EWTN has launched EWTN Studios to produce high-quality Catholic content. EWTN Digital aims to expand the network's reach through various digital platforms. The initiatives are part of EWTN's strategy to engage a global audience. EWTN Studios will focus on creating content for television, radio, and digital media.
10 days ago
Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) Chairman and CEO Michael P. Warsaw has announced a significant organizational restructuring aimed at expanding the network's global reach and enhancing its digital presence 2 3. This strategic realignment, effective in EWTN's 45th year, introduces two new divisions: EWTN Studios and EWTN Digital 2 3. The goal is to adapt to evolving media consumption habits while remaining steadfast in the Church's teachings, following the innovative spirit of EWTN's foundress, Mother Angelica 2 3.
The newly established EWTN Studios will be led by Peter Gagnon, who has served the network for 32 years 2 3. His division will concentrate on content development, continuing EWTN's legacy of creating impactful Catholic programming that reflects changing media landscapes and technologies 2 3. Gagnon, one of the few remaining team members who worked directly with Mother Angelica, brings extensive experience in content production, global expansion, and multilingual offerings 2 3.
Sean Graber will head EWTN Digital, focusing on media distribution and audience broadening 2 3. This division is tasked with building platforms to disseminate EWTN Studios content and other media, serving both existing and new generations of consumers 2 3. Graber, with a strong background in business strategy and digital transformation, will also oversee the launch and management of a globally scaled streaming platform 2 3.
The reorganization is driven by the network's commitment to constantly adopt new technology to reach souls, a principle established by Mother Angelica 2 3. Michael P. Warsaw expressed excitement for this "next era" of EWTN, emphasizing the creation of "best in class" platforms for audience engagement 2 3. EWTN aims to be present wherever people are "thirsting for truth" 2 3.
EWTN currently operates as the world's largest Catholic media organization, broadcasting 11 global TV channels in multiple languages to over 435 million households across more than 160 countries 2 3. Its extensive platforms also include radio services, a worldwide shortwave radio service, a highly visited Catholic website, and EWTN Publishing 2 3. The network's news arm, EWTN News, manages various global news services and produces numerous television news programs 2 3.
How does the Church evangelize through modern media?
The Catholic Church actively evangelizes through modern media, recognizing its indispensable role in spreading the Gospel and religious values . This approach is rooted in the understanding that media are "gifts of God" designed to unite people and aid in their salvation .
The Church's engagement with social communications dates back to the Second Vatican Council, which acknowledged media as "marvelous technical inventions" with a powerful effect on minds . The Council emphasized the Church's obligation to communicate its message in a manner suited to each age and culture, viewing media as providential means for fostering communication and communion among human beings . Pope John Paul II further underscored this, calling media "the first Areopagus of the modern age" and stressing that it's not enough merely to spread the Christian message, but to integrate it into the "new culture" created by modern communications .
The Church employs modern media for various aspects of its mission:
The Church encourages the use of various modern media, including:
Catholics are called to consider the new work and responsibility placed upon them by modern media in light of their faith . They are encouraged to offer prayers and support to ensure the Church is adequately equipped for this mission . There is a strong emphasis on encouraging individuals with talent in media to become professionals capable of dialoguing with the vast world of mass media . The Church urges Catholics not to be afraid to "throw open the doors of social communications to Christ, so that his Good News may be heard from the housetops of the world" .