A semiological analysis of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) as heard on 95.5 WFHM-FM Cleveland, Ohio 'The Fish' radio station (July 2001 to July 2006)

Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) became accessible to a wider audience in Northeastern Ohio through the appropriation of 95.5 FM, the locally owned and operated all-classical music radio station in Cleveland, Ohio. CCM established its local presence on July 3, 2001 with the first morning show program broadcast on 95.5 WFHM-FM "The Fish" radio station. This dissertation posits that CCM text as heard on 95.5 "The Fish" functions as a didactic tool for sanctification, which is a process that frees one from sin. It is argued that CCM text uses popular music styles and song forms to convey the message of sanctification by reflecting the process as a lifelong journey and demonstrating the essential dyadic relationship between God and humankind.