Catholic radio growing in size, scope and audience

Published: 2006-07-27

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Twenty-five years ago, a pop group called the Buggles had a hit on a new cable channel, MTV, called "Video Killed the Radio Star." Since then, numerous obituaries have been written for radio. It seems, though, that Catholic broadcasters have ignored those obituaries. Catholic radio comes in virtually every size and shape, as does any other radio format. And the number of these stations is on the upswing. While dwarfed by the thousands of U.S. stations that identify themselves as Christian, the number is estimated at anywhere between 83 and 120. There is one expanding network of Catholic stations. There is a global shortwave service that later decided to turn its gaze toward the States, offering its programming to anyone free, no strings attached. There are producers of syndicated programming. There are a growing number of low-power radio stations striving to fill the spiritual needs of Catholics in remote areas. Podcasts are in vogue. Early this fall, there will be a new channel on a satellite radio service devoted to the Catholic Church. The next step is high-definition radio, giving stations the technology to broadcast multiple channels simultaneously to listeners with the latest generation of radio receivers.

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