No one bats an eyelash when you say COVID changed things for everyone. And Texas churches experienced changes just like everyone else. In a time gone by, churches only thought of broadcasting services via local television or radio. But when folks were asked to take precautions to protect people early on, many churches found live streaming services via YouTube or social media channels as a way to bridge that gap. The churches found out that it was easier to do than first anticipated and it opened up a new way to reach previously unreached Texans. But it also changed potential liability issues for them.
In Lubbock, a church administrator named Billy, is now grappling with a modern dilemma that's a direct result of those live streams. His church embraced the digital outreach that spawned from streaming services online during COVID to connect with people near and far. However, a couple of years later a new challenge has appeared. They have received a recent complaint about the content of one of their streamed services that has Billy asking questions. Is it frivolous? Does their church insurance policy protect them? Are we adequately covered? This concern is not unique to BIlly's church and is becoming more prevalent as churches try to navigate the complexities of online content. It has become more important than ever for church leaders like Billy to understand and secure proper media liability insurance.
Media liability insurance is essential for churches that operate online whether that is to broadcast or stream services, provide content on their website, or even put thoughts on social media channels. This special type of business insurance addresses the unique risks associated with digital content delivery that is done by your church staff or volunteers. Now more than ever in the current push of our culture, faith-based content can lead to claims of defamation, discrimination, and more. For Texas churches venturing into these digital spaces via platforms like YouTube, understanding the protection that this type of liability insurance provides is important to securing the financial protection of their future.
Media liability insurance covers a range of potential issues. It can provide protection from liability claims pertaining to copyright infringement or even reputational harm. It's designed to protect organizations that use copy written content publicly or publish their own content, ensuring they're not financially crippled by legal battles over the content they share online. The defense costs of legal counsel alone can be a huge burden if a claim is made. Even if they have done nothing wrong. This type of liability coverage can be specifically customized for churches by the insurance companies as they navigate the complex landscape of copyright laws and public communication.
Using media platforms can expose churches to significant risks. In the blink of an eye inappropriate content or misunderstandings about appropriate content can quickly escalate into legal claims. Even a simple ad on Facebook can result in a claim for advertising injury. While no one complained about Billy's advertising, their complaint revolved around discussing a political matter during one of their services.
The potential harm to a church’s public image in the local community can be fractured and financial losses that come from the incident only compound the effect. Managing these risks through careful media control, proper licensing of material, and proper coverage is essential for maintaining the integrity and mission of the church.
Across the United States, there have been numerous instances where churches faced legal actions due to the content they published online. There have been copyright disputes over images, music and even texts that have been published in various online formats. As tensions have risen between different people groups over various theological debates, allegations of defamation have risen for churches as well. These cases highlight the potential legal battles that can be associated with media activities.
Media liability insurance offers numerous benefits, including coverage for legal fees, settlements, and any awarded damages that are associated with a claim. It's always important to remember that being innocent doesn't prevent you from being sued. This type of insurance is a safeguard, protecting the church’s financial health and allowing leaders to focus on their core mission without fear of unexpected legal challenges.
While a standard church policy may not provide coverage for media liability, having this coverage can bring peace of mind to church leaders and staff to simply do their job. This insurance coverage ensures that they are covered for any issues that might arise from their media outreach. Working with insurance professionals who specialize in church needs can provide tailored coverage that addresses specific risks faced by churches and religious organizations.
When selecting media liability insurance, churches must consider multiple factors. The scope of their media activities, any advertising that they do, and the specific risks they face from their core beliefs. The policies devised for the distribution of content should be evaluated for their comprehensiveness in covering potential legal issues arising from digital content. Selecting an appropriate church insurance company to provide your policy is also important. Many church insurance programs sold in Texas are very risk averse and want to stay away from things like political commentary and other controversial issues. This made it difficult for Billy's church to find coverage for their media activity.
As always with any standard business insurance policy, understanding the coverage limits and deductibles is important. The limit is the maximum payout on an insurance claim that the insurance company will pay. If your church is mainly doing broadcast services or operating as a para-church organization the media liability limit will need to be higher. Churches need to choose limits that reflect their level of exposure and ensure that deductibles are manageable within their budget. Churches also need to understand any exclusions on the policy to fully comprehend the extent of their coverage and potential vulnerabilities.
Adding media liability coverage to a church’s insurance program is a part of the discussion with an experienced church insurance agent. It should be part of the overall discussion of the unique needs and risks of any church. Media liability also pairs exceptionally well with cyber insurance to provide comprehensive coverage for your church. Churches should expect to discuss their overall operations to make sure that they are being covered comprehensively. True Texas Church Insurance takes this approach to helping churches like BIlly's keep a handle on their overall costs while balancing the needs that they have.
Insurance For Texans specializes in customized insurance solutions for churches, ensuring that every aspect of church operation, including media liability, is protected. Collaborating with knowledgeable agents can help secure comprehensive coverage tailored to the unique needs of Texas churches.
Billy’s situation in Lubbock is not unique, and as more churches move to digital platforms, the need for robust media liability coverage becomes ever more apparent. Click the button below to understand media liability risks and get your church covered with TRUE Texas Church Insurance, ensuring your ministry’s digital outreach remains both vibrant and secure.