TBN[edit]

Founding[edit]

In 1973, Paul and Jan Crouch co-founded Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN). In 1974, TBN purchased its first TV station, KLXA-TV (channel 40, now KTBN-TV) in Southern California, and began distribution through cable systems in 1978. Under the Crouch family, TBN grew to become the United States' largest Christian television network, offering 24-hour commercial-free programming,^[1][2] and TBN is currently third largest over-the-air Station Group in the United States (measured as percentage of homes reached), with CBS, Fox, and NBC holding the 4th, 5th and 6th place, according to TV News Check's annual listing of the Top 30 Station Groups.^[3] TBN owns and operates five independent TV networks, each of which adheres to a faith-based message, but reaching separate demographics. TBN networks include TBN itself, JUCE TV, TBN Enlace, Smile of a Child, and The Church Channel.

Illness and death[edit]

Crouch suffered a massive stroke on May 25, 2016, and was hospitalized.^[13][14] She died in Orlando, Florida, on May 31, 2016. She was 78.^[15]