bagust and Frank Ritchie among them – who are excited to share the heart of this story with listeners.

But this year, we wanted to give you a peek behind the scenes at the creative minds that make it happen, highlighting six people who don’t normally get airtime – Malorie Carey, Josh Couch, Sam Donkin, Erin Carpenter, Phil Guyan and Mick Andrews.

These passionate producers, writers and storytellers are bringing ideas to fruition for God’s glory this festive season, and reminding listeners of the deep and timeless beauty of the Christmas story – even when it comes at the expense of time with family or a spot at Christmas lunch.

For CEO Phil, who is prepping for his 28th Christmas show on Newstalk ZB, family traditions have changed so drastically over the years that now it oddly doesn’t feel like Christmas unless he spends his day at a radio station. 

“I love everything about Christmas - the music, the tinsel, the gifts - but ultimately, it’s the story of Emmanuel, ‘God With Us’, that lights me up. It’s such a privilege to find fresh and creative ways of re-telling the story of the birth of Jesus, year after year. It is, after all, joy to the world,” he says.

Senior producer Josh, who is racking up Christmas show number 14, says the life-transforming story of Christ among us still gets him amped.

“I love the creative challenge of sharing deep theological truths with people who’ve never heard God talked about in attractive and entertaining ways. My prayer is that God uses this broadcast to encourage and uplift everyone that tunes in – especially the lonely, and those who don’t yet know Him.”

For Malorie, who joins us for her first year as a producer, the opportunity to communicate God’s heart to hundreds of thousands has seen her forgo her normal Christmas with whānau in Tauranga this year.

“I just love that people are being reached wherever they are and whatever they’re doing on Christmas Day. These are people who won’t be walking into church on the 25th, but will still hear about Jesus while they’re getting dinner ready or in the car on the way to visit family.”

For the team, one of the most satisfying parts of preparing for the Christmas show is coming up with creative ways to effectively communicate God’s love incarnate to an audience of people who wouldn’t ordinarily spend any time thinking about it.

“We have to communicate with understanding and respect towards listeners who often have written off spirituality,” says Erin, who has been in admin and production roles for the last 20 years. 

“We are there to help remove those boulders and enable them to see God and faith in a new light.”

In recognition of the delicate balance we’re trying to strike, the CBA team has been hard at work creating a dynamic mix of shows that blend the profound with the playful.

Sam, who is delaying his trip home to Dunedin to take part in his third Christmas show, gives a sneak peek: “There is another high energy and hair-brained kids show in development, a good mix of meaningful and silly talkback topics and plenty of big names.

“We’re aiming to end this year’s broadcast knowing we made people laugh, think, and listen to both new and old stories, ideas and music that capture something of the true Christmas message.”

And there’s even a quirky, knowledge-packed show called No Such Thing as Fishmas, where four team members share the strangest and most delightful Christmas facts they can find.

“I hope it gives listeners a few belly-laughs!” says Mick, a veteran creative producer. “Whether someone tunes in for a whole show, or just half an hour, we want this broadcast to bring joy and levity, and provide space for those more sincere conversations.”

As far as we know, the opportunity for Christians to broadcast on the nation’s leading commercial radio network is unique in the world. It’s a remarkable opportunity and one we thank God for each year.

This wonderful team of talented people, ready to creatively reach hundreds of thousands of listeners with the true story of the birth of Jesus, is made possible only because of the generosity of supporters.

It is thanks to you that we are on the airwaves sharing the love, joy, hope and peace of God from your home to our listeners. We are so grateful! •