Faith
FCC Investigates YouTube TV Over Christian Content Concerns
In a recent move that has captured the attention of faith-driven Americans, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has begun questioning YouTube TV over allegations that it may be discriminating against Christian content. At the heart of this issue is the exclusion of the Great American Family network, a channel celebrated for its family-friendly and Christian programming, from YouTube TV’s offerings.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has taken a stand, addressing a letter to Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet Inc., and Neal Mohan, CEO of Google. Carr’s letter highlights a complaint from Great American Media, which accuses YouTube TV of “deliberately marginalizing faith-based and family-friendly content.” This concern is particularly significant in an era where many feel that tech companies are increasingly silencing voices that promote traditional values.
Carr’s inquiry into YouTube TV’s decision to exclude Great American Family is timely, especially given that the network is readily available on other major platforms. Carr expressed his concerns by stating, “These allegations of faith-based discrimination come at a time when American public discourse has experienced an unprecedented surge in censorship.”
While the FCC’s authority over YouTube TV and other virtual multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) is limited, Carr emphasized the importance of understanding the nature of carriage policies in the virtual MVPD sector. This understanding could potentially inform the FCC’s broader regulatory approach.
Carr acknowledged that independent programmers often face challenges when their channels are not carried by MVPDs. However, he noted, “In the case of YouTube TV, concerns have been raised alleging that your company has a policy (secret or otherwise) that discriminates against faith-based programming.”
In response, a YouTube spokesperson offered to brief the FCC on the platform’s business decisions, stating, “We welcome the opportunity to brief the FCC on YouTube TV’s subscription service and the strategic business decisions we make based on factors like user demand, operational cost, and financial terms, and to reiterate that we do not have any policies that prohibit religious content.”
Great American Family, under the leadership of CEO Bill Abbott, has been a beacon for those seeking content that upholds traditional values. Since its launch in 2021, the network has seen impressive growth, with a 19% increase in household viewership and a 21% rise in total viewers in November alone. The network’s commitment to faith, family, and country sets it apart from mainstream platforms, which often portray these values in a dismissive manner.
Abbott, who previously led Crown Media Family Networks, has been vocal about his dedication to content that supports and encourages traditional values. He remarked, “In ‘mainstream’ entertainment, the portrayal of faith, family, and country is often dismissive, caricatured or outright derisive.”
As the FCC continues its investigation, the outcome could have significant implications for how faith-based content is treated in the digital age. For those who cherish the principles of faith, family, and freedom, this issue underscores the ongoing need to defend these values in the face of modern challenges.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- The Church of England’s disciplinary president found no grounds for action against Archbishop Stephen Cottrell regarding his handling of safeguarding complaints.
- Archbishop Cottrell expressed regret over past decisions and committed to a survivor-centered approach moving forward.
- Significant improvements have been made to the Church’s safeguarding standards in recent years.
Archbishop Stephen Cottrell was cleared of misconduct following a detailed review of his response to concerns about former priest David Tudor. Sir Stephen Males determined there was no authority to remove Tudor at the time the issues were raised.
The Archbishop acknowledged mistakes in how the situation was managed and expressed sorrow for the impact on those affected.
“With today’s trauma-informed understanding – which rightly places greater emphasis on listening carefully to survivors and recognising the lasting harm caused by abuse – I would take a different approach now.”
He affirmed his commitment to improving safeguarding practices and meeting with survivors to ensure a safer church for all.
As Christians, we must continue to pray for healing, justice, and integrity in our church leaders, standing firm in our calling to uphold truth and compassion in every circumstance.
Faith Facts
- for KING + COUNTRY’s new single “Ever & Ever Before” centers on lasting commitment in marriage.
- The song features contributions from both Joel and Luke Smallbone’s wives, highlighting family bonds.
- The lyrics focus on perseverance, resilience, and deepening love through challenges.
Grammy-winning brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone released “Ever & Ever Before” as a heartfelt tribute rooted in faithfulness and perseverance. This release uplifts the biblical value of covenant marriage, reminding believers of God’s design for enduring love.
“This song isn’t about the fireworks at the beginning,” Joel Smallbone said. “It’s about the long haul, and choosing to choose each other again and again.”
“Ever & Ever Before feels like a reflection and a celebration of the years of marriage we’ve shared with our wives,” Luke Smallbone explained. “It just keeps getting better and better with time, and to have both MŌRIAH and Courtney lend their voices once more to a project like this is a special moment for us.”
The lyrics tell a story that moves from the joys of first meeting to the strength built by facing trials together.
It echoes Christian teachings on the sanctity of marital vows. Each verse highlights faith, hope, and enduring love as the foundation for family success.
for KING + COUNTRY’s impact also extends to film with their documentary “NO TURNING BACK.”
It reflects their dedication to sharing Christian truth through multiple creative mediums. Their current music further inspires listeners to steadfastly honor God through marriage and family life.
Faith Facts
- The Catholic Church in Scotland has publicly supported new legislation to criminalize the purchase of sex.
- The bill seeks to clear previous convictions for soliciting and provide support for those affected by prostitution.
- Bishop John Keenan emphasized the need for protecting vulnerable people and addressing the harms of prostitution.
Scottish church leaders are standing behind a bill designed to address the demand for prostitution and care for individuals who have suffered its effects. The legislation, proposed by Ash Regan MSP, places responsibility on those who purchase sexual acts while offering practical help and a fresh start to the exploited.
The bishops highlight that this approach targets vulnerability and trauma, supporting those most deeply impacted by society’s failings. By removing the punishment from victims and focusing on eradicating exploitation, the Church calls for justice rooted in compassion.
“Evidence from Scotland and beyond demonstrates that prostitution is deeply rooted in vulnerability. A disproportionate number of those involved have experienced childhood sexual abuse, time in care, grooming, and other forms of trauma,” Bishop Keenan stated.
The Church also notes the bill’s potential to reduce human trafficking tied to the sex trade, underlining a Christian duty to defend dignity and freedom. With Parliament set to scrutinize the law, bishops urge leaders to seize this chance and champion the rights of women and girls in line with Biblical values.
Let us pray that Scotland’s leaders choose to advance laws that uphold the worth of all people and protect the innocent from harm. Stay informed on how faith continues to shape crucial debates in our society.
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