This past week I listened to a podcast where the hosts of a Southern California radio show were interviewing the producer of a Midwest radio show. The producer commented that the demographic for Christian radio is a 65-year-old woman female. At first I was shocked, but after thinking on it, the truth was obvious based on my experience.
Here in eastern Iowa, there is a Christian radio station to which my family listens only because it is the only such station that can be received in our house. I have long objected to the programming as being largely frivolous and inane, because its continuing message is "Feel good about us," "We're family-friendly," "We are the pivotal tool in bringing people to God," and other sentimental slogans. Now, I do not mind any of the messages the station shares, but I can get all that from listening to the local classical and jazz music stations. For solid information on current events, I turn to talk radio.
What is the purpose for this or any other Christian radio station? What should separate it from any other genre? To answer these a goal must be determined. If the intent is to pander to the lowest common denominator, as is happening with the example station now, the final effect will be listeners who have positive feelings about good deeds delivered with a hint of Christian slang, but nothing about Christ and him crucified will be communicated. On the other hand, if the goal is to build Christians in the faith once for all delivered to the saints, I give some helpful suggestions.
Music
Arrangements and instrumentation are largely a matter of taste, but content is king. I do not say that songs talking about losing keys or imagining certain cartoon characters praising the Lord are wrong. We can appreciate them for what they are. My hackles get raised when supposedly praise and worship songs speak more of me than the Savior; or when the song can be sung to my spouse by changing only one or two words. Get rid of those, and I am happy.
Teaching
Programming with solid exposition should be available. I do not mean programs for self-help or understanding how to have my best life, rather solid Bible teaching, apologetics, and practical application to current events. Programs such as Stand to Reason, White Horse Inn, and Issues, Etc. are but a few of many that could form a solid base.
Events
Community events are important and should be promoted even if the station is not the main promoter. Make it known.
Advertising
Feel free to have fundraisers, do not tell people that mentioning a certain company is just sharing that the proprietors are donating to the station. Call it what it is—advertising. If budget will not be made because you are sending the station manager and spouse on a trip to Israel or a cruise, cut the trip. Do not continually come back asking for more through the year. If there is a legitimate emergency, make it known. The Lord's people will cover it.
This post has gone somewhat afield from where it began, but Christian radio and programming in my part of the country needs serious help, and I can guarantee others do, also.
Here in eastern Iowa, there is a Christian radio station to which my family listens only because it is the only such station that can be received in our house. I have long objected to the programming as being largely frivolous and inane, because its continuing message is "Feel good about us," "We're family-friendly," "We are the pivotal tool in bringing people to God," and other sentimental slogans. Now, I do not mind any of the messages the station shares, but I can get all that from listening to the local classical and jazz music stations. For solid information on current events, I turn to talk radio.
What is the purpose for this or any other Christian radio station? What should separate it from any other genre? To answer these a goal must be determined. If the intent is to pander to the lowest common denominator, as is happening with the example station now, the final effect will be listeners who have positive feelings about good deeds delivered with a hint of Christian slang, but nothing about Christ and him crucified will be communicated. On the other hand, if the goal is to build Christians in the faith once for all delivered to the saints, I give some helpful suggestions.
Music
Arrangements and instrumentation are largely a matter of taste, but content is king. I do not say that songs talking about losing keys or imagining certain cartoon characters praising the Lord are wrong. We can appreciate them for what they are. My hackles get raised when supposedly praise and worship songs speak more of me than the Savior; or when the song can be sung to my spouse by changing only one or two words. Get rid of those, and I am happy.
Teaching
Programming with solid exposition should be available. I do not mean programs for self-help or understanding how to have my best life, rather solid Bible teaching, apologetics, and practical application to current events. Programs such as Stand to Reason, White Horse Inn, and Issues, Etc. are but a few of many that could form a solid base.
Events
Community events are important and should be promoted even if the station is not the main promoter. Make it known.
Advertising
Feel free to have fundraisers, do not tell people that mentioning a certain company is just sharing that the proprietors are donating to the station. Call it what it is—advertising. If budget will not be made because you are sending the station manager and spouse on a trip to Israel or a cruise, cut the trip. Do not continually come back asking for more through the year. If there is a legitimate emergency, make it known. The Lord's people will cover it.
This post has gone somewhat afield from where it began, but Christian radio and programming in my part of the country needs serious help, and I can guarantee others do, also.
1 comment:
We got fed up with the local "Christian" radio years ago. What is ironic is that if we want to hear good Christian music, we tune in to heretic Harold Camping's station.
Christian radio stations used to have quite a lot of good teaching (Moody in Chicago was one we listened to often), but they seem to be taking on the market-driven mentality just like so many churches. Entertain, entertain. Amuse (which means, "no think")
They have become pointless.
Post a Comment