You Now Own NBC.
OK play along with me here. Lets say one of your long lost relatives dies and wills you his company. That company just happens to be NBC Universal. Nice huh? You now have complete control to change the programming as you see fit. (Ok, I know this wouldn’t happen but just think for a minute.) How would you fill the program schedule and still make money, all while keeping to your Christian values?
Option #1: Contact your big ministries and churches and make time avail for them.
Option #2: Find Christian programming that has been produced that fits more mainstream media (EX: Reality Shows, Dramas, Sitcoms, ect)
Option #3: Sell the network fast.
First of all, if you want to bankrupt the network quickly choose option #1. There is an overdose of the same format on Christian TV today. There is a lack of creativity.
Second option..you might have a hard time finding shows that have been produced that fit this category. There are not enough organizations putting money into programming that the masses want to see.
Perhaps the easiest scenerio is selling the network and pocket the cash?
My point is this…If faith based producers do not start thinking differently and creating alternative programming, we can never stand a chance to grab a main stream audience. Not every show has to scream Jesus. A good comedy show, drama that shows everyday issues or documentary are just a few examples that can begin to change the landscape of Christian TV.
If you are a Faith based producer, edtior, director or person in any capacity, I challange you to start using your creativity and thinking different. How can you make a project more appealing to the masses? Are you fitting the mold of a million other shows? If so change it! Its not to late.
I totally agree and understand your point. There is another side to the equation. I worked for an organization that produced a “Western” Christian family themed show and they were constantly bombarded by Christian viewers upset that these Christian characters wore guns, let alone had to use them. They tried airing an infomercial, showing an episode, and offering the opportunity to join a video club to see try to gauge audience response. If my memory serves me right, they not only didn’t make a single sale, they got a pile of complaints about the guns being in a drama set in the old west. So the other question is. . .Will Christians actually support alternative programming?
I agree. There are some viewers that are hard fledge old school. I dont know what year it was the project aired but curious if perhaps with the passing of time the culture may have changed. I know the typical format of a pastor preaching from a pulpit does not bring in $$ like it once did. Also getting your format in front of the right eyes makes a big difference.
Its funny that the only television show for the past two decades that has shown a family consistently going to church together is ‘The Simpons’ on FOX. Who would have thought that a cartoon would be the only consistent means of showing some form of family values on Prime Time for so long!?
haha good point Steve.