Topic summary

Christian radio

Christian radio

Category of radio formats Christian radio refers to Christian media radio formats that focus on Christian religious broadcasting or various forms of Christian music. Many such formats and programs include contemporary Christian music, gospel music, sermons, radio dramas, as well as news and talk shows covering popular culture, economics, and political topics from a Christian perspective. History American evangelicalism In the first part of the 20th century, American revivalists saw radio as a tool for spreading the gospel. Christian radio pioneers included Aimee Semple McPherson, D. L. Moody, Charles E. Fuller, Donald Barnhouse, Walter A. Maier, Paul Rader, Lightfoot Solomon Michaux, and Percy Crawford. In addition to preaching and sermons, other content such as news, children's programs, and gospel music were broadcast. Scholar Leah Payne states "In the 1920s, [Christian] broadcasters featured gospel quartets and trios who upheld the traditional social order and contrasted with images of 'bright young things' and flappers." Patriotism during the World Wars, teetotalism, and youth ministry were also common topics, and American celebrity culture spread to Christian radio, making cel