The Deacon's Bench
Move over, EWTN. The Christian Broadcasting Network, founded by Pat Robertson, is launching a 24-hour Christian television news channel, purportedly the first of its kind.
Exactly 57 years (October 1, 1961) after The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) debuted on the airwaves of a tiny UHF station in Portsmouth Virginia (WYAH-TV), CBN returns to network broadcast programming today with the launch of the CBN News Channel, the first 24-hour Christian television news channel. Pat Robertson, founder of CBN, and Gordon Robertson, CEO of the network, made the announcement today.
“Viewers are hungry for news today and also to understand how current events, both here and abroad, affect them,” said Pat Robertson, founder and chairman of CBN. “With news bureaus and correspondents in dozens of countries and humanitarian aid efforts going on around the world, CBN News Channel is on the ground in the world’s hot zones and uniquely positioned to deliver important stories in emerging formats that will engage new audiences.”
The CBN News Channel features a mix of live and breaking news coverage from the network’s Washington D.C. bureau, Virginia Beach headquarters, and other locations. The news airs each morning via CBN Newswatch (8:00 a.m. ET), which then will be updated hourly. Also in rotation on the network will be other CBN original programming from the network’s bureaus around the world, including:
Faith Nation (6 p.m.) – A new daily version of the political talk show co-hosted by CBN’s chief political analyst David Brody and Jenna Browder, along with other reporters including John Jessup, national security correspondent Erik Rosales, and White House correspondent Ben Kennedy
Jerusalem Dateline – News from CBN’s Jerusalem bureau hosted by Chris Mitchell
Christian World News – International news stories of importance to the global Christian community, hosted by George Thomas and Wendy Griffith, and also featuring correspondents from CBN bureaus around the world
Healthy Living – A new health and lifestyle show incorporating the latest medical information to help you and your family look and feel your very best, hosted by Lori Jonson
On the Homefront – Human interest and stories of faith about the men and women who serve in the U.S. military, hosted by Erik Rosales
Studio 5 – Pop culture and Christian entertainment news from Efrem Graham
Prayer Link – Hosted by Charlene Aaron, a show highlighting what prayer is accomplishing in the world today
Global Lane – International news and commentary from CBN international news director and senior international correspondent, Gary Lane
Additionally, the CBN News Channel will broadcast each day’s episodes of the network’s flagship program, The 700 Club, as well as 700 Club Interactive. Those two programs will also remain on the Freeform cable T.V. network.
“Consumers are changing the way they view television content,” said Gordon Robertson, CEO of CBN. “There is a shift away from cable television to other platforms, especially in Over The Air digital T.V. and streaming on mobile devices. As the first Christian news outlet in the space, CBN is again on the forefront of new technologies and reaching new audiences.”
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