While there are a large number of radio stations in any given area that have different music selections, in the majority of radio markets there are usually only two or three that offer Christian music as their main selection.
If someone wants to listen to a particular type of Christian music, for example Gospel, they might have to wait until a certain time of the day, or even wait for a particular day in the week to hear it. With the explosion of the Internet, there are now web services that will provide live streaming radio stations from around the globe that provide all types of Christian music. Here a just a few of them.
Live365.com Radio Station
This is one of the largest online sources for live streaming radio Christian music. They offer an extensive list of stations that are continuously providing streaming radio for almost any type of Christian music a person would want. There are literally hundreds of different Christian based music stations listed on the website providing the listener with an almost inexhaustible amount of music available at anytime of the day or night. Some choices in this genre include:
- Contemporary Christian
- Classic Christian
- Gospel
- Praise/Worship
- Christian Rock/Heavy Metal
- Sermons
There are also many more categories of Christian music to choose from. All the user has to do is click on the selected web link and press the "play" button in the upper left hand corner. This will automatically connect to the station of choice. The service is absolutely free to the user.
K-Love.com Christian Radio
This is a family oriented radio network that plays contemporary Christian music throughout the United States. It is operated by the non-profit EMF Broadcasting Company out of Sacramento, California. New listeners must allow pop-ups on this website in order to listen to the music, as well as register for a free account before selections will play.
The various K-Love stations are spread throughout the U.S. from California to Georgia, and all streamline together to make the online radio station. Typical artists featured for online listening are:
- Third Day
- Steven Curtis Chapman
- Mercyme
- Newsboys
- Point of Grace
There are many other well-known contemporary artists to hear as well. There is even a "Recent Songs" tab that will let listeners hear songs that were just recently played, in case a favorite song was missed. The station appeals to its listeners for donations to keep operating.
Air1.com Christian Radio
This is a network of radio stations that specialize in Christian music. It is a part of the non-profit organization known as EMF Broadcasting. It is the sister station to K-Love, and tends to play a somewhat heavier blend of contemporary Christian music. Basically, it is a "Top-40" type of venue where the most popular songs are played repeatedly throughout the day. The stations play lists follow the rules for commercial stations that have a set play list and the list is sent to the trade magazines.
Another feature found on Air 1 is a news update feed. It keeps listeners abreast of late breaking news. It also has a rating system where listeners can rate music. One can always see what song is currently playing from the Home page. Air 1 also encourages prayer requests, where the staff has a prayer time each and every day.
ChristianTuner.com Christian Radio
This website has one of the most complete collections of live-streamed Christian based music radio sources on the Internet. It boasts a extensive number of links that are categorized by the type of music the listener desires. It not only offers live radio streamed downloads, but MP3 and podcast downloads as well.
There is a search engine included on the Home page of the site that can isolate and immediately take the user directly to the song and/or type of music of their choice. The list of categories range from:
- Adult Contemporary
- Messianic
- Alternative/Modern Rock
- Southern Gospel
- Country
One can even find dramas, stories, and educational Christian sources. In total, ChristianTuner has 684 live links to not only radio stations, but TV stations as well.
These are just a small selection of the number of live streaming Christian music radio stations that are available online. The vast majorities are free to access (although many request donations from its users), and all provide links to other Christian radio stations and Christian based services. The user must remember the quality of the sound they might experience will vary with the type of connection they have to the Internet.
Denise Oliveri - Denise has been writing for Suite101 for many years, and enjoys sharing her experiences and knowledge with readers. Her main occupation at ...
