Christian radio
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Christian radio is a radio format that focuses on transmitting programming with a Christian message. Many such broadcasters play popular music of Christian influence, though many programs have talk or news programming covering associated topics that can have a political angle to them. Many Christian radio stations are commercial in nature, and select music in a manner intended to increase profitability of advertisers, thereby increasing the value of the station's advertising, and the station's profits. Other Christian radio stations are supported by listeners, or by Christian organizations or institutions.
Christian music radio outlets mirror commercial radio in many ways, and music in a variety of different genres is available. Many stations play primarily gospel music or worship music, while others play all formats of contemporary Christian music including rock and roll, pop, rap, country, and alternative. Many artists within the Christian music industry criticize Christian radio for only playing "safe" music, and not taking enough chances on new artists or, in some cases, older artists, that may not be as appealing to the largely conservative Gospel Music Association.
Many Christian radio stations have a mission to encourage their listeners in their faith through encouraging music and teaching, and through supporting ministry events within their listening area.
Popular artists on Christian radio include Third Day, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Mercy Me, Steven Curtis Chapman, Carman, Sandi Patty , Relient K, Switchfoot, and Taylor Hicks.
Most Christian radio stations as well as programmers are members of the National Religious Broadcasters organization. There are reportedly 1,600 different Christian broadcasting organizations in the United States, ranging from single stations to expansive networks. It is a common practice for religious broadcasters to purchase many small broadcast translators to create large networks that stretch across large regions.
A notable, but not unique (except in its longevity), example of Christian radio drama is Unshackled!. An example of an inspirational program is Moments of Melody [1].
[edit] Notable Christian Radio Broadcasts
- Dr. J. Vernon McGee "Thru the Bible"
- "The Believer's Voice of Victory"
- "The Christian-Jew Hour"
- "Unshackled"
- "The Old Time Gospel Hour"
[edit] See also
- Religious broadcasting - information on UK-based Christian TV & Radio, as well as overview of US-based networks.
- Christian television
- Category:Christian radio stations
- Christian radio stations in Canada
[edit] External links
- [http://www.HeadzUphiphop.com/radio.htm - #1 Christian Hip-Hop 24/7 mixtape format radio station.
- Christian Rock Radio David Carlascio's hit FreeWeb rock radio station.
- Christian Music Monthly Mark Weber, Christian music expert, from Christian Music Monthly, speaks on ThePraiseHouse.com global gospel webcast three times a week
- OnTime Christian Radio
- Christian30 Countdown Collection of "radio" skits, which are distributed as podcasts.
- ChristianTuner.com
- radioJesus.com Large collections of Christian talk radio programs
- CrosswalkPlus Radio
- Christian Songwriter's Network (listing of Christian stations accepting demo submissions)
- Cross Rhythms Radio
- GRF Christian Radio - Sony-Award winning producers based in Glasgow, Scotland
- Online Christian radio stations Dozens of online Christian radio stations of all genres
- Premier Christian Radio, London and south-east England
- Revival FM, Christian community radio from Scotland
- UCB - United Christian Broadcasters (UK)
- United Christian Broadcasters International
- XMusicOnline.Com - Positive Rock Radio
- WikiChristian - Christian radio
- HisAir.Net The Christian Radio Homepage
- One Love Studios Global Outreach-Hope Street
- World Harvest Radio International