More than one third of all Americans listen to Christian Radio and nearly two-thirds confirm they consume Christian media in some form.
Those are the findings of The State of Christian Media, a just-released report from the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Association in conjunction with the Barna Group of researchers.
It found 36% of US adults listen to Christian Radio.
Nearly seven in 10 users of at least one Christian media source (69%) are using both broadcast and digital media for Christian content.
Overall, 61% of Americans consume Christian media in some form — whether through radio, television, podcasts, news websites, social media, or YouTube.
Half of these users engage with Christian content at least once per week.
“PEOPLE ARE RELYING ON CHRISTIAN CONTENT TO SHAPE THEIR WORLDVIEW”
The report found that Christian media holds a significant presence in American life, and the data paints a picture of a movement that is not only growing, but is also shaping the future of media.
NRB President and CEO Troy A. Miller says. “People aren’t just tuning in, They’re relying on Christian content to shape their worldview, strengthen their faith, and find direction in a world flooded with noise and uncertainty.”
“Christian media is not on the margins, but a powerful force in the mainstream, bringing clarity to confusion, hope in despair, and truth amidst compromise.”
“If you’re a Christian communicator, know this: your voice matters. The people are listening. The culture is watching. And the Gospel remains as powerful and necessary as ever.
“CHRISTIAN MEDIA SEEN AS “VALUABLE AND TRUSTWORTHY”
Christian media users tend to be younger, more family-oriented, and more conservative than non-users, with social media showing the broadest reach of all platforms.
Usage of Christian social media accounts was highest among Gen Z respondents (64%), followed by Millennials (58%).
The study found that Christian media isn’t just widely consumed; it’s also largely respected.
Two-thirds of the US population view Christian media as valuable and trustworthy, and that figure rises to four in five among those who use Christian media.
Practicing Christians (defined as those who attend church monthly and consider their faith very important) express the strongest levels of affirmation.
Even among those who don’t identify as born-again Christians, roughly half view Christian media in a positive light.
“A RELIABLE ALTERNATIVE TO MAINSTREAM PLATFORMS”
A substantial share of users — 66% overall, and 84% of heavy users — say they turn to Christian media in part to avoid mainstream platforms.
The report says: “This reflects not just personal preference, but a deep hunger for media rooted in truth, hope, and transcendence.”
“In a cultural moment marked by uncertainty and ideological fragmentation, Christian content creators are stepping in to meet this need with clarity and conviction.”
Among the benefits of Christian media, users cite spiritual, emotional, and relational growth as outcomes of their media engagement.
Among the most widely reported benefits are:
A stronger sense of God’s purpose
A deeper love for Jesus
Improved mental and emotional well-being
Increased understanding of the Bible
More meaningful relationships
“WE HAVE THE PRIVILEGE TO BRING HIS TRUTH, LOVE AND LIFE TO A LOST WORLD”
“Encouragement” is the top reason users engage with Christian media, mentioned by 94%, while 64% of users say Christian media motivated them to vote in the 2024 Presidential election, a figure that increases to 90% among heavy Christian media users.
Troy Miller concludes: “We praise God that through Christian media, we have the privilege to join Him in His work to bring His truth, love, and life to a lost world.”
“That’s why NRB exists, to equip and champion Christian communicators for such a time as this.”
“If you’re called to speak truth into today’s media landscape, there’s no better place to stand than with NRB.”
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