BYU Television International
| File:BYU TV-Itrue.jpg | |
| Type | Satellite, Cable, Television Network |
|---|---|
| Branding | BYU Television International |
| Country | |
| Availability | Latin America, Iberian Peninsula, Worldwide |
| Owner | Brigham Young University |
Launch date | March 2007 |
Official website | BYU Television International |
BYU Television International (also known as BYU TV-I) is a cable/satellite television channel operated by Brigham Young University. It is a sister station to BYU Television, which broadcasts in English, while BYU Television International broadcasts simultaneously in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Content originates from the University and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the LDS Church.
Audience
Broadcasting via Satellite, BYU Television International is available in most parts of the world. It aims to provide viewers worldwide with high-quality, educational and inspirational programming. It is available through direct satellite broadcast services such as Dish Network and DIRECTV, cable carriers, the satellite system of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Internet streaming powered by Move Networks.
The intended audiences of BYU Television International are the alumni and friends of Brigham Young University, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and others who are interested in the beliefs and values of the church and its educational institutions.
Content
BYU Television International is a cable channel dedicated to the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America with audio channels available in English, Spanish and Portuguese that launched in the first quarter of 2007. Programming includes:
- Programs geared toward the family with a focus on modern-day challenges and well-being
- Special theatrical productions such as dance and theater
- Musical interpretations such as symphony orchestras, choirs, and jazz groups
- Sporting events at BYU such as basketball, volleyball, football, baseball and gymnastics
- Life-long learning in the form of educational programming
- Informative programs about gardening, cooking, exercise and physical health
- Documentary films about historic and modern-day events
- "Music and the Spoken Word" presented by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
- Devotionals and forums from BYU
- Original programming by Bonneville International and other independent contributors
- General Conferences and discussions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Future local programming originating in areas where BYU Television International is transmitted
History
In 2005, a Cable Operator near Lima, Peru contacted BYU Television, expressing interest in carrying their channel. This prompted representatives of BYU Television to visit Peru in order to assess local response to the programming. The positive feedback led to discussions about a larger-scale expansion. Fueled by an increased demand for translated content from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Brigham Young University and the notable growth of the Church in Latin America, discussions led to the decision to launch an entirely new Spanish-language channel.[1]
Plans to launch BYU Television International were approved in late 2006 by BYU's Board of Trustees. A generous donation by Rex and Ruth Maughan (founders of Forever Living Products) of Phoenix, Arizona helped make the expansion possible.[2]
BYU Television International began transmitting in the early part of 2007, and was fully operational and made available to the general public on March 2, 2007. At the time of launch, more than 90 cable operators had already committed to carry the station.[3][4]
The future home of BYU Television International will be on the side of the hill just east of the Marriott Center and north of the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum.[5]
Though the channel is currently geared toward a Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking audience, it is expected that in the future, BYU Television International will be available worldwide in dozens of languages.
See also
- BYU Television (BYU Television International's English-language sister station)
- KBYU-TV (BYU's local PBS Member-Station in Provo, Utah)