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The Word Network
TypeReligious broadcasting
CountryUnited States
Broadcast areaWorldwide
Programming
Language(s)English
Ownership
OwnerAdell Broadcasting Corporation
Key peopleKevin Adell (CEO)
Ralph Lameti (CFO)
History
Launched2000
Links
Websitewww.thewordnetwork.org
Availability
Terrestrial
Zuku TV (Kenya)Channel 899
Sky UKChannel 587

The Word Network, also known as The Word, is a religious broadcasting network. The Word is the largest African-American religious network in the world.[1] It was founded in February 2000 by Kevin Adell who also owns WFDF, a local AM radio station, and WADL, a television station serving the Detroit television market. The network is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan.[2] The network is also available as streaming content on Apple TV, Roku,[3] Chromecast, YouTube Red, and via smartphone apps. The network is also available on cable and satellite in several countries, and on over-the-air television.[4]

History

[edit]

Adell planned a national network for African-American religious ministries in the 1990s, and launched The Word Network on February 14, 2000 on DirecTV.[5]

Following its launch, broadcast was extended to all major[which?] television cable platforms in the United States.[citation needed] The network then moved to satellite broadcast[which?]. The network claims that it reaches viewers in 200 countries.[6]

In May 2012 the network completed a multimillion-dollar[quantify] expansion[7] that included new technology, production facilities with a television studio, editing suites, green rooms, conference room, a call center, and a fulfillment center.[8] Facilities were also opened on the West Coast, in Orange, California.

In January 2015 Adell purchased former Radio Disney affiliate WFDF-AM 910 in Detroit for $3 million.[9][10]

Current over-the-air affiliates of the network are KVVV-LD Channel 15.1 in Houston, Texas, WADL Channel 38.5 in Mount Clemens, Michigan near Detroit, WBQP-CD Chantilly 12.3 in Pensacola, Florida, and WCTU-LD Channel 46.3 in Pensacola.[11]

In 2019, the network faced boycott calls from African-American clergy after the network's white owner, Kevin Adell, shared a racially charged meme, in which Adell was depicted as a pimp surrounded by black pastors.[12][13][14]

Programming

[edit]

The Word Network provides religious programming shows and hosts that include:

In addition to its original programming, The Word Network also participates in religious conference and conventions[28] that include the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc.-P.A.W., Full Gospel Conference, Church of God in Christ Holy Convocation, and “7 Last Words” hosted by Dr. Jamal Bryant. The network also broadcasts the Gospel Music Awards, produced by Sunwise Media.[29]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "The Word Network Breaks Ground On State-Of-The-Art Studio « CBS Detroit". Detroit.cbslocal.com. 15 April 2011. Retrieved 2013-05-27.
  2. ^ "The Word Network". Highbeam.com. 29 August 2005. Archived from the original on 18 October 2016.
  3. ^ "Roku". Channelstore.roku.com.
  4. ^ "The Word Network Moves Toward Mainstream". mediapost.com.
  5. ^ "The Word Network". Truli.
  6. ^ a b Herald, The Gospel (13 January 2017). "Christian Ministers Urge Congress To Save Religious 'The Word Network' on Comcast". gospelherald.com.
  7. ^ "The Word Network « CBS Detroit". Detroit.cbslocal.com. Retrieved 2013-05-27.
  8. ^ "The Word Network to Break Ground for New Studio". highbeam.com. 13 April 2011. Archived from the original on 9 April 2016.
  9. ^ "The Word Network Acquires WFDF Detroit," RadioInsight.com, 18 November 2014
  10. ^ "Adell's WFDF buy boosts reach, rates". crainsdetroit.com. 23 January 2015.
  11. ^ "RabbitEars.Info". Rabbitears.info.
  12. ^ Warikoo, Niraj (2019-10-15). "Detroit TV station owner under fire for meme sent to African American pastor". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 2019-10-15.
  13. ^ Blair, Leonardo; Reporter, Senior Features (2019-10-10). "Black clergy call for boycott of Word Network after white owner is accused of racial insensitivity". The Christian Post. Retrieved 2019-10-15.
  14. ^ Dunmore, Royce (2019-10-10). "'Racist' Christian TV Station Slammed Over 'Pimp' And Black Clergy 'Hoes' Picture". NewsOne. Retrieved 2019-10-15.
  15. ^ "The WORD Network Announces Bishop George Bloomer as New Host of "Rejoice in the Word": Replaces Bishop Greg Davis - - uGospel.com". ugospel.com.
  16. ^ "Prophetess Taketa Williams". experienceicc.org.
  17. ^ "The Tim and Brelyn Bowman Show is Now On The Word Network!!! (video)". praisedc.com. 4 April 2017.
  18. ^ "Set Your DVR's For KD BOWE's New Show Man Up! On The Word Network!". mypraiseatl.com. 28 March 2017.
  19. ^ "Jamal Bryant Has A New Show Coming To The Word Network This Fall & It Looks Like His "Last Lady" Tweet Will Be Joining Him FirstLady B". firstladyb.com. 19 September 2016.
  20. ^ "Dorinda Clark Cole Welcomes The Clark Sisters for First Word Network Show « GOSPELflava.com BLOG". blog.gospelflava.com.
  21. ^ "Bishop George Bloomer Hosts Rejoice in the Word Tonight with Guests Half Mile Home". praiserichmond.com. 11 January 2013.
  22. ^ "Bio". blacknews.com.
  23. ^ "Evangelist Sandra Riley: I Know Who I Am: Called, Chosen, and Purposed! - PreachingWoman.com Online Community for Women In Ministry". Preachingwoman.com.
  24. ^ "The Word Network Has Partnered With Anointed Dr. Juanita Bynum!". theoldblackchurch.blogspot.com.
  25. ^ "The Word Network Brings Back "The Lexi Show"". pathmegazine.com. 11 February 2015.
  26. ^ "David Bullock presents special tribute Martin Luther King Day". michronicleonline.com. 14 January 2018.
  27. ^ "Home". Mcbcatl.org. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  28. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-03-10. Retrieved 2018-03-09.((cite web)): CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  29. ^ "2018 Gospel Radio Award". The Gospel Music Association. 2018-11-15.
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