Entertainment
iPraiseRadio Launch Announcement
FROM THE DESK OF DEWAYNE BENTON
Introducing iPraiseRadio.com – A New Chapter in Gospel Media
Launching January 19, 2026 | MLK Day
After more than three decades in radio broadcasting, I’ve learned that sometimes God closes one door to open another—one that’s far greater than we could have imagined. Today, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of iPraiseRadio.com, a comprehensive digital destination that represents not just a new website, but a divine assignment and the culmination of everything I’ve built throughout my career.
A Journey Rooted in Faith and Radio
My love affair with radio spans over 30 years, with memorable tenures at iconic stations including WHAL Radio and WDIA Radio in Memphis—stations that helped shape the sound of gospel and urban contemporary music in the South. Most recently, I had the privilege of hosting a syndicated show on Power 104.1 The Source in Memphis, connecting with audiences across multiple markets and sharing the transformative power of gospel music.
But radio has always been more than just a job for me—it’s been a calling.
Answering God’s Call: A Legacy of Innovation
In 2013, I received a clear call from God to launch HoLywood Radio, a 24/7 gospel station based in Los Angeles, California. At the time, LA didn’t have a dedicated gospel station that served the community around the clock. That divine assignment resulted in a groundbreaking platform that touched lives across the West Coast and beyond.
I also created Gospel Newsroom, a gospel music news website that became a trusted source for breaking stories, artist interviews, and industry coverage. The platform garnered over 1 million website views and more than 700,000 YouTube views at @gospelnewsroom, establishing itself as a go-to destination for gospel music enthusiasts seeking credible, up-to-date information.
In 2023, I launched Gospel Jazz Radio online, a passion project that celebrates the intersection of gospel and jazz. The station has featured exclusive interviews with legends like Kirk Whalum, who affectionately calls me “The Mayor of Gospel Jazz,” as well as Ben Tankard, Mark Kibble from Take 6, and countless other artists who are keeping this beautiful genre alive. Gospel Jazz Radio continues to stream 24/7 at www.gospeljazzradio.online.
The Divine Redirect
Recently, I received an offer to return to terrestrial radio—something many would consider a dream opportunity. But when the offer was rescinded, I found myself at a crossroads. Instead of disappointment, I turned to prayer and sought God’s guidance for my next move.
In that sacred moment of seeking, it was revealed to me that everything I wanted to do, I was well capable of creating myself. The terrestrial radio offer came with limitations—I wasn’t allowed to touch the music programming, and my content creation freedom was significantly restricted. God showed me that He was removing those limitations entirely.
I realized I didn’t need anyone’s permission to fulfill the vision He’d placed in my heart.
Welcome to iPraiseRadio.com – Your One-Stop Gospel Destination
iPraiseRadio is more than just a website or radio station—it’s a comprehensive gospel media ecosystem designed to inform, inspire, and uplift. Here’s what you can expect:
🎵 24/7 Commercial-Free Radio
Stream the greatest gospel hits from the 1970s through the early 2000s, featuring the legends who laid the foundation and the artists who carried the torch forward. No interruptions. No commercials. Just pure, unfiltered gospel music.
📰 Breaking News Coverage
Stay informed with the latest breaking news stories from the gospel music industry and Christian community. From album releases to industry moves, awards shows to artist announcements—if it’s happening in gospel, you’ll find it here first.
📺 Daily TMZ-Style Updates
Gospel Newsroom returns with a fresh, dynamic approach! Tune in for our LIVE-cast on YouTube featuring deep dives into breaking stories, exclusive interviews, and in-depth coverage of the issues that matter to the gospel community.
🎤 Artist Interviews & Exclusive Content
Drawing on decades of industry relationships, I’ll continue bringing you one-on-one conversations with the artists, producers, and influencers shaping gospel music today.
Why iPraiseRadio? Why Now?
We’re launching on January 19, 2026—Martin Luther King Jr. Day—a date that holds profound significance. Dr. King understood the power of gospel music to inspire change, unite communities, and sustain us through struggle. iPraiseRadio honors that legacy by creating a space where gospel music and gospel truth can thrive without compromise.
This platform is built on the principle that you shouldn’t have to choose between quality content and faith-centered values. You shouldn’t have to settle for limited programming or cookie-cutter formats. Gospel music deserves a platform that celebrates its rich history while embracing innovation and creative freedom.
Join the Movement
I invite you to be part of this new chapter. Visit www.iPraiseRadio.com starting January 19th to:
✅ Tune In to 24/7 commercial-free gospel radio
✅ Subscribe to our YouTube channel for daily updates
✅ Share the site with your family, friends, and church community
✅ Bookmark us as your home for all things gospel
For over 30 years, I’ve been blessed to serve the gospel music community through radio. iPraiseRadio represents the next evolution of that service—one where the vision is unlimited, the programming is unrestricted, and God’s guidance is the only approval I need.
Thank you for your support throughout this journey. I can’t wait to serve you through this new platform.
See you on MLK Day, January 19th, 2026!
Dewayne Benton
Founder & Host, iPraiseRadio
Connect With iPraiseRadio:
🌐 Website: www.iPraiseRadio.com
🎵 Gospel Jazz Radio: www.gospeljazzradio.online
📺 YouTube: @gospelnewsroom