Southwest Florida may have more sand than snow, but it is once again the connection to home for US troops stationed all around the world for Christmas 2009.Randy Sherwyn, Program Director for Beasley Broadcast’s WJPT-FM “Sunny 106” and its HD2 “Solid Gold 106,” will host the 10th annual “Christmas Across the Lands,” a 12-hour radio Christmas show that airs mainly on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in markets across the globe.
Originating a decade ago as a heartfelt gift and tribute to our troops stationed overseas, as well as a holiday companion for all, “Christmas Across the Lands” is written, produced, and hosted by Sherwyn. With Beasley Broadcast since 1991, Sherwyn updates and freshens the show every year, and once again “Christmas Across the Lands” for 2009 is a total rewrite.
With the support of the American Forces Network-Radio (AFN Radio), “Christmas Across the Lands” has become an annual signature event for troops stationed overseas and for ships at sea during the Holiday Season. The Canadian Forces Network/Europe (CFN) also airs the show across Europe and NATO HQ. This year the show will be heard by military personnel stationed in over 175 countries around the globe.
“Thank you for all you do for our troops away from home during the holidays,” said Jef Reilly, Director, American Forces Radio Network, in a letter to Sherwyn. “It’s one of those old-school Christmas shows that really brings warmth and memories – It’s certainly one we look forward to airing every year and I know our service-members and their families appreciate the excellent production, immortal stories and classic songs,” he wrote.
Additionally, the show will air nationwide and in international territories including Canada, West Indies, Cayman Islands, New Zealand, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Ireland, the Philippines and the US Virgin Islands. In Sherwyn’s home base, “Christmas Across the Lands” will be broadcast on Beasley’s WXKB-FM and WJPT-FM Ft. Myers-Naples and streamed on their websites.
“We all need what Randy’s created – a comforting message of hope and peace. We’re thankful to Randy for this opportunity to entertain the brave men and women serving our country in such a meaningful way,” said Beasley Southwest Florida Market Manager, Brad Beasley.
