Testing waters

Gnarwhal · Jan 23, 2023

I'm just curious about something, I know the age demographics may not necessarily apply here in OBOB but I've been observing since I got to EWTN the kind of content we produce across the network and the audience we usually target. We tend to target the 50+ crowd because they make up the bulk of our donor base that keeps the lights on.

Not to be glib, but they won't be around forever. The network executives seem resistant to introducing new content and styles, however starting in March the news division will have a new president who may be open to suggestions for what's produced out of the DC bureau.

I'm curious what you guys think if EWTN added shows from popular Catholic podcasters like Timothy Flanders, Eric Sammons, Brian Holdsworth, etc. Their podcast shows tend to focus on developments coming out of the Vatican and to various extents both secular and ecclesiastic developments in the US and abroad. If any of these guys were given shows kind of like Tucker Carlson would do you think Catholics under 40-50 would watch?

I'll say this: they have good sized audiences on the web, I imagine they'd bring a lot of them to the new platform and probably add more given the higher profile nature of EWTN.

What do you think?

Michie · Jan 23, 2023

spicoli said:
I'm just curious about something, I know the age demographics may not necessarily apply here in OBOB but I've been observing since I got to EWTN the kind of content we produce across the network and the audience we usually target. We tend to target the 50+ crowd because they make up the bulk of our donor base that keeps the lights on.

Not to be glib, but they won't be around forever. The network executives seem resistant to introducing new content and styles, however starting in March the news division will have a new president who may be open to suggestions for what's produced out of the DC bureau.

I'm curious what you guys think if EWTN added shows from popular Catholic podcasters like Timothy Flanders, Eric Sammons, Brian Holdsworth, etc. Their podcast shows tend to focus on developments coming out of the Vatican and to various extents both secular and ecclesiastic developments in the US and abroad. If any of these guys were given shows kind of like Tucker Carlson would do you think Catholics under 40-50 would watch?

I'll say this: they have good sized audiences on the web, I imagine they'd bring a lot of them to the new platform and probably add more given the higher profile nature of EWTN.

What do you think?

I’ve long thought that EWTN has been way overdue for a makeover. While there are some programs I do watch on the channel it seems to be dwindling with time. I think podcasts and the like would be more engaging and add to already long-standing popular programs. It would be great if they would budge on this a little bit and would benefit the station as well as Catholics overall in the long run.

Gnarwhal · Jan 23, 2023

Michie said:
I’ve long thought that EWTN has been way overdue for a makeover. While there are some programs I do watch on the channel it seems to be dwindling with time. I think podcasts and the like would be more engaging and add to already long-standing popular programs. It would be great if they would budge on this a little bit and would benefit the station as well as Catholics overall in the long run.

I've heard that they keep airing a lot of the old programming from 30+ years ago because it's what the oldest donors like, and they also happen to be some of the biggest donors. One big wig in particular from Napa.

Michie · Jan 23, 2023

spicoli said:
I've heard that they keep airing a lot of the old programming from 30+ years ago because it's what the oldest donors like, and they also happen to be some of the biggest donors. One big wig in particular from Napa.

Well I think they should rethink. Donors are great but if those donors are not willing to grow the channel it’s really self-defeating. Those donors make will something to them but eventually all that will be gone. I do not think it would hurt to think outside the box to ensure the future of the channel. You don’t have to lose the original vision to grow.

Gnarwhal · Jan 23, 2023

Michie said:
Well I think they should rethink. Donors are great but if those donors are not willing to grow the channel it’s really self-defeating. Those donors make will something to them but eventually all that will be gone. I do not think it would hurt to think outside the box to ensure the future of the channel. You don’t have to lose the original vision to grow.

That's what I'm saying, I don't want the revenue to die when the donors do. They need to appeal to younger people so that future donors feel compelled to support the cause unless they intend for the network to only last about 60 years.

Michie · Jan 23, 2023

Michie said:
Well I think they should rethink. Donors are great but if those donors are not willing to grow the channel it’s really self-defeating. Those donors make will something to them but eventually all that will be gone. I do not think it would hurt to think outside the box to ensure the future of the channel. You don’t have to lose the original vision to grow.

Another thought. If donors confuse donation with ownership then that’s going to be a problem with any endeavor.

Michie · Jan 23, 2023

spicoli said:
That's what I'm saying, I don't want the revenue to die when the donors do. They need to appeal to younger people so that future donors feel compelled to support the cause unless they intend for the network to only last about 60 years.

I agree. I understand donating to something you believe in that can further the faith in the world and enrich the faith of hungry Catholics that inspires them to get more involved. But donation should never come down to ownership where it becomes stagnant.

mourningdove~ · Jan 23, 2023

spicoli said:
I'm just curious about something, I know the age demographics may not necessarily apply here in OBOB but I've been observing since I got to EWTN the kind of content we produce across the network and the audience we usually target. We tend to target the 50+ crowd because they make up the bulk of our donor base that keeps the lights on.

Not to be glib, but they won't be around forever. The network executives seem resistant to introducing new content and styles, however starting in March the news division will have a new president who may be open to suggestions for what's produced out of the DC bureau.

I'm curious what you guys think if EWTN added shows from popular Catholic podcasters like Timothy Flanders, Eric Sammons, Brian Holdsworth, etc. Their podcast shows tend to focus on developments coming out of the Vatican and to various extents both secular and ecclesiastic developments in the US and abroad. If any of these guys were given shows kind of like Tucker Carlson would do you think Catholics under 40-50 would watch?

I'll say this: they have good sized audiences on the web, I imagine they'd bring a lot of them to the new platform and probably add more given the higher profile nature of EWTN.

What do you think?

Lol ... I get the sense you may think that most of us 'older' folks just sit around watching Andy Griffith, Father Knows Best, Mother Angelica Classics, and Medicare commercials! Lol! Lol! Not so.

I do enjoy old television programming whenever I want or need a break from the harsh realities of the world we are now living in. However, my husband (78) and I (68) do watch Tucker Carlson every weeknight (the only host I follow on Fox), and then there is the Alex Jones show that I watch or listen to regularly, to mention just a couple of our 'non old folk' viewing choices. And there are other alternative news commentators that I follow regularly ...

I cannot speak for the 40-50 age group. Honestly, I'm uncertain as to how most of the younger generation thinks these days.

... But as for us 'old folks', many of us are very aware of what is happening in the world today.
We won't all be afraid or 'scared off' if EWTN tosses in a few energetic young commentators, as long as they are speaking true Catholicism.

Like it or not, there does appear to be a growing split in the RC (my observation only) ... traditional Catholics (not meaning just Latin Catholics) vs. the progressive movement ... with fewer and fewer in the middle ... just like there is this growing split in our American society today.

... I go to the Catholic Channel and find nothing but lukewarm modern Catholicism there. Cannot watch it. Feels empty.
... This may not be good Catholic terminology, but I go to EWTN and discern an anointing on much of the programming there ...

I think that is the challenge you may actually find yourself facing in the days ahead ... not 'old folk viewers' vs. 'younger ones' ...
but rather, the challenge of 'modernizing' programming without becoming the modern lukewarm church.

God bless you in your service to God.

Michie · Jan 23, 2023

mourningdove~ said:
Lol ... I get the sense you may think that most of us 'older' folks just sit around watching Andy Griffith, Father Knows Best, Mother Angelica Classics, and Medicare commercials! Lol! Lol! Not so.

I do enjoy old television programming whenever I want or need a break from the harsh realities of the world we are now living in. However, my husband (78) and I (68) do watch Tucker Carlson every weeknight (the only host I follow on Fox), and then there is the Alex Jones show that I watch or listen to regularly, to mention just a couple of our 'non old folk' viewing choices. And there are other alternative news commentators that I follow regularly ...

I cannot speak for the 40-50 age group. Honestly, I'm uncertain as to how most of the younger generation thinks these days.

... But as for us 'old folks', many of us are very aware of what is happening in the world today.
We won't all be afraid or 'scared off' if EWTN tosses in a few energetic young commentators, as long as they are speaking true Catholicism.

Like it or not, there does appear to be a growing split in the RC (my observation only) ... traditional Catholics (not meaning just Latin Catholics) vs. the progressive movement ... with fewer and fewer in the middle ... just like there is this growing split in our American society today.

... I go to the Catholic Channel and find nothing but lukewarm modern Catholicism there. Cannot watch it. Feels empty.
... This may not be good Catholic terminology, but I go to EWTN and discern an anointing on much of the programming there ...

I think that is the challenge you may actually find yourself facing in the days ahead ... not 'old folk viewers' vs. 'younger ones' ...
but rather, the challenge of 'modernizing' programming without becoming the modern lukewarm church.

God bless you in your service to God.

.

Michie · Jan 23, 2023

mourningdove~ said:
Lol ... I get the sense you may think that most of us 'older' folks just sit around watching Andy Griffith, Father Knows Best, Mother Angelica Classics, and Medicare commercials! Lol! Lol! Not so.

I do enjoy old television programming whenever I want or need a break from the harsh realities of the world we are now living in. However, my husband (78) and I (68) do watch Tucker Carlson every weeknight (the only host I follow on Fox), and then there is the Alex Jones show that I watch or listen to regularly, to mention just a couple of our 'non old folk' viewing choices. And there are other alternative news commentators that I follow regularly ...

I cannot speak for the 40-50 age group. Honestly, I'm uncertain as to how most of the younger generation thinks these days.

... But as for us 'old folks', many of us are very aware of what is happening in the world today.
We won't all be afraid or 'scared off' if EWTN tosses in a few energetic young commentators, as long as they are speaking true Catholicism.

Like it or not, there does appear to be a growing split in the RC (my observation only) ... traditional Catholics (not meaning just Latin Catholics) vs. the progressive movement ... with fewer and fewer in the middle ... just like there is this growing split in our American society today.

... I go to the Catholic Channel and find nothing but lukewarm modern Catholicism there. Cannot watch it. Feels empty.
... This may not be good Catholic terminology, but I go to EWTN and discern an anointing on much of the programming there ...

I think that is the challenge you may actually find yourself facing in the days ahead ... not 'old folk viewers' vs. 'younger ones' ...
but rather, the challenge of 'modernizing' programming without becoming the modern lukewarm church.

God bless you in your service to God.

I laughed at your post by the way because it’s true. A lot of issues are not really an age thing but like everything else, just the human condition. I did enjoy your post.

chevyontheriver · Jan 23, 2023

spicoli said:
I'm just curious about something, I know the age demographics may not necessarily apply here in OBOB but I've been observing since I got to EWTN the kind of content we produce across the network and the audience we usually target. We tend to target the 50+ crowd because they make up the bulk of our donor base that keeps the lights on.

Not to be glib, but they won't be around forever. The network executives seem resistant to introducing new content and styles, however starting in March the news division will have a new president who may be open to suggestions for what's produced out of the DC bureau.

I'm curious what you guys think if EWTN added shows from popular Catholic podcasters like Timothy Flanders, Eric Sammons, Brian Holdsworth, etc. Their podcast shows tend to focus on developments coming out of the Vatican and to various extents both secular and ecclesiastic developments in the US and abroad. If any of these guys were given shows kind of like Tucker Carlson would do you think Catholics under 40-50 would watch?

I'll say this: they have good sized audiences on the web, I imagine they'd bring a lot of them to the new platform and probably add more given the higher profile nature of EWTN.

What do you think?

I'm an old fart and I watch Raymond Arroyo mostly. I don't watch much TV. I do appreciate the radio feed though. and listen to that often while driving. To tell you the truth I like Al Kresta.

I have no idea what would fit a younger demographic.

What I think is needed is something to get us through the coming crises in the culture and the Church. Not so much talking about the latest stupid things happening, but building us up into people who will persevere. Maybe personal stories of overcoming in faith.

Gnarwhal · Jan 23, 2023

mourningdove~ said:
Lol ... I get the sense you may think that most of us 'older' folks just sit around watching Andy Griffith, Father Knows Best, Mother Angelica Classics, and Medicare commercials! Lol! Lol! Not so.

I know not all do, shoot my dad watches John Wick most of the time. That movie's only about eight years old. But someone somewhere thinks it's a good idea to air old old EWTN content from the 90s that really doesn't have much value in 2023.

mourningdove~ said:
I do enjoy old television programming whenever I want or need a break from the harsh realities of the world we are now living in. However, my husband (78) and I (68) do watch Tucker Carlson every weeknight (the only host I follow on Fox), and then there is the Alex Jones show that I watch or listen to regularly, to mention just a couple of our 'non old folk' viewing choices. And there are other alternative news commentators that I follow regularly ...

I cannot speak for the 40-50 age group. Honestly, I'm uncertain as to how most of the younger generation thinks these days.

... But as for us 'old folks', many of us are very aware of what is happening in the world today.
We won't all be afraid or 'scared off' if EWTN tosses in a few energetic young commentators, as long as they are speaking true Catholicism.

Like it or not, there does appear to be a growing split in the RC (my observation only) ... traditional Catholics (not meaning just Latin Catholics) vs. the progressive movement ... with fewer and fewer in the middle ... just like there is this growing split in our American society today.

... I go to the Catholic Channel and find nothing but lukewarm modern Catholicism there. Cannot watch it. Feels empty.
... This may not be good Catholic terminology, but I go to EWTN and discern an anointing on much of the programming there ...

I think that is the challenge you may actually find yourself facing in the days ahead ... not 'old folk viewers' vs. 'younger ones' ...
but rather, the challenge of 'modernizing' programming without becoming the modern lukewarm church.

God bless you in your service to God.

You're right that's the trick. That's why I think looking at popular podcast hosts is the key, because podcasts are popular across a wide range of demographics, and there are quite a few very good show hosts (either individuals or groups) that I think would do very well if they were given a television time slot that also streamed online to reach their original audience. But backing them with the resources of EWTN could be a huge game changer not just for Catholic media but the Church.

But I know the folks that follow the podcasts I mentioned above are anything but progressive. They're traditional, conservative, and very concerned about what's happened in the Church over the past 10 years.

chevyontheriver said:
I'm an old fart and I watch Raymond Arroyo mostly. I don't watch much TV. I do appreciate the radio feed though. and listen to that often while driving. To tell you the truth I like Al Kresta.

I have no idea what would fit a younger demographic.

What I think is needed is something to get us through the coming crises in the culture and the Church. Not so much talking about the latest stupid things happening, but building us up into people who will persevere. Maybe personal stories of overcoming in faith.

I think Arroyo works because he's a bit more combative. He has the papal posse and he's not afraid to call out things that are going wrong, like I'm sure they'll have a great segment this week on the apparently imminent appointment of the German bishop to the CDF.

I know I want to see some guys with aggression (Tim Gordon), intellect (Timothy Flanders), and fingers on the pulse of the contemporary culture (Eric Sammons) with bigger platforms so their ideas spread further. I think that's really important.

mourningdove~ · Jan 23, 2023

Michie said:
I get you. My mom is wilder than I am when it comes to her entertainment etc. She is a Christian but not Catholic. ETWN lost her a few years ago unfortunately.

You bring up an important point.

While I love EWTN ... and even more so, now that I've discovered on the EWTN App that I can choose different EWTN programming within 4 different time zones ... I do understand why it might not appeal 'as it is' to the young, or curious non-Catholic.

... It appeals to me because I was raised Catholic, pre-Vatican II.
... It is much of the 'stuff' I grew up on, the stuff that is getting harder and harder to find in today's religious world.

And it appeals to me at this particular time in my life because my spiritual journey currently involves rediscovering and better understanding my religious roots in Catholicism. EWTN is very good for that sort of thing ... and yet ... I know the network is not just 'here' for me, or persons like me! (lol!)

Michie · Jan 23, 2023

mourningdove~ said:
You bring up an important point.

While I love EWTN ... and even more so, now that I've discovered on the EWTN App that I can choose different EWTN programming within 4 different time zones ... I do understand why it might not appeal 'as it is' to the young, or curious non-Catholic.

... It appeals to me because I was raised Catholic, pre-Vatican II.
... It is much of the 'stuff' I grew up on, the stuff that is getting harder and harder to find in today's religious world.

And it appeals to me at this particular time in my life because my spiritual journey currently involves rediscovering and better understanding my religious roots in Catholicism. EWTN is very good for that sort of thing ... and yet ... I know the network is not just 'here' for me, or persons like me! (lol!)

Exactly. I think @spicoli wants to bring a new group in so it needs to stay relevant without losing its roots. I think it could be a good thing for everyone. It sort of reminds me of what’s happening with the TLM and Norvus Ordo. It does not have to be one or the other. I really think the Church is big enough to accommodate both. It does not mean what is being aired now is not good but I think there is room for evangelism there as well as some new content to draw people in.

WarriorAngel · Jan 23, 2023

spicoli said:
I'm just curious about something, I know the age demographics may not necessarily apply here in OBOB but I've been observing since I got to EWTN the kind of content we produce across the network and the audience we usually target. We tend to target the 50+ crowd because they make up the bulk of our donor base that keeps the lights on.

Not to be glib, but they won't be around forever. The network executives seem resistant to introducing new content and styles, however starting in March the news division will have a new president who may be open to suggestions for what's produced out of the DC bureau.

I'm curious what you guys think if EWTN added shows from popular Catholic podcasters like Timothy Flanders, Eric Sammons, Brian Holdsworth, etc. Their podcast shows tend to focus on developments coming out of the Vatican and to various extents both secular and ecclesiastic developments in the US and abroad. If any of these guys were given shows kind of like Tucker Carlson would do you think Catholics under 40-50 would watch?

I'll say this: they have good sized audiences on the web, I imagine they'd bring a lot of them to the new platform and probably add more given the higher profile nature of EWTN.

What do you think?

I would steer clear of anyone controversial.
Intending to avoid rifts and seeing it go down not as planned might lead to regrets.

I don't know these folks, but avoid controversy. EWTN is a place for knowledge, truth, and teaching.
Find or seek young folks to have a podcast.

chevyontheriver · Jan 23, 2023

WarriorAngel said:
I would steer clear of anyone controversial.
Intending to avoid rifts and seeing it go down not as planned might lead to regrets.

I don't know these folks, but avoid controversy. EWTN is a place for knowledge, truth, and teaching.
Find or seek young folks to have a podcast.

I like Raymond Arroyo bringing up controversy BUT I don't think the whole network should go that way. Not even mostly. Not even half. Almost none. Some, but not much.

Michie · Jan 23, 2023

chevyontheriver said:
I like Raymond Arroyo bringing up controversy BUT I don't think the whole network should go that way. Not even mostly. Not even half. Almost none. Some, but not much.

I don’t think that is the proposal in the op. Not at all. It’s throwing things into the mix where Lay Catholics can learn and voice their concerns. Become involved. Spark some interest versus punching the clock.

WarriorAngel · Jan 23, 2023

There's one guy I like... but I dont listen all the time. I forget his name.
He's a convert. Youngish, dark hair.

Michie · Jan 23, 2023

WarriorAngel said:
There's one guy I like... but I dont listen all the time. I forget his name.
He's a convert. Youngish, dark hair.

Hmmm...

now I’m curious!

mourningdove~ · Jan 23, 2023

spicoli said:
I'm curious what you guys think if EWTN added shows from popular Catholic podcasters like Timothy Flanders, Eric Sammons, Brian Holdsworth, etc. Their podcast shows tend to focus on developments coming out of the Vatican and to various extents both secular and ecclesiastic developments in the US and abroad. If any of these guys were given shows kind of like Tucker Carlson would do you think Catholics under 40-50 would watch?

I'll say this: they have good sized audiences on the web, I imagine they'd bring a lot of them to the new platform and probably add more given the higher profile nature of EWTN.

What do you think?

I thought of another reason to consider bringing newer hosts/commentators to EWTN:
Some of the current hosts on EWTN are themselves getting older!

I got to thinking about this recently when I saw EWTN Vatican Insider Joan Lewis on a program.
And then I see where Marcus Grodi has apparently successfully transitioned his son into the host position on Journey Home.
Others are getting older, too ...

Some of us do not like 'change' so much, but I do think it is good, perhaps even wise, to plan abit ahead for when the time comes to
'pass the baton' onto the next generation ...

Testing waters

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