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25% of U.S. Radio Stations Are Religious, Mostly Christian

3/27/2026

36 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Christian Radio Prevalence

Pew Research Center found that about 25% of U.S. AM and FM radio stations are religious, and the majority of those stations are Christian.
Among religious stations, 63% identify as Christian, 10% as Protestant, and 8% as Catholic.
Catholic stations air more talk programming and focus on family topics, with music at 11% of airtime.
Music on religious radio is largely contemporary Christian, with 88% of songs in that genre.

History

Historical Context

The Communications Act of 1934 established the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to regulate radio broadcasting, replacing the Federal Radio Commission. By 2023, about 25% of U.S. radio stations are religious, with 63% identifying as Christian, reflecting a trend of increasing religious influence in media since World War II. Contemporary Christian music now accounts for 88% of religious radio airtime, showcasing the act's lasting impact.

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Christian Radio Prevalence

Pew Research Center found that about 25% of U.S. AM and FM radio stations are religious, and the majority of those stations are Christian.
Among religious stations, 63% identify as Christian, 10% as Protestant, and 8% as Catholic.
Catholic stations air more talk programming and focus on family topics, with music at 11% of airtime.
Music on religious radio is largely contemporary Christian, with 88% of songs in that genre.

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