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• According to the survey of U.S. adults, most listeners do not cite news and politics as a primary reason for tuning into religious audio programming.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

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