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About Us

About Us

Our Mission & Calling

As Christians, we are called to serve. CSN International, Inc. was a dream that became a reality wrought from the dedication of one man with a God-given vision to serve fellow believers and reach those still in darkness. Out of that vision, CSN Radio® was born, and God’s Word began to flow through the airwaves. From the beginning until now, CSN Radio® has continued to grow through the financial support of our listeners and the blessings of God.

Paul wrote in Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good, and acceptable and perfect will of God.” In this era of mass media, the danger of being drawn in by earthly desires is strong. As in Paul’s day, we too are living in the world—Satan’s domain—and it remains a challenge to avoid being influenced by the secular teachings around us. Our very homes, once a sanctuary, are under attack as the enemy uses technology to infiltrate them with destructive ideas, images, and words.

CSN Radio® exists with one mission: “Where God’s Word is Heard.” We are steadfast in airing 24/7 Uncompromised Bible Teaching and Christian programming that is Sounding the Truth – Strengthening Your Faith. Our calling is the feeding of God’s sheep as instructed in His Word.

Our Beginnings

CSN International, Inc., operating as CSN Radio®, was founded by Pastor Mike Kestler. The ministry’s origins trace back to April 3, 1988, when KAWZ began broadcasting from Twin Falls, Idaho, on Easter Sunday.

On April 26, 1995, CSN Radio® launched its national Christian radio broadcast via satellite from KAWZ. The first satellite-fed translator began operating in Yucca Valley, California, and within six months, dozens of translators were on the air across the nation.

Originally known as the Calvary Satellite Network, the ministry expanded rapidly. By 1999, CSN Radio® operated 153 stations and translators, and by 2004, approximately 400. In 2007, an agreement with Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa resulted in 

CSN Radio® retaining 424 of the network’s 457 stations and translators, while transitioning away from the Calvary Chapel branding to become CSN Radio®.


Programming: An On-Air Seminary

CSN Radio® delivers 24/7 Uncompromised Bible Teaching and Christian programming, committed to Sounding the Truth – Strengthening Your Faith. Through a carefully vetted lineup of trusted ministries, CSN Radio® serves as a trusted on-air seminary, equipping believers with sound Biblical teaching while also providing programs that address the challenges of daily Christian living.

While much of our network is dedicated to verse-by-verse Bible teaching from nationally recognized pastors and teachers, CSN Radio® also airs programs that focus on issues of faith, family, and freedom from a Biblical worldview. These shows help Christians apply God’s Word to real life, offering encouragement, guidance, and clarity.

Bible Teaching & Preaching

  • Turning Point – Dr. David Jeremiah

  • A New Beginning – Greg Laurie

  • Love Worth Finding – Adrian Rogers

  • In Touch – Dr. Charles Stanley

  • Truth For Life – Alistair Begg

  • Pathway to Victory – Dr. Robert Jeffress

  • Thru the Bible – Dr. J. Vernon McGee

  • Real Life Radio – Jack Hibbs

  • Connect – Skip Heitzig

  • Allen Jackson Ministries – Allen Jackson

  • It’s Time / To Every Man an Answer – Pastor Mike Kestler

  • …and many more.

Faith, Family, and Freedom

  • Stand in the Gap Radio – Commentary on current events and culture from a Biblical and Constitutional worldview.

  • Family Talk with Dr. James Dobson – Defending Biblical family values and guiding Christian families through today’s challenges.

  • Financial Issues Stewardship Ministries (FISM) – Equipping believers to manage God’s resources faithfully according to Biblical principles.

  • The Dacus Report – Religious freedom and legal updates, equipping Christians to live out their faith boldly in a hostile culture.

  • On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse – Stories from the frontlines of global ministry, showing God’s love in action through disaster relief, medical aid, and more.

Together, these ministries provide verse-by-verse Bible teaching, cultural commentary, family discipleship, Biblical counsel, and encouragement for daily Christian living. This mix of uncompromised Bible teaching and issue-focused programming reflects CSN Radio®’s unwavering mission: 24/7 Uncompromised Bible Teaching and Christian programming, Sounding the Truth – Strengthening Your Faith.

For a full list of programs, see the Program Schedule at CSNradio.com.

Growth and Expansion

From humble beginnings, CSN Radio® has grown into one of the largest Christian teaching radio networks in the United States.

  • 1990s Expansion: After its 1995 national satellite launch, CSN Radio® quickly grew to over 150 translators by 1999.

  • 2000s Milestones: By 2004, the network expanded to about 400 outlets, with a major consolidation in 2007 that gave CSN Radio® stewardship of 424 stations.

  • 2020s Expansion: From April 2021 through July 2025, CSN Radio® added 44 new stations across the United States, including in Arizona, Washington, Montana, California, Idaho, Nebraska, Kansas, Arkansas, Illinois, Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi, New York, Tennessee, Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, and Vermont .

As of August 2025, CSN Radio® operates 407 stations—including 58 full-power stations and 349 translators—across 44 states, reaching approximately 110 million people, or about one-third of the U.S. population.

International Growth

On August 1, 2023, CSN Radio® launched its first overseas station in New Zealand, now broadcasting in Nelson/Richmond, Motueka, and Blenheim.

Who We Reach

  • Nationwide Footprint: Over 400 stations across 44 states, with three-quarters of our stations west of the Mississippi. California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Texas, Georgia, and Arizona are among our largest concentrations.

  • Audience Impact: CSN Radio® reaches nearly one-third of the U.S. population with Biblical teaching daily. Research confirms that Christian radio listeners are loyal, committed, and deeply shaped by the teaching they receive.

Sister Network: Effect Radio®

In addition to CSN Radio®, the ministry operates Effect Radio®, a sister network focused on Christian rock music. Effect Radio® broadcasts nationally via satellite and online streaming, and currently operates 69 stations across the United States.