Our Story
For nearly 60 years Christians in Media have been a pioneer in this area
Way back in 1967, the BBC was looking to develop religion programming for their local radio network. Initially, they approached church leaders without too much success. Then, a group of Christians working in media came forward to offer their skills, talents, enthusiasm and the charity was born.
In 1967, a group of Christians in media came together to support the BBC with its goal to develop religious programming. Since then we’ve expanded well beyond the boundaries of the BBC.
Over the years, the charity has gone through many iterations, from the early days of being the ‘Churches Advisory Council for Local Broadcasting (CACLB)’ . Where it became a key player in the field of faith and media, and many church leaders and media influencers were at its very heart. These included, Archbishop Runcie, Bishop David Shepherd to name just a few. The CACLB soon became known for its very successful conferences at Swannick, together with the much coveted Andrew Cross award scheme for religious broadcasting.
Our name continued to change as we reflected media through ‘Advisory Council for Local Broadcasting’, ‘MediaNet’, ‘Church and Media Network’ and more, before we landed where we are today - Christians in Media.
In October 2018, to reflect more accurately its mission purpose, the charity created the outward facing name, ‘Christians in Media’.
This change to our brand name (you’ll still find us as Church and Media Network on Charity Commission) was a significant moment for the charity. It clearly reflects a move away from having a purely Church advisory role to become a community of Christians, committed to speaking integrity, truth and courage across the sector.
Whatever its name, Christians in Media has always been a key player in the field of faith and media, with many church leaders and media influencers at our heart.
As the media landscape continues to change at a rapid pace, so Christians in Media is keen to respond to these changes, while remaining true to its calling to serve our Lord Jesus Christ and be an agent for his truth, integrity and courage.
Storytellers from every sphere continue to unite under this vision becoming part of the Christians in Media community and committing to faith on the frontline.
The charity’s journey has seen some remarkable innovations and changes, but our trust and faith in an amazing God remains constant and true. It is for the glory of God that we serve in this crucial public space.