Natl org cites network's prison outreach program as one of nation's best

National organization cites network's prison outreach program as one of nation's best

by Staff
September 23, 2009

LOS ANGELES, (christiansunite.com) -- Bob Higley, Vice President of Affiliate Sales and Relations for Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), has announced that TBN's Second Chance prison outreach is a finalist in the 2009 Beacon Awards competition. Sponsored by the Association of Cable Communicators (ACC), the national Beacon Awards competition recognizes excellence in communications and public affairs throughout the cable industry.

"We truly appreciate the recognition TBN has received for the success of its Second Chance program," said Higley. "TBN Second Chance is a powerful nationwide outreach that this network is uniquely positioned to provide and which we are deeply committed to."

Amy Fihn, Director of TBN Second Chance, said the program's positive reception from both correctional officials and prisoners has led to exponential growth since the inception of the outreach two years ago. "Second Chance is all about bringing hope to the estimated two million men and women who are incarcerated in America's correctional facilities," said Fihn. "This program is not just about improving the mindset of those behind bars, but helping them think and act positively once they're released back into society, as the majority of them eventually will be."

Through the Second Chance program, TBN provides up to four of its diverse faith-based networks, along with the equipment necessary to receive them, to prisons, jails, juvenile facilities, and rehabilitation and reentry centers--all completely free of charge. The four channels include TBN, America's most watched faith channel; the Church Channel, a multi-denominational church programming network; JCTV, a high-energy channel for teen and college age young people; and TBN Enlace, a Spanish language faith-based programming network.

TBN Second Chance is currently available to half a million prisoners in correctional facilities in more than 20 states and is steadily expanding via positive word- of-mouth from correctional officials and good reception from inmates. Florida, one of several states that have approved Second Chance for installation in its adult and juvenile correctional facilities, is receiving positive feedback through Second Chance. "At a time when budgetary limitations allow for fewer program opportunities for inmates, the availability of 24 hour messages of hope is an encouragement to all who work in corrections," said Alex Taylor of the Florida Department of Corrections.

Steven R. Jones, executive director of ACC, said that finalist status for the Beacon Award represents an outstanding achievement. "The requirements to become a finalist are more demanding than ever before," Jones noted. "These award-winning projects reflect the cable industry's strong commitment to communications and public affairs and continuing efforts to provide quality entertainment, technological advances, and educational initiatives to communities across the country."

Ninety-seven cable communications and public affairs professionals chose the 2009 Beacon Award finalists during an extensive, two-phase judging process. The overwhelming number of high quality Beacon Award entries submitted continues to demonstrate the cable industry's commitment to communications and public affairs and represent company initiatives implemented over the past year in areas such as community relations, education, multicultural public relations, and public service announcements.

The winners of the 2009 Beacon Awards will be announced during the Beacon Awards Gala on Monday, October 26, 2009, at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center. The Beacon Awards Ceremony will kick off ACC's annual conference, held October 26th through the 28th in Denver, Colorado.

About TBN Second Chance
TBN Second Chance is offered to U.S. correctional facilities as a free companion program to other prison rehabilitation programs, and provides cross-cultural and multi-denominational television viewing opportunities for inmates of all ages. Using KU band satellite technology, TBN offers four of its unique faith- based networks twenty-four hours a day, including JCTV, for inmates under 30; the Church Channel, featuring top speakers from various denominations; TBN Enlace USA, featuring faith-based programs entirely in Spanish; and TBN, the nation's most requested faith-based channel. TBN also covers all costs of any necessary satellite equipment and installation, with technical assistance provided by Glorystar Satellite Systems. For more information on TBN Second Chance, visit www.tbnsecondchance.org.

About TBN
TBN is the world's largest religious network and America's most watched faith channel. Each day TBN offers 24 hours of commercial-free inspirational programming that appeals to people in a wide variety of denominations. TBN now reaches every major continent via 54 satellites and more than 12,000 television and cable affiliates worldwide. In the United States, TBN is available to 92 percent of the total households. Its website receives more than 27 million visitors monthly. In addition to TBN, the network owns and operates seven networks, including: The Church Channel, JCTV youth network, TBN Enlace USA Spanish network, and Smile of a Child TV children's network. For more information on TBN, visit www.tbn.org.

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