EWTN: A Catholic Media Giant Poised to Cover the Papal Conclave

As cardinals converge in Rome to select the next Pope, a global media spotlight will illuminate the proceedings. Amidst the major news networks, a prominent player will be the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), a Catholic broadcaster originating from Irondale, Alabama.

Founded in 1981 by Mother Angelica within the confines of Our Lady of the Angels monastery, EWTN has grown into a media empire. It boasts nearly a dozen TV stations, a publishing house, a newspaper, and a network of radio affiliates. Over time, it has established itself as a focal point for conservative Catholics and a significant voice within the political landscape, even drawing criticism from the late Pope Francis.

EWTN’s programming predominantly focuses on Catholic ministry. It broadcasts Mass, features specials on saints, airs rosary prayers, and hosts talk shows centered on family, marriage, and faith. However, the network also presents a substantial amount of news and political content tailored to conservative audiences. Former President Donald Trump has appeared on the network on multiple occasions. A leading EWTN host contributes to Fox News, and another recently transitioned to Newsmax, a pro-Trump media outlet.

James Martin, an American Jesuit priest, writer, and editor-at-large of America, a Jesuit magazine, commented on EWTN’s influence, stating, "I think EWTN has a great deal of influence on certain portions of the Catholic population in the U.S. Many Catholics, even if they may not agree with their commentary at times, find them to be the place where they turn for church news and events."

Regarding EWTN’s potential influence on the conclave, Martin acknowledged uncertainty. He noted the secrecy surrounding the cardinals’ discussions and votes, suggesting that the cardinals’ viewing habits might vary based on their cultural backgrounds.

EWTN’s rise paralleled the ascent of the evangelical right in the United States, as issues such as abortion and homosexuality intertwined with national politics. Mother Angelica used her television show to oppose efforts to modernize the Church.

Michelle Nickerson, a historian at Loyola University Chicago, a Jesuit institution, highlighted EWTN’s ability to integrate "spiritual content and political news for conservative Catholics." She emphasized that EWTN is part of a larger movement involving conservative Christian media.

EWTN’s programming has been critical of Pope Francis, who publicly opposed Trump’s deportation policies and permitted priests to perform same-sex marriage blessings.

Pope Francis expressed his displeasure with EWTN’s criticism, reportedly telling a network reporter and cameraman in 2021 to "stop bad-mouthing me." He later stated that EWTN’s negative commentary constituted "the work of the devil."

Montse Alvarado, president and chief operating officer of EWTN News, defended the network’s coverage of Pope Francis, asserting that EWTN provides a platform for him to communicate his message directly. She emphasized that EWTN broadcasts his words, reflecting the network’s respect for him. She also noted that Pope Francis later gave his blessing to a movie made by the networks Irish unit.

Alvarado dismissed the notion that Pope Francis closely monitored television, stating that EWTN presents a range of viewpoints. She reiterated EWTN’s dedication to comprehensively covering the Church and Pope Francis’s pontificate. Alvarado characterized EWTN as an "apostolate" with a mission "to defend the church, to share the teachings of the church with the world."

EWTN’s headquarters in Irondale, alongside broadcast studios in Washington, D.C., and Rome, support 11 global TV channels operating 24 hours a day. It manages satellite and AM/FM radio affiliates, a book publishing division, the National Catholic Register newspaper, and the Catholic News Agency, among other entities.

Since the 2013 conclave, EWTN and its affiliates have nearly doubled their revenue, reaching approximately $100 million in the fiscal year ending in June 2023. The network generates revenue through advertising, sales of books and religious items, and donations from Catholic groups, such as the Knights of Columbus, and private foundations.

Compared to mainstream broadcasters, EWTN’s audience remains relatively small. Its U.S. cable audience increases during coverage of Easter Sunday Mass and special events. In 2024, it reaches an average of 21,500 daily U.S. households, similar to its viewership five years prior.

EWTN attracts additional viewers through its website, where content is streamed for free. The website receives roughly 174,000 average monthly unique viewers in 2024. EWTN also engages 3.4 million subscribers and followers on social media platforms.

During Pope Francis’s funeral, 40,000 U.S. households watched the event on EWTN’s cable channel, compared to over 1 million on ABC. EWTN reported that online streaming in English and Spanish generated 30 million YouTube views following Pope Francis’s death.

Alvarado stated that EWTN is prioritizing audience growth outside the United States, investing in streaming services, and targeting younger audiences on social media. She added that EWTN does not monitor ratings, respecting Mother Angelica’s philosophy of serving one viewer as diligently as one million.

EWTN is providing daily live coverage of the papal transition in English, Spanish, and four other languages. On May 7, it will broadcast twice daily on cable and social media for "chimney watch," referencing the smoke signaling the selection of a new Pope. It is also producing over 130 video packages about the cardinals.

Alvarado stated that EWTN is prepared for the announcement of the next Pope, affirming that "our fidelity is to the institution and whoever it is that’s leading the church. That’s our leader, too. That’s our Papa."

Alvarado declined to comment on potential candidates for the papacy.

EWTN has a significant presence at the Vatican, operating what is likely the largest Catholic newsroom in Rome. Its journalists publish in Italian, Spanish, and German, and it has a dedicated African news service.

Michael Warsaw, EWTN’s chief executive, serves as a consultor for the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication, overseeing the Vatican’s media entities.

EWTN participates in the growing U.S. conservative media environment. Raymond Arroyo, host of EWTN’s political show and a prominent figure on the network, contributes to Fox News and appears on Laura Ingraham’s program.

Arroyo has conducted interviews with members of the Trump administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and his show features a recurring segment critical of Pope Francis. Arroyo has been broadcasting from Rome since Francis’ death.

The White House acknowledged Donald Trump’s support for religious liberty and Christians.

Trump has appeared on EWTN multiple times, including a 2020 interview on EWTN News Nightly and an interview with Arroyo in October.

Alvarado stated that Arroyo’s show represents a small portion of EWTN’s overall programming and that Pope Francis has been featured more prominently on the network.

In November, 59% of Catholics voted for Trump, compared to 39% for Biden, a shift from 2020 when Biden received more Catholic votes, according to exit polling by Edison Research.

Alvarado described EWTN’s content as defying categorization, acknowledging its conservative reputation due to its stance on marriage and life. However, she emphasized EWTN’s support for immigrants, the poor, social services, and universal health care, positions that align with progressive or liberal ideologies.