by Nicole Horgen

Copyright © 2012 TBN – Trinity Broadcasting Network. All Rights Reserved.  Broadcasting Since 1973

Overview: 

TBN or Trinity Broadcasting Network was formed in 1973 by Paul and Jan Crouch. It has grown into the world’s largest Christian television network with 7,500 cable and more than 400 broadcast affiliates. TBN is a commercial free network and features a variety of shows as well as original movies and music videos. It features a variety of original content and its main show is “Praise the Lord.” Included on TBN are “Worship and Praise” programs,  “Variety” shows, “News and World Event” shows, “Health” shows, various music programs, and shows that are appropriate for children, teens, and young adults. TBN’s children’s shows are meant to instill positive moral values. TBN also has mobile viewing, podcasts, and a Facebook and Twitter page. TBN’s headquarters are located in Orange County, California. TBN also owns, “The Holy Land Experience,” which is a Christian amusement park located in Florida.  Over the years TBN has been looked at for homosexual hatred and a lengthy legal battle with the Federal Communications Commission. [1]

Link to Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/trinitybroadcastingnetwork

Link to Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/tbn

TBN’s Statement of Faith: 

• We believe that the Holy Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative source of Christian doctrine and precept.
• We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
• We believe that man was created in the image of God, but as a result of sin is lost and powerless to save himself.
• We believe that the only hope for man is to believe on Jesus Christ, the virgin-born Son of God, Who died to take upon Himself the punishment for the sin of mankind, and Who rose from the dead, so that by receiving Him as Savior and Lord, man is redeemed by His Blood.
• We believe that Jesus Christ in person will return to earth in power and glory.
• We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells those who have received Christ for the purpose of enabling them to live righteous and godly lives.
• We believe that the Church is the Body of Christ and is composed of all those who, through belief in Christ, have been spiritually regenerated by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The mission of the Church is worldwide evangelization on the one hand, and the nurture and discipline of Christians on the other.

This statement can be found in the FAQ section of TBN’s website along with various other questions. [1]

Announcments:

Aside from the various programs TBN produces, airs, and is associated with, TBN sponsors and partners with causes they see fit. The Crouch’s and others also host talks about topics such as “The Cross,” and “The Holy Spirt,” and many more Biblically related topics.

In March of 2012 TBN made a contract with TBC Integration to “to upgrade their C Band satellite distribution service on Galaxy 14, as well as upgrade and add High Definition to KTBN, their Los Angeles, CA broadcast station.” [7] This will improve the video quality by around 20% but could be more.

During April of 2012, TBN aired a variety of family programs the week before Easter to lead up to the holiday. This is the second year that TBN has done this. The main attraction was the “Passion of the Christ” produced by Mel Gibson. [8]

Above: Picture of Paul Crouch Sr., and wife, Jan Crouch, at an event.  Picture found at: http://anxietyny.tripod.com/jeezusjan.html

Controversy: Since January of 2012 there have been various allegations thrown at TBN. These controversies have arisen due to questionable choices in the non-profits money handling. TBN is valued at around 800 million dollars although over the years they have faced multiple financial problems. In the past there have also been many money controversies because of Paul Crouch’s view on the “so-called ‘prosperity gospel’ which promises material rewards to those who give generously.” [6]

March 2012: TBN was involved in a legal battle because they allegedly had been involved in financial fraud which includes buying a 100,000 dollar motor home for dogs belonging to the family, various jewelry, and a 50 million dollar jet. The suit was filed by Paul and Jan Crouch’s granddaughter, Brittany Koper, that the family has been involved in more than $50 million worth of financial fraud. Brittany was TBN’s finance director until she was terminated once she made the above claims. [2] The full article can be found in the LA Times.

Brittany Koper’s attorney commented, “Brittany has done the right thing. It’s admirable that someone on the inside of TBN has come forward and is revealing to the world exactly what is going on behind those closed doors.”[5]

May 2012: TBN was again under scrutiny because they were being sued my Brittany Koper’s uncle, Joseph McVeigh. McVeigh claimed, ” TBN was maliciously targeting him as part of a “campaign of retaliation” against Koper and anyone related to her for her recent exposure of unlawful financial schemes occurring among the network’s top executives and directors,” [3]. McVeigh had taken out a $65,000 loan from TBN and was paying it in monthly installments. When Koper came out and accused TBN McVeigh was sued for being affiliated with her and attorneys said that he was not paying his loan. The full article can be found at the Christian Post website.

TBN’s lawyer and spokesman, Colby May, has responded to these allegations. May commented, “What the bulk of media stories don’t explain is that these individuals used lawsuits to contrive absurd allegations that trusted TBN officials had illegally funneled millions of dollars for their own use,” said May. “Add to that the fabrications that Dr. and Mrs. Crouch were using ministry funds to buy jewelry, jets, mansions, and mobile homes for dogs, and you have all the ammunition for a stereotypical attack against an esteemed media ministry.” [4]

Contact: 

2442 Michelle Dr.	Phone: 714-832-2950
Tustin, CA 92780	Fax: 714-832-7389	Map This Company
United States

References:

1. “About Us” www.tbn.org

2. “Suit alleges financial fraud at TBN ministry” March 23, 2012. Retrieved April 15, 2012. http://articles.latimes.com/2012/mar/23/local/la-me-0323-televangelist-feud-20120323

3. “Trinity Broadcasting Network Sued Again by Family Member” March 1, 2012. Retrieved April 10, 2012. http://www.christianpost.com/news/trinity-broadcasting-network-sued-again-by-family-member-70606/

4.“TBN Responds to Articles, Allegations Concerning Network Finances” http://www.tbn.org/announcements/tbn-responds-to-articles-allegations-concerning-network-finances

5. “World’s largest Christian TV channel ‘funds owners’ exorbitant lifestyle'” March 23 2012. Retrieved April 10, 2012. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/mar/23/us-christian-tv-channel-owners-lawsuit?cat=world&type=article

6. “Trinity Broadcasting Network ‘funds owners’ exorbitant lifestyle’” March 23, 2012. Retrieved April 17, 2012. http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/03/23/trinity-broadcasting-network-funds-owners-exorbitant-lifestyle/

7. “TBC Integration, Inc.; Trinity Broadcasting Network Awards Contract to TBC Integration for Head-End and KTBN Compression Upgrade.” Information Technology Business (2012): 1111. ProQuest Central; ProQuest Health Management. Web. 30 Apr. 2012.

8. “Passion of the Christ Comes to TBN During Easter Week,” April 4, 2012. Retrieved April 16 2012. http://search.proquest.com/docview/963991810?accountid=14214

External links:

Official website: www.tbn.org