Clergymen have nearly clinched a deal with the Bermuda Broadcasting Company to launch the venture.

"We are in the final stages of negotiations,'' said the Rev. Jack Steinhoff, pastor of Paget Christian Assembly.

"We hope to have something finalised by January, and be on the air by then.'' The plan is for a 24-hour Christian broadcast throughout the week.

It would feature Christian music, preaching, and programmes for families and youths, said Rev. Steinhoff.

"We want to try to put as much variety as possible into the programming. We also want a news broadcast for the churches. This would relay what is going on in the churches, so we can serve the Christian community as best we can.'' The precise format for the station, however, is not yet known.

Helping Rev. Steinhoff with the project is the Rev. Charles Fubler, minister of Church of God of Prophecy in Pembroke.

Other Christians from a variety of denominations are also involved.

The group has now applied to set up a company, Covenant Broadcasting Network Ltd.

It would be a charitable company, dependant on contributions from listeners.

"We will also have sponsorship for the programmes, and hope that local churches will buy time.'' Rev. Steinhoff said market research had not been carried out for the proposed station.

But he had no doubt it was needed in Bermuda.

"We feel it is a necessity. We want a station for Bermudians,'' stressed Rev.

Steinhoff.

He added: "We have two people in mind to operate the station. They are both involved in radio and are Christians.''