Christian radio is a radio format that focuses on transmitting programming with a Christian message. Many such broadcasters play popular music of Christian influence, though many programs have talk or news programming covering associated topics that can have a political angle to them. Many Christian radio stations are commercial in nature, and select music in a manner intended to increase profitability of advertisers, thereby increasing the value of the station's advertising, and the station's profits. Other Christian radio stations are supported by listeners, or by Christian organizations/institutions, or both; these stations seek to evangelize their message instead of commercial gain.

Christian music radio outlets mirror commercial radio in many ways, and music in a variety of different genres is available. Many stations play primarily gospel music or worship music, while others play all formats of contemporary Christian music including rock and roll, pop, rap, country, and alternative. Many artists within the Christian music industry criticize Christian radio for only playing "safe" music, and not taking enough chances on new artists, or in some cases older artists, that may not be as appealing to the largely conservative Gospel Music Association. Many Christian radio stations have a mission to encourage their listeners in their faith through encouraging music and teaching, and through supporting ministry events within their listening area.

Popular artists on Christian radio include Third Day, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Mercy Me, Steven Curtis Chapman, Carman, Sandi Patty, Relient K, Switchfoot, and the Bill Gaither Trio. Note that this short list runs the gamut of Christian music formats from pop to rock to inspirational. Most Christian radio stations as well as programmers are members of the National Religious Broadcasters organization. There are reportedly 1,600 different Christian broadcasting organizations in the United States, ranging from single stations to expansive networks. It is a common practice for religious broadcasters to purchase many small broadcast translators to create networks that stretch across large regions. Moody Broadcasting Network was the first example, and still one of the largest, though most of its stations broadcast stand-alone programming as well as network feeds. The WAY-FM Network, K-LOVE and Air 1 are other notable examples.