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Rock Your
Radio As part of the Roaring Lambs challenge, I'm stepping forward and reclaiming radio. I read Bob Briner's book, Roaring Lambs, and although I don't want to gush about the book, it did challenge me. Like a lot of Christians I'm good at complaining. Movies are foul and the songs on the radio are no better. Of course, like a good sheltered church-boy I've hardly listened to mainstream radio. I first programmed the radio stations in my truck six months ago--after living in the Twin Cities for two years. What I heard surprised me. Secular radio isn't as secular as you might think. There are a number of Christians making a positive influence, or at least not spouting sinful rhetoric. I heard Creed's 'Higher' and my jaw dropped when I realized the lyrics were talking about heaven. I had never read about Creed in my Contemporary Christian Music magazine. But for songs like that to even have a chance to be heard on the radio, they need to be supported. Somebody has to call the radio station and request them. I also know there's a lot of music out there labeled "Christian" that could easily compete with anything else on the radio. Yet we're content with Christian Hit Radio. I'm sure it does some good there, but wouldn't it do more on the stations with broad audiences, traceable ratings, and real wattage? So why not put Christian music on mainstream radio? Why can't Christians be part of the mainstream? Challenged by Roaring Lambs, I'm stepping forward and reclaiming radio. I have the phone numbers of the two stations I listen to, and I'm requesting music that will sprinkle salt across the Twin Cities. Maybe I'm naïve, but I've always thought one person can make a difference. Maybe the radio stations won't listen. More than once the DJ answering the phone said, "Jars of What?" One DJ told me 5 Minute Walk Records wasn't a "real" record company. But eventually they might listen. I asked them to check out Brave Saint Saturn, and they said they would. Maybe that's what they tell everyone, but if enough people tell them to check out Brave Saint Saturn, they will. I'm not some crackpot trying to change the face of radio from the outside. I actually listen to the station and want to hear the music I like. What's wrong with letting my voice be heard? What's wrong with a little roar? And I urge you to step forward and make a difference. Maybe you think my idea is stupid. And that's fine. But find something to do. Write letters supporting movies and TV shows that have a positive influence on society. Write intelligent letters to the editor that defend the gospel. Use your talents and do what it takes. Let your voice be heard. Let the roar of Christians echo in every corner of society, and let Jesus open hearts and change minds. Thanks Bob. |
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