History of World Pulse Festival

In 1986, WHME-FM 103.1 celebrated its nineteenth birthday by hosting a free concert on the LeSEA Broadcasting station grounds in South Bend, Indiana. The event’s purpose was to show WHME-FM listeners the station’s appreciation for their support.  Due to the success of the first event, it was decided to host the “birthday party” annually.

On December 9th, 1996 the positive Christian music heard on WHME-FM 103.1 was given a new home on Pulse FM 96.9.  As the festival grew, so did the impact of where the festival was broadcast. In 1998 the title was changed from Pulse “Birthday Party” to “World Pulse Festival” due to the addition of the festival to TV in the US and shortwave overseas. Audio from the entire festival day was aired live around the world via shortwave and a live two-hour television segment was produced to air across the LeSEA network of stations in the US, adding two more elements to the festival’s growing list of traditions.

By 2000, the festival had become one of the largest free one-day Christian music festivals in the Midwest with attendance numbers between 40,000 and 60,000.  Finally by 2003, World Pulse Festival was being viewed from around the world through LeSEA Broadcasting’s two international TV satellite stations, Far East TV and Middle East TV.  The stations were able to carry a two-hour portion of the festival live allowing for TV viewers in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australia to experience World Pulse Festival.

Due to its unique mix of considerable attendance numbers and viewing capabilities from around the world, World Pulse Festival has grown into a large event attended by thousands of people and attracts the biggest names in the Christian music business. “To think that from South Bend, IN, World Pulse Festival can reach over 50,000 on our grounds plus 144,000 at our Pulse FM web site, and thousands- maybe millions- more over the TV affiliate network is humbling.  The World Pulse Festival is a huge glorification to Christ.” Peter Sumrall, President of LeSEA Broadcasting.

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