March 26, 2017, is a landmark anniversary for Dr. James Dobson: 40 years in broadcasting. For the past four decades, he has been a leading advocate for the institution of the family. His primary objective has been strengthening marriage and parenting through psychologically sound, biblically-based counsel. He has also labored through these 40 years to advance and defend righteousness in the culture.
Dr. Dobson earned his Ph.D. in child development and research design from the University of Southern California. He became an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at USC’s Keck School of Medicine, where he served for 14 years. He also served for 17 years on the attending staff of the prestigious Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles in the divisions of child development and medical genetics. His great love for research could have continued for many more years, however, he was alarmed by the rapid deterioration of the family and felt he should devote himself to its preservation.
Dr. Dobson decided to resign from academia and open a humble, two-room office in Arcadia, California, where he began a radio program on 34 Christian stations. It began on March 26, 1977. His program was eventually carried on 7,000 stations in 150 countries, and was heard by 220 million people a day.
James Dobson has always been unique and in many ways, his ministry has been unprecedented. As a son, grandson and great-grandson of ministers, Dobson has built his career outside of the pulpit but still in Christian ministry. After leading Focus on the Family for more than 30 years, he left the organization he founded and started a new one the following day. Its flagship is a broadcast called “Family Talk,” which is carried on 1,300 outlets Monday through Friday each week.
Throughout Dr. Dobson’s long and storied career, The New York Times referred to him as “The most influential evangelical leader in the country.” He has advised five U.S. presidents, beginning with Ronald Reagan in 1984. He’s also been a prolific creator of helpful material, having written over 30 books; publishes hundreds of articles, films and video series; and produced more than 8,000 radio broadcasts. His voice is unmatched in Christendom the world over.
In honor of Dr. Dobson’s 40th anniversary in broadcasting, Family Talk is launching the ambitious and highly anticipated Dobson Digital Library (DDL). This project brings four decades of tried-and-true, family centered content to a new generation.
“Cataloging, organizing and digitizing four decades worth of content was no small undertaking,” states Family Talk’s chief operating officer, Michael Tomlinson. “But the demand for his advice remains so overwhelming that it was something we had to do. We also wanted to ensure that the final product was freely available and accessible, all in one easy-to-search site online. And we’ve accomplished just that.”
Dr. Dobson is optimistic about the future of Family Talk. “After 40 years in broadcasting, we’re still looking forward. So many new parents are hungry for proven and practical tools and insights that are rooted in Scripture to help raise their children in a healthy and godly environment. The digital library is quite possibly the most important project we’ve undertaken, and that’s why we’ve offered it free to families and ministries everywhere. I’m so grateful to the amazing team here at Family Talk for their tireless efforts and also for the generous and faithful support of our donors who’ve made this tool a reality. I pray the Dobson Digital Library will be a blessing to today’s parents, and to many generations to come.” {eoa}
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