Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Victory Television Network where Southern Gospel is Super

Jim Grant of VTN

Victory Television Network, based in Arkansas, is a huge supporter of Southern gospel music and reaches more than 1.2 million homes. SGNScoops recently talked to Jim Grant, General Manager and Associate Minister of VTN.

Grant tells us that VTN is a network of three full power Christian TV stations headquartered in Little Rock, AR. The networks cover over 200 communities across Arkansas and into the Memphis area, the boot heel of Missouri and northwest Mississippi via cable, DISH, DIRECTV and over-the-air.

SGN: What prompted you to begin airing a block of Southern Gospel (SG) on your network?

Jim Grant: Southern Gospel music is huge in Arkansas. VTN always carried Southern Gospel programs since its launch in 1988. Shortly after I arrived in 1996, we decided to dedicate Saturday nights to Southern gospel music, branding it Super Southern Saturday Nights. The viewer response has been amazing. Typically, 5 of the top 10 Christian TV programs in the Little Rock DMA each week are Southern Gospel programs on VTN.

SGN: Where do you get your content? If artists want their videos to be aired, how do they go about that?

Grant: We work with a variety of SG program producers to hand pick the very best programs available. We are always scouting for new 30-minute SG programs.

Artists can send us a link to any videos they would like us to consider for air.

Also, we love recording live performances in the VTN studios with artists who come through in the area. Same process. We use videos and in-studio performances in musical breaks, in special programming and on our web site and You Tube Channel.

SGN: Tell us about yourself. Are you married with kids, grandkids? How did you get interested in SG? I see you are also a minister. Where and how does that intersect with your tv duties?

Grant: I’ve been married to my college sweetheart, Cindy, for 44 years. She is our Office Manager. We have two kids and two grandkids that we serially overspend on.

I came to VTN after a wonderful 20 year career as a secular radio station VP/GM.

I was a late-blooming Christian…saved at age 25…I was struck with an immediate passion to share The Good News. While working full time in radio, I became part of a childrens’ evangelistic team for 11 years that produced the internationally syndicated TV show, Kids Like You. I played the character Jailhouse Joe. It was not type casting.

In 1996, I accepted a calling into the ministry at VTN as General Manager/Associate Minister.

As a manager, I work with an amazing staff to do TV, day after day, striving for excellence.

America needs great Christian programming now more than ever before.

As a minister, I am responsible to the Lord for our viewers. I am certainly not their pastor…but VTN is air support for all the local pastors across our coverage area. These great pastors are the boots on the ground.

I have a minister’s heart for our viewers and head up The VTN Prayer Team. We pray for thousands of our viewer’s prayer needs every year.

SGN: Please share your testimony. How did you open your eyes to the reality of Jesus Christ? Has it always been easy?

Grant: As noted, I was a late bloomer. It took six people to lead me to the Lord: my wife; a boss; a VP and co-worker in my broadcast corporation, and two guys in my Army reserve unit.

The Army Reserve guys gave me a copy of Hal Lindsey’s Late Great Planet Earth book. I tossed it in a drawer. Two years later I read it and gave my heart to the Lord. I’ve been on fire ever since.

Jim Grant of VTN

SGN: Do you sing yourself? How do you promote your SG block? Please give us any links or addresses that might help people to reach you.

Grant: I sing in the shower and it breaks the tile.

I am a bass guitar hobbyist. The only people who hear me are my wife and the next door neighbors who wish I’d turn the amp down.

We promote our Southern gospel block with tons of on air promos, web site, Facebook, Twitter, etc. VTN is the only Christian TV network with a full time Promotion Director (Andrea Qualls). She is the best…and a real SG fan.

VTN web site is: www.vtntv.com.

Best way to reach us: info@vtntv.com

VTN is a non-profit organization that relies on viewers to keep them on the air.

Read the latest issue of the SGNScoops Magazine HERE.

PEBN TV Celebrates One Year Anniversary

Franklin, TN February 7th 2013 – Pathway Enterprises Broadcasting Network (PEBN), a division of Pathway Enterprises, is happy to celebrate one year on air!

From the beginning, PEBN’s goal has been to present the message of the Gospel through music, in a clear and conscience manner providing the viewer and listener with Uplifting, Encouraging, and Spiritually Challenging songs and lyrics to introduce and/or provide their audience with a place of Spiritual Growth and Enjoyment. In order to accomplish this goal, PEBN has developed several original programs including: “Spiritfest” hosted by Bill Traylor, which features current and classic Southern Gospel Music; and “Nashville Country Revival” which features Gospel Music with a great Country sound. PEBN also offers other great shows such as “Sing Out America, Pickin’ On The Porch, and vintage concerts from “The Cathedral Quartet”, “Gold City”, and others.

Through its partnerships with Rural TV (RFD TV), Golden Eagle Broadcasting (GEB on Direct TV), The Nashville Network, several other Christian networks and ROKU TV, PEBN is able to bring Gospel music to 90 million households every week. ROKU TV (an internet protocol distributor), which allows PEBN subscribers and supporters to access original shows, music, and additional content, on demand.

Bill Traylor, President of PEBN states, “It is a gratifying experience to see how PEBN is blessing and encouraging so many people.  PEBN allows us to bring Gospel Music to millions of households each week and the response has been overwhelming.  We will continue expanding PEBN and hopefully be able to reach millions around the globe with the message of the Gospel through music within the next year.”

PEBN is a non-profit organization created to preserve and promote Southern Gospel music through video and television. For more information regarding PEBN programs and schedules, please visit www.PEBN.org. While you are there, look to see how easy to it is to have Gospel Music at your fingertips with ROKU!

Heartbeat International Joins KnockTV’s National Partners Program for Groundbreaking New TV Series SURRENDER THE SECRET

TAMPA, Nov. 26, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ — KnockTV, LLC and Heartbeat International today announced a national partnership agreement to jointly promote and support KnockTV’s new groundbreaking Christian reality TV series SURRENDER THE SECRET.

KnockTV is partnering with Heartbeat International to promote Heartbeat’s Option Line in connection with SURRENDER THE SECRET. The Option Line (800-712-HELP) is a 24 hour helpline for women faced with an unplanned pregnancy. Viewers of SURRENDER THE SECRET, as well as visitors on the website, will be directed to the Option Line if they are facing an unplanned pregnancy and are in need of assistance.

KnockTV’s branded Partner Program is developed for organizations who wish to engage in the growing grassroots effort to spread the word about the new groundbreaking SURRENDER THE SECRET series. By joining the National Partners Program for SURRENDER THE SECRET, Heartbeat International will introduce the show to their affiliates, partners and supporters around the world, identifying the show as a new and innovative way to help people understand the effects of abortion, and that there is healing available to them.

SURRENDER THE SECRET is a 10-episode, Christian reality TV series following five women who tell their stories about having abortions in their past, and take a healing journey together. The women surrender their deepest, darkest secrets, and admit to aborting a past pregnancy. The women form tight bond and embrace each other as they go on this journey together, sharing their abortion stories, learning about God’s love and forgiveness and getting set free from the bondages of their past decisions. Information and a preview of the show can be found at www.KnockTV.com/SurrenderTheSecret.

Join TBN for a Special Birthday Tribute to Dr. Billy Graham

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 2, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ — On November 7 Praise the Lord, Trinity Broadcasting Network’s signature music, talk, and ministry program, will host a very special two-hour tribute in honor of Dr. Billy Graham as he celebrates his 94th birthday.

“Perhaps no other individual alive today has done more to deliver the simple, powerful message of the gospel around the world than Billy Graham,” said TBN’s founder and president Dr. Paul Crouch. “For all of us here at TBN, Dr. Graham has been a constant source of encouragement and a solid example of godly character. We are looking forward to highlighting his many decades of selfless service to God’s kingdom and the body of Christ.”

TBN’s special tribute will include historic and moving video clips from many of Dr. Graham’s crusades around the world, along with personal recollections and birthday greetings from dozens of Christian leaders, celebrities, and public figures.

In addition, TBN is inviting viewers to post their own brief birthday greetings and encouraging recollections about Dr. Graham and his impact on their lives via TBN’s Facebook page (Click Here).

“For 40 years TBN has been committed to broadcasting the message of the gospel through the medium of television,” said Dr. Crouch. “And throughout our entire history no one has been a greater example and encouragement to us than our dear friend Billy Graham. Please join us on his birthday in thanking this great man of God for his service and sacrifice.”

TBN’s special tribute to Dr. Billy Graham airs November 7 at 7 p.m. (Pacific Time). For those who miss it, the program will be rebroadcast November 8 at 2 p.m. (Pacific Time).

Tune In Alert: Marshall Hall October 18th

TUNE IN ALERT: Karen Peck & New River August 16

Tune In Alert! Aug 4- Legacy Five!

Pathway Enterprises launches 24-hour Gospel Music Internet Broadcasting Network

Franklin, TN: Pathway Enterprises has formed PEBN (Pathway Enterprises Broadcasting Network), as the vehicle to launch 24-hour Gospel music into the IPTV world. Based in Franklin, TN, PEBN’s goal is to present the message of the Gospel through music, in a clear and conscience manner providing the viewer and listener with Uplifting, Encouraging, and Spiritually Challenging songs and lyrics to introduce and/or provide our audience with a place of Spiritual Growth and Joy.

PEBN TV will offer popular shows such as “Sing Out America,” Family-Friendly Films, as well as the development of brand-new programming titled “SpiritFest” and a new upcoming Bluegrass show. PEBN is also scheduling video production in the coming year to showcase new artists and Southern Gospel fan favorites. All of this programming will be at the consumer’s fingertips in a video-on-demand offering, allowing the viewers to choose what they want to watch and when they want to watch it!

Bill Traylor, President of PEBN TV states, “After 30 years of working in the Christian Television Industry, this is my most exciting moment.  PEBN will allow us to air Gospel Music 24 hours a day and 7 days a week and allow anyone to watch and enjoy anytime they choose.  PEBN’s relationship with ROKU TV for Internet protocol distribution of “Spiritfest” and other Gospel Music Shows developed by PEBN is an exciting event.  Additionally, our relationship with RURAL TV and several Christian Television Networks allows us to bring Gospel Music to 90 million households every week.”

Southern Gospel fans wishing to bring 24-hour Gospel music programming into their homes now can do just that! To follow the latest announcements regarding PEBN TV follow them on Facebook at Facebook.com/PEBNtv or through their website at PEBN.org. And check out ROKU on the website and see how easy it is to have Gospel Music at your fingertips.

Jason Crabb’s “The Song Lives On” Air dates

Below, please find the TV Air Dates and Times for Jason Crabb – The Song Lives On. Please pass this along to your audience! Also, feel free to post this YouTube Preview clip on your site: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhmHabgfw_E&feature=player_embedded
Also, you can order the CD/DVD on www.JasonCrabb.com, you can follow Jason here: http://www.FB.com/JasonCrabbMusic, and Twitter @JasonDCrabb.
This heart-stirring release features Jason Crabb at his very finest. Each performance bears Jason’s electrifying musical signature, bringing together a collection of gospel favorites sung only as he can sing them. This musical experience is packed with great songs, unforgettable moments and a whole lot of heart. Don’t miss these special performances!
JASON CRABB – THE SONG LIVES ON TV AIR TIMES/DATES
Airtime 1 – 10/15, 11/19 4:00 P
Grace – 10/15, 11/19 12:00 P
CTN – 10/15, 11/19 4:00 P
CTS – 10/15, 11/19 3:30 P, 5:00 P
FamilyNet – 10/15, – 10/16, 11/19, 11/20 6:00 P, 1:00 A
GAC – 10/15, 12/3 8:00 P, 12:00 A
Gaither.com – 10/19, 11/23 9:00 A
GMC – 10/16, 11/20 11:00 P
GMTN – 10/16, – 10/19, 11/20, 11/23 9:00 P, 2:00 A
Legacy – 10/15, 11/19 11:00 P
INSP – 10/22, 11/26
Miracle – 10/15, 11/19 10:00 P
RFD – 10/13, – 10/15, 11/17, 11/19 7:00 P, 6:00 P
TBN – 10/15, 11/19 7:00 P
TCT – 10/16, 11/20 2:30 P, 11:00 P
TLN – 10/15, 11/19 5:00 P
Vision – 10/14, 11/18 9:00 P

Appalachian entertainer Randall Franks has a new award and a new film

Randall Franks (center) visits with Country Music Hall of Fame members the Statler Brothers, from left, Phil Balsley, Jimmy Fortune, Don Reid and Harold Reid at the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductions ceremony at Dollywood recently. (Photo: Randall Franks

Appalachian entertainer and actor Randall Franks, “Officer Randy
Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” attended a whirlwind of
events in the past few weeks including the National Quartet
Convention, Bill Monroe’s Centennial Celebration, Southern Gospel
Music Association Hall of Fame Inductions, Singing News Fan Awards and
International Bluegrass Music Association Awards and Fan Fest and the
Grand Master Fiddler Championship.

Randall Franks and the Georgia Mafia Bluegrass Band was recently
awarded the ASE Bluegrass Band of the Year for 2011.

“It is an honor to be recognized for the efforts you make to create a
unique and meaningful sound with your music,” Franks said. “I am
grateful to all those who care about what I do and I thank you for
your support. I also thank the great musicians which make it
possible.”

Franks is currently doing a media tour promoting his latest film
“Decision” where he stars with Natalie Grant, Billy Dean and Mike
Rosenbaum.

“This is a heartwarming story of a family overcoming tragedy,” Franks
said. “I am honored to share a special appearance as ‘Principal Nate
Foster’ helping to guide this family in a positive direction.”

The film, the first of five he completed this year, airs Sunday,
October 16 at 7 and 9 p.m. EST on GMC.

Franks has shared interviews with over 1,400 radio stations in
country, folk, bluegrass and gospel music in recent weeks about the
film, working with Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys and to raise money
for tornado victims in his hometown of Ringgold, Ga.

For more information, visit http://randallfranks.com/ .