98.7 DZFE METRO MANILA

98.7 DZFE has been fostering a joint appreciation of classical music and biblical precepts since 1954.

DZFE was the second radio station established by American missionaries, who founded the first station (DZAS) of Far East Broadcasting Company in 1948. FEBC’s mission of bringing “Christ to the World by Radio” was first directed toward China. However, in 1954, FEBC stepped forward to answer a government bid for the establishment of a classical music station.

On 1 June 1954, DZFE marked its inaugural broadcast, signing on at 6PM for an evening of Strauss II, Rimsky-Korsakov, Filipino musical (My Nipa Hut), and Bach motets and chorales, before signing off at 8PM.

DZFE continued its association with classical music into the age of FM radio in the 1970s. Following the government restriction to one AM station per network, FEBC took DZFE off air, but soon resurrected it —this time on FM— in response to appeals from the public.

Recent Challenges

In 1997, DZFE decided to move closer to its listeners by transferring out of the FEBC Compound in Karuhatan, Valenzuela, to Makati City.

The new millennium brought a new set of challenges. The withdrawal of foreign subsidies following 9/11, in addition to other fiscal difficulties, spurred a decision to reduce the broadcast by 40% in 2003. (We have had to resort periodically to this self-preserving measure: In 1976, DZFE cut broadcast to a mere six hours, from 4PM to midnight. In 1986, DZFE was off the air from noon to 6PM.)

In 2005, owing to the proliferation of tall buildings around our Makati antenna, DZFE transferred its transmitting facilities to a leased site in Antipolo. We also downgraded from 20kW to a leased 5kW transmitter to control power costs.

Renaissance

A new dawn of sorts began in 2006 when we reclaimed 10 hours of our broadcast week, restoring quality programming to our 10PM to midnight block.

The prevailing concern since then has been to regain our signal strength. We are currently engaged in an initiative to purchase a new transmitter and antenna.

At the same time, work is in progress to build capacity that will sustain a return to our fullest schedule of 18 hours, daily, of quality classical music and Christian values programming. DZFE returned to an 18-hour, Monday to Saturday broadcast this 09 June 2008.

bx hours Mon-Sat 600 2400

format Classical music
Biblical commentary and reflection

DZFE is the Metro Manila FM station of Far East Broadcasting Company, which exists to bring Christ to the world by radio. In 1954, when the government offered networks a classical music station license, FEBC stepped forward to accept the offer.

DZFE's joint advancement of classical music and biblical spirituality wells up from a more general concern for the nurture of the humanities and the desire to bring the Word and presence of Christ into these critical disciplines.

Our special concern for classical music is supported by the conviction that formal music, especially as it flourished in the West between the 16th and early 20th centuries, was the fruit of an exceptional and gracious visitation of Christ's glorious creativity upon humanity.

The broadcast is the expression of our belief that this music and its continuing tradition attain their fullness in the riches of Christ and the revelatory, philanthropic, and redemptive purposes of God's Kingdom.

In short, it is our surpassing desire that art (its execution and appreciation) be done—consummately, creatively, and lovingly done—not merely for art’s sake, but for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

enterprise               Non-commercial
                                Non-stock, non-profit

Since its inception, DZFE has been sustained on donations from supporters of both FEBC and DZFE. Despite the challenges of this mode of operation, we believe that it best allows us to preserve the integrity of our message and format.

power                      5,000 watts

transmitting site     Progressive Compound
                                Crestview Subdivision,
                                Bgy. San Roque, Antipolo City

FROM YOU, OUR LISTENERS

AUGUST 2008

I love classical and jazz. I listen to the Master’s Touch everyday. It’s refreshing to tune in to your station. Please keep it up. I’m a 13-year-old high school student in Manila. I play the piano and recorder and am dying to learn the violin and flute. 98.7 DZFE refreshes my hope and dream of becoming a musician. Man can make such beautiful music… I can’t wait to hear heavenly music… must be really beautiful.

Oh, I wanted to know if you still have your story-telling of some sort, like the one before, Little Women. I’d really appreciate it if you do more of those. There are many other people requesting such things and there are so many listeners who have their own taste, so I will understand if my request can’t be done. You guys
must be really busy! Thank you and God bless! Female, 13 y.o..
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God knows how grateful I am for the music and inspiration. Nakatagpo ako ng kaibigan sa station nyo. On this station, I find the assurance of hope and encouragement. Female
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Just want to congratulate you on the great work you’re doing… the station has really ‘evolved’! The Varese on Russell Brandon’s show, the bluegrass “Death by Fiddle” on The Good Measure… “A Different Perspective” with Bernie Dymet is also wonderful and in a perfect time slot… The San Francisco Symphony show, “Nightlights”… Classics for Kids… Harmonia… I can’t think right now… too wonderful and overwhelming! Unbelievable too!

Bravo (sound effects: wild clapping, foot stomping, whistling, etc!) Keep up the great work! Male, 40s
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I just want to appreciate this radio station. The music is refreshing and soothing. I’m a sort of loner and never wanted loud and noisy songs. Then I found your station. To Tiffany Liong, Bert Robledo, CCF Alabang, Ptr. Peter Tanchi, Eric Maliwat and the few more I remember hosting… Thank you… I’ll be one of your prayer partners to reach many for Him. Male
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JULY 2008

I have been a listener since I was 14 years old. I joined your contests and won a prize or two. I was studying piano at that time and it helped me learn my pieces better. Thirty-three years later, and I am still listening to the Master’s Touch. I have introduced your station to my kids and I hope they pass it on to their kids too.

Congratulations on your partnerships with different programs abroad. I also love your local offerings. Listening to popular Philippine folk music made me teary eyed. I look forward to Classics for Kids. (I am certainly not a kid, but I really, really enjoy Ms. Lewin’s program! It’s light, entertaining and educational.)

Keep up the good work. I continue to pray for all of you! Female, 47 y.o.
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Pax et bonum! I’ve been a listener of DZFE since freshman high school (18 years ago!). I entered religious formation as a friar. I am very thankful you are still on air with the same quality, zeal and spirit.

Your station is doing a lot to spread the Good News of the Lord and help souls live and grow as Christians even in their humblest and most ordinary moment. Despite our different sects, I keep you in my prayers. Good Christian work is not defined only by nuances of theology and faith, but in the concrete fruits of prayer which we find in our relationships with each other. I pray for your holy perseverance in God’s vineyard. Male, 40s
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I am a regular listener of your station, especially in the evenings when I study for my quizzes. I am a Third Year BS Biology major at UST. Because I like what I get during weekdays, I continue to tune in on the weekends. It also makes me closer to God with the stories I hear. Female, 18 y.o.___________________________________________

Hi DZFE! I’m practically tuned in during your entire broadcast each day. I’m reviewing for the Bar Exams and your words and music inspire me and keep me going. Female _______________________________________________
Listening to the Master’s Touch helps me unwind and relax whenever my work gets toxic. Thank you for playing these wonderful pieces! Female_________________________________________

Your great music feeds the mind of my one-year-old baby boy awake or asleep and inspires me to purse my dream to be a classical singer. Thank you! Female

*For program schedule just see catalog