CMAA Members across Australia have responded to the Bondi Beach shooting with a unique blend of compassion, faith, and practical support.
As Australians woke up to Breakfast radio this morning, with news of the Bondi Shooting Tragedy unfolding, their local Christian station was there - offering listeners not just factual updates, but hope, pastoral care, emotional wellbeing, and spiritual reassurance.
The tragedy struck Bondi Beach just before 7pm last night - Sunday December 14. As the Jewish Community gathered to celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah, the event soon turned into a scene of terror, as two gunman began shooting into the crowd, killing 15 victims and wounding over 40 more people.
At times like these, Australians instinctively turn to the media for answers, and while many outlets focused on the unfolding investigation and political implications, Christian radio stations across the country offered something different: a voice of calm, compassion, and hope.
Hope 103.2: News with Prayer and Presence
In Sydney, the city of the attack, Hope 103.2 reported the facts with clarity and care, ensuring listeners were informed without sensationalism. Beyond the headlines, the station adjusted their music playlist to songs filled with faith and reassurance, interviewed local Clinical Psychologist Valerie Ling for advice, and invited its community into prayer, reminding listeners that God is near to the broken-hearted.
Breakfast co-host Brendan shared that the morning had been 'wild' but said, "What has been wonderful has been opening up the phone lines for people to share prayers and verses of comfort. Our message has been that we are all in this together."
By framing the tragedy within a context of faith, Hope 103.2 became more than a broadcaster—it became a companion for those processing grief and fear.
96five: Practical Care for Families
Living up to their reputation of being there for Brisbane's families, 96five responded with resources to help navigate the emotional aftermath of distressing news. Their coverage included practical strategies for managing anxiety, supporting children, and limiting media exposure. Alongside these tools, the station offered faith-based encouragement, pointing to biblical promises of comfort and resilience. With prayer lines and pastoral support available, listeners were reminded they were not alone.
89.9 TheLight: Where is God Amongst Suffering?
Adding depth to the national Christian media response, 89.9 TheLight in Melbourne shared a video conversation with Dave Adamson titled “Where is God Amongst Suffering?”. In it, Adamson tackled the profound theological question that inevitably arises after tragedy: If God is good, why does suffering exist? The video provides viewers with a framework for faith that does not deny suffering but finds hope in God’s presence within it.
Vision Christian Media: Helping Children Process Trauma
Vision Christian Media, a national Christian broadcaster, took a particularly family-focused approach, addressing the pressing question many parents faced: How do we help our children make sense of something so frightening? Partnering with Brett Ryan from Focus on the Family, Vision offered guidance on talking with kids honestly about fear, without minimising their emotions.
A Flood of Prayer Across Social Media
Many other Christian stations across the country responded swiftly on their social media, with calls to prayer for those affected by this horrific tragedy.
A Distinctive Response
Together, these stations demonstrated what makes Christian radio unique in moments of crisis:
- Faith-infused reassurance: Offering prayer and spiritual reflection alongside news.
- Practical wellbeing tools: Equipping families to process trauma constructively.
- Community connection: Providing care lines, prayer requests, and pastoral voices.
- Child-focused guidance: Helping parents nurture resilience and faith in their children.
More Than Media
Rather than amplifying fear, Christian broadcasters leaned into their mission: to comfort, guide, and remind Australians of hope beyond headlines. By blending truth-telling with soul-tending, our Member stations demonstrate that faith-based media can serve as both a source of information and a pastoral presence. For listeners shaken by tragedy, it's a unique offering that can make all the difference.