Christian Today: An Overview of the Global Christian News Organization
Christian Today is a non-denominational Christian news company that provides reporting on the global church and contemporary current affairs. By analyzing world events through a Christian perspective, the organization aims to serve a faith-based audience seeking news that aligns with their spiritual worldview.
Founded in 2000 by David Jang, the organization established its international headquarters in London, England. Since its inception, it has transitioned into a primarily online format, operating through its main web domains to reach a global readership.
Key Facts
- Founded: 2000 by David Jang.
- Headquarters: London, England.
- Ownership: Christian Today Limited.
- Publisher: Andrew Clark.
- Format: Online daily newspaper.
- Affiliation: Non-denominational.
Organizational History and Recognition
Since its launch at the turn of the millennium, Christian Today has sought to position itself as a leading voice in religious journalism. Its efforts in digital reporting were recognized in the late 2000s when the publication received industry accolades.
Specifically, the newspaper was named the Best Christian News and Reviews Site in both 2007 and 2008. These honors were granted during the Blog and Web Awards hosted by Premier Christian Radio in London, UK.
Operational Challenges and Editorial Analysis
Like many digital media outlets, Christian Today has faced economic pressures. In 2018, the Church Times reported that the organization dismissed three of its London-based reporters. The company attributed these staffing cuts to a decline in advertising revenue.
Beyond operational shifts, the organization's editorial standards have been the subject of academic scrutiny. Researchers Gregory P. Perreault and Newly Paul from the University of South Florida conducted an analysis of the website's coverage regarding refugees.
The researchers found that while the site utilized reputable agencies like Reuters, it also occasionally relied on fringe, far-right sources such as WND.com. The study concluded that the publication suffered from a lack of transparency in its sourcing, which led to the dissemination of stories not found in other mainstream reporting. The researchers argued that this approach perpetuated an orientalist discourse—a way of depicting the East as exotic or primitive—and contributed to moral panic and fear regarding Syrian refugees.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | David Jang |
| Current Publisher | Andrew Clark |
| Base of Operations | London, England |
| Primary Focus | Global church and current affairs |
| Awards | Best Christian News and Reviews Site (2007, 2008) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Christian Today?
Christian Today was founded in 2000 by David Jang.
Where is the organization headquartered?
The international headquarters of Christian Today are located in London, England.
What is the primary focus of the publication?
The publication reports on news within the global church and covers general current affairs from a Christian perspective.
Has Christian Today won any awards?
Yes, it was awarded the Best Christian News and Reviews Site in 2007 and 2008 at the Premier Christian Radio Blog and Web Awards.
What have academic researchers said about its reporting?
Researchers from the University of South Florida criticized the site for a lack of sourcing transparency and the use of fringe sources in its coverage of refugees, suggesting it helped instill fear regarding Syrian refugees.