W23BZ

Infobox_Broadcast
call_letters = W23BZ
station_
station_slogan = Refreshing TV for Central Ohio
station_branding = GTN
analog = 23 (UHF)
digital =
other_chs =
affiliations = independent
founded = January 4,1989
location = Columbus, Ohio
callsign_meaning =
former_callsigns = W24BK (1995-2001)
W20AM (1989-1995)
owner = Guardian Enterprise Group
licensee = Guardian Enterprise Group, Inc.
former_affiliations = TBN (1989-2008)
effective_radiated_power = 17 kW
HAAT =
coordinates = coord|39|53|31.0|N|83|2|44.0|W|type:landmark
class = Translator station
facility_id = 47695
homepage = [http://www.gtn23.com/ www.gtn23.com]

W23BZ ("GTN") is a low-power Christian-themed independent commercial television station in Columbus, Ohio. It broadcasts locally on channel 23, as well as nationally via Sky Angel. The station presents a variety of Christian programming during the mornings, off network reruns of family type shows (like "Quincy, M.E.", "The Brady Bunch" and "Family Ties") in the afternoons and prime-time, plus infomercials and shopping on overnights.

From 1989 to 2008, W23BZ was owned by the Trinity Broadcasting Network, and served as a satellite repeater for the network.

On March 30, 2006, the station was granted a construction permit to begin converting operations to digital television.

In July 2008, it was announced that the Guardian Enterprise Group would sell its original, full-powered station, WSFJ-TV, to TBN for $16 million, pending FCC approval. [http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6577962.html] In exchange, Guardian acquired W23BZ from TBN, and transfer WSFJ's programming to that channel on October 1, 2008. However, Guardian found themselves at a disadvantage, as, having moved to a low-power signal, they lost their must-carry status; as a result, Guardian is urging viewers to contact their cable systems to pick up GTN after the move to channel 23. [http://gtn51.com/cms/]

ee also

* .2 Network -- "general entertainment network owned by the Guardian Enterprise Group"

External links

* [http://www.gtn23.com/ GTN23 website]
* [http://www.dot2network.com/ .2Network Website]
* [http://www.GuardianHR.com/ Guardian HR Website]
* [http://www.GuardianStudios.com/ Guardian Studios Website]
*TVQ|W23BZ