3ABN
Encyclopedia
Three Angels Broadcasting Network, or 3ABN for short, is a nonprofit, 24-hour television
and radio network that primarily focuses on Christian
and health
-oriented programming. It is an independently owned and operated ministry, not funded by any church or denominational group; however, it supports the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
.
, Illinois
, 3ABN went live on November 23, 1986. The stations initial footprint fell across the United States. Since it began broadcasting, 3ABN has taken on several affiliates that broadcast directly into television markets on VHF and UHF] stations, as well as on 1400 cable television networks worldwide. The networks headquarters are located in West Frankfort
, Illinois
. 3ABN is the second-largest owner of low-power TV stations (next to Trinity Broadcasting Network
) in the U.S.
In 2006 its broadcast outlets in the U.S. numbered over 100 stations, and it currently has several more construction permits. 3ABN is currently distributed around the world via 11 satellites, an IPTV
service named MOiPTV, and streaming video and audio on the Internet.
The network was founded by married couple Danny and Linda Shelton; they have since divorced, and Linda no longer has a role in the ministry. Danny Shelton served as the network's president until 2007, when Jim Gilley, formerly president of the Arkansas-Louisiana Conference and vice president of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists
, took over. Shelton hosted the network's flagship program, 3ABN Today, originally known as 3ABN Presents during his tenure.
In 1993 the network began production of Russian-language programming at a 70000 square feet (6,503.2 m²) evangelism center in Nizhny Novgorod
(formerly Gorky), Russia
. 3ABN's Russian operations have won several Russian television awards; its programs are transmitted throughout Russian-speaking countries on approximately 150 television stations and several satellite channels. In December 2008, 3ABN Russia began broadcasting its programming over the Internet 24 hours a day. Since 1999, 3ABN has expanded its reach to include larger parts of Europe
, Africa
, the Middle East
, and Asia
.
On August 24, 2003, 3ABN launched a 24/7
Spanish and Portuguese television network called 3ABN Latino. The network's programming was carried on 1,000 cable systems in mid-2011 according to their website. 3ABN Latino programming can be seen in every Spanish-speaking country in the world. In June 2011, 3ABN Latino announced its entry into a new 24/7 Christian Spanish radio network called, 3ABN Latino Radio Network beginning in September of 2011.
3ABN Radio Network, launched in 1999/2000, is growing rapidly due to the FCC
allowing low power FM and AM stations in the United States.
3ABN split its main worldwide channel in two in August of 2007. The split created a main 3ABN channel which would continue to serve primarily North America and a new 3ABN International channel designed to serve the entire eastern hemisphere. 3ABN International carries the same basic programming as the North American targeted channel, but broadcasts them at times better suited for eastern hemisphere viewership.
In January of 2009, 3ABN launched a 24/7 Christian children's television network called the SonBeam Channel. It is on MOiPTV and MOPCWEB.com, and also available as a streaming online broadcast. The channels programming is specifically produced for children and includes music, religious focused programs, learning programs, and Spanish language programs.
3ABN launched 3ABN Proclaim! in March 2010, a 24/7 television network carrying some of 3ABN's original programming and Seventh-day Adventist church services. The program includes the preaching and teaching of leading Seventh-day Adventist minsters, including Kenneth Cox, C.D. Brooks, David Asscherick, and Jay Rosario. 3ABN Proclaim! is similar to The Church Channel
and is available on the G-19 satellite and the Internet.
A 24/7 Christian urban television network, Dare to Dream Network, was launched in December 2010, intended for African Americans and other minorities living in urban areas. It is available on the Internet as a streaming broadcast and via satellite broadcasts and cable systems across the United States. Dare to Dream Network will be available on the G-19 satellite on January 1, 2012.
, citing her need to be far from the turmoil that continued to surround their ongoing property settlement case.
3ABN claimed that the site's domain name would unfairly misdirect individuals searching for the ministry's web site. They argued that Save3ABN dot com was attempting to intentionally divert legitimate traffic to the ministry's web site to the Save3ABN site in an effort to spread rumors and defamatory content intended to do harm to 3ABN. The defendants, Joy and Pickle, argued that the case held First Amendment implications and that they, as reporters, were immune to prosecution as a result.
In 2008, 3ABN purchased the domain name from the Trustee in the bankruptcy case of Gailon Arthur Joy, who had owned the domain name. As a result of that purchase, 3ABN filed for a Motion For Voluntary Dismissal in October of 2008. 3ABN claimed that since they had been able to purchase the infringing domain name, there was no longer a reason to continue the suit as they believed no other relief could be derived:
An Order Of Dismissal was issued on October 30, 2008. Joy and Pickle immediately appealed.
After a series of motions and appeals by Joy and Pickle, the United States Court of Appeals, for the First Circuit put the case to rest with the following judgment on May 10, 2011:
Almost immediately after 3ABN had purchased the infringing domain name, a number of sites appeared containing the exact content of the original site. Some of the more serious allegations reported at Save-3ABN dot com, and its eventual mirror sites, may have contributed to the arrest of Tommy Shelton in Fairfax County, Virginia
on March 16, 2010, following a two-year police investigation. Tommy Shelton accepted a plea agreement and pleaded guilty to child molestation charges on July 19, 2010, but the judge rejected the plea deal on November 15, 2010, because he had reservations about it providing for no jail time, and Tommy Shelton had not shown remorse, according to a former federal prosecutor.
, against 3ABN, accusing 3ABN of negligence in connection with child sex abuse allegations being made against a former employee. In response to the filing, 3ABN released the following statement:
The network became aware of a possible lawsuit in August of 2010 when attorneys representing Alex Walker (originally Jeff Anderson of the firm Manly and Stewart in California
was Walker's attorney) offered a settlement demand. The law suit claims that Danny Shelton's brother, Tommy Shelton, sexually abused Alex Walker while he was employed at 3ABN and Walker worked as a part time employee. Walker, now 25 years old, also claims that Tommy Shelton abused him while pastor for the Church of God in Dunn Loring, Virginia. The suit claims that 3ABN was negligent in hiring Tommy Shelton, alleging Danny Shelton knew of child sexual abuse allegations made against his brother before hiring him. Walker's attorney said the suit was filed in federal court due to his client's claim that Tommy Shelton lived in Kentucky and commuted to Illinois while working for 3ABN. The suit alleges that Tommy Shelton's travel was specifically to engage in the alleged abusive behavior.
; the Church recognizes many self-supporting ministries. The Seventh-day Adventist Church continues to recognize Three Angels Broadcasting Network as one of its supporting ministries.
DBS system which was available on the Dish Network
platform. Although Sky Angel indicated it was due to technical limitations, 3ABN issued a press release saying that the technical issue was resolved within two hours, however they were kept off for some time, for other, unknown reasons. After a successful write-in campaign, 3ABN became available on Dish Network
.
Satellite dish and receiver systems that are capable of receiving 3ABN are available from a number of commercial sources such as North American distribution partner Glorystar
carried on Channel 106.
3ABN owned Digital Stations
These services join stations in Western Australia as 3ABN's presence gathers momentum in Australia.
Television network
A television network is a telecommunications network for distribution of television program content, whereby a central operation provides programming to many television stations or pay TV providers. Until the mid-1980s, television programming in most countries of the world was dominated by a small...
and radio network that primarily focuses on Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
and health
Health
Health is the level of functional or metabolic efficiency of a living being. In humans, it is the general condition of a person's mind, body and spirit, usually meaning to be free from illness, injury or pain...
-oriented programming. It is an independently owned and operated ministry, not funded by any church or denominational group; however, it supports the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
Seventh-day Adventist Church
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination distinguished by its observance of Saturday, the original seventh day of the Judeo-Christian week, as the Sabbath, and by its emphasis on the imminent second coming of Jesus Christ...
.
History
After two years of intense planning and construction of a satellite uplink site in ThompsonvilleThompsonville, Illinois
Thompsonville is a village in Franklin County, Illinois, United States. The population was 571 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Thompsonville is located at ....
, Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
, 3ABN went live on November 23, 1986. The stations initial footprint fell across the United States. Since it began broadcasting, 3ABN has taken on several affiliates that broadcast directly into television markets on VHF and UHF] stations, as well as on 1400 cable television networks worldwide. The networks headquarters are located in West Frankfort
West Frankfort, Illinois
West Frankfort is a city in Franklin County, Illinois, USA. The population was 8,182 at the 2010 census. The city is part of the Metro Lakeland area.-History:...
, Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
. 3ABN is the second-largest owner of low-power TV stations (next to Trinity Broadcasting Network
Trinity Broadcasting Network
The Trinity Broadcasting Network is a major American Christian television network. TBN is based in Costa Mesa, California, with auxiliary studio facilities in Irving, Texas; Hendersonville, Tennessee; Gadsden, Alabama; Decatur, Georgia; Miami, Florida; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Orlando, Florida; and New...
) in the U.S.
In 2006 its broadcast outlets in the U.S. numbered over 100 stations, and it currently has several more construction permits. 3ABN is currently distributed around the world via 11 satellites, an IPTV
IPTV
Internet Protocol television is a system through which television services are delivered using the Internet protocol suite over a packet-switched network such as the Internet, instead of being delivered through traditional terrestrial, satellite signal, and cable television formats.IPTV services...
service named MOiPTV, and streaming video and audio on the Internet.
The network was founded by married couple Danny and Linda Shelton; they have since divorced, and Linda no longer has a role in the ministry. Danny Shelton served as the network's president until 2007, when Jim Gilley, formerly president of the Arkansas-Louisiana Conference and vice president of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists
North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in the United States, Canada, and Bermuda is officially organized as the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists...
, took over. Shelton hosted the network's flagship program, 3ABN Today, originally known as 3ABN Presents during his tenure.
In 1993 the network began production of Russian-language programming at a 70000 square feet (6,503.2 m²) evangelism center in Nizhny Novgorod
Nizhny Novgorod
Nizhny Novgorod , colloquially shortened to Nizhny, is, with the population of 1,250,615, the fifth largest city in Russia, ranking after Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, and Yekaterinburg...
(formerly Gorky), Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
. 3ABN's Russian operations have won several Russian television awards; its programs are transmitted throughout Russian-speaking countries on approximately 150 television stations and several satellite channels. In December 2008, 3ABN Russia began broadcasting its programming over the Internet 24 hours a day. Since 1999, 3ABN has expanded its reach to include larger parts of Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, Africa
Africa
Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.2 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of the Earth's total surface area and 20.4% of the total land area...
, the Middle East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
, and Asia
Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
.
On August 24, 2003, 3ABN launched a 24/7
24/7
24/7 is an abbreviation which stands for "24 hours a day, 7 days a week", usually referring to a business or service available at all times without interruption...
Spanish and Portuguese television network called 3ABN Latino. The network's programming was carried on 1,000 cable systems in mid-2011 according to their website. 3ABN Latino programming can be seen in every Spanish-speaking country in the world. In June 2011, 3ABN Latino announced its entry into a new 24/7 Christian Spanish radio network called, 3ABN Latino Radio Network beginning in September of 2011.
3ABN Radio Network, launched in 1999/2000, is growing rapidly due to the FCC
Federal Communications Commission
The Federal Communications Commission is an independent agency of the United States government, created, Congressional statute , and with the majority of its commissioners appointed by the current President. The FCC works towards six goals in the areas of broadband, competition, the spectrum, the...
allowing low power FM and AM stations in the United States.
3ABN split its main worldwide channel in two in August of 2007. The split created a main 3ABN channel which would continue to serve primarily North America and a new 3ABN International channel designed to serve the entire eastern hemisphere. 3ABN International carries the same basic programming as the North American targeted channel, but broadcasts them at times better suited for eastern hemisphere viewership.
In January of 2009, 3ABN launched a 24/7 Christian children's television network called the SonBeam Channel. It is on MOiPTV and MOPCWEB.com, and also available as a streaming online broadcast. The channels programming is specifically produced for children and includes music, religious focused programs, learning programs, and Spanish language programs.
3ABN launched 3ABN Proclaim! in March 2010, a 24/7 television network carrying some of 3ABN's original programming and Seventh-day Adventist church services. The program includes the preaching and teaching of leading Seventh-day Adventist minsters, including Kenneth Cox, C.D. Brooks, David Asscherick, and Jay Rosario. 3ABN Proclaim! is similar to The Church Channel
The Church Channel
The Church Channel is a Christian television network owned by Trinity Broadcasting Network . It broadcasts church service programs 24 hours per day, seven days a week from several of America’s leading churches, representing several Christian denominations, as well as independent and...
and is available on the G-19 satellite and the Internet.
A 24/7 Christian urban television network, Dare to Dream Network, was launched in December 2010, intended for African Americans and other minorities living in urban areas. It is available on the Internet as a streaming broadcast and via satellite broadcasts and cable systems across the United States. Dare to Dream Network will be available on the G-19 satellite on January 1, 2012.
Dismissal of cofounder Linda Shelton
In 2004 Linda Shelton was removed from 3ABN's Board of Directors, and her presence was erased from the network's programming, website, and sales inventory. Over the years it was rumored that Linda had been unfaithful in her marriage to Danny, resulting in her dismissal from the Board of Directors and their divorce. Linda created a website where she asserted that she had not been unfaithful and requested proof be provided proving her guilt or that her name be cleared. In November 2010 Linda announced that she had moved to NorwayNorway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
, citing her need to be far from the turmoil that continued to surround their ongoing property settlement case.
Federal Trademark lawsuit
In January 2007 a website, Save3ABN dot org, run by Gailon Arthur Joy (a convicted embezzler ) and Robert Jude Pickle, alleged infidelity, mishandling of funds, and sexual indiscretions, among other things. (see also http://www.atoday.com/news/atnewsbreak/2007/02/12.) In April of 2007, 3ABN filed suit against Joy and Pickle. The suit established the Nature of the Action:-
-
-
- This action arises under the trademark laws of the United States, namely Title 15
- of the United States Code (15 U.S.C. §1051 et seq.) and Title 17 of the United
- States Code (17 U.S.C. §501 et seq.),and under state and federal common law and
- is for trademark infringement, trademark dilution, defamation, and intentional
- interference with advantageous economic prospective business advantage.
-
-
3ABN claimed that the site's domain name would unfairly misdirect individuals searching for the ministry's web site. They argued that Save3ABN dot com was attempting to intentionally divert legitimate traffic to the ministry's web site to the Save3ABN site in an effort to spread rumors and defamatory content intended to do harm to 3ABN. The defendants, Joy and Pickle, argued that the case held First Amendment implications and that they, as reporters, were immune to prosecution as a result.
In 2008, 3ABN purchased the domain name from the Trustee in the bankruptcy case of Gailon Arthur Joy, who had owned the domain name. As a result of that purchase, 3ABN filed for a Motion For Voluntary Dismissal in October of 2008. 3ABN claimed that since they had been able to purchase the infringing domain name, there was no longer a reason to continue the suit as they believed no other relief could be derived:
-
-
-
- Plaintiffs believe they have obtained all the tangible relief that
- could be obtained in this lawsuit by other means, and that the lawsuit
- cannot achieve additional meaningful relief for the Plaintiffs.
-
-
An Order Of Dismissal was issued on October 30, 2008. Joy and Pickle immediately appealed.
After a series of motions and appeals by Joy and Pickle, the United States Court of Appeals, for the First Circuit put the case to rest with the following judgment on May 10, 2011:
-
-
-
- Defendants challenge a voluntary dismissal order and the denial of various post-dismissal
- motions. Having carefully reviewed the parties' submissions and the record, we conclude that there
- was no abuse of discretion in the district court's rulings, and we affirm the district court. Defendants'
- allegations of judicial bias are without merit. All pending motions, including the parties' motions
- for sanctions, are denied.
-
-
Almost immediately after 3ABN had purchased the infringing domain name, a number of sites appeared containing the exact content of the original site. Some of the more serious allegations reported at Save-3ABN dot com, and its eventual mirror sites, may have contributed to the arrest of Tommy Shelton in Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County is a county in Virginia, in the United States. Per the 2010 Census, the population of the county is 1,081,726, making it the most populous jurisdiction in the Commonwealth of Virginia, with 13.5% of Virginia's population...
on March 16, 2010, following a two-year police investigation. Tommy Shelton accepted a plea agreement and pleaded guilty to child molestation charges on July 19, 2010, but the judge rejected the plea deal on November 15, 2010, because he had reservations about it providing for no jail time, and Tommy Shelton had not shown remorse, according to a former federal prosecutor.
Federal Negligence lawsuit
On June 20, 2011, a federal lawsuit was filed in Chicago, by Attorney Jeff Herman of the firm Herman, Mermelstein & Horowitz in Miami Beach, FloridaFlorida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
, against 3ABN, accusing 3ABN of negligence in connection with child sex abuse allegations being made against a former employee. In response to the filing, 3ABN released the following statement:
-
-
- "At no time did Tommy Shelton ever pastor, preach or teach on behalf of 3ABN or the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. The religious work that allegedly brought him into contact with the claimant was for a different Christian denomination - as different from the Seventh-day Adventist denomination as the Baptist denomination is from the Catholic denomination. To the best of our knowledge, as an employee of 3ABN, Tommy Shelton's duties never caused him to have contact with Alex Walker, who was supervised during the few weeks of employment at 3ABN by his own adult brother. 3ABN does not believe that the claims against it have any merit. We intend to vigorously defend the good name of our organization,"
-
The network became aware of a possible lawsuit in August of 2010 when attorneys representing Alex Walker (originally Jeff Anderson of the firm Manly and Stewart in California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
was Walker's attorney) offered a settlement demand. The law suit claims that Danny Shelton's brother, Tommy Shelton, sexually abused Alex Walker while he was employed at 3ABN and Walker worked as a part time employee. Walker, now 25 years old, also claims that Tommy Shelton abused him while pastor for the Church of God in Dunn Loring, Virginia. The suit claims that 3ABN was negligent in hiring Tommy Shelton, alleging Danny Shelton knew of child sexual abuse allegations made against his brother before hiring him. Walker's attorney said the suit was filed in federal court due to his client's claim that Tommy Shelton lived in Kentucky and commuted to Illinois while working for 3ABN. The suit alleges that Tommy Shelton's travel was specifically to engage in the alleged abusive behavior.
Repercussions
3ABN, a self-supporting ministry, is not owned by, but is recognized by, the official Seventh-day Adventist ChurchSeventh-day Adventist Church
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination distinguished by its observance of Saturday, the original seventh day of the Judeo-Christian week, as the Sabbath, and by its emphasis on the imminent second coming of Jesus Christ...
; the Church recognizes many self-supporting ministries. The Seventh-day Adventist Church continues to recognize Three Angels Broadcasting Network as one of its supporting ministries.
Removal from Sky Angel
3ABN had been removed from carriage on the Dominion Sky AngelSky Angel
Sky Angel U.S. LLC. describes itself as a "Christian-owned and operated multi-channel television service specializing in Christian and family-friendly TV and radio programming." It is one of the first niche-oriented television providers in the United States....
DBS system which was available on the Dish Network
Dish Network
Dish Network Corporation is the second largest pay TV provider in the United States, providing direct broadcast satellite service—including satellite television, audio programming, and interactive television services—to 14.337 million commercial and residential customers in the United States. Dish...
platform. Although Sky Angel indicated it was due to technical limitations, 3ABN issued a press release saying that the technical issue was resolved within two hours, however they were kept off for some time, for other, unknown reasons. After a successful write-in campaign, 3ABN became available on Dish Network
Dish Network
Dish Network Corporation is the second largest pay TV provider in the United States, providing direct broadcast satellite service—including satellite television, audio programming, and interactive television services—to 14.337 million commercial and residential customers in the United States. Dish...
.
Internet
3ABN, 3ABN Proclaim!, 3ABN Latino, 3ABN SonBeam, and 3ABN Russia Channels—as well as 3ABN Radio are all available in audio and video streams online from the 3ABN website, as well as a high bandwidth service called MOPCWEBSatellite
3ABN TV and Radio are available on the following satellites covering all inhabited continents.
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Satellite dish and receiver systems that are capable of receiving 3ABN are available from a number of commercial sources such as North American distribution partner Glorystar
Glorystar
GloryStar Satellite Systems is a Direct to Home religious based satellite service. They provide ministry support services by partnering with Christian broadcasters and a vendor of satellite television equipment oriented towards viewers of satellite-delivered Christian broadcast ministries.-...
carried on Channel 106.
UHF and VHF Broadcast Stations
3ABN TV is available from the following list of 3ABN affiliate broadcast stations.3ABN owned Digital Stations
| 73.1 | 3ABN TV |
|---|---|
| 73.2 | 3ABN Latino |
| 73.3 | 3ABN Radio |
| 73.4 | Radio 74 |
Radio Stations
3ABN Radio Network is available from the following list of 3ABN Radio stations worldwide.3ABN Australian Services
3ABN has a number of affiliated radio services in Australia. Recent additions to the 3ABN network have been in the Australian state of Victoria, with several regional centres in Western and Eastern Victoria being established, after the acquisition of youth broadcaster Noise FM by the 3ABN affiliate Lifeinfo Media.These services join stations in Western Australia as 3ABN's presence gathers momentum in Australia.
Cable TV
3ABN TV is available from the following list of cable stations.See also
- Hope Channel, the official Adventist channel
- Loma Linda Broadcasting Network
- List of United States cable and satellite television networks
- List of United States over-the-air television networks