Gospel Broadcasting Network (GBN)

Infobox Network
network_name = Gospel Broadcasting Network
network_
country = United States of America
network_type = Religious Broadcasting
available = National
affiliated_with_the = Church of Christ
year_of_launch = 2005
website = [http://www.gbntv.org/ www.gbntv.org]
The Gospel Broadcasting Network (GBN) is a Christian satellite broadcast network, which transmits from a KU-Band Satellite (AMC-6), C-band Satellite (Echostar 9 / Galaxy 23) and simulcasts over the Internet over [http://www.gbntv.org GBNTV.org] . The network broadcasts a full schedule of Christian teaching, preaching and a cappella music 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This Gospel network spawned by the idea of several men: Barry Gilreath Sr, Jim Dearman, and the elders of the Highland Church of Christ, along with many others. Programs includes "In Search of the Lord's Way" with Mack Lyon, "The International Gospel Hour" with David Sain, and the live-action children's program "Digger Doug's Underground" produced by Apologetics Press, among other programs that teach the gospel. GBN celebrated their first anniversary during the Thanksgiving Weekend 2006.

Support of the network

GBN is unique in the world of religious programming as support for the network comes entirely from contributions made by individual members and congregations within the Churches of Christ. The network does not solicit contributions on the air (thus there are no 'pledge' times or pleas for money). In fact, several of the network's personalities have stated that "...you will never hear a plea for money on this network." The network is under the oversight of the elders of the Highland Church of Christ in Dalton, Georgia. The GBN headquarters are located in Chattanooga, Tennessee although some of the taping occurs in studios located in Memphis, Tennessee and Montgomery, Alabama.

A drive by supporters of GBN has been on-going to get cable and satellite companies to add GBN to their lineups. As of July 2008, eleven cable companies in 5 states broadcast the network over their systems. Viewers are able to access the network trough Ku-band satellite dishes, and a company in Georgia is offering satellite receivers and equipment that will pick up the network. GBN broadcasts one hour of programming per day on Direct TV channel 323 and Dish Network Channel 9407 & 9396.

Programming

Featured Programs

GBN produces a daily hour-long program hosted by Jim Dearman titled "Good News Today". "Good News Today" incorporates both unique content as well as portions of other programs that appear on GBN. Good News Today airs on DirecTV (channel 323 at 8 AM Eastern on Thursdays & Sundays), DISH Network (channel 9407 or 9396 at noon Eastern on Thursdays & Sundays), as well as on WPXX in Memphis, TN (MyTV-50 at noon on Saturday) and WUXP in Nashville, TN (MyTV-30 at 7:30 AM on Sunday).

Newsletter "GoodNews"

GBN sends out a newsletter on the network called "GoodNews" which covers events, news and contributions made. A complete line up for the week, Monday-Friday, that covers a month including changes, is included in the centerfold. It also supplies an envelope that allows the reader to send a gift for the continuing upkeep of the network. It is sent out quarterly to supporters and members of the churches of Christ that make their requests through their website, through contact with their staff and supporters, or through their offices in Chattanooga. It is sent out at no cost for those who wish it sent and can be download from their website.

Special Broadcasts

GBN broadcast a celebration of the Hardeman Tabernacle Sermons held at the Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, Tennessee from July 1-3, 2007. The original Tabernacle Sermons, which were held in 1922, 1923, 1928 & 1945, were gospel meetings staged by Nashville Area churches of Christ. The broadcast were called the "Tabernacle Sermons Today", the event featured speakers Tom Holland, Garland Elkins, Winford Claiborne, James Watkins, B.J. Clarke and Jim Dearman. David Hayes Prophater served as the announcer and Jeff Scott lead the audience in a cappela singing.

Notes

*It was reported in the January 2007 (IV) Issue of "GoodNews", that the two jails within the Dallas County, Alabama Sheriff's Department will broadcast GBN 17 hours a day, form 8 am - 1 pm (where Deputies would like access during down-time 24/7).

Sources

*GoodNews Newsletters, Issues 2-4, Gospel Broadcasting Network
* [http://www.gbntv.org GBNTV.org]

See also

*N.B. Hardeman
*Restoration Movement