I caught this headline in Twitter today TBN Announces Launch of Innovative Online Service, iTBN. It seemed relevant to what we talk about here on Christian Web Trends, so I clicked through. The first thing I noticed is the press release is 6 days old and this is the first I’ve heard of it.
Then after learning that iTBN is basically Trinity Broadcaasting Network’s answer to Hulu I wondered… does anyone who uses the Internet actually watch Christian television?
Rather than wondering, I thought I’d ask. Are you interested in watching Christian television shows via iTBN? Do you think anyone will watch?
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An accomplished writer, Paul has authored over 2,000 articles on faith and technology, featured on platforms like ChurchLeaders.com, The JoyFM, and his personal blog, LiveIntentionally.org.
Beyond his professional achievements, Paul serves as an elder at Journey Community Church and is deeply engaged in his community through his involvement with the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch and the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce. He is a contributing author of the book Outspoken! Conversations on Church Communication.
6 Comments
I'm not interested but people who like tv and the internet might be interested. Personally think it's be easier to just watch TBN on tv and sit there with the computer though.
iTBN isn't "innovative". That's like calling Cfaith innovative, when all it did was piggyback on other providers, and slap a "Christian" label on the product. Personally I don't really watch TBN (or Daystar) anymore, because the majority of the programing is either sermons, or talk shows. If I want to watch sermons, I can get them through streaming/on-demand straight from pretty much the same lineup of ministers as on broadcast TV, but on my own schedule. So at best, iTBN duplicates what is already available, and consolidates the media into one place. At worst, it's another flop from an international Christian media company which is past its prime.
I personally won't watch it, but I don't watch TBN either. I don't doubt that it will get plenty of viewers, though. Older people who watch TBN who aren't as familiar with Internet searches, but familiar enough to go to a website. People who don't have cable who would like to watch something like TBN. It certainy won't rival hulu, but it may be worth it to TBN in reaching another albeit small audience.
I may look at it just to see what it is. I watch no cable or satelite tv. All I do is via the internet. If it's not online… I dont see it. I think they will get a few of their followers who already watch them on tv if they miss one of their fav. shows they have an oportunity to watch it later. It's probably inovative in their sphere of influence and novel to their audiance. I think it's a step forward. TV is dying as it is in my opinion. One day it will go the way of the 8 track and cassette tapes. So if they keep an outlet for what they are trying to do it will have to be online.
I may from time to time. But not on a regular basis.
i will check it out…………i will include some of there old programs paticularly from some who have passed on and never got the chance to see Kenneth E. Hagin preach on faith……….its step up coz its the internet hello?!!?