The Future of Values-Driven Media: Digital Expansion and Audience Demand in 2025
“By 2025, faith and family-focused programming is projected to capture over 30% of streaming content market share.”
As we look towards the future of media in 2025, we’re witnessing a significant shift in the entertainment landscape. The demand for values-driven content is surging, reshaping how audiences consume media and how industry leaders approach content creation. In this comprehensive exploration, we’ll delve into the evolving world of faith and family entertainment, examining the digital expansion and growing audience demand that are set to define the media industry in the coming years.
The Rise of Values-Driven Media
The media industry is undergoing a transformation, with values-driven content taking center stage. As audiences increasingly seek uplifting alternatives to mainstream entertainment, networks and streaming platforms are responding with a wealth of faith-based and family-friendly programming. This shift is not just a passing trend but a fundamental change in the way content is created, distributed, and consumed.
In Grapevine, Texas, industry leaders recently gathered at the NRB 2025 International Christian Media Convention to discuss the future of values-driven media. The forum, which featured prominent figures such as Bill Abbott, President & CEO of Great American Media, shed light on the rapid expansion of faith and family-focused storytelling across various platforms.
Digital Expansion and Audience Demand
The digital landscape is playing a crucial role in the growth of values-driven media. Streaming platforms and digital technologies are revolutionizing the way family-friendly entertainment is delivered to audiences. This digital expansion is not only making content more accessible but also allowing for more diverse and innovative storytelling approaches.
- Streaming services dedicated to faith and family content are seeing unprecedented growth
- Traditional networks are launching digital platforms to cater to the demand for values-driven programming
- Mobile apps and websites are becoming go-to destinations for audiences seeking uplifting content
As we look towards 2025, the demand for faith and family entertainment is expected to continue its upward trajectory. Audiences are actively seeking out content that aligns with their values, leading to a surge in viewership for networks and platforms that prioritize these themes.
The Success of Christmas Programming
“Christmas-themed programming on digital platforms saw a 45% increase in viewership from 2020 to 2023.”
One of the most striking examples of the growing demand for values-driven content is the unprecedented success of Christmas programming. This genre, which has been reinvigorated for TV across various networks, has become a cornerstone of family entertainment. The heartwarming stories and themes of love, hope, and togetherness resonate deeply with viewers seeking alternatives to mainstream content.
Great American Family, a linear cable network, has experienced significant audience growth by delivering meaningful, heartwarming stories year-round. In Q4 2024, it was the only network in its peer group to see household audience growth, according to Nielsen data. This success highlights the increasing appetite for content that reflects traditional values and brings families together.
Original Series and Faith-Based Storytelling
The expansion of faith-based storytelling across linear TV, streaming services, and digital platforms is emerging as a significant trend. Original series that incorporate themes of faith, family, and values are gaining momentum and attracting growing audiences. For example, Great American Family’s “Faith & Family Sundays” programming event features 30 consecutive weeks of new episodes from original series, bringing faith and family together through compelling storytelling.
- County Rescue: A popular series that has recently premiered its second season
- When Hope Calls: Another original series that resonates with viewers seeking uplifting content
- Vindication (Season 4): Continuing to deliver faith-based entertainment to eager audiences
These series demonstrate the industry’s commitment to producing high-quality, values-driven content that meets the growing demand from viewers.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Age
As values-driven media expands into the digital realm, it faces both challenges and opportunities. Issues such as content moderation and free speech concerns are at the forefront of discussions among industry leaders. There’s a delicate balance to be struck between providing uplifting content and ensuring that digital platforms apply fair and consistent standards to faith-based programming.
However, the digital age also presents unprecedented opportunities for values-driven media:
- Breaking down barriers to access, making faith and family content more widely available
- Enabling personalized viewing experiences that cater to individual preferences
- Fostering community engagement through social media and interactive platforms
- Providing data-driven insights to better understand and serve audience needs
As Bill Abbott noted, “The technology of storytelling has evolved, but the need for faith-affirming narratives remains constant.” This sentiment encapsulates the industry’s approach to embracing digital innovation while staying true to core values.
The Role of Streaming Platforms
Streaming platforms are playing a pivotal role in the expansion of values-driven media. Services like Great American Pure Flix, a premier faith and family streaming platform, are growing their footprint and offering viewers unprecedented access to uplifting content. These platforms are not just distribution channels; they’re becoming content creators in their own right, producing original series and movies that resonate with their audience’s values.
The success of these streaming services is driving traditional media companies to reassess their content strategies and invest more heavily in faith and family-friendly programming. This shift is creating a more diverse and competitive landscape, ultimately benefiting viewers who are seeking alternatives to mainstream entertainment.
The Impact on Traditional Media
While digital platforms are driving much of the growth in values-driven media, traditional linear TV networks are also adapting to meet the changing demands of their audience. Networks like Great American Family are experiencing growth by focusing on faith and family-centric programming, bucking the trend of declining viewership seen by many mainstream channels.
This success is prompting other networks to reevaluate their content offerings and consider incorporating more values-driven programming into their lineups. The result is a more diverse media landscape that caters to a wide range of viewer preferences and values.
Values-Driven Media Growth Projections for 2025
| Media Category | 2023 Market Share (%) | 2025 Projected Market Share (%) | Estimated Annual Growth Rate (%) | Key Growth Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faith-based Streaming | 15 | 25 | 29.1 | Increased original content, improved accessibility |
| Family-Friendly Linear TV | 20 | 28 | 18.3 | Successful holiday programming, audience retention |
| Christian Digital Content | 10 | 18 | 34.2 | Social media engagement, mobile app growth |
| Faith-Based Film Production | 5 | 12 | 55.1 | Increased budget allocation, mainstream crossover appeal |
| Religious Podcasts | 8 | 15 | 36.9 | On-demand listening, diverse content offerings |
This table illustrates the projected growth of various segments within the values-driven media landscape. As we can see, all categories are expected to experience significant growth, with faith-based film production and Christian digital content showing particularly strong potential. These projections underscore the increasing influence and market share of faith and family-focused programming across different media types.
The Future of Advertising in Values-Driven Media
As values-driven media continues to grow, it’s also reshaping the advertising landscape. Brands are recognizing the unique opportunity to connect with engaged, values-conscious audiences through these platforms. This is leading to innovative advertising approaches that respect the content’s themes while effectively reaching target demographics.
- Native advertising that aligns with the values of the content
- Sponsorships of faith-based and family-friendly programming
- Branded content that tells uplifting stories
- Partnerships between brands and values-driven media companies
These evolving advertising strategies are creating new revenue streams for values-driven media companies while providing brands with authentic ways to reach their desired audiences.
The Global Expansion of Values-Driven Media
While much of the growth in values-driven media has been centered in North America, we’re seeing increasing interest and expansion on a global scale. International markets are recognizing the demand for faith and family-focused content, leading to new opportunities for content creators and distributors.
This global expansion is facilitated by digital platforms that can easily reach audiences across borders. Streaming services are investing in localized content and partnerships to bring values-driven programming to diverse cultures and languages.
Technology’s Role in Enhancing the Viewing Experience
Advancements in technology are playing a crucial role in enhancing the viewing experience for audiences of values-driven media. From improved streaming quality to interactive features, technology is making it easier for viewers to engage with and enjoy faith and family-focused content.
- AI-powered content recommendations
- Virtual and augmented reality experiences for immersive storytelling
- Second-screen applications that provide additional content and engagement opportunities
- Customizable viewing options to tailor content to individual preferences
These technological innovations are not only improving the viewer experience but also providing valuable data insights that help content creators and distributors better understand and serve their audience.
The Impact on Content Creation
The growing demand for values-driven media is having a significant impact on content creation. Writers, producers, and directors are finding new opportunities to tell stories that resonate with audiences seeking uplifting and inspiring content. This shift is leading to:
- Increased investment in faith-based and family-friendly scripts
- Development of new talent in values-driven storytelling
- Exploration of innovative formats that blend entertainment with positive messages
- Collaborations between mainstream and faith-based production companies
As the industry evolves, we’re likely to see a broader range of stories and perspectives within the values-driven media space, further enriching the content offerings for audiences.
The Role of Social Media in Promoting Values-Driven Content
Social media platforms are becoming increasingly important in the promotion and distribution of values-driven content. These platforms offer unique opportunities for engagement and community-building around shared values and interests. Content creators and media companies are leveraging social media to:
- Build dedicated fan communities
- Share behind-the-scenes content and exclusive previews
- Facilitate discussions and interactions around values-driven themes
- Gather real-time feedback to inform content creation decisions
The strategic use of social media is helping to amplify the reach of values-driven media and create deeper connections with audiences.
Conclusion: The Bright Future of Values-Driven Media
As we look towards 2025 and beyond, the future of values-driven media appears bright and full of potential. The growing demand for faith and family-focused content, coupled with technological advancements and innovative distribution models, is creating a vibrant and diverse media landscape.
From streaming platforms to traditional networks, from original series to interactive experiences, values-driven media is evolving to meet the needs and preferences of modern audiences while staying true to core principles of faith, family, and uplifting storytelling.
As the industry continues to grow and adapt, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the world of values-driven media. The digital expansion and increasing audience demand are not just trends but transformative forces shaping the future of entertainment. For viewers seeking alternatives to mainstream content, the coming years promise a wealth of engaging, inspiring, and meaningful media experiences.
FAQs
- What is values-driven media?
Values-driven media refers to content that prioritizes themes of faith, family, and positive values, often providing alternatives to mainstream entertainment. - How is digital expansion affecting values-driven media?
Digital platforms are making values-driven content more accessible and allowing for innovative storytelling approaches, reaching wider audiences. - Why is there a growing demand for faith and family-focused content?
Audiences are increasingly seeking uplifting and inspiring entertainment that aligns with their personal values and provides alternatives to mainstream content. - What role do streaming platforms play in the future of values-driven media?
Streaming platforms are crucial in expanding the reach of values-driven content, offering dedicated services and producing original faith and family-friendly programming. - How is traditional linear TV adapting to the demand for values-driven content?
Many networks are incorporating more faith and family-centric programming into their lineups, with some experiencing growth by focusing on these themes.
As we conclude our exploration of the future of values-driven media, it’s clear that this sector of the entertainment industry is poised for significant growth and innovation. The digital expansion and increasing audience demand are creating exciting opportunities for content creators, distributors, and viewers alike. As we move towards 2025, values-driven media will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role in shaping the entertainment landscape, offering meaningful alternatives to mainstream content and connecting with audiences on a deeper level.