Bridging Faith and Media: Navigating the Future of Evangelization

At the SENT Summit 2024, a panel of leading figures in faith-based media convened to discuss the evolving landscape of media and evangelization. Moderated by Deacon Charlie Echeverry, the panel featured Michael Warsaw, CEO of EWTN Global Catholic Network; Bill Abbott, CEO of Great American Media; and actor-producer Lorenzo Henrie of Novo Media Group. The conversation centered on the risks and opportunities that modern media presents for faith-based content creators, especially in reaching both current and future generations.

The Changing Media Landscape: Risks and Opportunities

Referencing Pope Pius XII's encyclical Miranda Prorsus on mass media, the panel acknowledged the significant impact that media has on shaping culture through the senses. Michael Warsaw highlighted the fragmentation of media consumption and audiences, expressing concern over the challenges this poses in building and maintaining community within the faith. However, he also noted the "incredible opportunities" that digital platforms offer for global evangelization, allowing organizations like EWTN to extend their mission in unprecedented ways.

Bill Abbott brought attention to the dominance of major tech companies and the risks they pose to religious freedom and freedom of speech. He emphasized the "mission against faith" that seems prevalent in Silicon Valley, noting the difficulty faith-based content faces in being carried on mainstream platforms like YouTube TV. Abbott advocated for unity among people of faith, stating that collaboration is essential to overcoming these systemic challenges.

Taking Greater Risks and Embracing Beauty

Actor and producer Lorenzo Henrie stressed the need for faith-based media to take more significant risks and produce higher volumes of quality content. He argued that creating one film every few years is insufficient to influence culture meaningfully. Henrie also emphasized the importance of beauty in content creation, asserting that truly beautiful content has the power to deeply affect culture.

"We're not taking enough risk to produce good content," Henrie stated. "We need truly beautiful content to really affect culture."

The panel agreed that faith-based media often struggles with limited budgets compared to secular productions. They discussed the necessity of higher investment to produce content that can compete in quality and appeal with mainstream media. This investment is not just financial but also involves a commitment to storytelling that resonates with broader audiences.

Navigating Relationships with Mainstream Platforms

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the ethical and strategic considerations of partnering with mainstream media platforms that may not align with faith-based values. While acknowledging the challenges and biases present, Michael Warsaw pointed out that to be effective in their mission, faith-based media must be present "in the midst of those services." He recalled Mother Angelica's perspective that the mission field often exists where "there's filth and porn and all kinds of bad stuff," and that's precisely where evangelization is needed.

Abbott echoed the sentiment but expressed concern over being "at the mercy" of tech giants who may suppress faith-based content. The consensus was that while collaboration with these platforms is fraught with difficulties, it's a necessary endeavor to reach wider audiences.

Collaborative Efforts and Unity

The panelists emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration within the faith-based media sector. They cited examples like the cooperative efforts behind successful projects such as "Sound of Freedom," where overcoming internal divisions led to broader success. The need to break down territorial barriers and support one another's projects was highlighted as a crucial step toward making a more significant cultural impact.

"If I don't help them both win, we're not going to win at all," Henrie remarked, referencing the importance of mutual support among creators.

Engaging the Next Generation

Addressing the challenge of reaching a younger, increasingly secular audience, the panelists discussed strategies for making faith-based content more appealing. With Generation Z being the most media-active yet least religiously affiliated generation, there's a pressing need to create content that is both entertaining and imbued with virtuous themes.

Henrie emphasized the importance of storytelling that entertains first, then elevates and educates. He pointed out that films like "Super Mario Brothers" can instill virtues such as sacrifice and brotherhood without being overtly religious.

"For us, we have to tell high-quality, entertaining stories so that we can reach those kids and really touch their hearts," Henrie said.

Warsaw mentioned EWTN's initiative, EWTN Next, aimed at becoming a digital-first organization to better meet the media consumption habits of younger audiences. By focusing on content that resonates with the youth and utilizing platforms they frequent, faith-based media can have a more substantial impact.

The Path Forward: Unity, Quality, and Intentionality

The overarching message from the panel was clear: to navigate the future of media and evangelization effectively, faith-based media must prioritize unity, invest in higher-quality productions, and be intentional in reaching audiences where they are. This involves taking calculated risks, embracing new technologies, and fostering collaboration across denominational lines.

Abbott stressed the importance of a united front: "All people of faith have a lot more in common together than they do apart. It's critical that all people of faith unite around faith-based content."

By doing so, faith-based media can overcome the challenges posed by a fragmented media landscape and secular biases. The goal is not merely to compete with mainstream media but to offer compelling, beautiful content that resonates on a human level, shaping culture positively and drawing people toward truth and goodness.

Conclusion

The intersection of faith and technology presents both challenges and opportunities. By prioritizing contemplation, integrity, and keeping the dignity of the human person at the forefront, faith-based media leaders can create products that not only meet market needs but also contribute to the spiritual well-being of their audiences. As demonstrated by the panelists at the SENT Summit, integrating faith into media is not just possible—it's essential for fostering a culture that values truth, beauty, and goodness.