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Values-Driven Entertainment in a Changing Media Landscape
The Rise of Faith-Focused Storytelling
The demand for values-driven content has been on the rise, and the entertainment industry has taken notice. According to Bill Abbott, President & CEO of Great American Media, the demand for storytelling that uplifts, inspires, and reflects the principles audiences cherish has never been stronger. This shift in consumer behavior has led to an increase in faith-focused storytelling, with many networks now incorporating more values-driven content into their programming.
At Unionjournalism, we have seen a significant increase in audience engagement with values-driven content. Our readers have been seeking more uplifting and inspiring stories, and we have responded by providing more coverage of faith-focused entertainment. The success of Christmas programming is a prime example of the impact of values-driven content on the entertainment industry. As Abbott noted, the unprecedented success of Christmas programming has attracted audiences seeking alternatives to mainstream entertainment.
Industry Insights
Industry leaders, including Abbott, have been at the forefront of this shift towards values-driven entertainment. In a recent panel discussion at the NRB 2025 International Christian Media Convention, Abbott joined other industry leaders, including Raymond Arroyo, Cheryl Chumley, and Yurisan Cordero, to discuss the future of values-driven media. The panel, moderated by Adele Malpass, President of the Daily Caller News Foundation, explored the evolving media landscape and the growing audience demand for uplifting, values-based entertainment.
According to Abbott, Great American Family, the company’s linear cable network, has experienced significant audience growth by delivering meaningful, heartwarming stories year-round. In Q4 2024, Great American Family was the only network in its peer group to see household audience growth, according to Nielsen. This momentum has continued into 2025, with the success of County Rescue, which premiered its second season as part of Great American Family’s “Faith & Family Sundays” programming event.
The Evolving Media Landscape
The media landscape is constantly evolving, with changes in consumer behavior and technological advancements shaping the entertainment industry. The rise of digital platforms has made it easier for audiences to access values-driven content, and many networks are now incorporating more faith-focused storytelling into their programming. However, this shift has also raised concerns about censorship and content moderation, with some platforms facing criticism for their handling of faith-based content.
At Unionjournalism, we believe that the key to success in the evolving media landscape is to remain committed to values-driven content. By providing uplifting and inspiring stories, networks can attract audiences seeking alternatives to mainstream entertainment. As Abbott noted, free speech is free speech, and technology providers should apply fair and consistent standards to faith-based content.
The Power of Uplifting Entertainment
The Success of Christmas Programming
The success of Christmas programming is a prime example of the impact of values-driven content on the entertainment industry. According to Abbott, the unprecedented success of Christmas programming has attracted audiences seeking alternatives to mainstream entertainment. This genre, which was reinvigorated by Abbott at Fox, then at Hallmark, and now at Great American Media, has become a staple of the holiday season.
At Unionjournalism, we have seen a significant increase in audience engagement with Christmas programming. Our readers have been seeking more uplifting and inspiring stories, and we have responded by providing more coverage of faith-focused entertainment. The success of Christmas programming is a testament to the power of uplifting entertainment, and we believe that networks should continue to prioritize values-driven content.
Delivering Meaningful Stories
Great American Family’s commitment to faith, family, and country has led to significant audience growth. According to Abbott, the network’s audience tunes in expecting to be uplifted and inspired. By delivering meaningful, heartwarming stories, Great American Family has become a go-to destination for audiences seeking alternatives to mainstream entertainment.
At Unionjournalism, we believe that delivering meaningful stories is key to success in the entertainment industry. By prioritizing values-driven content, networks can attract audiences seeking uplifting and inspiring stories. As Abbott noted, other networks may shock and surprise, but Great American Family provides entertainment without compromise.
The Impact of “Faith & Family Sundays”
Great American Family’s “Faith & Family Sundays” programming event has been a huge success, bringing faith and family together through compelling storytelling. The event features 30 consecutive weeks of new episodes from the network’s original series, including County Rescue, When Hope Calls, and Vindication. According to Abbott, the success of “Faith & Family Sundays” is a testament to the power of uplifting entertainment.
At Unionjournalism, we believe that events like “Faith & Family Sundays” are essential to the entertainment industry. By providing a platform for faith-focused storytelling, networks can attract audiences seeking uplifting and inspiring stories. As Abbott noted, the need for faith-affirming narratives remains constant, and Great American Family is committed to delivering high-quality storytelling that aligns with its values.
Faith-Based Media in the Digital Age
Breaking Down Barriers
Digital platforms have made it easier for audiences to access values-driven content, breaking down barriers and making faith-based media more accessible than ever. According to Abbott, digital platforms are breaking down barriers, making values-driven content more accessible than ever. However, this shift has also raised concerns about censorship and content moderation, with some platforms facing criticism for their handling of faith-based content.
At Unionjournalism, we believe that digital platforms should prioritize fairness and consistency in their content moderation policies. By applying fair and consistent standards to faith-based content, technology providers can ensure that audiences have access to the content they want. As Abbott noted, free speech is free speech, and technology providers should not compromise on their commitment to fairness and consistency.
The Challenges of Censorship and Content Moderation
The challenges of censorship and content moderation are complex and multifaceted. According to Abbott, technology providers must apply fair and consistent standards to faith-based content. However, this can be difficult, particularly in cases where faith-based content may be deemed controversial or sensitive.
At Unionjournalism, we believe that technology providers must prioritize transparency and accountability in their content moderation policies. By being transparent about their policies and procedures, technology providers can build trust with their audiences and ensure that faith-based content is treated fairly and consistently. As Abbott noted, the key to success in the digital age is to remain committed to values-driven content.
The Importance of Fair and Consistent Standards
The importance of fair and consistent standards in content moderation cannot be overstated. According to Abbott, technology providers must apply fair and consistent standards to faith-based content. This is essential to ensuring that audiences have access to the content they want, and that faith-based media is treated fairly and consistently.
At Unionjournalism, we believe that fair and consistent standards are essential to the success of faith-based media in the digital age. By prioritizing fairness and consistency, technology providers can build trust with their audiences and ensure that faith-based content is treated with the respect and dignity it deserves. As Abbott noted, the need for faith-affirming narratives remains constant, and Great American Family is committed to delivering high-quality storytelling that aligns with its values.
The Future of Faith-Affirming Narratives
The Evolution of Storytelling Technology
The technology of storytelling has evolved significantly in recent years, with changes in technology impacting the way faith-affirming narratives are told. According to Abbott, the technology of storytelling has evolved, but the need for faith-affirming narratives remains constant. As the media landscape continues to evolve, it is essential that faith-based media adapts to these changes, using new technologies to tell compelling and uplifting stories.
At Unionjournalism, we believe that the future of faith-affirming narratives is bright. With the rise of digital platforms and the increasing demand for values-driven content, faith-based media is well-positioned to thrive in the years to come. As Abbott noted, Great American Media is committed to delivering high-quality storytelling that aligns with its values, and we believe that this commitment will serve the company well in the years to come.
The Constant Need for Uplifting Stories
The need for faith-affirming narratives remains constant, with audiences continuing to seek uplifting and inspiring stories. According to Abbott, the demand for storytelling that uplifts, inspires, and reflects the principles audiences cherish has never been stronger. As the media landscape continues to evolve, it is essential that faith-based media prioritizes values-driven content, delivering meaningful and heartwarming stories that resonate with audiences.
At Unionjournalism, we believe that the constant need for uplifting stories is a testament to the power of faith-affirming narratives. By prioritizing values-driven content, faith-based media can attract audiences seeking uplifting and inspiring stories, and provide a platform for faith-focused storytelling that is both compelling and impactful. As Abbott noted, Great American Family is committed to delivering entertainment without compromise, and we believe that this commitment will serve the company well in the years to come.
Expanding the Reach of Values-Driven Content
Great American Media has grown its streaming footprint through Great American Pure
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent remarks by Great American Media’s Bill Abbott at NRB 2025 underscore the growing importance of values-driven entertainment in the modern media landscape. As discussed in the article, Abbott’s vision for the future of entertainment emphasizes the need for content that not only resonates with audiences but also uplifts and inspires them. The key points highlighted in the article, including the evolving consumer preferences, the rise of faith-based and family-friendly content, and the role of technology in shaping the entertainment industry, all point to a significant shift in the way media companies approach content creation and distribution. The main argument presented is that values-driven entertainment is no longer a niche market, but a vital component of the entertainment ecosystem, with far-reaching implications for the industry as a whole.
The significance of this topic cannot be overstated, as it has the potential to impact not only the entertainment industry but also the broader cultural landscape. As media companies like Great American Media continue to prioritize values-driven entertainment, we can expect to see a proliferation of content that promotes positive values, diversity, and inclusivity. The implications of this trend are multifaceted, with potential benefits ranging from increased audience engagement and loyalty to improved social outcomes and cultural cohesion. Looking ahead, it is likely that we will see a continued emphasis on values-driven entertainment, with media companies investing in content that resonates with diverse audiences and promotes a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of the world. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the future of media will be shaped by the values and principles that underpin the content we create and consume.
As we move forward in this new era of values-driven entertainment, it is essential to consider the long-term impact of our choices as media consumers and creators. The future of entertainment is not just about producing content that is popular or profitable; it is about creating a cultural narrative that inspires, uplifts, and challenges us to be our best selves. As Bill Abbott’s remarks at NRB 2025 so eloquently emphasized, the power of media to shape our values and our culture is a profound responsibility, one that requires us to prioritize empathy, compassion, and understanding. In the end, the future of entertainment is not just about the content we create, but about the kind of world we want to create – a world that is more just, more equitable, and more loving. As we embark on this journey, let us remember that the stories we tell have the power to