When it comes to communicating with the media, faith leaders often cite their own lack of resources or media savvy as the biggest challenges to collaborating effectively. Members of the media also cite a lack of time, resources and limited opportunities to interact with members of diverse faiths as challenges on their side. The end result is that people in these industries are reluctant to engage, leading to incomplete, inaccurate or even negative portrayals of faith in entertainment and media.
The effect on the public is significant. 61% of people worldwide say the media’s approach to religion perpetuates faith-based stereotypes rather than address and protect them. And, 43% of people believe the media’s current approach to faith storytelling creates unease and anxiety. 2
Our initiative brings faith and media together around shared interests and mutual goals. Together, we:
84% of humankind affiliates with religion. It occupies a large space in the spectrum of people’s lives. At the same time, for many people, society feels fragile. Economic uncertainty, social division, and conflict have left individuals, families, companies, and governments seeking more. The global community is asking for a shared recovery.
The Faith & Media Initiative values the power and potential that both media and faith have to drive change and foster a more robust, resilient world – but we have to act now. We believe that the stability, strength, and confidence of our societies will only improve by bringing faith and media closer together.
Join Us