Is Xtian music radio racially divided? (Full Version)

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xtremedisciple -> Is Xtian music radio racially divided? (5/8/2008 4:06:04 PM)

I listen to xtian contemp. radio based in Carlifonia. I have noticed that even though they say they are diverse but yet they only play caucacian xtian music. I am very frustrated with it, I even emailed them and challenged them not to play artists like Aiysha Woods for 4 months then quit but still think they are diverse because they play Toby Mac. Their reply was them giving me a listing of radio stations that play urban music. How rude and presumptious of themWhy is it that MTV gets that music brings people together and will rotate both rock and rap all day, but xtian music is still so far behind!



gaylel1 -> RE: Is Xtian music radio racially divided? (5/8/2008 11:17:10 PM)

I think it is. But the larger problem is that it is not the programming director nor the format but the body in Christ in general, because we have so much division accepting different musical styles, yet the secular world accepts musical styles and the body of Christ is the only one who has the big problem of divison throught the church.



Rufas2000 -> RE: Is Xtian music radio racially divided? (5/9/2008 12:00:41 AM)

So far the evidence presented (as little as it is) points to a style / genre separation and not a racial situation. Sadly in today's climate you have to be real careful about playing the race card. Especially with little evidence presented and a non race issue (style) a very possible culprit.

quote:

Their reply was them giving me a listing of radio stations that play urban music. How rude and presumptious of them


How dare they try to be helpful. Perhaps the type of music you were suggesting didn't fit their format so they were trying to direct you to stations that might be what you are looking for. Woud you have preferred some form letter like "Thanks for your feedback, we value listeners like you. we will happily consider your suggestions" instead of the reply that attempted to help you.

Sounds like a format problem to me and that has been discussed many times on this forum. Come up with a better argument on why its a racial issue or leave race out of it please.

quote:

Why is it that MTV gets that music brings people together and will rotate both rock and rap all day, but xtian music is still so far behind!


Have you seen MTV in the last ten years. They barely have any videos. MTV2 has a few music shows and most of them are also segregated by style / genre (Headbanger's Ball, Rock Block, Subterranian).

quote:

yet the secular world accepts musical styles and the body of Christ is the only one who has the big problem of divison throught the church.


Ask any rock fan how much they listen to rap or vice versa. You'll find it is quite separate for most people. There are not too many AC stations that play hip hop or R&B (except the very watered down stuff) either I use the AC format because IMO they are the closest format equivalent to most Christian radio stations). Most stations concentrate on rock or hip hop or top 40. I think the Christian stations play it safe all the way around. Maybe more specialty Christian stations are needed like their secular counterparts.



ManimalX -> RE: Is Xtian music radio racially divided? (5/9/2008 12:28:32 AM)

Personally, I have purposely developed musical tastes and worship habits across almost all musical genres. I can worship to anything from Living Sacrifice to Handel to Third Day to tribal drums. However, you have to admit that most people don't stick their ears outside of their personal musical preferences.

To me, the race or skin color of a person is about the last thing to cross my mind, especially when listening to music, but now that you mention it I do notice a lack of black musicians on the Christian stations in my area. Nicole C. Mullen gets a lot of play in my area, and Tait used to (hopefully he puts out something new soon!), but the adult contemporary scene just doesn't have much gospel or hip-hop in it right now.

I wonder if the lack of Christian hip-hop and rap has anything to do with how negative and anti-Christian the secular hip-hop image is. I have to admit that even the ego and attitude displayed by so-called Christian hip-hoppers and rappers is a little disturbing, though on the other hand I really enjoy groups like the Cross Movement and Group 1 Crew because of their humbleness and message.

The lack of popularity in the gospel and black gospel genres is a little less of a mystery to me. That type of music is almost like beer or whisky: if you have developed a taste for it, you love it, but if you have grown up without a lot of exposure to it you probably won't ever care for it. Gospel has a lot of odd chord and key changes, which is what makes it unique, but is also what makes it very odd to the untrained ear. Southern gospel and black gospel are very geographically specific types of music, and that may have something to do with the lack of widespread popularity.

Secondly, I also wonder if the fact that a lot of southern and black gospel seems to reinforce the modern heretical health and wealth prosperity gospel has anything to do with its rejection by more biblical based Christians.

The bottom line is honestly the bottom line, which isn't absolutely a bad thing. Christian radio is going to play music that is liked by the majority of its listeners, and right now, that doesn't include a lot of "black" music. Just keep on sending email and letters, and do things like joining your local radio station's listener advisory panel if there is such a thing. I joined the survey list of several Christian radio stations and am always voting highly for the less "mainstream" sounding music, including a lot of black and southern gospel. If enough people did this, the play lists would slowly change.

Peace,
Matt



gtrdave -> RE: Is Xtian music radio racially divided? (5/9/2008 10:27:52 AM)

There are several black Gospel AM stations here in and around the Philly area.
They specialize in that genre of music and I like listening to them for specifically that reason; I know that I won't get the same music from them that I get with the ONLY Christian FM station in this area which plays an EXTREMELY limited selection of Christian music, most of it top-20ish pop CCM.
As was previously said, this is more of a division of style and genre and not so much a division of race.

If I were king, I'd have one of the most dynamic and diverse radio stations ever...and probably 3 people besides myself that would actually listen to it.
The reality is that a good majority of the people may whine and complain about the overabundance of sameness in the world but then they'll do little to support diversity when it's offered to them.

That said, I'm certain that these black Gospel stations that I listen to will not be playing any Amy Grant or Michael W. Smith any time soon and, really, that's just fine by me. [;)]



RHardin15 -> RE: Is Xtian music radio racially divided? (5/9/2008 10:48:33 AM)

I agree with the comments that the genres are divided but it doesn't have to do with race. People that listen to the CCM stations today don't wanna hear gospel. People that listen to gospel stations don't want to hear alot of the CCM. I don't like traditional gospel, I don't like most of the stuff CCM stations play. Thankfully, I have a choice where I live to listen to true hit music that includes Pop, Rock, and Hip Hop. They really don't play what you hear on most stations around the country, and I like that.



uncabeeil -> RE: Is Xtian music radio racially divided? (5/9/2008 11:23:49 AM)

Add another vote that it's style-driven, not race.



radiorobert -> RE: Is Xtian music radio racially divided? (5/9/2008 12:09:12 PM)

We have a new station that just went on the air here in Des Moines that plays a mix of secular and Christian music. It is an 18-34 targeting station. It plays alot of Christian Hip-Hop/Rock with a mixture of 'safe' secular pop/Top 40 stuff.

Example:
Daughtry, Skillet, Alicia Keys, something Hip-Hop (Christian Oriented)...etc.

http://www.pulse995.com/

It's pretty cool and sounds very well done. I used to be in radio for several years. (hence my screen name) [;)]



humbleinspirit -> RE: Is Xtian music radio racially divided? (5/9/2008 5:45:52 PM)

I agree that it is style ridden as well. CCM pretty much derived from Southern Gospel, Country and Soft AC. 2 of those 3 formats are non-R&B. I believe that a hybrid format could be created, if there was a enough product and someone was willing to do it. Time will tell, but for now it will be the same.



Rufas2000 -> RE: Is Xtian music radio racially divided? (5/9/2008 6:43:15 PM)

Its nice to see that I wasn't off base with my style not race comments, at least from the comments here. There are enough instances of racism without adding to it without evidence. Maybe my post was a little strong but I feel this stuff needs to be confronted. Especially when it was the poster's first post. It would be like me visiting a church for the first time, going up to a stranger and saying that churches are all segregated and it must be some sort of race issue. Bad form and it would appear* that I was only trying to start trouble.

* Let me be clear, I'm not saying the OP was trying to start trouble. I have no way of knowing that either way. But it might appear that way, hence I chose the word very carefully.

I invite the OP to respond with further evidence if they have it. Just to be crystal clear: I have no problem with the proposition, my problem is with the assertion without evidence.

Props to ManimalX for a particularly well thought out post.



Rufas2000 -> RE: Is Xtian music radio racially divided? (5/9/2008 6:50:24 PM)

quote:

We have a new station that just went on the air here in Des Moines that plays a mix of secular and Christian music. It is an 18-34 targeting station. It plays alot of Christian Hip-Hop/Rock with a mixture of 'safe' secular pop/Top 40 stuff.


Sounds like a station we need more of. But most radio execs must think that clearly defined narrow formats with matching narrow playlists are what attracts listeners. And they're probably right but I think a well done station that thinks outside the box could be successful and have a much better following in time (i.e devoted listeners instead of dial hoppers).

quote:

If I were king, I'd have one of the most dynamic and diverse radio stations ever...and probably 3 people besides myself that would actually listen to it. The reality is that a good majority of the people may whine and complain about the overabundance of sameness in the world but then they'll do little to support diversity when it's offered to them.


Very good point. Maybe it would be a good idea to donate to such a station if they are non profit. If they accept ads try one of the local businesses that advertises on the station and tell them what station sent you.



uncabeeil -> RE: Is Xtian music radio racially divided? (5/10/2008 9:32:40 AM)

quote:

a well done station that thinks outside the box could be successful and have a much better following in time
Like FM radio back in the 70's. The same station that introduced me to Jimi Hendrix was just a likely to play Smokey Robinson, the Beatles, or Pat Metheny. That station didn't just survive, it was the #1 station in NYC. Then GE bought them and decided the format should only be classic rock. Now they're gone altogether.



markb77 -> RE: Is Xtian music radio racially divided? (5/10/2008 10:15:43 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Rufas2000


I think a well done station that thinks outside the box could be successful and have a much better following in time (i.e devoted listeners instead of dial hoppers).




In a perfect world, maybe. Too bad everything is based on how much money can be made instead of artistic merit, integrity, relevance, etc.



Rufas2000 -> RE: Is Xtian music radio racially divided? (5/10/2008 11:33:09 AM)

quote:

In a perfect world, maybe. Too bad everything is based on how much money can be made instead of artistic merit, integrity, relevance, etc


Thats true. I think the problem is the lack of patience by the corporate media. Most execs are looking to their next job and want to turn things around quickly so they can move on and further pad their resumes. If a comany struggles the exec will be let go by their corporate overlords. Independent companies have a hard time breaking in and the big dogs want all the money now. So they take the easy way out instead of trying to create something better that may take a little time to catch on.

This applies to TV stations just as much as radio. Ever noticed how few shows are actually on cable networks and how their schedules are dominated a few signature shows that again are shown over and over and over? To bring the point home set your TIVO to record The O Reilly Factor or The Daily Show and see how many episodes will be scheduled (I did this, I got 4 shows a day* there are several other shows that can be used as examples).

* Someone may helpfully suggest to set my DirecTV DVR to first run only. I did that but those two shows don't really know what is going to be on in advance (as news cycles are so fluid) so no info is given for these shows in the guide and they aren't marked as "repeats" (although they should be, another deceptive technique from the cable companies) so they are all considered "first run" by the DVR.



gaylel1 -> RE: Is Xtian music radio racially divided? (5/10/2008 11:54:47 AM)



I was watching the Dove awards recently, and the audience was giving the gospel music performers a chilly reception. To me it seems like that chilly reception was like the gospel music perfomers were not wanted in the GMA and should not have no business performing there because of their style of music. I believe the CCM people who control GMA and its voting feel that this is their territory.




I have a thought--TBN, whether you agree or don't agree with the docterine and its pastors who are on there, has done a better job accepting people of color together than the local Christian radio station.

I know a lot of you might disagree with me, but I believe it is the truth. When a person like Jason Crabb on TBN embrace artists of color, that tells you something. But the local Christian radio station should include a variety of music, not only CCM. I think the radio station should include hip hop and urban gospel and include it in its programming. Secluar radio does just that. Our local radio station, KIIS-FM, which is one of the top perfoming radio outlets in the country (And yes, it includes Ryan Seacrest) plays for years a variety of music which includes all generes.

I'ts sad when secular radio does that and Christian radio don't. I don't think the world is not only Casting Crowns and Natalie Grant, but there are other people who are in that world too. The problem also I think is not being educated enough about musical styles as well.

The Body of Christ should stop this "Separate" thing and realize that we as Christians should co-exist with one another because when Jesus comes back, he would be sad if he seen a Church and a body which is separate from one another.



humbleinspirit -> RE: Is Xtian music radio racially divided? (5/10/2008 11:58:29 AM)

But today's CCM is a lot more like Star 98.7 (hot/modern AC) though, and not Kiss-FM (CHR.) The music therefore reflects its respective format, for better or for worse instead.



rockitd -> RE: Is Xtian music radio racially divided? (5/11/2008 11:27:54 PM)

Having a wide variety of musical tastes, I long for a hybrid. I have a Gospel video show which is primarily urban Gospel, but I will play Kutless, Jeremy Camp, Natalie Grant, etc. as long as it's a good video. I personally think its a mixture of both. Kirk Franklin has tried to bridge the gap of the genres and has had many CCM friendly songs that have never made the cut. My local station plays some old urban songs (ie "I'll Take You There" - BeBe & CeCe and "Shackles" - Mary Mary) but have not played anything current. "Stomp" was HUGE in every arena except CCM radio. "Lean On Me" did get some play ONLY after Crystal redid it with her vocals only.[8|]

"The Blood Song" had Donnie McClurkin, Crystal Lewis, and Jaci Velasquez, which tackled the issue of racism, but never made CCM radio and its as CCM as you can get!!!

Mandisa, who had the #1 record in CCM and bypassed Beyonce and Kelly Roland with a #1 single is VERY CCM and is not played, while other "Idols" like Carrie Underwood and Daughtry get heavy play...

Natalie Grant had a worship album with Israel, Darwin Hobbs, and others but never made it to either side. Israel has popular worship songs done by other artists but is not played himself!!!

Jon Gibson was the darling of CCM but then signed with a "Black" Gospel label and didn't get much love from either CCM or Gospel.

We don't have a 24 hr. Gospel station, but our "radio free" station plays it for 24 hrs. on Sunday (including local church stuff from 5 am - 12 noon). The only non-Blacks they play are Martha Munizzi and the gal that frequents TBN whose name escapes me....

So I personally think its a combination of style and racism.



gaylel1 -> RE: Is Xtian music radio racially divided? (5/12/2008 12:11:10 AM)

That was Vicki Yo'ye, who was on TBN last week, btw, Rockid.


But at least someone from RF, the midnight guy played something from Nicole C. Mullen finally, lol... However, they should check out someone like Anthony Evans or an Alisha Woods, lol....but you know the PD--plays the same stuff every Sunday (Has he checked out Tye Tribbitt's new CD yet--He'll be late getting it in July or August while the Light and KD Bowe has it now. )



Anyways, you are right about Mandisa not being played on somewhere on the Fish. But she does get airplay on Klove.



RHardin15 -> RE: Is Xtian music radio racially divided? (5/12/2008 8:50:28 AM)

I thought Mandisa got a ton of play on CCM. So does Group 1 Crew, and I hear quite a bit of Kirk Franklin too, then of course the way overplayed Nicole C. Mullen. On CCM it's pretty narrow beyond that, but again I think that has to do with the fact that the style of alot of urban music does not fit the CCM format.

I don't know who Anthony Evans or Alisha Woods are. I know who Ayiesha Woods is, they play alot of her music here, and I like her style!



MoshForChrist -> RE: Is Xtian music radio racially divided? (5/13/2008 11:47:17 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: ManimalX
To me, the race or skin color of a person is about the last thing to cross my mind



Stratplayer -> RE: Is Xtian music radio racially divided? (5/14/2008 8:01:06 AM)

Is Christian music radio racially divided? Of course it is....if you look at race as a demographic factor. As far as it being a case of racism and hatred, I would agree that this is not the case.



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