The Word Network |
| Type | Religious broadcasting |
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| Country | |
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| Availability | National (broadcast, cable, satellite);
Worldwide (satellite) |
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Broadcast area | UK and Africa |
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| Owner | Adell Broadcasting Corporation |
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Key people | Kevin Adell (CEO)
Ralph Lameti (CFO)
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Launch date | 2000 |
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Zuku TV (Kenya) | Channel 896 |
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| Channel 587 |
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Official website | www.thewordnetwork.org |
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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 urban-talk 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
Apple TV, Roku,[3] Chromecast, YouTube Red, and via smartphone apps.[4] The network is also available on cable and satellite in several countries, and on over-the-air television.[5]
History
Adell planned a national network for African-American religious ministries in the 1990s, and launched The Word Network on February 14, 2000 on DirecTV.[6]
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.[7]
In May 2012 the network completed a multimillion-dollar[quantify] expansion[8] that included new technology, production facilities with a television studio, editing suites, green rooms, conference room, a call center, and a fulfillment center.[9] 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.[10][11]
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.[12]
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.[13][14][15]
Programming
The Word Network provides religious programming shows and hosts that include
Let the Healing Begin – Bishop Greg Davis,[16]
The Heather Lindsey Show – Heather Lindsey,
The Shift – Dr. Taketa Williams,[17]
The Tim and Brelyn Show-Tim & Brelyn Bowman,[18]
The Empowerment Encounter-Dr. Jamal Bryant,
The Gospel According to Dorinda-Dorinda Clark Cole,
Man up-KD Bowe,[19]
Power to the People-Dr. Jamal Bryant,[20]
Rising Stars with Dorinda-Dorinda Clark Cole,[21]
The First Word and Rejoice in The Word-Bishop George Bloomer,[22] Greg Davis Live-Bishop Greg Davis,[23] Medina Pullings Live-Dr. Medina Pullings,[7] The Breaking Room-Dr. Zina Pierre, Fresh Wind-Evangelist Sandra Riley,[24] Prophetic Power-Prophetess Teresa Cox, The Threshing Floor-Dr. Juanita Bynum,[25] Word Network Church- Lexi Allen,[26] Dr. Mark Chironna-Dr. Mark Chironna, The Miraculous- Prophet Brian Carn, Spiritual Encounter-vangelist Neechy, Just for You-Evangelist Sandra Riley, Straight To the Point with Rev. W.J. Rideout, You're Season of Change with David Alexander Bullock,[27] Coming Home with Gerald & Tammi & Friends-Gerald & Tammi Haddon, Your Time for Miracles with Bishop Clarence McClendon, Kingdom Come TV with Rev. Timothy Flemming Sr.,[28] The Breaking Room with Dr. Zina Pierre, Breath of Life-Pastor Debleaire Snell and The Millennial Meal-Que Morgan and Micah Davis.
In addition to its original programming, The Word Network also participates in religious conference and conventions[29] 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.
