 | |
| Type | Satellite network, Cable network (formerly); Internet (currently) |
|---|---|
| Country | |
| Availability | worldwide via website and social media |
| Owner | Dhamma Research for Environment Foundation |
Launch date | 2002 (sources state different days)[1][2] |
| Dissolved | 2016 |
Former names | Dhammakaya Media Channel |
Official website | http://gbnus.com, http://www.dmc.tv |
The Global Buddhist Network (GBN), previously known as the Dhammakaya Media Channel (DMC) is a Thai online television channel concerned with Buddhism. The channel's taglines were "The secrets of life revealed" and "The only one", but these were later replaced by "Channel for the path to the cessation of suffering and attainment of Dhamma". The channel features many types of programs with Buddhist content, and has programs in several languages.
The channel started in 2002, as a means to reach remote provinces in Thailand. Controversially, the channel made international headlines in 2012 when it featured a teaching on the afterlife of Steve Jobs. On 26 December 2016, Thai authorities withdrew the permit for the satellite channel permanently, during the legal investigations into the temple by the Thai junta. In April 2017, it was reported, however, that the channel's programming had continued, but broadcast through the Internet only. In its online format, the channel has been renamed Global Buddhist Network.