Is radio still considered a dream job? New research from Jacobs Media suggests the answer depends on where a host works. The latest CMB On-Air Pulse report shows a growing divide in job satisfaction, optimism, and employer loyalty between Christian music radio talent and their counterparts in secular formats.
Christian radio personalities are far more likely to view their work positively. When asked if they would recommend a career in radio to high school students, 49% of Christian music hosts agreed or strongly agreed. In contrast, only 18% of secular radio personalities felt the same. A striking 32% of secular talent strongly disagreed with the idea, compared to just 10% in Christian radio.
Employer loyalty is another area where Christian broadcasters stand out. When asked if they would recommend their station as a workplace, Christian radio talent gave their stations a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 49. Secular stations, by comparison, scored -3. When asked about their broader company or organization, Christian radio employees reported an NPS of 43, while secular employees reported -11.
Job satisfaction levels also leaned strongly toward Christian broadcasting. Among Christian radio talent with experience in secular formats, 84% said they were happier in their current roles. Only 3% preferred working in secular radio, and 9% saw no difference. While nearly half of Christian hosts still feel on-air talent is taken for granted, that’s far lower than the 83% of secular radio personalities who feel the same way. In the AQ6 study, 49% of commercial radio talent strongly agreed that talent is undervalued, compared to just 13% in the Christian sector.
The findings suggest that culture, mission, and workplace values may play a central role in shaping perceptions of the industry. Jacobs Media will present the full results of the On-Air Pulse report during a webinar on Wednesday, August 13, at 1 p.m. ET. Register here.