Questions and Answers on the Adventist Television Network and Hope Channel

ORGANIZATIONAL QUESTIONS

1. Q. In launching the Hope Channel, how is this a change for ATN? How does this differ from what ATN has done in the past?

A. Up to now ATN has been what is called in TV parlance a “Business Channel” for the world Adventist Church. This means it primarily broadcast special events and programs for the Church. These were viewed in churches or other large gatherings. However, the Hope Channel is a full time channel for home viewing. The goal is a TV channel with the best evangelistic programming possible for reaching people in their homes.

2. Q. I have heard that ATN will also have a Business Channel. Is this being started at the same time?

A. Actually ATN is launching four new TV channels at this time:

(1.) The Hope Channel for North and Inter-America.

(2.) An ATN Business Channel for North and Inter-America

(3.) The Hope Channel International for the Pacific Rim, Asia, India, Europe and Africa.

(4.) ATN Radio Network channels.

3. Q. What were key factors that led to development of full time channels for ATN?

A. Several major developments have led in this direction:

(1.) The realization that to evangelize an increasingly secular urban world, the Adventist church needs to use television.

(2.) The need to take the Adventist message directly into homes.

(3.) The increasing importance of visual communication.

(4.) The church’s increasing use of business television and the declining cost of satellite time, which makes it more economical to take full time satellite contracts.

(5.) Digital communication, allowing the church to reach diverse cultures in various ways.

4. Q. What is the size and extent of the ATN Network?

A. ATN owes its birth to the Adventist Communication Network [ACN] of North America. In 1995, there were 678 churches equipped to receive Net 95. Today approximately 15,000 churches are equipped world-wide. There is no way to determine an exact number as members build dishes or purchase local equipment. Clearly, there is significant growth. In the first ten months of 2003, the North American network had a 45% increase in sites.

5. Q. What is the difference between the new Hope Channel, the ATN Business Channel, and what ATN has done in the past?

A. In the past ATN has provided special “business” event broadcasts for the church, such as satellite evangelism programs and training events. These broadcasts were intended primarily for Adventist audiences located in churches. The ATN Business channel will be the channel that continues the “business” broadcasts of the church and also has specialized programming for Spanish and French-speaking members. The Hope Channel reaches viewers at home.

6. Q. What is the difference between the Hope Channel for North and Inter-America and Hope Channel International?

A. Essentially they are the same. The programming for Hope Channel North and Inter-America will be designed around the prime time and priorities for these regions. The programming for the Hope Channel International, which covers from the Pac Rim to Africa and Europe, will be designed around the available programming specifically from these regions and the prime time viewing for these regions.

7. Q. How many people are watching ATN now?

A. Keep in mind that to date ATN has been a business network with occasional broadcasts in most of the world. (South and Inter-America have had 24/7 broadcasts since 1997.) The size of audience depends on various factors: the nature of the event, the amount of promotion in a region; the number of regions participating, etc. Some events have had small numbers participating. Some single events have had audiences of over one million. By the end of 2003, at least 65 satellite evangelism Net events will have been completed, with over one million baptisms resulting from satellite evangelism series.

8. Q. What is the difference between ATN and other channels, such as 3ABN, LLBN, Safe TV and Advenir?

A. ATN is the official television voice of the world Adventist church. ATN is part of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Three ABN, Safe TV, LLBN and Advenir are supporting ministries of the Adventist church.

9. Q. What is ATN’s relationship to supporting ministries, such as 3ABN, LLBN, Advenir, and Safe TV?

A. We work in a complementary way, not as competitors. Each entity has its own identity and is working to spread the gospel in the way it sees best. ATN believes the gospel should be shared as widely as possible, and we encourage members to use every method possible to witness. Our church organization in many areas is working to increase its capacity to prepare programming and distribution. We encourage members to strongly support the united work of the church in this new venture.

10. Q. What is the relationship between ATN, the Hope Channel and the ATN Business Channel?

A. Adventist Television Network [ATN] is the corporate entity. The Hope Channel and the ATN Business Channel are specific television channels operated by ATN.

11. Q. If I have a program I would like broadcast on ATN, whom do I contact?

A. Please contact Kandus Thorp at 301-680-5100, 250-491-8285, or E-mail her at thorpk@adventist.tv.

12. Q. It costs a lot to run a world-wide satellite network and prepare all the programming needed. Is this really worth all the expense? Why not invest that money in other kinds of evangelistic work?

A. ATN broadcasts complement the many other forms of ministry by the church. It is true that TV production and broadcast seems expensive; however digital communication is the method increasingly used in our world and is essential for reaching modern society. If you carefully analyze the cost of production and broadcast with the number of people reached, particularly when strongly promoted by the church membership such as a NET event, TV broadcasting is very inexpensive. The satellite network is also very effective! Since 1995 over one million people have been baptized through the satellite ministry of ATN.

13. Q. Why do you carry affiliated Adventist radio channels on the ATN satellite broadcasts?

A. For several reasons:

(1.) To provide distribution for the respective radio ministries. Our satellite band width allows us to carry these channels and provide assistance to these radio ministries and whatever repeater stations are using their feed.

(2.) ATN has a slogan: Think Global, Live Local. ATN envisions a service for the world church which utilizes both TV and radio on the local level. In local communities people tend to listen to radio during the work day and watch TV in the evening. ATN is providing a service by which local churches can establish local TV and radio stations and use the network TV and radio feeds as the programming base for their local broadcasts. They can insert locally produced programming to provide local content. ATN intends to carry radio networks in the major languages of the world to enable local communities to have both Hope TV Channel and an Adventist radio station providing a local 24/7 Adventist presence. In this way listeners can see and hear both the international perspective of Adventism and the local witness of Adventists.

14. Q. How do you envision reaching the masses of people who do not have satellite TV?

A. The world 24/7 broadcasts that ATN is launching can be referred to as the “first mile” of broadcasting. With the “first mile” ATN provides a programming stream to anyone with the appropriate equipment. However the “last mile” is where ATN provides the Hope Channel in the way most people receive their TV. In some regions this is through terrestrial analogue TV (rabbit ears). In some it is through cable. In others it is through small dish Direct To Home satellite broadcasts, i.e. Direct TV Dish Networks—Astra, Hotbird, Global, etc.

Now that “first mile” broadcasts are implemented, the next step is to distribute the Hope Channel so large populations can easily receive it in the “last mile.” In this task, local churches and church entities can be of tremendous help. Churches can work in their local areas to have the Hope Channel carried on cable, re-broadcast on local analogue TV, or carried on the very small satellite direct to home networks.

We believe that as ATN grows, it will be carried on thousands of cable networks and distributed in ways that will enable tens of millions of people to watch the Hope Channel.

15. Q. How can I help ATN and the Hope Channel?

A. Through your prayers and personal support in helping members, friends and churches to become aware of the ministry of the Hope Channel. ATN exists for evangelism. The goal is to reach as many people as possible. The more you can help ATN reach people, the more successful ATN will be. There are also major financial needs. The more funding available, the more new programming ATN can produce, and the more interesting the programming line-up will be, making ATN more attractive to the audience. Our contact information is at the end of this document.

NORTH AMERICAN DIVISION QUESTIONS

16. Q. I notice that when I buy a dish from ATN in North America I can get six channels--Hope Channel, ATN Business, 3ABN English, 3ABN Latino, LLBN [Loma Linda Broadcasting] and ATN Radio channels. Can I get Safe TV with this dish too?

A. All the networks mentioned broadcast on a satellite called AMC 4. Safe TV also broadcasts on AMC 4 but in the C-Band and is not available on the small dish that receives the other channels.

17. Q. What is the relationship of ATN and ACN?

A. In North America, ACN [Adventist Communication Network] produces programming particularly for strengthening the local church. ACN sponsored Net 95, the first Satellite Evangelism event, and gave birth to what is now ATN. ATN serves the world church, including North America, and broadcasts ACN programming.

18. Q. If I can get the Hope Channel and the ATN Business Channel on the same satellite dish, how can the church protect the integrity of the Business Channel? Doesn’t this mean that anyone could listen to the Business Channel?

A. Technically it is true that anyone could listen to our business broadcasts. Practically speaking it will be only the people who know about the channel, have the equipment, and select the channel who will receive the Business channel. Let me explain further.

(1.) Only people with the correct equipment can receive the ATN channels. The equipment is not expensive, costing US$ 200. We encourage people to buy the equipment. However, individuals who have the small dishes, such as Dish Network or Direct TV will not be able to receive ATN programs.

(2.) Even with the correct equipment it must be tuned to the correct channel to listen to the Business broadcasts. The reality is that few non-Adventists will do this.

(3.) The goal is to reach the largest audience possible. To do this, the Hope Channel will need to be carried on cable networks and be part of the channels broadcast on Direct To Home [DTH] TV Networks, such as Dish Network and Direct TV. In the future, when ATN arranges to be on these cable or DTH networks, only the Hope Channel will be broadcast. The Business Channel will remain on ATN’s primary satellites. Although ATN is using different satellites, in essence the situation is the same as it has been since the beginning of the ACN or ATN Network for all business broadcasts, and we can be confident that the ATN Business channel will maintain its integrity in the future.

PROGRAMMING QUESTIONS

19. Q. What sort of programming will ATN have on these channels?

A. Programming for the Hope Channel will focus on reaching spiritually sensitive individuals in their homes. It is intended to be attractive to non-Adventist viewers and to benefit Adventists as well. There will be evangelistic, devotional, inspirational, and instructional programming. The current inventory is primarily evangelistic programming, and with this inventory ATN will craft the best possible Direct To Home Adventist programming possible. In coming months a greater variety of programs will be added, with programs such as “Profiles of Hope,” featuring people who live and share hope; and programs on topics such as Religious Liberty, Health, Archaeology and History, and Global Mission. ATN wants to partner with Adventist individuals and organizations to add more programming, particularly featuring Adventist “reality” programs showing how Adventist Christians live their faith in a wide variety of situations. Your ideas and suggestions are welcome.

B. The ATN Business Channel will focus on Church “business” programs. It is intended for “in-house” Adventist viewers. It will broadcast such events as the NET Evangelistic programs for churches, ACN programming, training programs, and any other programs for churches that church leadership develops. (NET programs will also be carried in the appropriate way on the Hope Channel.) The business channel will also carry regular Spanish, French and other language programming.

20. Q. Will there be a lot of repetition of programs on the Hope Channel?

A. Initially there will be some repetition of programs. Since the current inventory is primarily of proclamation evangelistic programming, this will continue as a major component of the total programming. But ATN will add new programs as soon as possible. ATN will partner with Adventist entities to create new programming. There is tremendous creativity in the church, and with the declining cost of digital TV production and the growing familiarity of this technology, we believe these television channels provide opportunity particularly for young people to express their giftedness.

21. Q. Can anyone prepare programs for ATN?

A. ATN has clear programming and broadcast principles. New programming that meets the criteria, has the endorsement of the local church organization, and meets specific objectives of ATN programming is welcome. See www.Adventist.TV under technical information for information on Programming and Broadcast Policies.

22. Q. Who guides the selection of programming for the ATN programming line-up?

A. ATN programming is approved by two groups, the ATN Programming Committee and the ATN Executive Committee.

23. Q. How does ATN hope to meet the huge cultural diversity in the Adventist Church and the world through its programming?

A. Our commitment to Jesus and our common beliefs are the foundation of our world spiritual family. Our hope and trust transcend cultural diversity. And the proclamation of the Bible message will be first and foremost in ATN programming. We will faithfully proclaim God’s message through the TV broadcasts. ATN also encourages the establishment of professional TV studios in various areas of the world. In 1995 the church had only two professional media centers. In 2003, there are nearly 30 media production centers. By the end of 2003, every Union of the SAD will have a professional TV Media Center. As various areas of the world develop the capacity to produce programs for their particular cultural context, ATN will be able to broadcast more diverse programs. In this way, viewers will see both the international perspective of the Adventist Church and local programming.

24. Q. What or who will be the identity of the new Hope Channel?

A. We intend to develop the identity of ATN around the evangelistic ministry of the church. We want to avoid fostering an ATN identity around specific persons. Naturally some leadership needs to be identified as being the spokespersons for ATN; however, the intent is to build a corporate identity around the world-wide spiritual family of our church that has a message of hope to share with the world.

25. Q. What is the over-all impression ATN wants the Hope Channel to create?

A. The Hope Channel will exhibit the following characteristics: ATN will communicate hope, optimism and joy, a positive, pro-active perspective to life. It will be realistic, practical and authentic; inspirational, informational and educational; culturally sensitive and culturally relevant; uplifting and “appropriately entertaining,” with a global perspective. It will lead individuals to worship, and challenge its viewers to grow by making a commitment to Christ.

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS

26. Q. How can I get ATN/the Hope Channel in different areas of the world?

A. In North America and most of Inter-America, a 36 inch dish and open digital receiver are needed, at a cost of US $200.

B. In South America, generally a 7.5 foot dish and open digital receiver are needed. Some areas of Brazil have ATN available on small Direct to Home dishes.

C. In the rest of the world a 7.5 foot dish and open digital receiver are needed. Cost for a 7.5 foot dish and an open digital receiver is typically between US $250 and 300.

D. In Europe and most of the Middle East, ATN is currently working on an additional way for the Hope Channel to be delivered on smaller dishes. See www.Adventist.TV for updates.

27. Q. What is the size and extent of the ATN Network?

A. ATN owes its birth to Adventist Communication Network [ACN] of North America. In 1995, there were 678 churches equipped to receive Net 95. Today approximately 15,000 churches are equipped world-wide. As technology has advanced, there is no way to determine an exact number. Members are building dishes or purchasing local equipment. Clearly there is significant growth. In the first ten months of 2003, the North American network had a 45% increase in sites.

28. Q. If I already have a Sky Angel dish or a 3ABN dish, can I receive the Hope Channel and other programming from Adventist Television Network?

A. 3ABN uses two different satellites to deliver their programming in North America.

(1.) At the moment ATN is not available on the Sky Angel dish network. If you have only a Sky Angel dish, you will need to purchase and install the 36 inch ATN dish. The advantage to this option is that there are no recurring charges to receive ATN, 3ABN, LLBN and our radio.

(2.) If you are using 3ABN’s 36 inch dish, you can add the frequencies for the ATN channels and receive all the channels. Please go to www.Adventist.TV for the simple instructions on how to add these frequencies.

By: Brad Thorp

CONTACT US

Hope Channel

PO Box 4000

Silver Spring, MD 20904

(301) 680-5100

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