Christian Radio

Religious programming has been on the airwaves since broadcasting began, but today it is one of the fastest growing categories in radio. This book examines the progression of Christian radio from its beginnings on tiny local stations (like WCAL from St. Olaf’s College in Minnesota) to its presence on network and satellite radio of today. The author notes the factors that brought Christian music into the mainstream and discusses how network policies and regulations affected the development of Christian radio. Also considered are the changing demographics that have contributed to the success of Christian broadcasting. Major Christian networks and their evangelical missions are discussed, along with such programs A Money Minute, Life on the Edge and Focus on the Family, which offer practical topical advice for today’s Christian. The final chapter considers the future of Christian radio.

Bob Lochte is a professor at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky.

Bob Lochte
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 222
Bibliographic Info: tables, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2006
pISBN: 978-0-7864-2239-5
eISBN: 978-1-4766-0938-6
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments: Let Us Give Thanks      ix

Preface: Preachers and Politicians Pay Cash Upfront      1

1. In the Beginning      7

2. Sowing the Seeds      17

3. Jesus Christ Superstar      40

4. Advancing the Cause of Christ—The Moody Broadcasting Network      66

5. The Undisputed Leader—Salem Communications      79

6. Tired of Cursing the Darkness—American Family Radio      98

7. It’s All about the Music—K-LOVE and WAY-FM      114

8. In the Wilderness—Heartland Radio Ministries, Joy 89.3, and WTMV      131

9. Sprouting the Seeds      146

10. A Bountiful Harvest      165

11. Revelations      180

Chapter Notes      193

Bibliography      201

Index      205

“valuable”—SPERDVAC Radiogram; “Lochte has clearly done his research on this fascinating topic…a valuable addition…highly recommended”—Jefferson Post, (NC).