By Peter Biggs

WITH its mix of family friendly programming, different faiths and an absence of stereotypical ‘televangelists,’ OMNI cable channel 10  has represented an emerging new philosophy and style of religious programming.

Its hosts are relaxed, winsome, soft -spoken media personalities. Now it is changing again.

On May 23, leaders of Christian ministries were invited to the Pan Pacific Hotel to hear of the launch of Joytv10. Currently known as CHNUtv, OMNI (owned by Rogers) has been purchased by S-VOX (the trade name used for Toronto- based VisionTV). S-VOX currently owns five faith-based channels.

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Mark Prasuhn, the chief operating officer of S-VOX, told BCCN that S-VOX’s 20 years of  experience in faith-based programming will help the channel evolve. “Joytv will move squarely into ‘faith broadcasting,’” he said.

New shows are starting. The Daily (launching June 2 – see pictures) is replacing CHNU’s The Standard. 

Unscripted (launching mid-September) will be more youth-oriented, having something of the feel of CBC’s The Hour.

At the May 23 meeting, Tore Stautland of S-Vox said new opportunities for TV exposure are being offered to Christian ministries. “It is a myth that TV is too expensive. There are many ways ministries can use this media.”

September 8 is the date CHNU will be rebranded to Joytv, with a new program schedule and website.

June 2008