Redeeming the Dial

“Hangen probes an important subject to which historians are devoting growing attention: the extraordinarily complicated relationship of evangelicals with popular American culture. . . . She is right to point to evangelism’s embrace of modern media as an essential factor in its success, and she astutely analyzes how popular culture was transformed by evangelism.” — The Atlantic

“In this engagingly written and accessible study, Hangen provides a window into both the development of evangelical Christianity in the 20th century and the understudied world of radio. . . . [Hangen] is a highly skilled and innovative writer, with a remarkable talent for description and for employing primary sources to invite readers into the story.” — Publishers Weekly

“Redeeming the Dial is an insightful examination of a rather neglected subject: the interrelationship between religion and radio. Tona J. Hangen skillfully analyzes what radio meant for religious practices and what religious broadcasting meant for radio as an industry. . . . Recommended for academic libraries and general libraries with strong holdings in religion.” — The Historian

“For those interested in American religious history, popular culture, and communications . . . [this book provides] fresh insights into religion and how it is shared.” — American Historical Review

“A major contribution to scholarship on twentieth-century evangelism and the mass media. . . . [A] highly readable book with much to offer both scholars and students.” — Journal of Church and State#

“This highly informed and accessible book works as both a refreshing insight into an underdeveloped area of early 20th century history and as a prelude to understanding the emergence of conservative religious politics and the televangelism of the last 30 years of that century.” — Historical Journal of Film, Radio, and Television

“A well documented conceptualization of the important role of religious evangelicals in shaping the new medium. . . . Captivatingly written.” — Journalism History

“Hangen’s Redeeming the Dial: Radio, Religion, and Popular Culture in America expertly examines the roots of early twentieth-century evangelicals' savvy use of the modern medium of radio.” — Gulf South Historical Review

“Hangen has found an important niche in the growing media history literature. . . . Hangen’s welcome book adds to our knowledge of American broadcasting history by bringing to life the listening habits of a largely overlooked radio audience.” — Australasian Journal of American Studies

“From the pioneers like Paul Rader to the giants of religious radio like Charles Fuller, this book tells the story of how these men and women not only used radio to spread the Gospel, they exerted a profound influence on the church, religion and American culture as well. . . . A fascinating look at the pioneer days of religious radio.” — Singing News