Thanksgiving afternoon, gather the family and tune in to NRBTV for a special presentation of Pilgrim’s Progress! This multi-part presentation will begin on Thanksgiving afternoon and will continue through Friday and conclude early Saturday morning. Please notice the times below.
Pilgrim's Progress
Airs Thurs, Nov. 24 from 4p ET-10pm ET; Fri, Nov 25 from 12a ET-2a ET; Fri, Nov 25 from 7 pm- 10p ET & concludes Saturday, Nov 26 from 12p ET- 2a ET
Pilgrims Progress is the nationally acclaimed and loved spiritual allegory written in 1628 by the brilliant author John Bunyan. Having sold more copies than any other book in history (second only to the Bible), Pilgrims Progress has, for the first time, been brought to life in this docudrama, shot on location in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
https://youtu.be/6f9tYA84P8w
Don't miss this special program airing Nov 26-28. Watch on DIRECTV ch. 378, Roku, Fire TV, mobile, or view our live stream at https://nrbtv.org.
Starting this week, you will notice several changes to our programming schedule. These updates are listed below.
Monday-Friday:
Monday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Saturday:
Visit our program schedule for a complete list of programs and airtimes.
You spoke...we listened. I am excited to announce that throughout the month of November, we will be airing programming selected by you.
Earlier this year, we asked you which programs you wanted to see. The results are in and each Saturday during the month of November we will be airing the top four programs selected by you. Special Viewers' Choice programs includes:
In the House of Islam SAT, NOV 5 (4p ET) In this remarkable new video, you'll discover how, where, and why more than 80% of all the Muslim movements to Christ in all of history are taking place right now! Join Dr. Garrison and a host of renowned evangelical authorities as they open each room in the House of Islam. Read more...
Evolution's Achilles Heels SAT, NOV 12 (4p ET) Fifteen Ph.D. scientists expose devastating weaknesses in modern evolutionary theory. Three-D animations and dramatic footage help to show how the theory's supposed strengths are, in fact, its fatal flaws-Evolution's Achilles' Heels. Read more...
Evidence That God Exists SAT, NOV 19 (4p ET) Featuring Pastor Ray Comfort, this program addresses twenty life issues and frequently asked questions whose answers can be found in the Bible. It is a great introductory program to some of the most common objections about God and/or Christianity. Read more...
Proving the Bible Through Archeology SAT, NOV 26 (4p ET) This program digs into the growing avalanche of archaeological evidence that helps prove that The Bible -- and ONLY the Bible -- is trustworthy as God's very own Word. Read more...
Thanks again for helping us identify quality programming that challenges all of us to think deeply and live differently.
Troy Miller
President & CEO
NRBTV presents special Viewers’ Choice programming throughout the month of November. Earlier this year, we asked you which programs you wanted to see. We received overwhelming response and are excited to bring you the top four programs selected by you. Tune in on Saturday afternoons throughout the month for the following lineup:
In the House of Islam
SAT, NOV 5 (4p ET)
In this remarkable new video, you'll discover how, where, and why more than 80% of all the Muslim movements to Christ in all of history are taking place right now! Join Dr. Garrison and a host of renowned evangelical authorities as they open each room in the House of Islam.
https://youtu.be/qGSHfJuc4YU
Evolution's Achilles Heels
SAT, NOV 12 (4p ET)
Fifteen Ph.D. scientists expose devastating weaknesses in modern evolutionary theory. Three-D animations and dramatic footage help to show how the theory's supposed strengths are, in fact, its fatal flaws-Evolution's Achilles' Heels.
https://youtu.be/YGzcvkbmdYM
Evidence That God Exists
SAT, NOV 19 (4p ET)
Featuring Pastor Ray Comfort, this program addresses twenty life issues and frequently asked questions whose answers can be found in the Bible. It is a great introductory program to some of the most common objections about God and/or Christianity.
https://youtu.be/_UamAa7jfeM
Proving the Bible Through Archeology
SAT, NOV 26 (4p ET)
This program digs into the growing avalanche of archaeological evidence that helps prove that The Bible -- and ONLY the Bible -- is trustworthy as God's very own Word.
https://youtu.be/KoXpYhynWgc
As I was sitting in traffic this morning, I found myself getting agitated that my commute was taking so long. Even after detouring to avoid traffic from a wreck, I got stuck behind another wreck. It was one of those mornings that things didn’t seem to be going my way.
Then it hit me, it could be so much worse. What if I had left for work a few minutes earlier? I could have been in one of those wrecks. We often overlook God’s protection in our lives. We selfishly think about the current situation that we are going through and fail to see how God has guided us.
Even when life doesn’t seem to be going the direction we planned, be encouraged that there is a purpose for God’s detour in your life. Instead of trying to find an alternate route, we should put our trust in God to navigate our life. As Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “I trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. In all my ways I acknowledge Him and He directs my paths.” God will never lead us where His grace cannot provide for us or His power cannot protect us.
Troy Miller
President & CEO
It’s hard to believe that we are already over half-way through October. As the weather begins to get cooler here in Tennessee, I am reminded of seasons of change that we all go through in our lives. We all go through ups and downs, but no matter what the season, God can give us complete comfort and contentment.
In tough times when we go through health, money or family issues, we may wonder why we are going through such a difficult season. Be encouraged, God transforms us through the trials and circumstances in our life. It is during the tough seasons that we often grow the most in our character.
As the Bible says in Eccl. 3:1, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” If only we could embrace the seasons of our lives as willingly as we embrace the seasons of the year. It’s been said that the only thing that is constant is change; but unfortunately that’s what we tend to resist—especially if it means going outside our comfort zones. Although we don’t always know or understand God’s plan for us, if we trust in him he will lead us to hope.
God has planned the seasons of our lives with infinite wisdom. He has planned each one, knowing exactly what fruit is to be harvested during each time frame. He reminds us of this in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
During the current season, let’s determine to count our blessings and be thankful that God has planned our life and leads us through each season. Instead of wishing we were in a different one, let’s embrace and enjoy the one we are in right now.
Troy Miller
President & CEO
The Early Bird discount for the 2016 Defending Truth Conference is quickly approaching. To take advantage of this discount (only $35 for adults) and be entered into a drawing for to win an Apologetics Bible, be sure to register by October 15.
I hope you will join us for this wonderful time of fellowship with powerful presentations from gifted speakers including Norman Geisler, David Geisler, Erwin Lutzer, Ed Stetzer, and J. Warner Wallace who will help equip you to stand firm for Christ in this skeptical and cynical culture.
Hope to see you November 12 at Belmont University’s McAfee Concert Hall in Nashville, TN! This is an event’ you won’t want to miss.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://nrbtv.org/dtc.
Also, join our event page on Facebook for regular updates.
Troy Miller
President & CEO
Our nation needs the Word of God more than ever right now! Mainstream television is filled with messages of divisiveness and fear. NRBTV offers a message of hope and unity. Our programming is a beacon of light shining the truth of Christ in the dark world of television and the Internet.
At NRBTV, we’re using all the resources, all the technology, and all the talent at our disposal to send that message out via television and the Internet. 24 hours a day, seven days a week, our viewers are challenged to think deeply and to live differently by biblically-faithful teachers and apologists like Ravi Zacharias, John MacArthur, R.C. Sproul, David Jeremiah, Kay Arthur, and others. We also present award-winning, God-centered television specials addressing the issues of our culture in a truthful way.
As you can imagine, that’s an expensive proposition. That’s why I’m asking for your help.
Are you willing to stand with us and proclaim God’s truth to a culture that desperately needs to hear it? Your gift can help change hearts and minds through powerful Gospel programming.
In addition to donating online, you may make your tax-deductible contribution by phone at 1-800-895-6722 or via our mobile app. You may also mail your check or money order to us at:
NRBTV Viewer Support
1 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Suite 333
Washington, DC 20001
I am so thankful for our viewers. We wouldn’t be here without you. Your generous support during Fall Shareathon is changing hearts and minds through the powerful Gospel programming on television and the internet. May God bless you for your generosity and faithfulness.
Troy Miller
President & CEO
I am excited to announce that NRBTV will be featuring special primetime programing next week. Tune in nightly from September 27-30 at 8 pm ET to see thought-provoking, educational documentaries including:
Life’s Story TUE, Sept. 27 (8p ET & 9p PT) What does modern DNA research now prove about the theory that simple cells evolved into all life on earth? Simply that evolution is impossible. Journey to discover the story of life itself in one of the most visually stunning and informative wildlife presentation available today. Read more…
Mining for God WED, Sept. 28 (8p ET & 9p PT) This provocative documentary examines the big ideas that have influenced the way we think about ourselves and God. Features interviews with Lee Strobel, William Lane Craig, Gary Habermas, J Warner Wallace, Nabeel Qureshi, Paul Copan and others. Read more…
Hope Rising THURS, Sept. 29 (8p ET & 9p PT) For the last twenty years, men, women and children in the democratic Republic of Congo have lived through what the United Nations has described as one of the deadliest conflicts in modern African History. Discover how biblical concepts deliver real hope to the inhabitants? Lingering trauma in this post-war nation. Read more…
Ink 180 FRI, Sept. 30 (8p ET & 9p PT) A gripping portrait of tattoo artist Chris Baker as he makes a difference in the lives of former gang members and sex trafficking survivors who are trapped by the tattoos of their past. Read more…
Troy Miller
President & CEO
On June 21, I had the opportunity to attend a gathering of over 1,000 Christian leaders in New York to discuss issues relating to the upcoming Presidential election. The day was filled with insightful presentations from a variety of speakers, as well as a time of fellowship with other Christian leaders. After the event, NRBTV was given exclusive footage from the event. We are excited to bring you a glimpse into that day with presentations from Dr. George Barna, Ralph Reed, and Eric Metaxas.
One of my biggest takeaways from this event is that regardless of who takes the office in 2017, God will still be on the throne. It is imperative that the Christian voice be heard in this election, not because we want a certain candidate to win, but because we are called to be salt and light in culture. There are pros and cons to each candidate, but the message of the gospel is still central to all we do. We need to pray for our nation and stand firm in the beliefs we uphold.
A central part of NRBTV’s mission is to provide our viewers with programming that helps them think more deeply about their Christian faith and how to apply God’s Word to all spheres of life. You won’t want to miss this exclusive opportunity to learn more about issues of spiritual and cultural importance.
Don’t miss this special programing airing Thursday, September 15 at 8:00p ET & again at 12:00a ET on NRBTV.
Troy Miller
President & CEO
In today’s society, we expect everything to be instantaneous. Pizza delivery in 30 minutes or less, microwaved meals within minutes, instant e-book deliveries, immediate information from the Internet. It seems like the faster our world goes, the more impatience we experience.
We often find ourselves getting impatient when we are stuck in traffic, waiting at the doctor’s office and even standing in line at a store. We often feel that waiting is time wasted.
But not all waiting is wasted time. Multiple times throughout the Bible, we are instructed to “wait on the Lord.” Even though at times, we don’t want to wait. When God calls us to wait, He does so intentionally.
If He is telling you “no” today, it may be because he has a better “yes” waiting for you. Don’t give up just because you don’t see anything happening today. Trust God for what He has for you. He made some of the greatest men of faith wait.
Don’t be discouraged if He makes you wait as well. He will come through for you, just like He came through for them. “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD.” – Psalm 27:14
Troy Miller
President & CEO
NRBTV presents special primetime programming September 27-30, including thought-provoking, educational documentaries about creationism, defining Christianity in today’s society, and more. Tune in each night for the following lineup of documentaries:
Life’s Story
TUE, Sept. 27 (8p ET & 9p PT)
What does modern DNA research now prove about the theory that simple cells evolved into all life on earth? Simply that evolution is impossible. Journey to discover the story of life itself in one of the most visually stunning and informative wildlife presentation available today.
Mining for God
WED, Sept. 28 (8p ET & 9p PT)
This provocative documentary examines the big ideas that have influenced the way we think about ourselves and God. Features interviews with Lee Strobel, William Lane Craig, Gary Habermas, J Warner Wallace, Nabeel Qureshi, Paul Copan and others.
Hope Rising
THURS, Sept. 29 (8p ET & 9p PT)
For the last twenty years, men, women and children in the democratic Republic of Congo have lived through what the United Nations has described as one of the deadliest conflicts in modern African History. Discover how biblical concepts deliver real hope to the inhabitants? Lingering trauma in this post-war nation.
https://youtu.be/JRbwnKzh5zo
Ink 180
FRI, Sept. 30 (8p ET & 9p PT)
A gripping portrait of tattoo artist Chris Baker as he makes a difference in the lives of former gang members and sex trafficking survivors who are trapped by the tattoos of their past.
Visit our program schedule for a complete list of programs and airtimes.
It’s that time of year again. Summer vacation is over and it’s back to school! Weeks of summer relaxation gave young minds a chance to rest, but now it’s back to work. Whether it’s home, private or public school it’s time to study again.
As the new school years begins, so does a new beginning. Each year, students have the opportunity to learn new information. They expand on what they have learned in previous years.
The Apostle Paul tells Timothy in his second letter to him to “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” This is a command to Christians to be lifelong learns of God’s instructions. Why wouldn’t it be? One of the most commonly used phrases to describe Jesus’ actions during His ministry is “and He was teaching.” There is only one book that contains all of the teachings of God, the Holy Bible. Though it was written thousands of years ago, its truths remain even today. God’s word presents wisdom for each stage of our life.
Just as students have to study to gain knowledge and wisdom, so must we if we are to truly call ourselves disciples—that is, students of Christ. In order to truly grow, we need to devote time daily to prayer and studying God’s word. Did the summer break cause you to slack off of your study of God’s word? Why not start today by putting aside excuses and making more time for God?
Troy Miller
President & CEO
We live in a time when it is more important than ever for Christians to know what they believe and to be able to effectively communicate their faith. The Defending Truth Apologetics Conference began with this in mind. Established in 2013 by NRBTV, the annual event aims to help students and adults apply their faith in the culture.
Beginning Wednesday, August 24, NRBTV will broadcast informative presentations from the 2015 Defending Truth Apologetics Conference. Speakers include well-known Christian apologists including:
The series begins with a presentation from NRBTV President and CEO, Troy A. Miller, entitled "Why Apologetics Is Important to the Believer & the Church".
Don't miss this thought-provoking series each Wednesday at 8p ET on NRBTV! For additional details, check our program schedule.
Over the past few days, I have watched very talented athletes compete for the ultimate prize, the gold medal. This year’s Olympics has been filled with many victories, as well as many heartbreaks. These athletes have dedicated years of training for one moment in the spotlight. In a brief moment, their lives change. Some become instant heroes, while others don’t perform as well as they hoped. While those who don’t become medalist may feel that their lives are over, God still has a plan for their lives. It may be to work hard over the next four years and win in the next Olympic Games or it may be something completely different.
When you experience a failure in an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a first impression, there’s really just no way to recover. Or is there? We will fail. A lot. But God will use all of it for His glory and our good if we are willing to find his grace in our failure. We are not perfect; however, if you trust God through your brokenness, He will guide you through.
I’m reminded of the story Luke tells in 22:31. Jesus lets Simon know that Satan has asked to sift him and when he has come through it, he is to “strengthen his brothers.” Sometimes it’s God’s plan to allow us to fail so that we will become stronger, and we will use that new strength to build up our brothers and sisters in Christ.
You may be going through a difficult time right now, with little hope of resolution. Be assured, God can create a path to lead you through. If you will trust in God, even when there doesn’t seem to be a way, He will make a way.
During periods of uncertainty, do what Proverbs 3: 5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths.” You don’t have to have all the answers. Honestly, we aren’t going to understand most of the things in our lives until Christ returns.
So, be patient. God is in control of your life. He knows what’s best. Learn to place your trust in God for everything, and when you come through it, strengthen your brothers.
Troy Miller
President & CEO
In today’s society, we are inundated with worldly views on the definition of marriage, abortion, politics, and religious liberty, just to name a few. What should our response as Christians be? Now it is more important than ever for Christians to know what we believe and to be able to effectively communicate our faith.
I want to personally invite you to attend our 4th annual Defending Truth Conference where you will to learn how to reach others and defend your faith respectfully from leading Christian apologists including Norman Geisler, David Geisler, Erwin W. Lutzer, Ed Stetzer, and J. Warner Wallace. Make plans to join us on Saturday, November 12 in Nashville, TN at Belmont University’s McAffee Concert Hall. This is an event you won’t want to miss.
Registration is now open! Take advantage of our early bird pricing (only $35 for adult tickets) until October 15. Get your tickets today! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://nrbtv.org/dtc.
Also, join our event page on Facebook for regular updates.
I hope to see you there!
Troy Miller
President & CEO
With the upcoming Presidential election quickly approaching, many of us have reservations about voting for either candidate. We are placed in the position of voting for a person that may not hold all of our values. Because of this, some will allow reservations about the candidates to prevent them from going to the polls.
Instead, we should be encouraged to vote for the candidate that we believe will best support the advancement of the kingdom of God. As part of this, we should also pray diligently for our nation and for our leaders.
In the 2012 election, approximately 25 million evangelicals who were registered to vote did not make it to the polls. This election, we need to ensure that the Christian voice is heard. It is a privilege for us to have the opportunity to vote. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to honor God with your vote. Let’s place our faith in the God whom every government leader ultimately serves, knowingly or unknowingly.
Regardless of the results of this election, God is on the throne. He will continue to carry out His purposes in our nation.
Troy Miller
President & CEO
Amidst the shootings, riots and protests that have taken over the headlines recently, it is impossible not to feel some uncertainty about our country’s future. The future seems unsure and incredibly insecure.
It is easy to be overcome with anger and fear. However, God calls us not to worry about what’s wrong with everything, but to place our trust in Him. Philippians 4:6 states, do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God.
Ultimately, no event in history will change our outcome. No election. No hardships. No recession. Nothing can separate us from the God who has made our future stand secure.
Troy Miller
President & CEO
Earlier this year, we went through some exciting changes. You probably noticed, our name and look have changed. Our new logo restates the goal we’ve had for our viewers all along: think deeply, live differently. It’s more than a logo and more than a motto. It’s a mission.
Along with this change, we also want to engage more with our viewers. As part of this, you will notice a more robust social media presence. Visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to stay up to date with programming highlights and upcoming specials.
Also, I am excited to launch this weekly blog. Here I will discuss a variety of topics, as well as NRBTV updates. Check back weekly for the newest update.
I appreciate your continued support and would love to hear from you. Are there any topics that you would like to see in our blog? Send these to info@nrbtv.org.
Troy Miller
President & CEO
We are excited to announce additions to our summer programming lineup. Beginning the week of June 27th, tune in to NRBTV for these outstanding programs about apologetics and Church history:
Forum of Christian Leaders
On Fridays at 9p ET (Re-airs at 1a ET) - Returning July 1
Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus' foundational prayer in the Lord's Prayer, reflects the foundational, essential Christian life. In fact you might say that it actually guides the Christian to pray for the purposes or the mission that Jesus wants us to live. If we see the Lord's Prayer as a reflection of His heart, what treasures can we find in the Lord's Prayer?
The Protestant Revolt
Thursdays at 9:30p ET (Re-airs at 1:30a ET) - Returning July 7
Whether you are Presbyterian, Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, Nondenominational, or Roman Catholic, the modern beliefs and traditions of our varied churches stem from those Reformation events that occurred over 500 years ago. Come and learn why you stand where you stand.
Grounded: Establishing the Truth
Mondays at 7p ET (Re-airs at 12:00a ET) - Starting July 11
In this series, youth apologist, Brian Henson, teaches parents and young adults how to defend the Faith and stand firm in a Biblical worldview, despite the flood of atheism and postmodernism invading our schools.
Visit our program schedule for a complete list of programs and airtimes.
NRBTV presents special primetime programming May 9-12, that helps you explore the truth of God's work in our world. Tune in each night for the following lineup of thought-provoking documentaries:
In The House of Islam
MON, May 9 (8p ET & 9p PT)
The biggest story in the Islamic world is not radical terror, but a mass movement of Muslims turning to faith in Jesus Christ. Dr. David Garrison traveled to every corner of the House of Islam, from West Africa to Indonesia, to investigate this surprising development. In the House of Islam demonstrates how God is at work in the Muslim world, drawing hundreds of thousands to new life in Jesus Christ.
Evolution’s Achilles Heels
TUE, May 10 (8p ET & 9p PT)
Fifteen Ph.D. scientists expose devastating weaknesses in evolutionary theory. Visually stunning animations and dramatic footage help to show how the theory’s supposed strengths are, in fact, its fatal flaws. Evolution’s Achilles’ Heels directly demolishes the very pillars of evolutionary naturalism—the belief system that underpins our now-secular culture. This message, however, is coupled with the biblical command to reach the lost with the Good News. This combination makes Evolution’s Achilles’ Heels a comprehensive outreach tool like no other.
Refracted Glory
WED, May 11 (8p ET & 9p PT)
From ancient legends to modern marvels not fully understood, Refracted Glory dives into the centuries of intrigue surrounding hummingbirds. Alongside scientists and engineers, Refracted Glory explores the physics of the hummingbird’s unique hovering ability and shows why hummingbird feathers sparkle – and why finding their fossils in Europe is significant. From man’s earliest observations to the latest scientific findings, Refracted Glory uncovers God’s truth as illustrated by these amazing little birds.
Beyond Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus
THU, May 12 (8p ET & 9p PT)
How valid is the history in the Bible? What does the hard evidence really say about the Exodus out of Egypt? Documentary filmmaker Timothy Mahoney searches for answers to these questions amid startling new finds that may change traditional views of history and the Bible. After examining the details in the biblical text, Mahoney journeys across the globe to search for patterns of evidence firsthand. The result is the most in-depth archaeological investigation into the Exodus from Egypt ever captured on film.
Visit our program schedule for a complete list of programs and airtimes.
Christian television channel NRBTV recently filed comments with the FCC, requesting that the Commission take the steps needed to provide a pathway for independent non-commercial educational (NCE) channels to be carried on cable systems.
In its comments, NRBTV noted that its programming is unavailable to the cable industry’s 53 million video subscribers due to "numerous and pernicious" obstacles erected by those who control the access to the cable systems.
"[I]t has been nearly impossible for independent NCE channels to obtain system wide carriage or even limited regional carriage on cable systems," the channel pointed out.
While leased access – where the cable provider agrees to carry the channel even though it is not obligated to do so pursuant to the Communications Act – is theoretically an option, NRBTV reported that it is, in reality, also a blocked path. The preferred explanation from the cable providers for refusing to carry NRBTV – when a cable provider actually responds –is that there is no excess capacity due to “forced carriage”.
Furthermore, when there is excess capacity, some cable providers are converting the bandwidth to ISP services, which are much more lucrative than programming carriage. If that bandwidth is not being converted for use with ISP services and is available for carriage, cable providers are quoting exorbitant prices for that carriage.
"Since the cable providers have shown no inclination whatsoever to assist these channels in securing carriage, it is up to the Commission to take action," stated NRBTV, having previously noted how the FCC, at the birth of the broadcast industry, wisely decided that NCE programming was important enough to the public interest to merit dedicated capacity in over-the-air television and radio broadcasting. “Satellite and terrestrial broadcasting already have requirements for NCE programming, it’s time the cable industry gets onboard” stated NRBTV.
In offering solutions, NRBTV said the FCC should condition its grant of approval on any MVPD (Multichannel Video Programming Distributor) mergers setting aside 4-7% of its available capacity for NCE channels, and should limit how much MVPDs can charge for the use of the channel.
A permanent solution, the channel added, that would affect all cable providers rather than those seeking mergers is to amend the Communications Act to require the public interest set aside as satellite providers are currently required to do.
"Congress, the Commission and the Supreme Court have demonstrated through prior actions that non-commercial educational programming is widely held to be in the public interest," the channel stated. "Therefore, NRBTV respectfully requests that the Commission consider its comments thoroughly and take steps within the authority given to them to allow independent non-commercial educational channels such as itself a better opportunity for serving the American [public] by providing a pathway to carriage on cable systems.”
"It is wrong for cable companies to deny 53 million subscribers access to quality, diverse, and non-commercial educational programming because they don’t see it as profitable enough to their bottom line," NRBTV concluded.
NRBTV’s full public comment is available here.
Christian television channel NRBTV recently filed comments with the FCC in opposition to the proposed merger of Charter Communications, Inc. (“Charter”), Time Warner Cable, Inc. (“TWC”), and Advance/Newhouse Partnership (“Bright House”).
Such a merger, NRBTV stated, "will severely harm the dissemination of educational television to the public, depriving consumers of countless independent voices that they might otherwise not hear."
More specifically, non-commercial educational (NCE) programmers seeking carriage will suffer because the merged entity will collectively control a large share of cable systems nationwide and that increased marketplace dominance will give it even less incentive to carry these kinds of channels. Ultimately, NRBTV noted, there will be fewer alternatives for educational channels to turn to due to capacity issues or cost. Educational programmers, and the public they serve, will ultimately lose in this scenario.
"The Merger will further marginalize NCE programmers, and create new barriers to delivering such programming via cable systems," the channel insisted.
Drawing from its own experiences, NRBTV shared how its numerous entreaties to Charter, Time Warner, and Bright House have been met with a "brick wall of silence."
"None of the providers will even call NRBTV back [...] let alone take at least some time to explain why NRBTV is not being carried," it noted. "The Merger will only embolden and exacerbate the silence of the MVPDs and nonbroadcast content providers like NRBTV will be left out of the carriage landscape even longer."
While NRBTV respectfully urged the Commission to deny the Merger, it said a decision to approve the Merger should be accompanied by a requirement for Charter/TWC/Bright House to set aside 4-7% of its available capacity for NCE channels. The Commission should also limit how much the merged entity can charge for the use of the channel.
"This is the only way to ensure that NCE channels have a chance of gaining carriage on cable systems and accessing these subscribers," NRBTV stated. "As illustrated with the satellite set-aside, NCE programmers need this intervention because their bargaining power is virtually non-existent, and cable providers have no incentive to help them out."
NRBTV’s full public comment is available here.
UPDATE (2/22/2016): Due to candidate scheduling conflicts, presidential forums for Tuesday, Feb. 23, and Wednesday, Feb. 24, have been canceled and will not air as previously announced. The forums on Friday, Feb. 26, are still scheduled and will be broadcast at 8p ET and again at 9p PT.Christian television channel NRBTV will provide exclusive television coverage of Presidential Candidate Forums to take place during the Proclaim 16 NRB International Christian Media Convention in Nashville, TN on February 23-26. The forums are scheduled daily at 1p local time at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center and will be broadcast nightly in primetime at 8p ET and again at 9p PT on DIRECTV channel 378. The broadcasts will also be streamed online at www.nrbtv.org, on Roku and Fire TV players, or via NRBTV’s free mobile app for iPhone, iPad, Android, or Windows Phone.
Candidates from both major parties were invited to participate in the Presidential Candidate Forums. To date, Ted Cruz and Ben Carson have confirmed for Friday, Feb. 26. Additional confirmations are expected for Tuesday, Feb. 23, and Wednesday, Feb. 24, and will be announced at a later date.
Each candidate will be interviewed on-stage for one hour by panelists on issues of importance to the evangelical community. The panel will be moderated by New York Times best-selling author and nationally-syndicated radio host Eric Metaxas.
“We believe our audience is interested in learning more about where the candidates stand on issues of spiritual and cultural importance,” said NRBTV president & CEO Troy A. Miller. “A central part of our mission is to help people think more deeply about their Christian faith and how to apply God’s Word to all spheres of life. This is just another way of serving our viewers in that regard.”
NRBTV is a non-partisan, public interest television channel and takes no position on political candidates. For more information on NRBTV programming and where to watch, visit www.nrbtv.org.
For more information on the Presidential Candidate Forums or the Proclaim 16 NRB International Christian Media Convention, go to www.nrbconvention.org.
About NRBTV
NRBTV (formerly NRB Network) helps viewers learn, know, apply, share, and live God’s truth with biblically-faithful programming from well-respected Christian pastors, apologists, and teachers. NRBTV is available to more than 48 million U.S. households on DIRECTV channel 378 and select broadcast affiliates. Programming is also streamed online at www.nrbtv.org, on Roku streaming players, on Amazon Fire TV, and via a free mobile app for iPhone, iPad, Android, or Windows Phone.
About Proclaim
Proclaim, the annual NRB International Christian Media Convention, is the largest nationally and internationally recognized event dedicated solely to assist those in the field of Christian communications. The dynamic Exposition consists of around 200 companies and is an active marketplace for those seeking tools and services to expand their organizations. Proclaim 16 will be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, TN, February 23-26, 2016. The NRB Digital Media Summit, a pre-Convention event, will be held on February 22, 2016. For more information, go to www.nrbconvention.org.
