The Session: The Impact of Media on America

We Set out to Examine What Impacts the World View of Americans Today

Matthew 5:14-16

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

The Impact of National News on Society

• Controversy and Media: Some critics, such as those from the Media Research Center, argue mainstream media overlooks or negatively covers "passionate Christian enthusiasm" while focusing on controversies. (SCOTT: IF IT BLEEDS IT LEADS)

Disclaimer: This summary is based on search results and reflects a range of studies and perspectives on the impact of Christian-oriented news, media, and ideological views in the United States.

• National news in America profoundly shapes public opinion, drives political polarization, and impacts mental health, with over 50% of adults believing it misinforms them. While it highlights national issues, it often triggers anxiety through negative coverage and fosters "us vs. them" mentalities that hinder political.

Key Impacts of National News on America:

• Polarization and Distrust: National news often intensifies political divides, with viewers of slanted, partisan media (e.g., Fox News) often having warped perceptions of opposing viewpoints and key issues like inflation or crime. (FROM SCOTT: REALLY? JUST FOX NEWS? ABC, CNN AREN’T SLANTED & POLITICAL?) Only 23% of Americans believe national news organizations care about their audience's best interests. (FROM SCOTT: THEY DON’T CARE ABOUT THE AUDIENCE’S BEST INTEREST. THEY CARE ABOUT MAKING MONEY FOR STOCKHOLDERS & SERVING THEIR POLITICAL BENT)
• Mental Health Consequences: Consistent exposure to negative news, which dominates headlines (especially in politics), can spark "fight or flight" responses, increasing anxiety and depression.

A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scripture, & prayer in just 7 minutes. Join the journey!

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

The Session: The Impact of Media on America

We Set out to Examine What Impacts the World View of Americans Today

Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Does Social Media Help or Hurt America? From Ron Sellers at Grey Matter Research and Infinity

1,000 American evangelicals protestants surveyed

• Fifty-eight percent of evangelicals believe social media is more harmful than helpful, while 42% say the benefits outweigh downsides.
• The top reason this group cites for distrusting social media is content that is harmful to Christians (34%). This includes material that is unsafe, sexualized, worldly, hateful, and/or negative. (FROM SCOTT: HOW ABOUT INFO THAT IS A LIE OR INACCURATE?)
• More surprising is how little difference there is between the two groups when it comes to social media habits. Among those saying social media is more harmful than helpful, 94% still use it at least monthly.
• 96% use social media.
• The most popular social media platforms among evangelicals are Facebook (with 81%visiting at least monthly); YouTube (71%); Instagram (45%); and TikTok (35%). (FROM SCOTT: THE TIK TOK ONE SCARES ME. WHY ARE WE USING A PLATFORM OWNED BY CHINA, A NATION THAT HATES US & WANTS TO DESTROY US?)
• Evangelicals are more likely than the average American to use Facebook (81% vs. 68%), and slightly less likely to use YouTube, Pinterest, Snapchat, and Reddit.

A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scripture, & prayer in just 7 minutes. Join the journey!

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

The Session: The Impact of Media on America

We Set out to Examine What Impacts the World View of Americans Today

Matthew 5:14-16

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Religious Radio Across America, from the Pew Research Center

The project took place over the last year and analyzed 440,000 hours of radio broadcasts in July 2025 with over 5,000 adults in the survey. Those questioned were asked about their experience listening to Religious content on the radio.

Key findings in the Pew study:

• 45% of Americans listen to Religious programming on a regular basis
• Most religious radio stations describe evangelism as part of their mission
• The survey revealed that adults ages 18–29 account for 87% of online religious audio streaming, while also demonstrates the format’s broad appeal across generations. Notably, 65% of adults aged 50–64 also listen to religious content online.
• Approximately 37% of religious stations focus primarily on music, 35% emphasize talk programming, and 28% maintain a more balanced mix of the two.
• According to the survey of U.S. adults, most listeners do not cite news and politics as a primary reason for tuning into religious audio programming. Only 14% of listeners say keeping up with current events is a major reason they listen, though 40% say it is at least a minor reason.

Issues that people listen for, according to the survey:

• The economy, crime, and immigration — issues that consistently rank among the most important concerns in national surveys of Americans.
• Two social and cultural issues: abortion and LGBTQ rights.
• President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, the Republican Party, and the Democratic Party.
• Modern-day Israel and the Palestinian territories, including references to the war in Gaza.
• 98% of the U.S. adult population lives within range of at least 1 religious radio station
• 18 to 29-year-olds represent 87% of online religious streaming

Summary:

• 45% of Americans listen to religious radio that have a evangelism focus
• 18 to 29-year-olds represent 87% of online religious streaming. 65% of Americans 50 to 64 listen to religious radio.
• Two social and cultural issues discussed on religious radio was abortion an LGBTQ
• Presidential differences

A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scripture, & prayer in just 7 minutes. Join the journey!

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.