If you were an executive at EWTN and it was up to you...

[Gnarwhal]

Let's say you're an executive with EWTN and it's on you to develop some new programming for various time slots. It can be any sort of format you want, and feature any Catholic from anywhere in the world. Who would you want to recruit and for what type of show?

This is kind of inspired by a side conversation in another thread about the current programming on the network so I thought I'd see what kind of ideas are out there.

 

[chevyontheriver]

Let's say you're an executive with EWTN and it's on you to develop some new programming for various time slots. It can be any sort of format you want, and feature any Catholic from anywhere in the world. Who would you want to recruit and for what type of show?

This is kind of inspired by a side conversation in another thread about the current programming on the network so I thought I'd see what kind of ideas are out there.

I really like Raymond Arroyo. But he's kind of one of a kind. I also really like Al Kresta. But he's also kind of one of a kind. I pay attention to Damian Thompson and Ed Pentin. But then a steady diet of it would be too much.

I do think one of the best things EWTN could do is to have a trustworthy news service. Well, they do, but it will be more and more needed as the rest of the media goes ultra-woke.

 

[Gnarwhal]

I really like Raymond Arroyo. But he's kind of one of a kind. I also really like Al Kresta. But he's also kind of one of a kind. I pay attention to Damian Thompson and Ed Pentin. But then a steady diet of it would be too much.

I do think one of the best things EWTN could do is to have a trustworthy news service. Well, they do, but it will be more and more needed as the rest of the media goes ultra-woke.

I've been wondering if News Nightly (and the new program In Depth) will see a rise in viewership as the trust in mainstream media continues to erode. Like I wonder if they had any gains after the election when Fox News fumbled and the plummeted in the ratings afterward.

What about Catholics who have smaller platforms right now (podcasts, smaller websites/publications) who might be good enough for a step up to the big leagues with EWTN?

 

[chevyontheriver]

I've been wondering if News Nightly (and the new program In Depth) will see a rise in viewership as the trust in mainstream media continues to erode. Like I wonder if they had any gains after the election when Fox News fumbled and the plummeted in the ratings afterward.

Fox did fumble. And the big media is showing itself to be reliable organs of a particular political party's agenda. So a news source that can actually be trusted is an asset. Not sure I fully trust the USCCB news organ though, as the USCCB seems itself rather disappointing.

What about Catholics who have smaller platforms right now (podcasts, smaller websites/publications) who might be good enough for a step up to the big leagues with EWTN?

How about brief runs of up and coming podcasts, maybe for a few minutes a show or for a few weeks, rotating them around. Everybody has to start small. No claim that EWTN fully endorses everything they ever did, but that they have some ideas of merit.

I think the thing we really need is assistance in getting serious about the faith. We now have the 'smaller and leaner' Church then cardinal Ratzinger predicted. How do we make that really work in evangelism, catechesis, liturgy, confession, everything? How do we cram for the final exam?

 

[Gnarwhal]

I think the thing we really need is assistance in getting serious about the faith. We now have the 'smaller and leaner' Church then cardinal Ratzinger predicted. How do we make that really work in evangelism, catechesis, liturgy, confession, everything? How do we cram for the final exam?

That's a really good point. We're in a position now where we need some exceedingly pure teaching of the Church, completely unadulterated and undiluted. It'd be interesting to give priests like Fr. James Altman or Fr. Dave Nix platforms on there for that purpose.

 

[Michie]

All good ideas from both of you. The news programs are a given for me. But daytime hours, or after primetime hours need to be filled with the teachings of the Church without the doublespeak. I’m very tired of seeing repeats they have shown for years. Maybe some discussion shows with call ins. Shows that are somewhat entertaining while showing how to incorporate faith into daily living. You know how our homes are supposed to be a domestic Church? Do a show about that so it draws in people that are interested in cultivating that. It could include decor and cooking. Something edifying and fun to watch! There are all sorts of things that could be done to feed all of us and keep us tuned in. At this point there are only a few shows that do that. The rest seems like a lot of resting on the laurels of repeats, etc. I know I am only looking at this from my POV but there needs to be some life fed into that channel. Another idea I had is having a show that verifies Catholic news while debunking other news concerning the Catholic Church. I know I’m rambling but I got a million of them. But I do realize implementing these various ideas could be an extreme amount of work and expense. But that’s my 2 cents.

 

[eastcoast_bsc]

A more sophisticated set design would be nice. Lol yes I am being petty.

 

[eastcoast_bsc]

Maybe bring on someone from the Franciscan Friars of Renewal and have a discussion on spirituality and some Q&A

 

[Chrystal-J]

I love Called To Communion. I'd like to see another show similar in nature to that one.

 

[Romans 13:3]

I think Cy Kellett could have a bigger presence than just Catholic Answers. I think he could do an interview show with 'heavy hitters' and make it light but still educational.