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Commercial Christian radio is a radio format that plays popular music styles with a focus on the Christian message and associated politically-motivated topics. Many Christian radio stations are commercial in nature, and select music in a manner intended to increase profitability of advertisers, thereby increasing the value of the station's advertising, and the station's profits. Other Christian radio stations are supported by listeners, or by Christian organizations or institutions.
In many ways, Christian radio mirrors mainstream music radio.
Many Christian radio stations play primarily gospel music, while others play all formats of contemporary Christian music including rock and roll, pop, rap, country, and alternative. Many artists within the Christian music industry criticize Christian radio for only playing "safe" music, and not taking enough chances on new artists or, in some cases, older artists, that may not be as appealing to the largely conservative Gospel Music Association.
Many Christian radio stations have a mission to encourage their listeners in their faith through encouraging music and teaching, and through supporting ministry events within their listening area.
Popular artists on Christian radio include Third Day, Michael W. Smith, Mercy Me, Steven Curtis Chapman, Carman, and Sandi Patty.
Most Christian radio stations as well as programmers are members of the National Religious Broadcasters
See also: radio, music radio, and internet radio. A notable, but not unique (except in its longevity), example of Christian radio drama is Unshackled. An example of an inspirational program is Moments of Melody (http://momentsofmelody.org).
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