Veteran television personality Kathie Lee Gifford is opening up about what she sees as a troubling shift in today’s media culture, saying television conversations have become far more hostile and less welcoming toward faith.

Speaking on the “Tomi Lahren Is Fearless” podcast with Tomi Lahren, Gifford reflected on her experiences in television over the years, specifically noting changes she has noticed on The View.

“There are more people now, and we’re meaner,” Gifford said. “People would at least pretend to have manners [back then]. Now, there’s a viciousness.”

Gifford explained that in earlier years, she felt comfortable appearing on “The View” and having conversations with co-hosts like Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg. But she suggested the atmosphere surrounding discussions of faith has changed dramatically.

“I never had a problem with anybody, because they weren’t trying to proselytize everything,” she said. “I share my faith, but I don’t say, ‘You’re going to go to hell.’ I don’t do that. I want people to have a little bit more heaven in their life than hell.”

Lahren agreed that both “The View” and ABC feel much different today than in years past.

“But you know what I mean then about the viciousness,” Gifford responded. “That part has changed. And it’s sad. Everybody seems like they’re just miserable people now.”

Despite her concerns about modern media culture, Gifford said she refuses to live without joy.

“I may make people miserable, just talking the way we’re talking, but nobody will ever confuse me for a miserable person,” she said. “I have joy personified; the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Though Gifford is no longer a daily television host, she remains active through writing and ministry-focused projects. Her newest book, Nero and Paul, focuses on the Apostle Paul’s faith and perseverance during persecution under the Roman Empire.

In a recent Instagram post promoting the book, Gifford wrote, “The Apostle Paul surrendered everything — his comfort, his reputation, even his freedom — so that Christ might be known to the world.”

“With no earthly power, Paul relied fully on God’s strength,” she added.

Gifford’s comments come as many Americans continue debating the tone of modern political and cultural discourse. For Christians especially, her remarks may resonate as a reminder that faith conversations in mainstream media can often feel increasingly tense and divided.

Still, Gifford appears committed to responding not with anger, but with hope, joy, and a continued willingness to speak openly about her faith.