xvox: Amplifying Christian voices
Matt is forging strong relationships with all of New Zealand’s major news outlets. •
Healthy journalism plays an important role in society. It keeps us up-to-date on what’s happening in the world, helps us interpret major events, and holds the powerful to account.
But the media isn’t perfect – and when it comes to reporting on matters of faith, it can often leave a bit to be desired. This is where supporters can help CBA make a greater difference.
For years we’ve been exploring how we can help boost the quality and accuracy of religious reporting in New Zealand, by giving credentialled and articulate Christians a platform to be part of the public discourse.
Last July, we were delighted to welcome Matt Burrows to lead this initiative, which we’ve called xvox. Matt has extensive experience in the news industry, having previously held writing, editing and managerial roles at Newshub across seven years.
“It’s such a compelling and ambitious project, with potential for growth in many different directions,” says Matt. “I’m really enjoying building up a large, diverse network of highly qualified Christians with expertise in different areas, and finding opportunities for them to contribute to the news cycle.”
Matt with his wife Kim and son Theo. •
Already, the benefits of xvox are clear. In the last nine months, xvox has overseen the publication of more than 50 articles in mainstream media, linked journalists with Christian experts, and facilitated several broadcast interviews.
This work has been powerful, and media are taking notice.
In March, a major news outlet approached xvox to produce two articles about the significance of Easter, giving us an opportunity to share the Easter message and talk about the power of forgiveness with an audience of thousands.
Matt and the CBA team have also run training workshops and consultancy for churches and Christian organisations, providing tools to engage more effectively and confidently with media.
And we’re developing a podcast on faith in the public square, which a major media outlet has expressed interest in publishing.
“We have big dreams,” says Matt. “xvox is a long-term project, but the traction we’ve got this early on is a really promising sign that we can shift the culture and see Christianity well-represented in media.” •