The Word Network

The Word Network, also known as The Word, is an American television network, and religious broadcasting network. The Word is considered the largest African-American religious network in the world.^[1] It was founded in February 2000 by the late Franklin Z Adell. Franklin Z. Adell also founded WADL, serving the Detroit television market. WADL and The Word Network are owned by the Adell Broadcasting Company, based in Detroit. The Word Network is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, and has recently opened a production facility in Orange, California.^[2]

Network coverage

The Word Network is available in approximately 200 countries. It reaches viewers in America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The network recently added two new satellites which will expand their reach in the Middle East and North Africa. The first is EB2 (Arabsat). The second is Optus D2, reaching over 4 million viewers in Australia and New Zealand.^[3] The Word Network reaches nearly 86 million homes in the U.S through DirecTV, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks, Cox, Cablevision, and Charter Communications, and approximately 9 million homes on Sky TV in the U.K.^[4] The Word Network is available on IPTV through AT&T U-Verse, Verizon FIOS and Sky Angel. The network also streams live on their website, and is available to air travelers on selected aircraft carriers.^[5]

Affiliates

The Word Network has several over-the-air affiliates in addition to their cable and satellite television coverage:^[6]

Programming

The Word Network has expanded its historical programming since 2010. Ministries include Bishop TD Jakes, International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, Bishop Charles H. Ellis III, Bishop Noel Jones, The Word Network Church with Lexi,^[7] Jewish Voice with Jonathan Bernis, Life Today with James and Betty Robison, Dr. Michael Freeman, Rod Parsley, Dr. Mark Chironna, Feed the Children, Pastor R.A. Vernon, Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Paula White, Joyce Meyer, Michael Freeman, Benny Hinn, Joseph Prince, Raul Ries, Marriage Today with Jim and Karen Evans, and Dr. Frederick K. Price.^[8][9]

Musical venues include artists such as Marvin Sapp, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker, J Moss, Deitrick Haddon, CeCe Winans, Byron Cage, Wess Morgan, and VaShawn Mitchell.

Public events - The network provides live coverage from major faith-based events, and national conventions and conferences including The Harvest Crusade with Greg Laurie from Anaheim, California, The Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International Conference from Atlanta, Georgia, The Fellowship of International Christian Word of Faith Ministries Conference from Los Angeles, California, Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Inc, The Church of God in Christ Holy Convocation from St. Louis, Missouri, and The Pastors & Church Leaders Conference from Detroit, Michigan.

Sponsorships - The network is a sponsor for faith-based conferences such as The NBA All-Star Gospel Brunch in Los Angeles, California, The International Financial and Leadership Summit from Houston, Texas, The Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana, and The Steve Harvey Hoodie Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Growth

In May 2012 “The Word Network” completed a multimillion-dollar expansion.^[10] The expansion includes new technology, production facilities, editing suites, green rooms, executive conference room, additional offices, and a television studio.^[11] Facilities were also opened on the West Coast, in Orange, California. The West Coast office is headed by Paul Crouch, Jr., V.P. of Program Development and network host.

"The Word Network" brand expanded to radio in January 2015, following Adell's purchase of former Radio Disney affiliate WFDF-AM 910 in Detroit for $3 million.^[12][13]

With mobile operating systems being so prevalent, The Word Network has developed mobile application's across iOS, Android, Windows, and Amazon, allowing subscribers to stream live programming.^{[14][15][16][17]} The mobile application allows viewers to access The Word Networks content from parts of the world TWN has not been able to broadcast towards, further increasing the audience reach. Kevin Adell knows the importance of a functional UI for TWN subscribers and continues to advance growth through this platform.

The Word Network Foundation

Created in 2011, the Foundation is an independent nonprofit, that provides financial contributions, in-kind services and volunteerism through service initiatives, arts and media projects, and educational programs.^[18]

References