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Article
Preaching, Prosperity, and Product Sales: A Profile of On-Demand Digital Audio Offerings of Christian Renewalist Ministries
International Journal of Listening
  • Douglas J. Swanson, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
Publication Date
5-1-2010
Abstract

In the United States alone, millions of listeners tune in to Internet-based audio-on-demand (commonly known as podcast programming). Religious programming is among the fastest-growing podcast areas. Since studies show that evangelicals are known to be quick to adopt new technology, this research involved a content analysis of 67 podcast episodes produced by five well-known renewalist evangelical ministries. The study found most podcasts were not original in content and were not consistently available for listeners to download. Also, the podcasts had poorer production values than would be expected from broadcast programming. A frame analysis identified ministries' justification of religious messages, listener responses sought, and rewards promised to listeners. More research is needed to answer questions about the impact on listeners and compare the content of renewalist program offerings to other Christian podcasts.

Disciplines
Publisher statement
This is an electronic version of an article published in International Journal of Listening.
Citation Information
Douglas J. Swanson. "Preaching, Prosperity, and Product Sales: A Profile of On-Demand Digital Audio Offerings of Christian Renewalist Ministries" International Journal of Listening Vol. 24 Iss. 2 (2010) p. 106 - 124
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/dswanson/19/