Vision Interfaith Satellite Network

Vision Interfaith Satellite Network
CountryUnited States
Broadcast areaNational
Programming
Language(s)English
Picture format480i (SDTV)
Ownership
OwnerNational Interfaith Cable Coalition
History
LaunchedJuly 1, 1988
Replaced byFaith & Values Channel
Odyssey
Hallmark Channel
Religious Television Networks, 1995
Network (millions)
CBN / Family Channel
 
 62.4
FamilyNet
 
 35
Trinity Broadcasting
 
 27
Faith & Values
 
 24
Inspiration Network
 
 9
Potential viewers of religious television networks, 1995.[1]

The Vision Interfaith Satellite Network (VISN) was an American religious cable and satellite television network that was owned by the interfaith group National Interfaith Cable Coalition, in cooperation with cable operators.[2] The channel became known as the "PBS of religion" for the inclusive nature of its programming,[3] which was designed to "place its accent on dialogue rather than apologies."[4]

In 1992, VISN began sharing channel space with a similarly formatted cable network, the American Christian Television System, with the two being co-branded under the name VISN-ACTS. The unified channel later evolved into the Faith & Values Channel and Odyssey, before eventually relaunching (with minimal religious content) as the Hallmark Channel in 2001 following its purchase by Crown Media Holdings. Throughout the latter portion of the 1990s, the channel hosted a continuously diminishing roster of religious programming.

  1. ^ Calian, Carnegie Samuel (1995-10-02). "Redeeming the wasteland? Christian TV increasingly uses entertainment to spread its message". Christianity Today. 39 (11): 92–103. ISSN 0009-5753.
  2. ^ Bcozkiewicz, Robert E. (1988-08-02). "New TV Network May Crowd the Market". Christianity Today. 32 (12): 55–56. ISSN 0009-5753.
  3. ^ Martin, James (1994-10-22). "Tired of Mother Angelica?". America. 171 (12): 27).
  4. ^ "Network's Ecumenical Vision a Boon to Airwaves". National Catholic Reporter. 34 (27): 32. 1998-05-08.