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Winnipeg, Man.
MB engineer affects radio round the world



In June, Neil Klassen of Winnipeg concluded a lifetime as recording engineer in Christian broadcasting. Dave Balzer, co-host of the CJOB radio program “GodTalk”, claims, “Neil has changed the landscape of gospel broadcasting literally around the globe.”

Klassen’s work spans the history of Family Life Network, a multi-cultural communications agency supported by Mennonite Brethren. From one local English program, Klassen’s work grew to recording programs that circle the globe in seven languages.

Recording technicians from India and Ukraine have come to Winnipeg to be trained under Klassen. He has mentored novice radio producers of various cultures such as Viktor Hamm of Russia, now a renowned evangelist with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Ernesto Pinto, whose Spanish programs are heard by millions all over Latin America, says, “One of the things I really appreciate about Neil is that he is willing to listen – his openness to other cultures has really encouraged me.”

At age 14, Klassen sat in on a live Gospel Light Hour broadcast in the CKY studios, and was fascinated. At age 17, he began recording radio broadcasts as a volunteer for the Gospel Light Hour, later named MB Communications (now Family Life Network). Early recordings were done in a creaky, wooden church building in Winnipeg’s inner city.

After studies, Klassen worked some years for southern Manitoba’s radio CFAM and then pursued a promising career with CBC television. In 1965, when asked to work full-time with FLN, he says, “I knew I would lose two-thirds of my salary with absolutely no security.” But he chose to couple his dreams with his faith. “I have no regrets” he says. He’s grateful that his wife Charlotte and their two sons offered unstinting support through the years.

A gifted communicator, Klassen also served as executive director of the agency at two separate times for a total of 10 years. His expertise and enterprising spirit have kept FLN on the cutting edge of technology, committed to top-quality productions.

Delbert Enns, current executive director of FLN states, “ It was Neil who had the vision to construct the building we’re in today – state-of-the-art studios and production centres.”

During the 1980s, Klassen was marketing director for the MRTC, the North American inter-Mennonite radio and television commission. Klassen dedicated a study leave to formal courses on communication. Lorlie Barkman, former producer of the TV series “The Third Story” says, “At the time, the church was trying to get on board with an understanding of how to use media to communicate. Neil was highly respected, the one others looked to for direction.”

Klassen has mixed and mastered programs in Arabic, Russian, Ukrainian, High and Low German, Spanish and English. Does he have any idea how many programs he’s put together? “No,” he says, “but I’d wager I’m the most preached at guy in the world – it’s been many thousands.”

 – FLN release

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Last modified January 30, 2001.

© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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