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INSP (TV network)

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INSP
CountryUnited States
HeadquartersIndian Land, South Carolina
Programming
Language(s)English
Picture format1080i (HDTV)
480i (SDTV)
Ownership
OwnerINSP LLC
(The Inspirational Network, Inc.)
Key peopleDavid Cerullo Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Dale Ardizzone Chief Operating Officer
Mark Favaro Executive VP Worldwide Sales
Doug Butts Senior VP Programming
History
Launched1978; 46 years ago (1978)
Former namesPTL – The Inspirational Network (1978–90)
The Inspiration Network (1990–2010)
Links
Websitehttp://www.insp.com
Availability
Streaming media
Service(s)Frndly TV, Philo, FuboTV, Sling TV,

INSP (formerly The Inspiration Network; the initialism is sounded out letter-by-letter) is an American digital cable television network that features primarily westerns (both shows and movies) and is headquartered in Indian Land, South Carolina - a suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Between 1991 and 2010, INSP was a non-profit ministry focused network. In October 2010, it was re-branded and launched as a socially conservative, commercial-supported family entertainment network (over time becoming centered around westerns), and has Nielsen C3 ratings status. As of 2021, more than 60 million households receive INSP.[1]

History

[edit]
See also: PTL Satellite Network

INSP was founded in 1978 as the PTL Television Network, a religious television network founded by Christian televangelists Jim Bakker and his wife, Tammy Faye Bakker. The network was the flagship channel for their daily Christian variety program, The PTL Club. The network later became known as the PTL Satellite Network and finally PTL – The Inspirational Network.

In 1990, after Jim Bakker resigned, the PTL Television network filed for bankruptcy. Morris Cerullo World Evangelism eventually purchased the network from the United States Bankruptcy Court in Columbia, South Carolina. Morris’ son, David, was later named CEO of the network. David Cerullo remains as its CEO.[2]

In October 2010, the network announced a major re-branding with an added emphasis on family programming. Along with the re-branding came a new logo, tagline and name change from Inspiration to INSP. At the end of 2021, Variety reported that INSP's household viewers were up 1,171% since 2010.[3]

In 2022, INSP changed its logo to include a cowboy hat to emphasize the growing success of its western-based shows and films. Prior to the logo change, INSP had also introduced the tagline, “Heroes Live Here.” Its focus on western-based programming is said to be the reason behind its continued ratings success, with primetime viewing growing 17% on the previous year.[4]

On March 30, 2022, it was announced that Imagicomm Communications, a shell company affiliated with INSP, would enter the broadcasting business by purchasing 18 stations in 12 markets from Cox Media Group, namely KYMA in Yuma, Arizona; KIEM and KVIQ-LD in Eureka, California; KPVI in Idaho Falls, Idaho; KLAX in Alexandria, Louisiana; WABG, WNBD and WXVT in Greenwood, Mississippi; WICZ in Binghamton, New York; WSYT in Syracuse, New York; KOKI and KMYT in Tulsa, Oklahoma; KMVU and KFBI-LD in Medford, Oregon; WHBQ in Memphis, Tennessee; KAYU in Spokane, Washington; and KCYU-LD and KFFX in Yakima, Washington for an undisclosed price to help them comply with regulatory requirements related to a proposed merger with Tegna and Standard Media.[5][6][7][8] The sale was completed on August 1.[9]

In September 2023, Comcast's cable television division Xfinity announced that it would be removing INSP from its basic cable package and moving it to its "More Sports & Entertainment Package,"[10] a package that primarily includes sports networks; this was controversial on Xfinity's forum,[11] and Reddit's subreddit devoted to Comcast/Xfinity.[12] Many customers assumed the change was not meant to benefit customers, as Xfinity claimed, but instead was to "charge [seniors] $10 for INSP even though INSP does not charge Xfinity for its programming."[13][14][15][11]

Cowboy Way Channel

[edit]

In May 2022, INSP launched the Cowboy Way Channel, an Internet streaming service aimed at younger viewers. Named for INSP's original series, The Cowboy Way: Alabama, the channel features other original series and Western- and outdoor-themed movies.[16] On July 25, 2024, it was announced that the channel would be rebranding as Western Bound on September 3.[17]

Programming

[edit]

Current programming

[edit]

Currently, INSP features mostly Westerns (both series and movies), with Mike Murdock's Campmeeting in the early mornings.[18][19] As of January 9, 2024, western TV series regularly aired by INSP include Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Wagon Train, The Virginian, Rawhide, Tales of Wells Fargo, The Rifleman, Laramie, The Big Valley, Cheyenne, Alias Smith and Jones, and How the West Was Won.[20] Movies regularly aired by INSP (as of January 9, 2024) include More Dead Than Alive, Rage at Dawn, Gun the Man Down, High Lonesome, Hardcase, Yuma, Fort Dobbs, Yellowstone Kelly, The Outlaw Josey Wales, They Call Me Trinity, Joe Kidd, Comanche Station, Tall Man Riding, Badman's Territory, Man in the Saddle, Tulsa, Ambush at Cimarron Pass, Colt .45, and Open Range.[21]

Original programming

[edit]

In its early years, INSP produced numerous original specials, concerts, and inspirational[22][23] entertainment programs.

The development of original entertainment content became a focus after the 2010 re-brand,[24] beginning with A Walton’s Family Reunion, starring surviving cast members of The Waltons who journey back to Walton's Mountain almost 30 years after the series ended its iconic run.

In 2011, a web network series entitled Moments was launched. Originally airing exclusively on INSP, Moments is an original, short-form inspirational video series that ranges in formats like documentary, narrative, and interviews, with each sharing an uplifting story. One of the featured short videos, "Thank You For Your Service",[25] quickly went viral: it has been featured on ABC’s The View, the Pentagon Channel, and USAA’s web site. It has been shown at several national conventions and conferences, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, and Jewish War Veterans. In 2013, INSP was honored by the Vietnam War Commemoration for Thank You For Your Service. General Claude “Mick” Kicklighter noted the video's impact: “This stirring tribute never fails to inspire deep emotions. It has helped bring healing and encouragement to true patriots, many of whom have felt taken for granted and ignored.”[26]

Old Henry is a series of interstitials on INSP that starred Ralph Waite (The Waltons) and Rachel Hendrix (October Baby). The drama initially aired in October 2013 as a series of six interstitials, with a 30-minute version produced to incorporate the entire series along with never-before-seen footage and exclusive interviews.[27]

In early 2014, INSP moved forward in their commitment to original content, creating the position of Vice President of Original Programming.[28]

In 2015, INSP co-produced, with Susie Films, an original American reality television series entitled Handcrafted America. Handcrafted America originally aired exclusively on INSP. After its linear run, the series was licensed by Amazon Prime. In Handcrafted America, host Jill Wagner travels the country to seek out talented artisans who continue to make products the traditional way—with their own two hands. Throughout each program, artisans are given the opportunity to reveal the history and cultural heritage that inspire and influence the design of their handcrafted products.

In 2016, INSP co-produced, with RIVR Media, an original American reality television series entitled State Plate. State Plate originally aired exclusively on INSP. It is now available on streaming services. The series stars former American Idol winner Taylor Hicks, who travels the country tasting each state's most symbolic and popular foods, from appetizers and main courses to sides and desserts. Maureen McCormick also served as a guest host on the show.

During the same year, INSP piloted a reality series, The Cowboy Way. The show ran until 2020 for a total of seven seasons.

Facilities and studio

[edit]

INSP originally was headquartered in studios and offices in Charlotte, North Carolina. The broadcast facility remains in Charlotte, while the network's offices have been relocated to a newly constructed campus known as CrossRidge (formerly named the City of Light) in Indian Land, South Carolina, with an eventual consolidation of all operations at CrossRidge to come.[29][30]

Television stations

[edit]

The Imagicomm Communications unit of INSP LLC owns broadcast television stations in markets as large as Memphis, Tennessee and as small as Eureka, California.

City of license / Market Station Channel
TV (RF) 		Owned since Network affiliation
Yuma, AZ–El Centro, CA KYMA-DT 11, 13 (13) 2022
Eureka, CA KIEM-TV 3 (3) 2022 NBC
KVIQ-LD 14 (14) 2022 CBS
Pocatello–Idaho Falls, ID KPVI-DT 6 (23) 2022 NBC
Alexandria, LA KLAX-TV 31 (31) 2022
Greenville–Greenwood, MS WABG-TV 6 (32) 2022
  • ABC
  • Fox (DT2)
WNBD-LD 33 (33) 2022 NBC
WXVT-LD 17 (17) 2022 CBS
Binghamton, NY WICZ-TV 40 (7) 2022
Syracuse, NY WSYT 43, 68 (14) 2022
  • Fox (68)
  • MyNetworkTV (43)
Tulsa, OK KOKI-TV 23 (22) 2022 Fox
KMYT-TV 41 (34) 2022 MyNetworkTV
Medford, OR KMVU-DT 26 (26) 2022 Fox
KFBI-LD 48 (19) 2022
  • MyNetworkTV
  • Telemundo (DT2)
Memphis, TN WHBQ-TV 13 (13) 2022 Fox
Spokane, WA KAYU-TV 28 (28) 2022 Fox
Tri-Cities–Yakima, WA KFFX-TV 11 (11) 2022
  • Fox
  • Telemundo (DT2)
KCYU-LD[A] 41 (29) 2022
  • Fox
  • Telemundo (DT2)
  1. ^ Semi-satellite of KFFX-TV.

Accolades

[edit]

INSP has been honored with several industry awards in television:

  • 2012: The PTC Seal of Approval from the Parents Television Council[31]
  • 2012: Cablefax FAXIES Awards finalist in two categories; Trade Show Marketing/PR and Direct Response Marketing[32][33]
  • 2013: Nominated in the Category for Human Concerns at The New York Film & Television Festival[34]
  • 2014: CableFax Digital Awards finalist in their Social Good Campaign for Moments.org[35]
  • 2014: Telly Awards:
    • The Silver award in the Category of Entertainment for Going Home[36]
    • The Bronze award in the Category of Entertainment for Italian Family[37]
    • The Bronze award in the Category of Use of Humor for Italian Family
  • 2016: CableFax Program Award: Jill Wagner, Best Family Friendly Host, “Handcrafted America Season 1”[38]
  • 2017: Telly Awards:
    • The Bronze award in the Category of General Cultural for ‘’Handcrafted America’’[39]
    • The Bronze award in the Category of General Travel/Tourism for ‘’Handcrafted America’’
  • 2017: CableFax Program Award: Taylor Hicks, Best Family Friendly Host, “State Plate”[40]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "INSP Distribution". INSP.
  2. ^ Chris Kraul (June 1, 1990). "S.D. Evangelist Gets OK to Buy Bakker's PTL Cable Network – Deal: At $7 million, Morris Cerullo outbid Oral Roberts for the bankrupt holdings. He also plans to buy the grounds of the former Heritage USA theme park for $45 million". Los Angeles Times.
  3. ^ Schneider, Michael (December 30, 2021). "Most-Watched Television Networks: Ranking 2021's Winners and Losers". Variety.
  4. ^ "INSP Reveals New Logo and Brand Refresh, Embracing Westerns and the Cowboy Hat". Variety. January 11, 2022.
  5. ^ Miller, Mark (2022-03-30). "Cox Sells 18 Stations In 12 Markets To INSP". TV News Check. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
  6. ^ LLC, Cox Media Group (2022-03-30). "Cox Media Group to Sell Television Stations in Twelve Markets to Imagicomm Communications". GlobeNewswire News Room (Press release). Retrieved 2022-03-31.
  7. ^ Jacobson, Adam (2022-03-30). "An INSP-ired TV Deal For Cox Is Done | Radio & Television Business Report". Retrieved 2022-03-31.
  8. ^ George Winslow (2022-03-30). "Cox Media Group to Sell TV Stations in 12 Markets to Imagicomm". TVTechnology. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
  9. ^ Winslow, George (August 1, 2022). "Cox Media Group, INSP Close Deal for Sale of Cox TV Stations to Imagicomm". TVTechnology. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
  10. ^ "INSP moving to More Sports and Entertainment Package in September 2023". Xfinity.com. Comcast/Xfinity. 16 October 2023. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  11. ^ a b "Xfinity Community Forum: TV: Channels and Programming: INSP removal???". Xfinity.com. Comcast/Xfinity. 16 May 2023. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  12. ^ "Reddit: r/Comcast_Xfinity: INSP requires a subscription." Reddit.com. 30 September 2023. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  13. ^ "Xfinity Community Forum: TV: Channels and Programming: Xfinity charging for INSP". Xfinity.com. Comcast/Xfinity. 26 September 2023. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  14. ^ "Xfinity Community Forum: TV: Channels and Programming: INSP Change...just one more reason to dump cable". Xfinity.com. Comcast/Xfinity. November 2023. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  15. ^ "Xfinity Community Forum: Customer Service: Customer Service: Lost channel". Xfinity.com. Comcast/Xfinity. 7 October 2023. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  16. ^ "INSP Launches Cowboy Way Fast Channel". Cablefax. 18 May 2022. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  17. ^ Cablefax Staff. "Cowboy Way Western Bound". Cablefax. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
  18. ^ "Inspiration Network: Family Friendly Fun". The Largest Online Jewish Business Directory and Marketplace. Retrieved 22 September 2013.
  19. ^ "INSP | TV Schedule". Retrieved Jan 16, 2023.
  20. ^ "INSP: Shows". INSP.com. INSP. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  21. ^ "INSP: Movies". INSP.com. INSP. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  22. ^ "Mark Lowry Bio | Mark Lowry Career". MTV. Archived from the original on April 25, 2014. Retrieved 2014-04-25.
  23. ^ @InspirationMins. "Where Do People Go When They Die?Where Do People Go When They Die?". Wheredopeoplego.com. Archived from the original on 2014-04-25. Retrieved 2014-04-25.
  24. ^ Weirton Daily Times (2013-06-23). "City native holds post with family channel in N.C. - WeirtonDailyTimes.com | news, sports, jobs - Weirton, Hancock County — Weirton Daily Times". WeirtonDailyTimes.com. Archived from the original on 2014-04-25. Retrieved 2014-04-25.
  25. ^ "Thank You For Your Service (A Moment of Truth)". Retrieved Jan 16, 2023 – via www.youtube.com.
  26. ^ "INSP Teams with The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration to Honor Vietnam Veterans and Their Families | VWCC News - News | Vietnam War Commemoration". Vietnamwar50th.com. 2013-10-01. Retrieved 2014-04-25.
  27. ^ "Old Henry Synopsis". INSP.
  28. ^ 1/21/2014 12:23 PM Eastern (2014-01-21). "INSP Adds Craig Miller to Head Original Programming". Multichannel. Retrieved 2014-04-25.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  29. ^ "The Inspiration Networks City of Light Corporate Campus | Southeast Construction | McGraw-Hill Construction". Southeast Construction. Retrieved 2014-04-25.
  30. ^ "About". Archived from the original on September 28, 2015. Retrieved September 27, 2015.
  31. ^ "INSP Network Earns PTC Seal of Approval". Parentstv.org. 2012-05-23. Archived from the original on 2014-04-25. Retrieved 2014-04-25.
  32. ^ "The CableFAX FAXIES and Sales Executive of the Year Executives Finalists :: CableFax Portal". Cablefax.com. Archived from the original on 2014-04-24. Retrieved 2014-04-25.
  33. ^ "Bravo Nominated for 9 Prestigious TV Awards | Bravo TV Dish | Official News". Bravotv.com. 2013-08-14. Retrieved 2014-04-25.
  34. ^ "New York Festivals - 2014 World's Best Television & Films™ Winners". Archived from the original on 10 April 2016. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
  35. ^ "The CableFAX Digital & Tech Awards Luncheon - March 13 :: CableFax Portal". Cablefax.com. 2014-03-13. Retrieved 2014-04-25.
  36. ^ INSP-GoingHome-Image 24p-h.264 INSP (HD). Vimeo. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
  37. ^ INSP Family. 24 March 2014. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved 12 April 2016 – via YouTube.
  38. ^ "CableFax Program Award". Cablefax.com. Archived from the original on 2018-07-10. Retrieved 2018-07-10.
  39. ^ Handcrafted America. 2017 – via Telly Awards.
  40. ^ "CableFax Program Award- Best Host Family Friendly". Cablefax.com.
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