Trinity Network
- Founded
- 1973-01-01 in Southern California, USA
- Headquarters
- Tustin, California, USA
Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) is the world's largest religious television network, reaching every inhabited continent with 24-hour Christian programming. Founded in 1973 by Paul and Jan Crouch, the network began as a single low-power UHF station in Southern California and has since expanded into a family of over 30 global networks. TBN’s headquarters are in Tustin, California, after relocating from Costa Mesa in 2017. The network operates four main channels in the United States: TBN, TBN Inspire, Positiv, and Enlace, plus a streaming service called TBN+. It is structured as a non-profit church corporation under the name Trinity Broadcasting of Texas, Inc., and relies on viewer donations. Since 2015, the network has been led by Matt Crouch, son of the founders. Despite controversies over financial practices and the lavish lifestyles of its founders, TBN remains a dominant force in faith-based media, with an audience that spans the globe. A fun fact: Paul and Jan Crouch originally partnered with Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, but the Bakkers left in 1975.
Detailed Review
History and Founding
Trinity Broadcasting Network was co-founded as Trinity Broadcasting Systems in 1973 by Paul Crouch, an Assemblies of God minister, and his wife Jan Crouch. The first broadcast aired on May 28, 1973, from a modest studio in Southern California. Initially, the founders rented time on independent stations, including KBSA and KLXA-TV in Fontana. When KLXA was put up for sale, Paul Crouch successfully bid $1 million, raising a $100,000 down payment, and took over the station, which became KTBN-TV in 1977. By 1978, TBN had moved to a 24-hour schedule and began national cable distribution.
Growth and Expansion
Over the decades, TBN grew into a sprawling media ministry, acquiring additional stations and building a network of affiliates. In 2015, Matt Crouch assumed the role of president, taking over day-to-day operations. Under his leadership, TBN invested in digital streaming and expanded its footprint with channels like TBN Inspire (lifestyle and faith), Positiv (family-friendly entertainment), and Enlace (Spanish-language programming). The network maintains auxiliary studio facilities in several U.S. cities, including Irving, Texas; Hendersonville, Tennessee; Gadsden, Alabama; Decatur, Georgia; Miami, Florida; Orlando, Florida; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and New York City.
Business Model and Programming
TBN operates as a non-profit church corporation under IRS Section 501(c)(3). It solicits donations in cash, vehicles, or legacies to support its operations. Programming includes ministry shows such as Praise the Lord, original series, faith-based films, and political commentary. The network also produces a variety of inspirational and family-oriented content across its channels. TBN+ is the official streaming service, available on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and web browsers.
Controversies
TBN has faced financial scrutiny and criticism regarding the lavish lifestyles of its founders, Paul and Jan Crouch. Despite these controversies, the network has maintained its position as the leading religious broadcaster globally. The founders' partnership with Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker ended in 1975, and the Bakkers went on to found the PTL Club.
Market Position
As the world's largest religious television network, TBN reaches every inhabited continent and broadcasts 24 hours a day. Its four primary channels in the U.S. cater to different segments: TBN for general religious programming, TBN Inspire for lifestyle content, Positiv for family entertainment, and Enlace for Spanish-speaking audiences. The network competes with other Christian broadcasters such as Daystar and CBN but maintains a dominant reach due to its extensive affiliate and satellite network.
Key Products
TBN (flagship network)
The original 24-hour Christian television channel broadcasting religious programming, ministry shows, and faith-based entertainment.
TBN Inspire
A lifestyle channel focusing on inspirational and family-friendly content.
Positiv
A network dedicated to uplifting, family-oriented entertainment and movies.
Enlace
A Spanish-language Christian network targeting Hispanic audiences.
TBN+
The official streaming service offering live and on-demand access to TBN content via Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and web browsers.
Key Persons
- Matt Crouch
President