In an attempt to counteract the negativity and violence of urban communities portrayed in the media, America's leading black religious TV station, The Word Network will hold its official UK launch on 17 April.

The station has decided to establish itself in the UK in response to the growth of the charismatic and evangelical Christian community in the country, and increased demand for religious programming on the Sky Digital platform that reflects the experience of urban Christian communities.

Lewis Gibbs, Vice President of The Word Network, is responsible for the day to day running of the station. He commented, "Here in the US, we have seen that the black community wants access to programming that promotes positive family values, highlights the importance of faith, encourages entrepreneurship, and improves social cohesion.

"The Word Network is attempting to counteract the negativity and violence of urban communities portrayed in the media, and I believe our programming ethos reflects the heart of Britain's growing and vibrant urban faith community and that our UK broadcasts will be both appreciated and enjoyed."

He continued, "We are also particularly keen to meet and engage with black church leaders so that the issues that are of concern and interest to them and their congregants can be better reflected in our UK programming scheduled."

Aside from featuring some US-based programming, the Word Network will commission production companies to make programmes that reflect the experiences and explore the issues that affect black Christians in Britain, as well as broadcast music and entertainment programmes featuring British Christian artists.

The Word Network, whose headquarters are based in Michigan, USA, broadcasts a wide range of faith-based music, preaching and factual programmes, including entertainment programmes with a chat show format and live music shows. It aims to reach a wide demographic of teens, young adults, families and older people.

In the US, it is currently available in 37 million homes, and broadcasts in over 130 countries

Among the people featured on the station are world renowned minister Rev Jesse Jackson, who presents Rainbow Push, a show that looks at the wide range of political issues affecting black Americans; Gospel superstar Kirk Franklin and international speaker Bishop T D Jakes, who is considered the natural successor to world famous evangelist Billy Graham.

The Word Network will be represented in the UK by JH2 Media, a Christian media and production company.

JH2 Media CEO Jennifer Hughes, commented, "The Word Network is an exciting new addition to the range of Christian programming that is currently available here in the UK on the Sky Digital platform. With its pledge to make programmes that reflect the experience of black British Christians, The Word Network programming promises to be cutting edge and one that caters for its market."