For those who lament the lack of quality television programming for the entire family, a cable network is making its presence known.
FamilyNet, owned by the Southern Baptist Convention since 1991 and operated by the North American Mission Board (NAMB) since 1997, has been working to provide entertaining, informative programming that appeals to all ages.
“We try to be very family-friendly and conservative-value oriented,” said Risa Hubbard, FamilyNet affiliate relations manager.
Currently available in more than 200 markets across the United States, the network strives to “penetrate our culture by sharing Christ and biblical values through media,” according to its mission statement.
This means that along with programs offering insight on current social issues from a Christian — and often Southern Baptist — worldview, the network offers 24 hours of original programming and other shows such as “Adventures in Odyssey” for children; “TruthQuest: California” for youth; and family shows like “The Andy Griffith Show.”
Robert Smith, director of public affairs for Bright House Networks in Birmingham, said this variety is why the company chose to carry FamilyNet as part of its digital programming.
Bringing families together
“Being a cable company, we have to serve a melting-pot populace,” Smith said.
He said while he and his family members have different tastes and preferences, they enjoy watching some of FamilyNet’s shows. “It’s just good, safe programming that can bring the family together,” Smith said. “It shows (my) kids how life used to be and how life can be if we choose to do it that way.”
Along with the family shows, FamilyNet tries to educate its viewers as to current events from a Christian perspective, said Chip Turner, FamilyNet vice president of marketing and distribution.
“One of the desires we have is to help people develop a Christian worldview with shows like ‘Janet Parshall’s America,’” he said.
Parshall is based in Washington, and invites guests onto the show to talk about political and social issues of the day. This type of show draws viewers like Mike Huey, marketing manager of Cable One in Anniston, which carries FamilyNet.
“I like the shows based on religion and the news from a Christian perspective,” he said. “It is good, positive programming that people like to have out there.”
FamilyNet is trying to expand the availability of that programming in states like Alabama, Hubbard said.
“It’s a matter of having more good, safe, family programming available,” she said.
Reaching out with gospel
“We reach into homes where churches don’t naturally go,” Hubbard said, noting that when night comes and doors close to visitors, the network is still playing in homes.
It is also still open to reaching the curious and those seeking answers through NAMB’s Evangelism Response Center (ERC). The network displays a toll-free number that viewers can call with needs or questions, including how to become a Christian.
“Telephone encouragers” talk with callers, answering their questions and linking them to local churches, when requested to do so.
“This completes the circle,” Turner said. “We send out the message … through our programs, then people hear and respond, and with their permission, they’re connected to a local church.”
Churches can get involved in the process by partnering with NAMB and the network to become covenant churches. A covenant church commits to reaching those who request contact with a local church. Church members can also be involved in the process by training to become telephone encouragers.
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