An overlooked audience is driving growth across the streaming landscape, according to a Barna Group study
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — As major streaming platforms expand their portfolios, one of the fastest-growing audience segments is often overlooked: faith, family, and inspirational programming. Recent studies show that Christians are increasingly turning toward programming that supports their values. A National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) report, in partnership with Barna Group, found that more than 60% of practicing Christians consume content aligned with their faith, but many struggle to find it on traditional networks. It is not a lack of interest, advocates say, but a shortage of meaningful options within mainstream streaming environments.
Apex Media Partners, a leader in faith-centered media distribution and strategy, is helping content creators meet rising demand by delivering end-to-end streaming solutions tailored to values-driven audiences. Apex Media has spent decades building precisely that infrastructure. The company pioneers comprehensive streaming services that guide inspirational content creators through every stage of launching and sustaining digital channels, from platform strategy and distribution to audience growth and monetization.
Recent investments by major platforms signal renewed interest in faith-based programming. Amazon’s Wonder Project, which includes titles such as “House of David,” reflects a broader shift toward values-oriented content. “Major networks have invested in faith-based programming like Wonder Project before. This time seems different,” noted Christianity Today.
The publication added, “But there’s more to note here than larger viewership and relative longevity. In both cases, the makers of these shows are using their success to create new infrastructure, with the aim of supporting more Bible-based media in the long term.”
One example of Apex Media’s approach to faith-centered media distribution and strategy is its work with In Touch Ministries, the global teaching ministry founded by the late Dr. Charles Stanley, whom they have served since 2001. Through its partnership with Apex Media Partners, In Touch Ministries launched In Touch+ on Amazon Prime, giving viewers access to biblical teaching and family-friendly programming through a dedicated streaming channel.
Amazon Prime serves as the premier linear streaming home for Dr. Stanley’s teaching and a growing collection of content partners featured on the In Touch+ channel. Amazon Prime is a streaming service offering thousands of movies, television shows, Originals, and free ad-supported (FAST) Channels, accessible through the Prime Video app, Fire TV and amazon.com.
In response to growing demand for its content, Apex Media expanded In Touch Ministries’ distribution across the streaming ecosystem. The initiative was designed not only to preserve Dr. Stanley’s legacy but also to highlight other established and emerging voices in Christian broadcasting.
The effort comes as FAST platforms experience rapid growth. Manufacturers such as Vizio and Samsung have reported doubling FAST viewership in the past year, yet faith-based programming remains significantly underrepresented on these services. Together, Apex Media and In Touch Ministries aim to meet audiences where they already consume content, broadening access to Christian teaching through modern distribution channels.
“With decades of experience and a keen sense of Streaming TV’s evolution, Apex Media is bringing Christian content to an emerging, broader audience,” said Carrie Hartunian, CEO of Apex Media Partners.
Hartunian said Apex Media is positioned to help ministries, networks, and content owners navigate an increasingly complex streaming landscape while staying true to their mission and message.
“The data is clear; faith and family viewers are not a ‘Fringe’ audience; they are a primary market. There is a profound, unmet demand for quality content in this space, and we see an incredible opportunity to serve this loyal and expansive community,” said Vice President of Sales, New Business, Doug Bognar.
Further, Carrie Hartunian explains, “Our role is to remove technical and strategic barriers so our content partners can focus on delivering content to the FAST environment.”
Apex Media provides expertise across every phase of streaming channel development, including platform placement, content strategy, operations and long-term growth. More information about the company’s streaming services is available at https://apexmedia.com/streaming/.
Apex Media Partners, LLC is a full-service media and marketing agency with more than 30 years of experience helping organizations — including ministries and universities — engage communities with purpose-driven resources. Now at the forefront of streaming media and digital outreach, Apex Media develops far-reaching strategies to connect audiences and inspire transformation. For more information, visit www.apexmedia.com.
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To interview Apex Media Partners, contact Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Beth Bogucki, 610.584.1096, ext. 105, Dawn Foglein, ext. 100, or Curt Harding, CHarding@hamiltonstrategies.com.
CONTACT:
Hamilton Strategies, Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Beth Bogucki, 610.584.1096 ext. 105, Dawn Foglein, ext. 100, or Curt Harding, CHarding@hamiltonstrategies.com