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INSP (TV network)

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INSP
CountryUnited States
HeadquartersIndian Land, South Carolina
Programming
LanguageEnglish
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; 47 years ago (1978)
Former namesPTL – The Inspirational Network (1978–90)
The Inspiration Network (1990–2010)
Links
Websiteinsp.com
Availability
Streaming media
Service(s)Frndly TV, FuboTV, Philo, Sling TV

INSP (formerly The Inspiration Network) 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

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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]

Western Bound

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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.[5] On July 25, 2024, it was announced that the channel would be rebranding as Western Bound on September 3.[6]

Programming

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Current programming

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Currently, INSP features mostly Westerns (both series and movies), with Mike Murdock's Campmeeting in the early mornings.[7][8] 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.[9] 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.[10]

Original programming

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In its early years, INSP produced numerous original specials, concerts, and inspirational[11][12] entertainment programs.

The development of original entertainment content became a focus after the 2010 re-brand,[13] 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",[14] 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.”[15]

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.[16]

In early 2014, INSP moved forward in their commitment to original content, creating the position of Vice President of Original Programming.[17]

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

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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.[18][19]

Former television stations

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Imagicomm Communications, a shell company controlled by INSP, purchased eighteen stations in twelve markets from Cox Media Group on March 30, 2022, for $488 million;[20] this was to help Cox Media comply with regulatory requirements related to a proposed merger between Tegna and Standard Media, which Cox was assisting in side transactions.[21][22][23][24] The sale was completed on August 1.[25]

On January 15, 2025, Imagicomm announced it would put its stations up for sale.[26] The chain was dismantled by three separate deals: Marquee Broadcasting purchased four stations,[27] Rincon Broadcasting Group purchased seven stations[28][29][30] and Deltavision Media purchased the remaining seven stations, resulting in Imagicomm exiting the broadcasting business by default.[20]

Media market State Station Channel Acquired Sold
Yuma Arizona KYMA-DT 11, 13 2022 2025
Eureka California KIEM-TV 3 2022 2025
KVIQ-LD 14 2022 2025
Pocatello–Idaho Falls Idaho KPVI-DT 6 2022 2025
Alexandria Louisiana KLAX-TV 31 2022 2025
Greenwood Mississippi WABG-TV 6 2022 2025
WNBD-LD 33 2022 2025
WXVT-LD 17 2022 2025
Binghamton New York WICZ-TV 40 2022 2025
Syracuse WSYT 43, 68 2022 2025
Tulsa Oklahoma KOKI-TV 23 2022 2025
KMYT-TV 41 2022 2025
Medford Oregon KMVU-DT 26 2022 2025
KFBI-LD 48 2022 2025
Memphis Tennessee WHBQ-TV 13 2022 2025
Kennewick Washington KFFX-TV 11 2022 2025
Spokane KAYU-TV 28 2022 2025
Yakima KCYU-LD[A] 41 2022 2025
  1. ^ Semi-satellite of KFFX-TV.

Accolades

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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

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  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. ^ "INSP Launches Cowboy Way Fast Channel". Cablefax. May 18, 2022. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  6. ^ Cablefax Staff. "Cowboy Way Western Bound". Cablefax. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
  7. ^ "Inspiration Network: Family Friendly Fun". The Largest Online Jewish Business Directory and Marketplace. Retrieved September 22, 2013.
  8. ^ "INSP | TV Schedule". Retrieved January 16, 2023.
  9. ^ "INSP: Shows". INSP.com. INSP. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  10. ^ "INSP: Movies". INSP.com. INSP. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  11. ^ "Mark Lowry Bio | Mark Lowry Career". MTV. Archived from the original on April 25, 2014. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
  12. ^ @InspirationMins. "Where Do People Go When They Die?Where Do People Go When They Die?". Wheredopeoplego.com. Archived from the original on April 25, 2014. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
  13. ^ Weirton Daily Times (June 23, 2013). "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 April 25, 2014. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
  14. ^ "Thank You For Your Service (A Moment of Truth)". Retrieved January 16, 2023 – via www.youtube.com.
  15. ^ "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. October 1, 2013. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
  16. ^ "Old Henry Synopsis". INSP.
  17. ^ January 21, 2014, 12:23 PM Eastern (January 21, 2014). "INSP Adds Craig Miller to Head Original Programming". Multichannel. Retrieved April 25, 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ "The Inspiration Networks City of Light Corporate Campus | Southeast Construction | McGraw-Hill Construction". Southeast Construction. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
  19. ^ "About". Archived from the original on September 28, 2015. Retrieved September 27, 2015.
  20. ^ a b Jacobson, Adam (April 8, 2025). "Imagicomm Finds A Buyer For Remaining Properties". Radio & Television Business Report. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  21. ^ Miller, Mark (March 30, 2022). "Cox Sells 18 Stations In 12 Markets To INSP". TV News Check. Retrieved March 31, 2022.
  22. ^ LLC, Cox Media Group (March 30, 2022). "Cox Media Group to Sell Television Stations in Twelve Markets to Imagicomm Communications". GlobeNewswire News Room (Press release). Retrieved March 31, 2022.
  23. ^ Jacobson, Adam (March 30, 2022). "An INSP-ired TV Deal For Cox Is Done | Radio & Television Business Report". Retrieved March 31, 2022.
  24. ^ George Winslow (March 30, 2022). "Cox Media Group to Sell TV Stations in 12 Markets to Imagicomm". TVTechnology. Retrieved March 31, 2022.
  25. ^ Winslow, George (August 1, 2022). "Cox Media Group, INSP Close Deal for Sale of Cox TV Stations to Imagicomm". TVTechnology. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
  26. ^ Jacobson, Adam (January 15, 2025). "Confirmed: Imagicomm To Divest Its Stations". Retrieved January 16, 2025.
  27. ^ Miller, Mark (January 16, 2025). "Marquee Broadcasting Buys 4 Imagicomm Stations". TV News Check. Retrieved January 16, 2025.
  28. ^ Miller, Mark K. (April 3, 2025). "Imagicomm Selling Seven Stations To Rincon". TVNewsCheck. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
  29. ^ Jacobson, Adam (April 2, 2025). "Todd Parkin Strikes Again: Grabs Seven Imagicomm Properties". Radio & Television Business Report. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
  30. ^ Miller, Mark K. (April 3, 2025). "Imagicomm Selling Seven Stations To Rincon". TVNewsCheck. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
  31. ^ "INSP Network Earns PTC Seal of Approval". Parentstv.org. May 23, 2012. Archived from the original on April 25, 2014. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
  32. ^ "The CableFAX FAXIES and Sales Executive of the Year Executives Finalists :: CableFax Portal". Cablefax.com. Archived from the original on April 24, 2014. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
  33. ^ "Bravo Nominated for 9 Prestigious TV Awards | Bravo TV Dish | Official News". Bravotv.com. August 14, 2013. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
  34. ^ "New York Festivals - 2014 World's Best Television & Films™ Winners". Archived from the original on April 10, 2016. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
  35. ^ "The CableFAX Digital & Tech Awards Luncheon - March 13 :: CableFax Portal". Cablefax.com. March 13, 2014. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
  36. ^ INSP-GoingHome-Image 24p-h.264 INSP (HD). Vimeo. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
  37. ^ INSP Family. March 24, 2014. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved April 12, 2016 – via YouTube.
  38. ^ "CableFax Program Award". Cablefax.com. Archived from the original on July 10, 2018. Retrieved July 10, 2018.
  39. ^ Handcrafted America. 2017 – via Telly Awards.
  40. ^ "CableFax Program Award- Best Host Family Friendly". Cablefax.com.
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