The Cornerstone Television Network is a non-commercial Christian
broadcast and satellite
television network based in
Wall, Pennsylvania, United States.[1] Its founder was
Russ Bixler.[1][2] The network has 44 full-power and 57 low-power affiliate stations, 1 online affiliate station, and it is on the
Glorystar satellite service.
History
In the late 1970s, Norma Bixler claimed to have received a vision from
God while visiting the
Christian Broadcasting Network's headquarters in
Virginia Beach, Virginia, to launch a Christian television station in
Pittsburgh. Though her husband
Russ was wary of the numerous hurdles to overcome to launch a full-power television station, he eventually was convinced to share in his wife's dream and pursue the vision. With the assistance of CBN's
Pat Robertson, along with
Loren Cunningham, and
Jim Bakker, they were able to navigate the build-out and licensing issues,[3] then pursued professional talent such as Bill Freeman, Oleen Eagle, Stan Scott, and Eleanor Clarke, and numerous volunteers to launch Christian television in Pittsburgh.
WPCB-TV, the network's first station, launched in 1979,[3] Through the years, it purchased and launched other stations throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio before the cable and satellite age in the 90s allowed it to expand nationwide,[4] then with the launch of the
Internet, beyond the United States.
In 2008, the network had 163 affiliate stations.[1]
Programming
Cornerstone Television Network broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.[1] Programming includes preachers, teachers, international leaders, movies, documentaries, music, and holiday specials for people of all ages.