Sky Angel announces new channel

Work is under way on a brand-new contemporary Christian music video channel scheduled to debut on the Sky Angel nationwide direct-to-home Christian satellite television service next year. An exact launch date will be announced in the near future.

The channel, which is still to be named, is being developed by Spirit Communications of Columbus, Ohio, which also created TVU Music Television and The RadioU Network, which includes a non-commercial FM radio station and national radio network. Both TVU and RadioU currently air 24 hours a day, seven days a week nationwide on Sky Angel and feature a Christian music format targeting college and high school aged listeners by programming a mix of hip-hop, alternative and rock music.

"TVU meets the needs of the 12-to-24-year-old, but there is a large audience of 'thirty-somethings' that have no video channel playing their music," said John Owens, program director for TVU and for the forthcoming new network. "We plan to create a great mix of contemporary Christian music, featuring artists like Third Day, Michael W. Smith, Jars of Clay and Mercy Me, to name a few.

Sky Angel previously carried Praise TV, a 24-hour contemporary Christian music video channel that played mainstream Christian artists. In October, Praise TV ceased operation.

"Demand has been high for a new contemporary Christian music channel since Praise TV went off the air," said Kathleen Johnson, vice president of programming for Sky Angel.