The shift from trusted newspapers to fast-paced digital content has been seismic. Trust in media is in sharp decline. Once a cornerstone of democratic life, the press is now viewed with scepticism. In the UK alone, 22 local newspapers have closed in the past two years, including the South London Press, Brighton Indy, North Liverpool Champion, and the Times of Tunbridge Wells. These were once trusted voices in their communities – now silent.
The rhythm of a weekly or daily paper has been replaced by the endless scroll. Social media, especially for younger generations, is now the dominant source for news and commentary. The influence of old press barons has faded, overtaken by AI tech entrepreneurs who control both platforms and narratives. The power to inform and influence no longer lies solely in editorial offices, but also with algorithms and unverified voices, many of whom operate without accountability.
As Christians, we must ask: what does this mean for truth-telling in public life? And how should we respond to this profound shift?
Christianity has always been shaped by storytelling. From the parables of Jesus to the letters of Paul, our faith has grown through the power of narrative. But we’ve also seen how technology can amplify that message. The Gutenberg press, for instance, revolutionised Christianity by making the Bible accessible to everyday people. Before Gutenberg’s innovation, scripture was the preserve of priests and scholars. His movable type enabled mass printing, and his press became a vital tool in the spread of the Reformation. Martin Luther’s translated Bible could reach thousands. A technological leap became a spiritual watershed.
The moment we are in now is similarly disruptive. Digital media, like Gutenberg’s press, offers Christians the opportunity to speak directly into culture. But this opportunity comes with challenges. The rise of misinformation, polarisation and distrust can obscure truth and foster cynicism. In such an environment, the Christian voice is needed more than ever – not to shout louder, but to speak more clearly, compassionately and wisely.
In my own, somewhat topsy-turvy career, working across both faith-based and secular media – including roles with Fleet Street tabloids, heritage regional newspapers, Christian Today, Sorted Magazine, and contributions to the BBC’s Faith & Ethics programming – I’ve seen firsthand how stories rooted in faith can resonate far beyond church walls. When told with authenticity and integrity, these narratives meet people where they are and invite them to see the world differently.
I recall one church-led media project in the West Country that created short, documentary-style interviews with members of the local community – not just churchgoers, but everyday people. These interviews explored life, loss, forgiveness and hope. They weren’t preachy. They didn’t carry slick branding. But they were real. Shared on YouTube and local Facebook groups, the series garnered tens of thousands of views. One video of a single mum talking about how her church helped her during recovery from addiction struck a particular chord and was shared widely – even by people who wouldn’t identify as religious.
This project worked because it focused on human experience while quietly pointing towards something deeper. It told better stories. That’s the task before us.
"...the Christian voice is needed more than ever – not to shout louder, but to speak more clearly, compassionately and wisely."
We often forget that good journalism and good evangelism share certain qualities: honesty, clarity, courage and a concern for the common good. Jesus Himself was the master communicator. In Matthew 13, He uses parables to reveal deep truths – stories that were both ordinary and radical, accessible yet profound. He used language His audience understood and images they could relate to. There was no platform more powerful than a hillside or a fishing boat.
In today’s media climate, the church has a rare opportunity to reclaim space in the public square. According to a recent Edelman Trust Barometer, global trust in news organisations has plummeted. Yet surveys often show that local churches, when active in their communities, still retain a degree of trust – even among those who don’t attend. This trust is an asset. But we must steward it wisely.
That means churches investing in media skills – not simply to keep up with trends but to communicate effectively. It means training young Christians to think critically about media, perhaps even encouraging them into journalism as a calling. It means being present in digital spaces not just to rebuke or react, but to offer presence, light and truth. Not every church needs a media department, but every church needs a media mindset.
We must also hold ourselves to account. Christians are not immune to spreading misinformation or inhabiting echo chambers. If we are to be credible voices, we must model discernment – checking sources, resisting outrage and seeking nuance. We are either contributing to clarity or to confusion.
"...local churches, when active in their communities, still retain a degree of trust – even among those who don’t attend. This trust is an asset. But we must steward it wisely."
The decline of legacy media and the rise of decentralised commentary is not inherently a tragedy. But it is a moment of reckoning. The gospel still has power to reach hearts and minds, but the delivery must be rooted in the times we live in.
Silence is not neutrality. If Christians retreat from media, others will fill the space. But if we step forward – truthfully, creatively and faithfully – we may yet help shape a more honest, hopeful public discourse.
We are stewards of the message. Let us tell better stories.
