Gospel returns to FM radio in Birmingham, but for how long?

Clear Channel Radio brought back the gospel formatted radio station, Hallelujah 105.1 in June 2011.  Musically, the station features a modern blend of contemporary and traditional music performed by mainstream contemporary gospel artists and Michael Adrian Davis returns to host “The Early Morning Praise Party” on the radio station.

“I’m proud and excited we could bring this format back to Birmingham! As there were many unhappy listeners when the station left, we are confident there is a large part of the market that will be excited to have this format back on the air in Birmingham,” said VP/Market Manager Ray Quinn.

Remember, the popular Hallelujah 105.9 was on the air a short time before Clear Channel shut down the station to offer another format to Birmingham radio listeners. The station back then also included local artists in its playlist instead of playing national artists only.

Despite being on AM radio, the competition, Cox Radio’s Heaven 610 WAGG has remained the #1 station in Birmingham for Christian/gospel music. It is also the highest ranked AM station in Birmingham, according to Arbitron ratings (sum 2010-Spr 2011).

Hopefully, management will listen to the people and keep an FM gospel station on the air or Cox Radio will finally turn WAGG into an FM station.

Credits: AllAccess.com/B.McCoy