An open question on station formats...

[jorr]

***Begin Disclaimer***
This is not meant to cause a flame war, great strife, or give anyone a heart attack....
***End Disclaimer***

With all the recent changes, talks, messages about stations such as WHKC, WCVO, or any other religious broadcaster. I have come to wonder something. If there is even talk about a station having a Christian/religious viewpoint people seem to hit the roof and cry "how the airwaves should not be wasted". Why is this? Does not everyone have an equal opportunity to "serve the public interest" by coming up with the cash and running a station. When I flip around the dial, I certainly see plenty of other genres (Rock, News, Talk,Christan, Country, Country, Country). Although, if one (especially in the NCE band) station talks of going to a Christian format this message board absolutely lights up. The last time I checked, the commercial band is a nice 16 MHz wide, while the NCE band is only 4 MHz.

If you do not like what is on the station, do not listen. Personally, I have formats I like, and those I do not. Guess what... I do not listen to those I do not care for. If someone wants to buy/run a station, I say good luck and best wishes. Obviously, stations such as WUFM, WCVO, K-Love must have listeners, otherwise how could they survive? People never seem to complain near as much when another secular station comes to town.

Any time I read someone complaing that a Christian broadcaster is coming on a station. I think to myself, why did they not raise the capital to purchase the license, then they could put their 80s music on 24/7...

Again, this is not meant to begin a war. It is just an open ended question for all the radio junkies here in Columbus...

 

[Nu_Roo_2]

??????

The Columbus board actually seems to have one of the *largest* and most active groups of Christian format partisans that I've seen. Which is fine, BTW. Suggesting that everyone here complains about Christian stations, but not the seculars, is prepostertous. Are you actually reading the threads? I saw plenty of people here say they're glad WHKC switched to Christian (which should have been expected eventually given the name of the ownership entity). I don't count myself among that group, but they are 100% entitled to their opinion. And so am I, and the others who think there is already too much religious programming in this under-radioed market. Deal with it.

 

[jorr]

My message was meant not only for Columbus, but from the many markets I participate in. Radio is actually my line of work so yes, I am familiar with it. I am not suggesting that everyone complains about Christian formats, nor did I mean to say that they are the only ones complained about. While they were the larger basis of the message, I meant it across all formats. I am a fan of Christian and secular (some alot more than others) formats alike. I tend to listen to one more than others, but I do partake a broad number of stations within any given week.

Again, this is just something I have wondered after following, and reading, this board for along time. Your comment of "deal with it", was not quite the response I was looking for, but you like everyone are entitled to their opinions.

 

[KFodor]

It is the public airwaves, so everyone, including Christian broadcasters should have access to them.

However, we're seeing "religious organizations" filing applications for literally thousands of FM translators and LP-FM's all over the country. They're using their financial wherewithal to, in effect "hog" what it supposed to be a "local" radio service.

"Local Radio Service" means serving a locality with something other than piped in programming from a non-comm 65 to 100 miles away. By not providing real "local service" one can only come away with the idea that what is really sought after here...are more avenues for financial donations...not "serving the local community".

That's the problem I have with it.

 

[xmusicmatt]

"Local Radio Service" means serving a locality with something other than piped in programming from a non-comm 65 to 100 miles away. By not providing real "local service" one can only come away with the idea that what is really sought after here...are more avenues for financial donations...not "serving the local community".

That's the problem I have with it.

Jason,
I believe radio should be local, Christian or Mainstream. I also have problesm with the stations that out on say ABC Radio Networks or Dial Global 24/7 with nothing local but maybe some commericals... that's not serving the local community" either.

I think if terrestrial radio is to see a bright future we will see more folks go back to local radio. That's something satellite radio and ipods can't provide.

Im a big fan of WUFM, and WHKC (both are presets in my car) but I also listen to WNCI, WOSU-FM (when they have classical) and even listen to WCOL-FM and 107.1 wink.

While Columbus does have a lot of Christian themed stations, some could also say Columbus has to many Country or Rock stations too.. Radio is like any business as long as the $$$ is there and their able to continue to make the $$$ to stay on air we will continue to see Christian formats or 3 Country formats etc...

 

[AugC]

I agree with Mr. Roberts on his thoughts.....translators are A WASTE of spectrum....regardless of what is said.
lpfm's should be locally programmed...NO CRAP OFF THE BIRD AT ALL.

 

[enzytebob]

I agree with Mr. Roberts on his thoughts.....translators are A WASTE of spectrum....regardless of what is said.
lpfm's should be locally programmed...NO CRAP OFF THE BIRD AT ALL.

I also agree with Jason. Churches are generally businesses, IMO and as far as I'm concerned, it's a way to suck more money out of peoples' pockets and nothing more. (I know, I've been involved with several of them.) A waste of spectrum that could go to true community uses like what they are trying to do with that 102.1 signal. I don't see too many people operating community stations showing off their new 24k pinky rings -- but religious broadcasters seem to have a real fetish for them. Easy to do when you're using someone else's money confiscated through tithing and not accountable to anybody.

 

[SeanMGilbow]

Add to all that the one-sided nature of religious radio. And I speak as someone who was laid off in the wake of my station being "donated" to one of the longtime satellite religious radio operations, Family Stations based in Oakland, California.

Those of you familiar with me from my previous postings will understand why I bring up the following example:

Jason Warner was an up-and-coming contemporary Christian artist. That was until he came out.

You will be hard pressed to find a station with a contemporary Christian format who will perform Gospel songs by Jason and his partner, who perform as Jason & deMarco.

As the growing popularity of Barack Obama's unifying message is leading to primary victories in hard-core Southern states, it is becoming apparent that, just as news/talk stations featuring the likes of Rush and Hannity are cutting staffs and losing listeners in a vicious cycle (WTVN a perfect example since it has no local news after 6 p.m.), stations like WCVO will have to look into breaking away from any divisive religious programming and toward an ecumenical approach.

Falwell is dead, Robertson is "past it," and Dobson is fast becoming a blip on the radar screen as the nation's Christian population is moving toward acceptance and ecumenism. This movement is exemplified by the efforts of We Believe Ohio to keep our elections clean this year, as well as The Interfaith Alliance, headed by the Reverend Welton Gaddy, host of Air America's "State of Belief" heard on WVKO.

When Christian radio is dominated by the likes of the Reverend Welton Gaddy, not only can one expect those stations to become profitable but also that the operators would be good stewards of those profits to the benefit of the local community.

Granted, some of my posts in the past few days in the News/Talk area may indicate I am not the true example of Christianity, but even Jesus didn't sugar coat his term for the Pharisees of his day--hypocrites.

 

[dplantz]

Jason Warner was an up-and-coming contemporary Christian artist. That was until he came out.
You will be hard pressed to find a station with a contemporary Christian format who will perform Gospel songs by Jason and his partner, who perform as Jason & deMarco.

They're also not on CCM stations because they're not CCM artists (although you're probably right on the gay thing). They consider themselves "inspirational" and "spiritual" (they're own words). Evanescence and Mute Math saw themselves that way and either CCM gave them the boot or they left it. Personally, I'd love to hear a "spiritual" or "uplifting" format myself, but it's called an ipod.

As the growing popularity of Barack Obama's unifying message is leading to primary victories in hard-core Southern states, it is becoming apparent that, just as news/talk stations featuring the likes of Rush and Hannity are cutting staffs and losing listeners in a vicious cycle (WTVN a perfect example since it has no local news after 6 p.m.), stations like WCVO will have to look into breaking away from any divisive religious programming and toward an ecumenical approach.

That's a big stretch. The locals are cutting staff because the money is in the talk, not the local news. That's why they're now News/Talk WTVN instead of Newsradio WTVN. If Rush and Hannity were the problems, don't you think they'd dump them instead of their news staff? And you're saying CVO is divisive? Granted, I don't listen that often but it's mostly dull, U2 knockoffs posing as worship bands whenever I tune in...

Falwell is dead, Robertson is "past it," and Dobson is fast becoming a blip on the radar screen as the nation's Christian population is moving toward acceptance and ecumenism.

Falwell is dead, I'll give you that, but I think you're generalizing based on what you would like to see happen. Also, ecumenism has seen better days IMO. Most of the people on this board probably couldn't even tell you what it means. I'm like you man... I don't like the state of Christian radio but, I really think your predictions are assuming a lot.

 

[xianbroadcaster]

Wow...this is an interesting thread.

I am a theologically conservative Christian who thinks that most religious programming has less value than what the Pharisees were force feeding people in the Temple in the days of Christ...in other words...they are scared, hateful, controlling only looking to build their personal kingdom. Jesus has little to do with anything these people say or have said for years.

These people are like a person in the Bible who was a "follower" of Christ. This person thought everything would be solved through STRENGTH and getting the crowd to adhere to the ways of the Pharisees and even creating military might...sound familiar? The person I am speaking of is Judas, the betrayer of Christ.

Like the Betrayer of Christ, todays church is WAY OFF THE MARK and living in a way that is entirely counter to what the Bible teaches us of living a Christ-centered life.

The Bible is still the truth. Sin is sin. Homosexuality is clearly a sin but then again, so is overeating at the buffet after church so who is more capable to share the Gospel, a fat preacher or two gay singers?

So, which one of you wants to throw the first stone? What would Christ write about you in the sand if you were in the crowd dragging the adulteress woman to him? Would you still throw a stone or drop it and repent?

 

[SeanMGilbow]

A few counters to the last two posts:

1. If there were money in talk, Clear Channel would not have been undergoing layoffs en masse the last couple of years. Clear Channel, which markets Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and others still is having trouble going private. The sale has yet to completely close, and the stock has taken a nosedive.

2. John Whitehead of the Rutherford Institute and Jim Wallis of Sojourners had some insights on the decline of the Religious Right on this week's broadcast of "State of Belief" with the Reverend Welton Gaddy of the Interfaith Alliance. You can hear it at www.stateofbelief.com.

3. Xian...as one who has read the Bible from cover to cover, I will have to respectfully disagree with you on what it says about homosexuality, but that discussion will need to take place somewhere outside of this board.

 

[Nu_Roo_2]

Wow...this is an interesting thread.

I am a theologically conservative Christian who thinks that most religious programming has less value than what the Pharisees were force feeding people in the Temple in the days of Christ...in other words...they are scared, hateful, controlling only looking to build their personal kingdom. Jesus has little to do with anything these people say or have said for years.

These people are like a person in the Bible who was a "follower" of Christ. This person thought everything would be solved through STRENGTH and getting the crowd to adhere to the ways of the Pharisees and even creating military might...sound familiar? The person I am speaking of is Judas, the betrayer of Christ.

Like the Betrayer of Christ, todays church is WAY OFF THE MARK and living in a way that is entirely counter to what the Bible teaches us of living a Christ-centered life.

The Bible is still the truth. Sin is sin. Homosexuality is clearly a sin but then again, so is overeating at the buffet after church so who is more capable to share the Gospel, a fat preacher or two gay singers?

So, which one of you wants to throw the first stone? What would Christ write about you in the sand if you were in the crowd dragging the adulteress woman to him? Would you still throw a stone or drop it and repent?

Very interesting post (not that this thread hasn't had other excellent commentary, as well!). If all theological conservatives (and political conservatives and political liberals) similarly understood that deeply-committed needn't mean blindly and divisively judgmental, this country would be a much more harmonious place.

 

[xianbroadcaster]

...2. John Whitehead of the Rutherford Institute and Jim Wallis of Sojourners had some insights on the decline of the Religious Right on this week's broadcast of "State of Belief" with the Reverend Welton Gaddy of the Interfaith Alliance. You can hear it at www.stateofbelief.com.

Thanks for pointing it out, I will be sure to listen to it.

I love Jim Wallis, he and Tony Campollo are a couple of my "hero's"

3. Xian...as one who has read the Bible from cover to cover, I will have to respectfully disagree with you on what it says about homosexuality, but that discussion will need to take place somewhere outside of this board.

Sean: I get what you are saying and you are right, that I have asserted my own understanding, belief and conviction on this one...I know several people who interpret the biblical view of homosexuality differently...it is not as cut and dry as somebody saying something about Adam and Steve...right?

 

[radiogeek07]

My problem with some practices involving Christian Radio:
They are scouting the radio dial waiting for people to slip up simply ws they can get their hands on a new tour, not to make a situation right and promote positive thinking programming.
Tey, as others have explained, buy up properties, and turn them into a satelite opperation. Even The River is doing this now. I enjoy listening to contemporary Christian stations, but please, stick with local programming whenever possible. I'm very interested to see what happens if the FCC reinstitutes some of its local requirements like 24-hour staffing of radio stations. Bye Bye KLove.
Do I think these stations make a difference in people's lives? Yes. Do I think they should all be silenced? Absolutely not! But, improve on business practices and become a respectable truly Christian organization, and I can deal with you.

 

[del_griffith]

Wow...this is an interesting thread.

I am a theologically conservative Christian who thinks that most religious programming has less value than what the Pharisees were force feeding people in the Temple in the days of Christ...in other words...they are scared, hateful, controlling only looking to build their personal kingdom. Jesus has little to do with anything these people say or have said for years.

These people are like a person in the Bible who was a "follower" of Christ. This person thought everything would be solved through STRENGTH and getting the crowd to adhere to the ways of the Pharisees and even creating military might...sound familiar? The person I am speaking of is Judas, the betrayer of Christ.

Like the Betrayer of Christ, todays church is WAY OFF THE MARK and living in a way that is entirely counter to what the Bible teaches us of living a Christ-centered life.

The Bible is still the truth. Sin is sin. Homosexuality is clearly a sin but then again, so is overeating at the buffet after church so who is more capable to share the Gospel, a fat preacher or two gay singers?

So, which one of you wants to throw the first stone? What would Christ write about you in the sand if you were in the crowd dragging the adulteress woman to him? Would you still throw a stone or drop it and repent?

We have a winner!!!

 

[SeanMGilbow]

...2. John Whitehead of the Rutherford Institute and Jim Wallis of Sojourners had some insights on the decline of the Religious Right on this week's broadcast of "State of Belief" with the Reverend Welton Gaddy of the Interfaith Alliance. You can hear it at www.stateofbelief.com.

Thanks for pointing it out, I will be sure to listen to it.

I love Jim Wallis, he and Tony Campollo are a couple of my "hero's"

3. Xian...as one who has read the Bible from cover to cover, I will have to respectfully disagree with you on what it says about homosexuality, but that discussion will need to take place somewhere outside of this board.

Sean: I get what you are saying and you are right, that I have asserted my own understanding, belief and conviction on this one...I know several people who interpret the biblical view of homosexuality differently...it is not as cut and dry as somebody saying something about Adam and Steve...right?

I would say you hit the nail on the head, but as we remember at this time of year one who had his body pierced with nails to enable our salvation, I'll refrain from using that cliche.

 

[del_griffith]

My problem with some practices involving Christian Radio:
They are scouting the radio dial waiting for people to slip up simply ws they can get their hands on a new tour, not to make a situation right and promote positive thinking programming.
Tey, as others have explained, buy up properties, and turn them into a satelite opperation. Even The River is doing this now. I enjoy listening to contemporary Christian stations, but please, stick with local programming whenever possible. I'm very interested to see what happens if the FCC reinstitutes some of its local requirements like 24-hour staffing of radio stations. Bye Bye KLove.
Do I think these stations make a difference in people's lives? Yes. Do I think they should all be silenced? Absolutely not! But, improve on business practices and become a respectable truly Christian organization, and I can deal with you.

I talked to one radio operator who said in his mind the content didn't have to be local, it was staffing had to be local. To him staffing could be the guy who can't speak English working overnight at the 7-11 with a remote contol and pc.

 

[radiogeek07]

I tried editting my post above, but for some reason, I couldn't thus all the spelling errors.
Let's look at "Educational Media Foundation."
By that name, one would think it may be an organization who supports educational radio facilities such as college radio stations. Oh my friend how you have been deceived.
It's actually a bunch of Christian stations taking advantage of a loophole in the FCC's licensing practices. My feer is some college stations like where I got started may make mistakes, and because they make those mistakes, religious broadcasters will go after them and their licenses, all so they can hook their facility up to a satelite.

 

[Nu_Roo_2]

Let's look at "Educational Media Foundation."
By that name, one would think it may be an organization who supports educational radio facilities such as college radio stations. Oh my friend how you have been deceived.

You said it!  Certain religious sectors have successfully stolen and distorted the meaning of the the word "family" to suit their own purposes, just as some gay activists did on a much-smaller scale with "queer."  Is "education" the next word to have its meaning twisted to fit one group's narrow view?  That would be an even bigger theft than "family."

 

[willcail]

Well xianbroadcaster if you eat pork/shell fish than those are hell worthy sins as well. Since James Dobson Focus on the Family show can be heard in C-Bus or at least in Westerville on WJJE 89.1 FM. He is mostly irreverent these day.

Religious radio is becoming irreverent these days. Just look at WRFD AM.