FORT WORTH, Texas (BP)–Five new series for children and youth and four new series and two new documentaries for the whole family will be added to FamilyNet Television’s lineup starting in October.
FamilyNet is a broadcast subsidiary of the Southern Baptist North American Mission Board.
Two of the series, “Mary Lou’s Flip Flop Shop” and “TruthQuest: California,” both original programming from FamilyNet, already have drawn considerable media attention.
Also being added to the lineup is a half-hour weekday news program.
The documentaries will explore the Christian influences in early America and the Christian testimonies of Major League baseball players.
FamilyNet, in an Aug. 21 news release, gave a description of the programs:
“Mary Lou’s Flip Flop Shop”
Starring Olympic gold medallist and mother of four Mary Lou Retton, Flip Flop Shop combines the fresh educational concept of “creative movement” with a positive message. Children are encouraged to “get up and move” with themes entered around physical and mental health, music and dance, positive-thinking optimism, self-confidence, healthy living and fun! Retton is joined by a cast of costumed characters and a group of children who participate in the activities, making it easier for young viewers to get out of their seats and join in. Thursday, 5:30 p.m. Eastern time, Saturday, 9 a.m. ET.
“TruthQuest: California”
Truth engages culture as 12 Christian teenagers take a journey up the Southern California coast to apply their faith in the real world. The students’ “quest” is to seek a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and to share their truth through mission activities and encounters with people in unusual settings like a coffeehouse for troubled teenagers in the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco and rock climbing in Yosemite National Park. During the series log into http://truthquest.sbc.net to read the TruthQuest cast’s daily journal entries and look at behind-the-scenes photos. Thursday, 7 p.m. ET, Friday, 12 a.m. & 11 p.m. ET, Saturday, 11:30 a.m. ET, Sunday, 12:30 a.m. ET
“Bibleman”
Willie Aames (“Eight Is Enough” and “Charles in Charge” portrays a Scripture-quoting superhero called Bibleman whose mission is to encourage Christians and point all he meets to “the only true superhero,” Jesus Christ. Part good, clean fun, part life-giving truth, the Bibleman adventure series incorporates cutting-edge special effects, high-energy music and choreography, larger-than-life characters and clever, tongue-in-cheek stories that appeal not only to children, but also to parents and teens. Each plot consists of moral situations leading to biblical solutions with an abundance of Scripture. Bibleman brings an unmistakable message of hope and spiritual truth that will capture a child’s heart. Friday, 5:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, 9:30 a.m. ET
“JOT Classics”
The classic animated series JOT, created in 1964 by the former SBC Radio & Television Commission, returned to the airwaves on FamilyNet Television in May. JOT teaches its young viewers morals and manners through easy-to-understand lessons. The four-and-a-half-minute animations deal with topics ranging from racial tolerance to making right choices to adapting to life in the big city. JOT aired nationally and internationally for nine years and became a favorite among boys and girls who grew up and now have small children of their own. Monday – Friday randomly during children’s block.
“Bomb Shelter”
Bomb Shelter is a place where teenagers and young adults can speak exactly what’s on their mind in a raw, candid environment. This is their turf. These are their terms. It is also a place where every question is permissible and a guidepost to true answers and a platform for accountability is offered. Hosted by James Langteaux, Bomb Shelter is a lot more than a padded room for a pizza party. It’s a fresh, gutsy encounter with the topics that trouble many of today’s teens. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. ET, Friday, 12:30 a.m., Saturday. 12 p.m. & 11:30 p.m. ET.
Independent News Network
INN is a half-hour weekday news program that covers national and international news with a Christian, conservative perspective. Each show features all the day’s news, sports and weather along with feature stories of particular interest to a Christian audience. Monday – Friday, 6 p.m. & 11:30 p.m. ET.
“Insight for Women, Family and Faith”
Hosted by Nancy Stafford, Lakita Garth and Holly McClure, Insight for Women, Family and Faith is a new program that speaks to today’s Christian woman in today’s language on today’s issues. From health and real beauty to entertainment to politics, from spotting fashion trends to building stronger family relationships, Insight squarely faces the challenges and stages relevant to a Christian woman’s life, her family and her faith. Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. ET, Thursday, 11 p.m. ET.
“Living the Life”
Hosted by Louise DuArt and Terry Meeuwsen, Living the Life features interviews, stories and information that will encourage a healthy, fulfilled and abundant life. Each episode includes sections on health, parenting, relationships, home and garden, and special segments tailored for today’s modern families. Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. & 3 p.m. ET.
“Reality Talks! with Dr. Kevin Leman”
Author, humorist and psychologist Kevin Leman along with associate Jay Passavant tackle important topics facing today’s families on Reality Talks! Combining wit, wisdom and common sense psychology, viewers will receive Leman’s and Passavant’s expertise and down-to-earth approach to life as they bring resources and insights to every aspect of relationships and roles in daily life. Monday – Friday, 2:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. ET.
“Saints and Strangers”
Saints and Strangers will examine the religious and spiritual roots of the men and women who founded our country — from the earliest settlers in Jamestown through the fervent patriotism of the pre-Revolutionary period and the eventual formation of the original colonies into the United States of America. Along the way, Saints and Strangers will address religious influences from the Mayflower to the Great Awakening, from Plymouth Rock to the War of Independence. It will examine the groups of the faithful who were crucial influences during the colonial period — the Church of England, the Puritans, Baptists, Quakers and others. Premieres President’s Month, February, 2003.
“Heading For Home”
Major League Baseball personalities share personal stories in the documentary Heading For Home set against familiar sights and sounds of the national pastime. Ernie Harwell, veteran play-by-play announcer, captures the imagination in the opening segment with a stirring yet simple narrative titled, “Baseball.” The athletes profiled in Heading for Home have captured their boyhood dreams, the fun and the discipline of the game. They also have taken on the responsibility to pursue greatness not only on the field, but also in their personal lives. Their positive life examples will highlight their baseball performance as well as their community activities, their families and their faith. Stories will trace the long road “home” these men traveled to make their Major League dreams come true. Their insights will serve as inspiration to others to find personal greatness as well. Premieres Spring 2003.
FamilyNet is a 24-hour television network airing more than 50 hours of original, values-based programs weekly. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, the network broadcasts to a potential 34 million TV households and is available on cable systems and broadcast stations nationwide. For more information, visit the FamilyNet website at www.FamilyNetTV.com or call 1-800-832-6638.
–30–
