The Worship Network

Infobox Network
name = The Worship Network

country = United States
network_type = Broadcast, cable, satellite, online
available = Over 50 nations
owner = ION Media Networks
key_people = Bruce Koblish, CEO Paul S. Williams, Chairman of the Board of Stewards Bud Paxson, Founder
launch_date = 1992
past_names =
website = [http://www.worship.net/ www.worship.net] |

The Worship Network, or Worship, is a broadcast television service that provides alternative Christian worship-themed programming 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The network is based in Nashville, Tennessee, in the USA, and is available in more than 50 countries. Unlike conventional networks, The Worship Network does not offer dramas, situation comedies, sports or news; rather, its main program, called "Worship", consists simply of Bible scriptures displayed on a nature backdrop, while contemporary Christian worship music plays in the background. Interspersed among the videos and music are brief stories of faith, narrated by worship leaders.

The network broadcasts on a digital subchannel of ION Television's owned and operated stations, and is placed after ION Life on a station's digital channel map, usually broadcasting on the -DT4 subchannel.

History

The Worship Network was founded in 1992 by Lowell W. "Bud" Paxson, co-founder of HSN, who would later begin the PAX TV Network (now ION Television). His vision was to "create an atmosphere in the home to inspire and encourage a quiet time to worship God" [http://www.worship.net/history.html] and from that vision, The Worship Network was launched.

Outlets for the new network increased rapidly. By 1994, there were 50 affiliate stations and The Worship Network had just begun its first European affiliate, in Iceland, and a year later, the number had doubled to 100 affiliates and the network had launched in Asia, in the region of Taiwan. In 1996, the network began satellite broadcasting, via Sky Angel and Dish Network.

When the PAX TV network was launched in 1998, The Worship Network provided overnight programming, and the next year, PAX TV and The Worship Network struck a deal where the network would be carried on a digital subchannel of PAX TV Stations 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In 2005, The Worship Network was moved over to a digital subchannel as PAX TV transitioned to the new branding of i: Independent Television, where it began a 24 hour a day schedule. As of 2006, the network has more than 250 broadcast affiliates, and is available on every inhabited continent. In 2006 the network began producing shows in HD (high definition), although they currently do not broadcast in HD.

External links

* [http://www.worship.net Official site]
* [http://www.ionline.tv ION networks]