The Light DFW
Written by Cam Pak
When a radio station submitted their story for the faith.tools newsletter, I began to fear about what y’all would think about it. It’s not a Bible app or a shiny new prayer app. Radio is very popular, but it’s also an older technology.
But after hearing the story of The Light DFW, I realized something…
There will be many methods of technology that God uses to reach the hearts of people. I grew up listening to Christian radio and didn’t think much of it, but years later down the road I can see how that music spoke life and truth into my core.
Here’s a story about one radio station that found new life after loss, bringing a community back together and proving that even when something cherished ends, God can spark a beginning that’s even brighter and more hopeful than before.
So, what is The Light DFW?
We love to call The Light DFW app a “free radio” because we’re a streaming radio station. For us, every download is a new listener who can take the radio station everywhere they go.
The Light is a brand‑new station, streaming‑only, and safe for work; radio like you’ve never heard it before.
Our playlist is unique—Christian hits from the ’90s and today, specifically for Dallas–Fort Worth listeners. Christian music for the other days of the week.
We are North Texas’ only commercial Christian music media and our 30‑person local team includes the founders and talent behind KLTY. The Light delivers the highest‑fidelity audio and the greatest customers of any radio station in DFW.
What’s the origin story?
When KLTY, the beloved commercial Christian music station in Dallas-Fort Worth, went off the air, listeners and the entire staff community felt a true sense of loss.
Out of that ending, something new started.
The loss pulled our CEO, Marcos Rodriguez, out of retirement. Marcos, who started the original KLTY in the 1980s and was one of the first to see both the commercial value of serving a Christian audience with all-music and the opportunity to “build a great radio station” first and foremost.
He reached out to his old friends Larry Thompson and Jon Rivers, and quickly the idea took off. Word went out to the wider KLTY alumni: “I’m getting the band back together! Will you get on the bus with us?”
Our answer was The Light, a newly born streaming station built to fill the gap that KLTY left behind.
The name itself came from an old slogan and domain held since the 90s: Turn On The Light.
Every aspect of the project was personal, and powered by friendships.
Talk about a challenge you faced
Launching The Light was full of unknowns.
Would our core audience—the “35 and up” crowd—switch to digital streaming?
Who, if anyone, would advertise?
Would advertisers even see the value in supporting a brand new station?
We pushed ahead, focusing on moving forward just a little every day. Celebrating small wins kept us going for each new listener and advertiser.
Progress is powerful when you remember to notice it.
Where have you seen God’s hand in this?
There were moments along the way that truly felt miraculous.
When thirty former KLTY team members stepped up and immediately said “I’m in,” it cemented the sense of love amongst the team..
From launching quicker and easier than expected to the timely connections and enthusiastic reunions, it became undeniable.
What advice do you have for other believers who feel called to start something?
Stay focused. Pursue a narrow, passionate audience, and serve them with everything you have.
Don’t worry if your idea feels “too niche.”
Shameless plug. What’s good?
Listen to The Light DFWIf you’re looking for a fresh soundtrack for your life, tune in to The Light.
The Light DFW is just one of a growing collection of 580+ apps and tools for Christians on faith.tools.
