The Reagan administration used evangelical media networks to mobilize support for contra funding

Evidence

After finally succeeding in securing congressional approval to provide humanitarian aid to the Contras, the administration stepped up lobbying efforts to secure military funding as well. In early 1986, the White House provided the Trinity Broadcasting Network, Robertson’s Christian Broadcasting Network, Falwell’s own television ministry, and other Christian television outlets with a five-minute video of Reagan arguing for support for the Contras. Reagan made his case in stark terms. This was an urgent battle for democracy, and it was “nothing less than a sin to see Central America fall to darkness.” Reagan also recorded an audio message distributed to more than 1500 Christian radio stations that included a number for listeners to call for information on contacting their elected representatives. The administration’s efforts succeeded; Congress approved a $100 million spending measure in support of the Contras. — Kristin Kobes Du Mez, Jesus and John Wayne, 266

Categorization

• SEED: Article angle: the White House treating evangelical broadcast networks as a direct-to-congress lobbying machine — the religious right as a political activation infrastructure rather than a voting bloc.
• XREF: Connects to Milgrom’s account of how institutions substitute for direct enforcement — the evangelical media apparatus here functions as a low-cost information and activation channel.