The rankings come from song testing, where listeners score songs they hear on the radio. Artists with more songs that consistently receive strong scores naturally climb higher on the list.

Landing firmly at No. 1 is Chris Tomlin, whose massive catalog of worship favorites continues to resonate.

At No. 2 is Jeremy Camp, followed by Phil Wickham.

Rounding out the Top Five are Matt Maher and Zach Williams, two artists whose heartfelt songs keep scoring high with audiences.

In short, these artists have built impressive catalogs of songs listeners love — and that keeps them near the top of Christian radio research.

Last month, we reviewed the top female artists. Coming up in June: We take a look at the bands Christian listeners can’t get enough of. Which bands do you think will top the list?

The post The Guys Who Rule Christian Radio (According to Listeners) first appeared on CMB.

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Through this partnership, HMG leveraged its multi-platform reach to connect its audience with the “One Week. One Nation. One Book.” movement. The initiative celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States by reconnecting the country with its spiritual foundations.

Partnership Highlights:

• National Awareness: Hope Media Group drove awareness across its radio networks and digital platforms, including KSBJ, WayFM, Vida Unida, and Worship 24/7, encouraging listeners to join the continuous 12-hour-a-day readings.
• Media Collaboration: HMG joined other media partners, including Great American Pureflix, which provided the national livestream for the event.
• Influential Participation: The reading featured notable figures such as actresses Candace Cameron Bure and Patricia Heaton, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Pastor Jack Graham contributing to the cover-to-cover marathon. Hope Media Group’s CEO Joe Paulo and his wife, Kelly, also participated in the reading.

Christians Engaged founder and President Bunni Pounds shared, “Hope Media Group was a critical partner as we accelerated the Word of God across our nation. With over 3 million video streams for America Reads the Bible, their generosity and giving of airtime to market this national moment cannot be underestimated. We are so thankful!”

Joe Paulo added, “What a significant way to commemorate our nation’s 250th birthday. We were honored to come alongside Christians Engaged for this powerful reminder – so vividly on display from our nation’s capital – that God’s Word is enduring, trustworthy, and declares hope for our future.”

The post Hope Media Group Partners with Christians Engaged to Support America Reads the Bible first appeared on CMB.

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What is the best question you’ve been asked in a radio interview? What’s the worst question?

• Artist 1: Best: David A Dein once asked about a specific lyric in one of my songs. It made me feel so cared for, and I had a great story to tell about it too! Worst: “So, do you think you’ve peaked in your career?”
• Artist 2: Best: Sarah Taylor once asked me about something from my childhood, it wasn’t even in my bio, She had CALLED people at the label to get special stuff to ask me. It made that interview so much fun. Worst: “So, what do you wanna talk about today?” I felt like I was interrupting their day and wasting their time. 
• Artist 3: Best: Oooh, I can’t think of a specific question off the top of my head – but my favorite questions are thoughtful and specific. There was a wonderful interviewer years ago that would really do their research and find out personal things about us and that was always really fun bc of the intentionality behind it. We appreciate that effort quite a bit. Worst: What does your band name mean?  lol (& every night of tour). Or any other generic question we get every day. 

What makes you feel valued when you go to a station visit? What makes you feel devalued?

• Artist 1: Valued: I love being taken around to meet the staff. Everyone coming out of their offices for a moment and getting to look in their eyes. It’s fun to meet everybody. Devalued: It’s not always fun to be rushed in like cattle and rushed out. I know everyone’s busy, it’s rare, but there’s a station or 2 that felt more cold than a visit with a lawyer.  
• Artist 2: Valued: Anything that shows planning. To be thought of ahead of time makes me feel valued. Devalued: It’s somewhat hurtful when a meeting has been set for sometime and for whatever reason they haven’t even listened to the song I’m there for. I get in my head and in my feelings when that happens. “They’re probably right, I’m not even worth 3 minutes of their time” the voices in my head say. 
• Artist 3: Valued: Intentionality conversation, seeing and greeting all those behind the scenes that we don’t get to see as often, catching up with everyone on a personal level. It’s also always really nice when they know the song we are promoting, haha!  Really, it’s just the best to genuinely connect with people over our shared passions of Jesus and music. Devalued:  No interview, not knowing the songs, not well prepped for interviews. PD’s not coming out of their offices. (Lol – it’s happened  ) It’s rare though! 

What has been the most meaningful or memorable thing to happen during any radio related activity?

• Artist 1: A kid that won a special meet and greet through the station passed out 30 seconds into the meeting. We later came to find out the kid had medical issues that this happened somewhat regularly… but I’ll never forget it!
• Artist 2: I love being part of memorable moments in people’s lives. A station once worked it out with a couple of their super fan listeners that I got to be part of a couple’s proposal. I had the MOST fun. 
• Artist 3: I think hearing the stories from local listeners about how songs have impacted their lives. It’s never lost on me what an incredible privilege it is to be able to do what we do and I’m so humbled that God continues to use all of us for this work. 

The post What Artists Wish Programmers Knew first appeared on CMB.

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Here are a few takeaways you should be thinking about right now:

1. 1. Talent is still the ultimate differentiator. The talent you hire today looks completely different than it did even five years ago. 
   2. Being good on air isn’t enough anymore. Talent MUST think like content creators, not just DJs. This needs to be part of their job description.
   3. AI isn’t the threat. Complacency is. How are we responding to AI driven discovery and content consumption? 
   4. Radio is still a powerful tool for discovery, but it is no longer the center. Listeners are also finding music through social, streaming, and culture.
   5. Content is greater than platform. Hits are built across radio, streaming, social, culture and touring. We have to think in terms of content ecosystems, artist storytelling, and multi-platform amplification. 
   6. The opportunity is greater than what we’ve known. Younger audiences won’t come automatically. We have to intentionally create content that invites them in. 
   7. Great programmers now think in terms of stories, moments, and experiences.
   8. Artist partnerships are more important than ever. The strongest stations help tell the artist’s story, not just play their songs. 
   9. Discovery still matters, but it’s evolving. Radio breaks artists early, but social, streaming and fans now shape traction. 
   10. The opportunity is still massive for radio, but the window is now. Radio is at a crossroads, yet still holds unmatched reach, trust and influence. 

The stations that win will:

• Invest heavily in talent development
• Think beyond the mic 
• Be intentional about audience growth
• Move faster than the industry’s comfort zone
• Recognize that the future won’t be decided by technology, but by talent and content. 

These are the conversations we’ll continue at Momentum. What’s ahead is GREATER THAN where we’ve been, and it will require us to think differently and take some risks.

The post 10 Things Every Programmer Should Be Thinking About Right Now first appeared on CMB.

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Life 107.1 (KNWI – Des Moines) has promoted Mercedes Rich to Assistant Program Director, effective April 27. Mercedes will continue to host afternoons on Life 107.1.

Mercedes joined Life 107.1 in March 2025 as Creative Services Director, quickly becoming an integral part of the team. In her new role, she will take on expanded responsibilities on the programming side of the station.

“Mercedes is smart, hungry to learn, and passionate about Christian radio and its listeners,” said Taylor Hohulin, Life 107.1 Program Director. “She’s been a key part of this team from day one, and I’m excited to watch her step into this new role!”

“I can’t even begin to explain what a whirlwind this last year has been,” said Mercedes. “This team and this work are such a gift from God. I’m so excited to be working on the Programming side of things with Taylor. Can’t wait to see what God has in store as I am able to serve the listeners in this way.”

With Mercedes’s promotion, Life 107.1 is now seeking a Creative Services Director and On-Air Host. More information about this opening and the application process can be found at jobs.unwsp.edu.

Life 107.1 is a part of the Northwestern Media network of University of Northwestern – St. Paul.

The post Mercedes Rich Promoted to Assistant Program Director at Life 107.1 first appeared on CMB.

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– Emily Thevarajoo, Digital Content Director, KCBI

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Troy Kriechbaum, President and CEO of Encouragement Media Group, shared, “Several years ago, God put it on our heart to expand Fuzión to Dallas/Fort Worth to share the love of Jesus with the growing number of Hispanics. DFW is one of the most strategic markets in the country, serving as a major hub of Spanish media and spiritual influence, with the power to shape culture across the nation. We give glory to God for this incredible opportunity to share His love in the ‘heart language’ of Spanish through Fuzión in DFW!”

Brenda Águila, Vice President of Spanish Ministries for EMG, emphasized, “Our desire is to bring the hope of the Gospel, unite the Hispanic community across DFW and North Texas, and point hearts to Jesus Christ. Through heartfelt Christian music in Spanish coupled with inspiration from the Bible, Fuzión is a warm, welcoming home for Hispanics who need encouragement as we spread God’s blessings even further and unite more hearts in His love.”

With this addition of 94.5 KZMJ to the network, Fuzión will broadcast on 18 radio signals across the Southwest, with DFW as its flagship. Fuzión can also be heard on signals in Las Vegas, Southern California, Albuquerque and East Texas. Listeners will soon enjoy Fuzión on 94.5 in the DFW/North Texas area, and online at mifuzion.com, on the “Fuzion Radio” app, and through social media on Facebook and Instagram – @mifuzionradio.

Greg Guy of Tideline Partners served as the exclusive broker on this transaction representing EMG.

Fuzión is a ministry of Encouragement Media Group, celebrating 42 years of ministry, existing to glorify God by encouraging people, connecting our community and pointing people to Jesus Christ. EMG is a nationally-recognized leader in Christian media, winning a combined 12 Station of the Year awards from Christian Music Broadcasters and National Religious Broadcasters. The EMG platforms include Fuzión – featuring Spanish Christian music, KVNE (CCM), Lift Worship (worship), The Well (Bible teaching), Modo Vida (Spanish Bible teaching) and Evergreen (Christmas).

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“Data tells you who’s listening. Audience intelligence tells you who matters and where to find more heavy users. DMR/Interactive has spent decades helping clients do exactly that. As our investments in AI-driven tools continue to expand, we’re able to deliver even greater impact,” said Bannon. “I’m honored to step into this role and looking forward to the road ahead.”

Bannon joined DMR/Interactive in December of 2019 as Vice President, Marketing Strategy and has helped shape the company’s strategic philosophy and client-focused approach during a period of significant change in media consumption, audience behavior and platform fragmentation. His leadership has helped clients navigate emerging technologies and new opportunities for engagement across channels.

Before joining DMR/Interactive, Bannon worked in sales for Cumulus Media. He also spent more than a decade as a program director and on-air talent for stations across the Midwest, including WGFB-FM in Rockford, IL and WXXB-FM in Lafayette, IN, now owned by Mid-West Family Broadcasting and Saga Communications, respectively. That combination of programming, sales and marketing experience gives Bannon a rare perspective on audience behavior, brand strategy and the forces reshaping the modern media landscape.

“Tony has been instrumental in helping us stay ahead of where the industry is going, while never losing sight of what matters most: delivering meaningful results for our clients,” said Andrew Curran, President and CEO of DMR/Interactive. “We love to promote from within. Tony brings strategic vision, deep industry knowledge and a genuine passion for innovation that make him the right leader for this next stage of growth.”

As Executive Vice President, Strategy and Growth, Bannon will focus on advancing DMR/Interactive’s long-term strategic priorities, identifying new business opportunities and helping clients grow audience and revenue through smart, integrated marketing.

“We have an outstanding team, strong client partnerships and a clear sense of purpose,” Bannon added.

Reach Tony at tbannon@dmrinteractive.com or 513-403-3066.

A graduate of Northern Illinois University, Bannon is based at DMR/Interactive’s offices in Covington, KY. He lives in Cincinnati with his wife and two daughters.

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In recent weeks with the release of Techsurvey 2026, we have published a lot of updated data about radio’s journey. And because this is the 22nd year Jacobs Media has conducted this national study of core radio listeners, some of these trending reports are absolutely breathtaking, generating comments and theories from all corners of the industry. And some of them are full of vitriol and anger, casting blame for radio’s supposed demise in lots of different directions.

The chart above, for example, should make everyone in radio—from corporate execs to the part-time voicetracker—hit the brakes. This year in TS 26, we set a new record for “connected car” ownership. Now, four in ten respondents (40%) drive these vehicles. You can clearly see how having more in-vehicle options while driving has impacted radio listening. Given that even entry-level vehicles are now “well-connected,” this trend will only accelerate as consumers replace their older cars, SUVs, and trucks.

So, how do we think about radio’s future, amidst challenging financial quarters, companies flirting with bankruptcies, and mega-mergers on the horizon?

First and foremost, I am of the belief that radio has many more chapters ahead of it. They may end up being different from the past stories of glory and they will undoubtedly star a different cast of characters (myself included). On the face of it, this is a healthy circumstance. But as new leadership emerges, it may be helpful for them to have a strong grasp of how radio got here. And even better, how a newly imagined radio platform can avoid the speed bumps, sand traps, and most certainly the black holes that have characterized many past missteps.

That means studying the past few decades to not only identify some of the root causes of broadcast radio’s travails, but to also provide a hierarchy—identifying the most impactful events, circumstances, and decisions that have disrupted the industry over these years.

Today’s blog post is wonkier than most. And I purposely posted it on a Friday to provide for the possibility of some weekend reading and processing. When you consider some of the tectonic shifts that have most affected the health and well-being of the broadcast radio industry over these many years, it turns out there are many factors at play.

Enter Robert Minton. We may have crossed paths at one point or another, likely while both of us were working with WIMZ in Knoxville. But as I’ve learned, Robert’s background is more diverse than most of us who have spent the prime of our lives in one form of radio or another.

Robert’s career accomplishments include national network strategy, sponsorship, promotions, audience development, SaaS, and agency operations. He has been in leadership positions with Disney, the ABC Radio Networks, and Citadel Media among others. As he explained to me, Robert has focused on developing “a broader view of how technology, agencies, brands, and audience behavior have reshaped the media business.”

JacoBLOG readers know I am fascinated by these big picture analyses of where we are and how we got here. The work of Evan Shapiro and his dynamic media maps have been featured here numerous times over the years because they help our broader understanding of radio’s place in the media and entertainment universe.

Robert reached out to me earlier this week with a chart and lots of theories. His premise is to list the factors that have contributed to the diminishment of broadcast radio over the years, and create a hierarchy of their importance. In other words, what has been the relative rank of their impact on the industry? Which of these tectonic shifts are the true “smoking guns?”

The version he sent me (posted below) is an update on the original, leaning harder into the premise that radio’s rough patch hasn’t just been due to tech disruption (i.e., the smartphone, streaming, satellite radio, podcasts, etc.) but also to “self-inflicted wounds” that include some of the following policies and factors:

• the loss of emotional differentiation
• the weakening of local identity
• defensive programming strategies and behaviors
• reduced novelty and discovery
• sameness fatigue
• the erosion of companionship and community feeling

Robert’s new model also places greater weight on the following:

• locality
• playlist narrowing
• discovery reduction
• artist ecosystem collapse
• physical market presence

These are indices, so the closer to 100, the greater the impact on the radio industry. Robert didn’t just assign these numbers via gut. He has developed an elaborate “methodology” that shows his work and his thought process. I’ve linked it here.  

So, on the one hand, digital disruption gets the most weight (blame) for negatively impacting radio, while “reduced DJ autonomy & curation authority” earns the least impact (of those included) in radio’s big picture.

What’s missing from Robert Minton’s list of tectonic shifts? I wonder about the external global factors that have taken their toll on the radio broadcasting industry, and where they might fit into the above group of “culprits.” The “Great Recession” of ’08/’09 comes to mind, as does COVID and its impact on lifestyles, media consumption, and commuting patterns. And is it too early to start factoring in AI to Robert’s weights and measures?

I also believe sweeping changes in automotive dashboard technology belong on Robert’s list. Tectonic shifts in the auto industry impact radio’s future. As our Techsurvey 2026 chart above clearly shows, there appears to be a relationship between the proliferation of “connected cars,” and slipping time-spent listening to AM/FM radio in vehicles. Considering the car is still the #1 listening location for radio, this strikes me as a key factor.

Whether you agree or disagree with Robert Minton’s premise, choices, and methodology, his work aims to frame the conversations taking place every day in and out of radio circles. As he noted when he first sent me his materials, his work would make for a great “super session” at a conference where perhaps a “town meeting” style discussion could be moderated to lend more clarity to where we’ve been, and how the medium can best progress.

I hope this post is the start of those conversations—within companies, on social media, and throughout broadcast radio’s many organizations.

The world may be shifting underneath our feet. But understanding these quantum changes and factoring them into our future strategic work can produce better outcomes for radio.

Thanks to Robert Minton. Chris Brunt created a stylized version of his chart (below):

Link to Original Source

The post Radio’s Tectonic Shifts first appeared on CMB.

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The awards were presented with HMG’s entire team in attendance from around the country as part of the organization’s annual Hope United —a staff gathering designed to align vision, celebrate milestones, and recognize those who have played a pivotal role in advancing the ministry of Hope Media Group.

(L-R) President Tim Dukes, Board Member Joe Battaglia, Board Member Brandon Wovchko, and CEO Joe Paulo.

Tim Dukes: Legacy Award Recipient

Tim Dukes was recognized for his remarkable career and lasting influence at HMG. A respected leader and innovator, Dukes has dedicated decades to shaping content, management excellence, and since 2015, expanding the reach of faithbased radio. Last year, he announced his intention to step down from his current post as President in Summer 2026, forty years after his start in radio with plans to serve as a Senior Advisor to HMG and other companies, both in and outside of media. “How fitting it is that Tim received the Legacy Award from our Senior Leadership Team. Quite literally, without his support and leadership, Hope Media Group would not be the ministry that it is today, reaching as many people for Jesus as it does. His indelible mark is a God-honoring legacy with generational impact.” — Joe Paulo, CEO of Hope Media Group

(L-R) Board Vice Chair Alex Suescun, Board Chairman Heather Puka, National Business Development Director Lisa Hudgins, and CEO Joe Paulo.

Lisa Hudgins: Founders Award Recipient

Lisa Hudgins was honored with the Founders Award for her unwavering dedication and significant contributions to the foundation and growth of the business development program of Hope Media Group. Her passion for ministry, strategic vision, and heart for people have played an instrumental role in building and strengthening the organization and partnerships. “Lisa truly embodies the spirit of our ministry founders. She loves people and so firmly believes in our mission that she works creatively to make things happen for the benefit of both. Just mention her name to anyone on our team and you’ll get a cascade of compliments on who Lisa is. We’re all tremendously proud of her.” — Joe Paulo, CEO of Hope Media Group

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