Religious radio programming has long been a staple of broadcasters and continues to be widespread, according to Religious Radio Across America, a new report from the Pew Research Center.
Approximately 45 percent of American adults at least occasionally listen to this programming, and religious radio stations can be found in virtually every major city and population center, according to the study. Among other findings:
- A quarter of America’s terrestrial radio stations are religious in nature, and about 63 percent of religion-based stations identify as Christian.
- The websites of about 77 percent of religious stations that post mission statements say their goal is to help spread the Christian Gospel.
- While political commentary appears on a minority of religious radio stations, those that embrace such material tend to be strongly negative about abortion and the LGBT community. Immigration, the Democratic Party and former President Joe Biden are also more likely to be cast in a negative light.
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