Exploring the Future of Values-Driven Entertainment with Bill Abbott at NRB 2025

The Future of Values-Driven Entertainment: Insights from Bill Abbott at NRB 2025

At the NRB 2025 International Christian Media Convention held in Grapevine, Texas, Bill Abbott, the President and CEO of Great American Media, took the stage to share his vision of the future of values-driven media. As a leader in the industry, Abbott emphasized the increasing demand for entertainment that reflects family and faith-oriented values during a panel discussion titled 'Vision for the Future of Values-Driven Media'.

A Shift in Storytelling

Abbot pointed out that today's audiences are yearning for more than just entertainment; they seek storytelling that uplifts and inspires. He noted a significant shift away from traditional mainstream content towards programming that resonates with personal values. 'The demand for storytelling that uplifts, inspires, and reflects the principles audiences cherish has never been stronger,' he articulated, highlighting how Great American Media has positioned itself to cater to this market.

Moderated by Adele Malpass, President of the Daily Caller News Foundation, the panel included notable figures like Raymond Arroyo from Fox News and Cheryl Chumley of The Washington Times. They collectively discussed how the media landscape is rapidly evolving due to changing viewer preferences, particularly an escalation in the audience seeking faith and family-themed narratives.

Success in Family-Focused Programming

Abbott cited the significant success of Christmas programming—a genre he notably revitalized at various networks, including Fox and Hallmark—as indicative of the resonance of positivity and values-based content. Great American Family has seen remarkable growth in viewership, particularly in a landscape where many networks are experiencing declines. Recent Nielsen reports illustrate that in Q4 2024, Great American Family was unique among its peers in boosting household audience numbers, an achievement Abbott attributes to the network's commitment to quality storytelling centered around faith and family.

The remarkable momentum continued into 2025, underscored by the recent success of the series County Rescue, which kickstarted its second season as part of the exciting new 'Faith Family Sundays' event. This programming initiative dedicates 30 consecutive Sundays to airing new episodes from original series that embody the values of faith and family, inviting viewership that seeks heartfelt narratives. Other shows featured in the line-up include When Hope Calls and Vindication.

Abbott passionately stated, 'Our audience tunes in expecting to be uplifted and inspired. Other networks may shock and surprise; however, we provide entertainment without compromise—delivering high-quality storytelling that aligns with our values.' The aim of Great American Media is to offer viewers content that serves to inspire positivity rather than controversy.

Navigating the Digital Era

Furthermore, Abbott highlighted the influential role of digital media and large tech companies on faith-based entertainment, touching on crucial topics such as censorship and content moderation—issues that have become prevalent as audiences transition from traditional cable into the realm of digital platforms. He pointed out that while digital avenues have paved the way for broader accessibility for values-driven content, it’s essential that technology providers uphold fair standards in moderating faith-based media. 'Free speech is free speech,' he asserted.

In alignment with its digital expansion, Great American Media has broadened its reach through Great American Pure Flix, a premier streaming platform dedicated to faith and family content, thus ensuring that their narratives remain accessible to a growing audience. 'The technology of storytelling has evolved, but the need for faith-affirming narratives remains constant,' Abbott concluded passionately, reaffirming the commitment of Great American Media to deliver these sought-after stories.

About Great American Media

Founded in June 2021 by Abbott and a coalition of U.S.-based family offices, Great American Media encompasses a range of family-friendly brands, including Great American Family, Great American Pure Flix, and Great American Faith Living. These platforms resonate with an ethos that values family, faith, and country, looking to inspire and uplift audiences through every season of storytelling.

Through innovative narratives and a focus on family values, Great American Media is undoubtedly poised to shape the future of entertainment in a meaningful way.