CHENNAI: Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) is gearing up to promote its faith channel TBN India in the western and northern parts of the country. TBN channel will be separating from the existing MiracleNet channel, which is already available in some parts of the country.

Reverend Dr Sishwa Prasad, based in Chennai, is the India coordinator.

In an attempt to increase its visibility and presence amongst cable operators, MSOs and viewers in different parts of India, the channel's distribution team is organising a TBN-Cable operators meet - 2003 on 24 February at Leela Hotel, near Sahar Airport, Mumbai. TBN will also distribute a free receiver and dish to all the members of the trade who register before 20 February 2003.

Speaking to indiantelevision.com, TBN India sales manager Kumar Thomas confirmed that they are planning to promote the free-to-air faith channel in the western and northern parts of the country from 24 February 2003. TBN has already conducted a lot of promotional activities in South India.

"The channel has a variety of programmes; health and fitness; shows for children; humorous shows, news and commentary; speciality shows and serials. However, the 'religious' component will be around 80 per cent of the total content. The channel will also provide general news from CBN network," adds Thomas.

TBN began in 1973 with an intention to build a Christian television network across the globe. It claims to be the world's largest Christian television network. Across America and around the world, TBN is carried by TV stations and cable systems to millions of homes. As a matter of fact, TBN is seen on over 3,171 television stations, 21 satellites, the Internet and thousands of cable systems around the world, says an official statement.

In India, the Hindujas' IN Network started distributing MiracleNet in 1999. The channel, which receives funding from various churches, does not promote any particular Christian denomination. Currently, TBN India has taken charge of the distribution and will promote it with all the major MSOs and cable operators.

The following are the technical specifications of TBN: the satellite is Palapa C2; location is 113 degrees East; the polarization is horizontal and the frequency is 3727.