NQC & TBN
David Bruce Murray picked up on this story first. I was going to offer my thoughts in the comments section, but figured I’d better just stick it on my own blog in case it ended up becoming a lengthy rant.
First, here’s the basics: The National Quartet Convention 2012 will be filmed by Trinity Broadcasting Network, which will use the footage to create original programming to be aired in 2012-2013.
I’ll be honest: my gut reaction when reading the story was, “You’ve gotta be kidding me.”
Before this goes any further, I just want to give full disclosure and say that I do watch TBN, but only when a Southern Gospel artist is featured, such as on an episode of Praise The Lord. Any other time, count me out.
I won’t deny that TBN is probably the largest Christian television network out there. Like them or not, they do reach quite a massive audience. My thoughts toward this partnership are complicated, partly because I can see the opportunity in distributing NQC to that amount of people, but I have reservations towards the reputation that TBN possesses.
One only needs to take a quick Google search on TBN to find that they have had quite a bit of controversy over the years, but I won’t get into specifics. I will only point out one criticism of the network that should be enough to have encouraged the NQC to distance themselves from them. TBN has an unofficial representation of being the “prosperity gospel” channel. With a heavy emphasis on programs featuring people such as Joel Osteen, Creflo Dollar, and Benny Hinn, among others, it’s no wonder that I’ve had discussions with both Christians and non-Christians that blow TBN off as nothing but a “religious hack channel.” That’s a direct quote from a friend who identifies themselves as Christian. Just think of what my non-religious friends have said.
Why is this move bad for NQC? Is it the quality of the programming? That might be an issue, but most likely not. The problem here is, whether intentionally or not, this may make it seem as if the NQC endorses what TBN is selling with the programs they show. Do we really want the biggest Southern Gospel event of the year to be associated with a network that has the reputation of promoting suspect theological beliefs? Why not go with a network like Daystar (arguably just as big, and not nearly as controversial), or INSP (same as Daystar)? If I’m not mistaken, the INSP relationship has happened before, but since they have phased into primarily what appears to be a cleaner TV Land, I can see why they would be passed over. I’m not going to claim to know what goes into the contracts and such for these types of things, but I would hope a strong effort would be made to get a deal with either of those before going with the current agreement.
While being shown on TBN may boost the NQC’s television audience and presence, will it affect the event/organization’s reputation? I welcome your thoughts.
Terribly irresponsible. Never a good idea to get in bed with evil – even for a buck. The oldest profession in the world, right?
1My thoughts exactly when I heard about this. Why TBN with all its controversy? Not the wisest move, as far as I can see.
2Thank you for your blog! Your a very wise young man…….
3“Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” One doesn’t have to look far to see works of darkness in TBN. And no, I’m not judging; “by their fruits ye shall know them.”
Just the thought that came to my head.
4It’s okay to judge. Don’t be shy.
5It seems all are against TBN broadcasting the NQC for reasons that are ok. But i think its not a bad move for reasons that are good.
Firstly, TBN is LARGE. Even larger than most secular networks. TBN is available in almost all(if not all) countries. This should give much exposure to the American southern gospel. Daystar too is large but not as large as TBN. Also, I stand to be corrected but Daystar already have the Gospel Music Showcase hosted by Penrod, a show that brings footage of NQC.
I do not agree that having NQC on TBN would affect NQC. Gaither’s show has for years been aired by TBN and that has served to popularise not only Gaither but American SG to the far ends of the globe.
Another point you should note is that as long as TBN do not ‘pollute’ NQC content with evil, which is unlikely to occur, NQC will serve its purpose, to uplift the Name of Christ. If satan himself were to preach the undiluted gospel, it would destroy him. I therefore see no wrong it TBN airing the NQC. As for ISPN, is it available elsewhere other than America? I’ve never seen it here.
6They also air the footage on gmc and another poster mentioned daystar already. And I believe they had a show on ispn in the early 2000′s.
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