Stations Review Newsboys/Tait Music
Following last weeks news regarding former Newsboys frontman Michael Tait, many Christian Radio programmers have decided not to play any of the music from the band. Tait who joined Newsboys in 2009, left the band in January, shortly before a scheduled tour.
Today (6/10)Tait issued a public confession via Instagram, acknowledging a history of “reckless and destructive behavior.” In the statement, the 59-year-old admitted to using cocaine and abusing alcohol for nearly two decades, as well as engaging in unwanted sensual contact with men. He confirmed that recent reports about his conduct are “largely true,” expressed deep shame, and called his actions “sin” without offering excuses.
The written statement on Instagram is HERE
Rich Hooper KJRN – “We did decide to pull their music for now. Here’s part of what I sent to our team: “While I definitely reserve judgment until the full story is told, we feel it is in the best interest of The Journey to remove all Newsboys music for the time being. We may at some point bring back Newsboys songs that will be released after his departure, but we want to be cautious. This is not a protest or an indictment on Michael or the Newsboys, as much as it is a stewardship issue to distance us from them until things become clearer. Join me in praying for Michael, the alleged victims, and the remainder of the Newsboys team!”
Jami Mayberry KPWJ College Station, TX – ‘Our PD/MD has decided to pull the songs Michael Tait is on but keep the classic ones with Peter Furler etc. We are not mentioning or addressing it on-air. In our staff discussions about it, we feel sorry for the rest of Newsboys….great family men and all-around good guys. It’s heartbreaking when any high profile person falls. The collateral damage to others is heartbreaking as well. Thankful we serve a God of redemption and restoration. His love for Michael doesn’t change, but His ability to use him does. Praying for all involved.”
Lizz Ryals His Radio/Greenville – “Yes we have pulled the music. HIS Radio has decided to pull the music of the Newsboys/Michael Tait from our rotation temporarily while the story unfolds. Of course we believe Michael is innocent until proven guilty, but with the severity of the allegations we feel we need to step back from the airing these songs. We are praying for all involved, and pray the allegations are not true. That said, if the allegations are found to be true, we will stand with the victims.’
Dave Wonders WZFJ/Pequot Lakes, MN – ‘I am seeing folks in comment threads expressing doubt toward the victim’s accounts or trying to downplay Tait’s actions. Just stop. Believe the victims, call Tait’s actions what they are–criminal and evil–and hold him (and those who protected him) accountable. I pulled all of my Newsboys music from The Pulse on June 5th. Beyond Tait’s crimes, the band is complicit if they were aware of what he was up to (or suspected what he was up to) and were covering for him. As someone who has hosted Newsboys in concert, played them on the air, and helped them build their platform, I feel deeply betrayed. I am ashamed that I played a part in helping build the celebrity that Tait exploited to prey on others. If we adopt a stance of skepticism toward victims of abuse when they come forward with their stories, why should we be surprised that they are reticent to share their stories? It comes at great personal risk to be vulnerable and speak up about a person in a position of power. Having friends and family members that have experienced sexual assault, I can assure you that it is no small thing to come forward with your story. We can honor their courage and believe their story.’
Kyle Dowden KWND/Springfield – “The Wind has paused the music of the Newsboys for a short period of time to allow the facts to rise to the surface. This gives us some breathing space for whatever happens next. I anticipate that we will bring their music back soon. A decision still hasn’t been made about whether Newsboys songs featuring Michael will ever return to the playlist.”
Dave Cruse THE JOY FM/Tampa – “Sadly we haven’t added any of the most recent Newsboys stuff and what we had slipped out of our golds, so we don’t have anything to pull. I can say that I don’t think we pulled any dcTalk off of Classic. But nobody has really mentioned that to my knowledge. If we were playing any Tait era Newsboys, we’d likely pause it for the time being just so it didn’t become a distraction for those caught up in the noise. I know some point to the ministry potential of the song or the lyric, but these kinds of headlines burn so bright they tend to obscure anything else connected to the music. It’s like hitting your thumb with a hammer. For a while all you can feel is the pain.”
Sam Dye Way Truth Life Radio/PA – “Yes, we pulled his music and temporarily anything Newsboys. Truthfully, that amounted to a total of 2 songs anyways. We didn’t pull Tait’s music because of the assault accusations because those haven’t been proven and we haven’t heard from him, but we pulled them because he admitted to the band that he had been living a double life. We pulled the other (pre Tait) song because we are waiting for further explanation from the band on what they knew and when.”
Kenny Fowler WBHY/Mobile – “After prayerful consideration we did decide to pull our Newsboys library. It is our hope to reverse this decision for the songs that were released before Tait joined the group. This was a very difficult decision to pull all of their music but is what we feel like is in the best interest of our listeners. On a personal note being a fan of the Newsboys since the late 80’s, this situation has left me heartbroken for the victims and the band’s legacy. It also has encouraged me to chase after my own faith even more strongly.”
Tim Madeira WRGN/Hunlock Creek, PA – “Right after the report came out less than a week ago, and after prayerful consideration, we decided to push “pause” on the Newsboys music. Our staff discussed the importance of not rushing to judgement on Michael Tait or the Newsboys, and also giving time for the understanding to come (Proverbs 18:17). Since that time (actually less than an hour ago) Michael Tait posted to his social media what he called “My Confession” where he acknowledges the truth of the essence of the accusations against him. While we are saddened to find out the substance of the accusations are true, we rejoice that he not only recognizes and has confessed to his self described “destructive behavior” but that he acknowledges it as sin and is seeking both forgiveness and help. We echo his cry from Psalm 51 “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Denise Harper The Bridge/Delaware – “We did pull the music from our playlist. Our hearts are saddened by the news and we are praying for everyone involved.”
Jere Darin KEEH/Spokane – “We’re still playing the few Newsboys songs we have in rotation”
Ron Diaz ReZurrection Radio – “On our our main current CCM ReZurrection Radio channel, we have pulled the Michael Tait years at this time. Adam Agee indicated they were aware of the rumors. Adam, to my knowledge, has had a credible reputation as a solo artist, also with Stellar Kart and Audio Adrenaline. So we have no reason to pull his current Newsboys songs unless more is revealed. There are questions as to the environment on the tour bus, which they have not addressed as of yet.”
Matt Pelishek KAXL Bakersfield – “This was a tough one to navigate, but we have currently pulled our Newsboys songs. While I know there is a more nuanced conversation to be had, that nuance is often lost when it comes to an audience. We also want to be sensitive to anyone who has experienced that kind of abuse and the impact that could have.”
Dan DeBruler WCLN/Fayetteville, NC – “No. We didn’t (and don’t plan to) pull any music. I remain aware that we’re pretty keen on singing songs laced with Psalms in our churches. I’m also aware of at least one of the humans inspired to write those Psalms grappled with all sorts of sin. Jesus taught us to repent. He taught us to forgive. He taught us to consider the plank in our own eye before addressing the splinter in someone else’s. I don’t know what I don’t know about anyone’s life. That includes musicians, authors, pastors, politicians, and the people in my own sphere of influence. None of us do. I’ll let God be the judge while I continue to encourage others to embrace the name we carry as Christians.”
K-LOVE has pulled music by Newsboys and DC Talk from its playlists following the sexual abuse allegations. A K-LOVE spokesperson confirmed the move, stating the network is aware of the allegations and is praying for all involved while the investigation continues.
Thanks Ted for sharing this! So much to be praying for.