The Faith & Media Initiative (FAMI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving how religion is portrayed in mainstream media, has launched its inaugural FAMI Fellowship—a new program bringing together nine respected leaders from faith, academia, public health, law, and media to help shift the narrative around spirituality in entertainment, news, and digital spaces.
While 85% of people globally identify with a faith, a FAMI study reveals that 74% of faith-related media coverage is negative or extreme. The fellowship aims to close this gap by amplifying voices that can bring nuanced, authentic, and lived perspectives on religion and spirituality into public discourse.
Fellows to Guide More Authentic Faith Conversations
The 2025 FAMI Fellows include scholars, creators, and advocates known for bridging belief and public life. Their work will include original commentary, speaking engagements, articles, and media collaboration—all focused on reshaping how religion is perceived and portrayed.
The inaugural class includes:
Rabbi Elan Babchuck, an expert in religious innovation and entrepreneurship, who leads Glean Network at Columbia Business School.
Elonda Clay, a scholar of digital ethics and meditation teacher, currently Director of the Library at Methodist Theological School in Ohio.
Craig Detweiler, filmmaker and Dean of Arts at Grand Canyon University, who explores faith, media, and storytelling.
Robert P. George, constitutional law professor at Princeton University, known for his work on religious liberty and civil discourse.
Dr. Lipi Roy, a public health expert and media contributor focusing on addiction, mental health, and spirituality’s role in healing.
Simran Jeet Singh, author of The Light We Give, and a leading voice on Sikh American identity and religious diversity.
Lynn Swain, CEO of Symbiota Leadership Institute, who specializes in resilience and trust through the lens of neuroscience and spirituality.
Katrina Lantos Swett, President of the Lantos Foundation and a prominent advocate for international religious freedom.
Asma Uddin, a legal scholar and author known for her work on religious freedom and Muslim-Christian understanding.
Meeting a Cultural Moment
From the election of Pope Leo XIV to faith-forward characters in popular shows like Abbott Elementary, interest in religious themes is growing. FAMI Fellows will weigh in on such moments, offering clarity and context to help audiences better understand the spiritual dynamics at play in society.
“There is more to the story of faith than is usually told,” said Angela Redding, Executive Director of the Faith & Media Initiative. “At a time of global division, despair, and health crises, emerging research is clearly linking faith and spirituality to greater flourishing and wellbeing. Media and faith-forward leaders have a responsibility to illuminate the numerous ways faith can be a positive, unifying force.”
A Platform for Meaningful Change
FAMI, founded in 2022, works to bridge the gap between faith communities and content creators. Journalists often cite lack of time, access, and religious literacy as reasons why faith stories are oversimplified or sensationalized. The fellowship provides a solution—offering trusted experts who can act as sources, collaborators, and contributors to elevate the quality of coverage.
The FAMI Fellowship is made possible through the support of the Radiant Foundation, which promotes diverse, underrepresented voices and fosters meaningful dialogue in public forums.
By connecting lived faith with the media that shapes public consciousness, the FAMI Fellowship aims to foster greater understanding across beliefs, backgrounds, and borders.
To learn more, visit www.faithandmedia.com.
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J Washburn
Guest Author
