| Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) | |
|---|---|
| Launched | 1973 |
| Picture format | 480i (SD) 720p/1080i (HD) |
| Slogan | "Worlds Largest Faith Channel" |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Broadcast area | United States and International |
| Affiliates | Daystar The Church Channel Smile of a Child TV TBN Enlace JCTV KTBN Superpower Radio Radio Paradise TV Familia |
| Headquarters | Costa Mesa, California, United States |
| Formerly called | Trinity Broadcasting Systems |
| Website | http://tbn.org/ |
| Availability | |
| Satellite | |
| DirecTV | Channel 372 |
| Glorystar | Channel 101 |
| Cignal Digital TV | Channel 26 |
| C-Band | AMC 18-Channel 223 (H2H 4DTV) |
| Cable | |
| Verizon FiOS | Channel 295 |
| First Media | Channel 60 |
| TelstraClear | Channel 18 |
| Available on many cable systems | Check your local listings for details |
| IPTV | |
| AT&T U-Verse | Channel 560 (SD) Channel 1560 (HD) |
| Sky Angel | Channel 127 |
| Internet television | |
| Digital media receiver | Roku |
The Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) is a major American Christian television network.[1][2] TBN is based in Costa Mesa, California, with auxiliary studio facilities in Irving, Texas; Hendersonville, Tennessee; Gadsden, Alabama; Decatur, Georgia; Miami, Florida; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Orlando, Florida; and New York City.
TBN broadcasts programs hosted by a diverse group of ministries from traditional Protestant and Catholic denominations, Interdenominational and Full Gospel churches, non profit charities, Messianic Jewish and well-known Christian media personalities.[3] TBN also offers a wide range of original programming, and faith-based films.[4]
TBN owns and operates five broadcast networks, each reaching separate demographics; in addition to the main TBN network, TBN owns The Church Channel, Smile of a Child TV, TBN Enlace and JCTV.
As of 2010, Paul Crouch is TBN's President and Chairman, Jan Crouch is its vice-president and Director of Programming, and their son Paul Crouch Jr. is its Vice President of Administration and Chief of Staff.
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The Trinity Broadcasting Network was co-founded by Paul Crouch, Jan Crouch, Jim Bakker and Tammy Faye Bakker in 1973 as Trinity Broadcasting Systems; the Bakkers would leave by 1975 to start their own ministry, The PTL Club. TBN began national distribution through cable systems in 1978. The network was a member of the National Religious Broadcasters association until 1990.
During the early years, the Crouches rented time on a local television station in 1973. After that station was sold, he began buying two hours a day on KLXA-TV in Fontana, California in early 1974. That station was put up for sale shortly after. Paul Crouch then put in a bid to buy it for a million dollars and raised $100,000 for a down payment. After many struggles, the Crouches managed to raise the down payment and took over the station outright, with the station becoming KTBN-TV in 1977 and its city of license changed to TBN's original home base, Santa Ana, in 1983. Initially, the station ran Christian programs about six hours a day. They continued to expand to 12 hours a day by 1975 and began selling time to outside Christian organizations to supplement their local programming, with the station instituting a 24-hour schedule in 1978.
The fledgling network was so weak in its first days, that, according to Crouch in his autobiography, Hello World!, it almost went bankrupt after just two days on the air. TBN, then known as the Trinity Broadcasting Systems, spread from UHF stations to cable outlets and then to satellite distribution. Over the years, TBN has been purchasing independent television stations to gain cable carriage, due to FCC must-carry rules. As a result, TBN is available to 95% of American households, as of early 2005.[5]
TBN owns 35 full-power television stations serving larger metropolitan areas, and, at its peak, 252 low power television stations in the United States, which are mixed among stations serving medium-sized cities and rural translator stations in order to maximize the network's reach as much as is permissible. TBN also has several hundred affiliate stations throughout the United States, although just 61 of these stations are regular UHF or VHF stations. The rest are low-powered stations, requiring a viewer to be within several miles of the transmitter.
Worldwide, TBN's channels are broadcast on 70 satellites and over 18,000 TV and cable affiliates. TBN is also seen on the internet globally, where viewers can watch TBN programming live,[6] as well as select archived shows on demand, through the website and select IPTV services.[7][8] TBN also offers an app,[9] which gives users access to TBN and its channels, plus the Arabic language Healing Channel, and Nejat TV in Persian.[6][9][10]
During 2010, citing economic problems and a lack of donations, TBN closed down and sold many of its low-powered television repeaters. 17 of these were sold to the competing Daystar Television Network,[11] while 151 of these will be donated to the Minority Media and Television Council (MMTC),[12] an organisation designed to preserve equal opportunity and civil rights in the media;[13] MMTC would later sell 78 of these translators to Luken Communications, parent company of the Retro Television Network,[14] while four more translators were sold by MMTC to New Moon Communications, which intends to convert them to NBC affiliates.[15]
On December 15, 2009, TBN became the first Christian television network to broadcast completely in high definition.[16] However, only the national feed on cable and satellite is transmitted in HD, as its owned-and-operated terrestrial stations are currently not equipped for HD broadcast.
Smile of a Child Foundation is a compassion-focused ministry, founded in 2005 by TBN co-founder Jan Crouch initially as a vehicle to reach the children of Haiti, providing food, medical care, toys and disaster relief to people in need. Crouch has over twenty years of personal involvement with the island country, having established a children’s hospital, an orphanage, and a school in Haiti. TBN spent millions on these humanitarian projects.[17]
Following the earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010, TBN made immediate contributions of $100,000 through Lake Charles, Louisiana-based Friend Ships, which speeds emergency relief aid and medical expertise all over the world in its fleet of dedicated cargo/ministry ships.[18] Friend Ships has been partnering with TBN and Smile since 1992, Paul Crouch personally donated a Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopter to the humanitarian organization.
In May, 2009, the United Nations officially recommended Smile of a Child to receive special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council for the Democracy Coalition Project.[19]
TBN partnered with Friend Ships to assist thousands of individuals and families affected by the flooding in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The group's 180- foot cutter, named the "Hope", sailed out of Lake Charles on September 5 for Gretna, Louisiana, near New Orleans. "Hope" delivered food, water and other needed supplies. The Crouches authorized an initial gift of $100,000 specifically for Friend Ships' effort, and also sending 10,000 Bibles for distribution to affected areas. Jan Crouch is arranging to have over 85,000 dolls and other toys shipped for children whose families have lost everything.[20]
TBN Second Chance is a free, 24-hour, faith-based rehabilitative TV programming helping to rebuild lives of imprisoned inmates and reduce recidivism. Four TBN networks are offered to prisons across the US via satellite, including free satellite reception equipment and installation to qualified prisons and re-entry centers.[21]
TBN produces a variety of original Christian programs, such as gospel music concerts, live coverage of major Christian events, talk shows, health/fitness/nutrition programs with Christian family doctors, children's shows, contemporary Christian music videos, marriage enrichment series, holiday specials, Christian dramas, and full length, family-friendly movies. In February 2008, TBN was awarded the Parents Television Council Entertainment Seal of Approval for its entire network.[22]
Other personalities featured or have been featured on TBN include: A.R. Bernard, Carl Baugh,[24] Kirk Cameron,[25] MC Hammer, Marilyn Hickey,[26] Benny Hinn,[27] D. James Kennedy,[28] Carol Lawrence, Gavin MacLeod, Jay Sekulow, Fulton J. Sheen, Nasir Siddiki, Charles Stanley,[29] Paula White,[30] and Jack Van Impe.[31]
"The Revolutionary" and "The Revolutionary II," based on the life of Jesus; "The Emissary," a film on the life of the apostle Paul; "The Omega Code"; "Carman: The Champion"; "Megiddo: The Omega Code 2"; "Time Changer"; and "Six: The Mark Unleashed" starring Stephen Baldwin and David A.R. White.[6]
Gener8Xion Entertainment is a Christian Motion Picture Division of TBN, based in Hollywood, California. The founders of Gener8Xion Entertainment are Matt Crouch and his wife, Laurie.
On occasion, TBN would show films from other producers on its main network. One notable film was Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ, which had its television premiere on TBN April 17, 2011 (Palm Sunday). TBN presented the film with much of the graphic violence left in; as a result, TBN rated the film "TV-MA-V" -- a rarity for many Christian networks.[32][33]
Aside from its television ministry, TBN also has several attractions used as an outreach service.
Three of these—Trinity Music City, Trinity Christian City International and the International Production Center—include special virtual reality theaters, with two more planned for Hawaii and Jerusalem. The 50-seat theaters present visitors with high definition digital video technology and a 48-channel digital audio system. The theater’s showcase four original productions from TBN Films: "The Revolutionary", parts I and II, portraying the life and miracles of Jesus Christ, "The Emissary", depicting miraculous events from the book of Acts and the life of Paul, and "The Omega Code".[34]
TBN’s newest tourist attraction is Trinity Music City,[35] an entertainment complex in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Formerly known as "Twitty City", the former estate of country music legend Conway Twitty, the complex includes the 2000-seat Trinity Music City Church Auditorium where audiences attend TBN-produced concerts, dramas, seminars and special events. A 50-seat virtual reality theater showcases four original productions from TBN Films.[36]
TBN World Headquarters in Costa Mesa, California offers a variety of activities and tours. Virtual Reality Theater debuted "The Revolutionary", an original motion picture, filmed entirely on location in Israel. This high definition virtual reality theater features a 48 channel sound system. Visitors can also walk along a recreation of the Via Dolorosa, the street in the old walled city of Jerusalem where Jesus carried His cross to Calvary. Visitors can tour the Demos Shakarian Memorial Building, which houses the TBN studios that are seen regularly on international television broadcasts.[37]
Lake Trinity Estates (formerly known as Trinity Towers) - A recreational vehicle [RV] park in Hollywood, Florida, adjacent to WHFT-TV's studios. 255 sites are available with 30 & 50 AMP service. Swimming, tennis, fishing, shuffleboard, Patanque, basketball, and nearby golfing are available for guests.[38]
Dallas, Texas TBN affiliate KDTX-TV offers tours through a recreation of the Via Dolorosa, the street in the old walled city of Jerusalem where Jesus carried His cross to Calvary, and The Virtual Reality Theater, featuring a 48 channel sound system. Visitors can walk through The Angel Gardens, or shop at the Family Christian Store. Audiences can also watch live, television broadcasts, including "Praise the Lord!", TBN’s signature television show.[39]
In June 2007, TBN purchased the bible-themed adventure park Holy Land Experience in Orlando, Florida for $37 million.[40][41]
Trinity Broadcasting Network has come under heavy criticism for its promotion of the prosperity gospel, teaching viewers that they will receive a reward if they donate or give offerings.[42] In a 2004 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Paul Crouch, Jr. expressed his disappointment that "the prosperity gospel is a lightning rod for the Body of Christ. It's not what drives TBN."[43]
Televangelists on TBN's schedule such as Joel Osteen, Nasir Siddiki, Steve Munsey, Benny Hinn, Rod Parsley, Creflo Dollar, Joyce Meyer, Eddie L. Long, Jesse Duplantis, Paula White, and Kenneth Copeland espouse the Word of Faith doctrine. Senator Chuck Grassley, the chairman of the United States Senate Committee on Finance has conducted investigations into whether Hinn, White, Copeland, Dollar, Meyer, or Long mishandled their finances; none were found to have committed wrongdoing.[44][45]
TBN is a 501-3 C non-profit company. Full disclosure of TBN’s financial statements have been evaluated by Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest evaluator of charities and non-profit companies. TBN has received a 3/4 star rating for 4 consecutive years, and in 2009 earned a 2/4 star rating due to a 2% increase in administrative costs in 2009. Charity Navigator. It reports that for the FYE 12/2009, Paul F. Crouch Sr., President of TBN earned $419,500, Janice Crouch, Vice-President, earned $361,000, and Paul F. Crouch Jr., Vice-President, earned $214,137.[46]
TBN is not a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability or any official financial oversight group; Paul Crouch and his family—as members of TBN's executive board—control the network's finances.
In September 2004 the Los Angeles Times reported that in 1998 Crouch paid Enoch Lonnie Ford, a former employee, a $425,000 formal settlement to end a wrongful termination lawsuit.[47] Ford alleged that he and Paul Crouch had a homosexual tryst while Ford was employed by TBN.[48] TBN officials acknowledge the settlement, but contested the credibility of Ford who is a convicted felon, with crimes ranging from child sexual molestation to using illegal drugs such as crack cocaine. Ford became involved with TBN through a drug-rehabilitation program conducted on TBN’s property. Upon his successful completion of the program, TBN offered him employment. Ford was arrested while employed by TBN for drug-related violations, and was found guilty of violating his probation and was returned to prison for a year. Upon his release from incarceration in 1997, Ford again sought employment with TBN and, when TBN declined, he threatened to sue TBN by alleging wrongful termination and sexual harassment. Ford has convictions in Orange Country Courts case numbers: 04CC05609, 01CF0559.[49] Solano Courts case number: FCM107776 San Bernardino County: M618996[50][51] TBN officials stated that the settlement was made in order to avoid a lengthy and expensive lawsuit.[52]
In late 2003, Ford threatened to release an autobiographical manuscript to the media should TBN and Dr. Crouch not agree to buy the manuscript for $10 million. TBN refused to pay Ford, calling his actions extortion. In October 2004, Judge Robert J. O'Neill awarded Paul Crouch $136,000 in legal fees to be paid by Ford for his violation of the terms of the settlement agreement, specifically the prohibition of discussing the settlement's details. On March 15, 2005 Ford appeared at the taping of the ION Television show Lie Detector. The show's producers decided not to air the show, and the outcome of the lie detector test was never released.[53]
From 1994 to 2005, Bible prophecy scholar Hal Lindsey hosted a program on TBN titled International Intelligence Briefing, in which Lindsey occasionally aired commentary segments criticizing Muslims and Islam. In December 2005, TBN pre-empted International Intelligence Briefing for the entire month. Lindsey accused the network of censorship, saying, "some at the network apparently feel that my message is too pro-Israel and too anti-Muslim."[54] Paul Crouch issued a press release insisting that Lindsey's show was only pre-empted for Christmas programming,[55] but eventually admitted that TBN management was concerned that Lindsey "placed Arabs in a negative light." Lindsey resigned from TBN on January 1, 2006, effectively cancelling International Intelligence Briefing. However, one year later, Crouch and Lindsey reconciled and a new program, The Hal Lindsey Report, premiered on the network.[56]
In June 2011, TBN refused to rebroadcast an episode of Jack Van Impe's weekly television program, in which the evangelist criticized pastors Rick Warren and Robert Schuller for participating in interfaith conferences alongside Muslim leaders and accused them of promoting "Chrislam". Both Warren and Schuller denied the accusations.[57] Paul Crouch defended TBN's decision, stating that it is against network policy for personalities to attack each other on the air.[58] As a result, Jack Van Impe Ministries announced that it would no longer air Van Impe's show on TBN.[59]
TBN produces and airs a Christian reality show called Travel the Road, which features missionaries Tim Scott and Will Decker in remote and often war-torn locations overseas in search of converts. In December 2008, the program attracted criticism from the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF), a watchdog group that looks for acts of religious discrimination in the United States military. The MRFF claimed that Scott and Decker were embedded with American troops stationed in Afghanistan, despite the fact that, according to MRFF president Mikey Weinstein, the military exercises a "complete prohibition of the proselytizing of any religion, faith, or practice...You see [Scott and Decker] wearing American helmets. It is obvious they were completely embedded." When ABC News contacted the U.S. Army in Afghanistan about Scott and Decker's alleged embed, which had taken place four years previously, they said that they no longer have the documentation of the missionaries' status with the troops.[60]
Scott defended the trip to Afghanistan, telling ABC, "It wasn't like we were hiding in the back saying we're going to preach. [The military] knew what we were doing. We told them that we were born again Christians, we're here doing ministry, we shoot for this TV station and we want to embed and see what it was like. We were interviewing the chaplains and we talked to them. We spoke at the services and things like that. So we did do our mission being over there as far as being able to document what the soldiers go through, what it's like in Afghanistan. So I could say that we were on a secular mission as well as far as documenting. I would say we were news reporters as well, we were delivering news of what was actually happening there, but we were also there to document the Christian side." Scott argued that since the pair were acting as Christian journalists, they had the same right to cover the war in Afghanistan as secular networks.[60]
According to TV News Check TBN currently is the third largest over-the-air television station group in the country, besting the station groups of CBS, FOX, and NBC, but behind Ion and Univision.[61]
Notes: **Indicates a station that is owned by TBN.
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