Here’s the latest from the crossroads of faith, media & culture: 03/10/25

Great American Media announces Easter programming for Great American Family channel and Great American Pure Flix streaming service.

“Easter is a time of renewal, hope, and reflection, reminding us of the profound impact of faith in our everyday lives,” said Great American Media President & CEO Bill Abbott upon the announcement of this year’s seasonal offerings, adding “By embracing the traditions of faith – whether through prayer, acts of kindness, or personal reflection – we connect with the deeper meaning of the season.” This year’s Easter-theme programming includes:

The Passion Play airs live LIVE from Shepherd Church Los Angeles on Good Friday/April 18th at 3:45 PM ET.

Forty-Seven Days With Jesus starring Yoshi Barrigas and Catherine Lidstone (both of The Chosen) airs on Great American Family Saturday, April 19th at 8:00 PM ET. The film tells the story of a disconnected family that finds hope and unity through a cinematic retelling of Jesus’ final days on Earth.

Pure Flix offerings during Lent include The Blind starring Aron Von Andrian in the true redemption story of Duck Dynasty Founder Phil Robertson, The Two Thieves starring Jonathan Roumie (The Chosen), Candace Cameron Bure Presents: Just In Time starring Laura Osnes (A Little Women’s Christmas) and Peter Bryant (Riverdale), The Museum of the Bible Presents: The History of Easter hosted by Christian songwriter Matthew West and Apostle Peter starring Bruce Marchiano (The Encounter), Lawrence Fuller (Road to the Well) and Robert Loggia (The Greatest Story Ever Told.

Throughout the Easter season, Pure Flix will feature videos from Great American Media talent speaking of their personal faith journey, reflections, favorite Scriptures and/or faith-based films.

Meanwhile…Great American Media is commending FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr for taking steps to investigate concerns regarding YouTube TV’s alleged discrimination against faith-based programming. Regarding the probe to ensure faith-based content providers aren’t discriminated against by technology platforms, Great American Media Chairman Doug Deason declares that “Faith-based and family-friendly content should not be marginalized in today’s digital ecosystem…We are grateful for Commissioner Carr’s commitment to ensuring that all voices—including those that reflect faith values—receive fair treatment on major streaming platforms.” Deason says he appreciates that faith and religious liberty have become national priorities under the new Trump Administration with significant policy efforts ensuring protections for religious organizations in media and beyond.

Great American CEO Bill Abbott adds “Great American Family is one of the fastest-growing channels in television and audiences deserve the ability to access our content wherever they choose to watch…After years of petitioning YouTube TV for consideration, it is encouraging to see action being taken to address these concerns. We appreciate the FCC’s focus and its efforts to hold platforms accountable for potential viewpoint discrimination.”

John W. Kennedy is a writer, producer and media development consultant specializing in television and movie projects that uphold positive timeless values, including trust in God.