Revelation TV

Infobox TV channel
name= Revelation TV
sister names=rmusictv
web= [http://www.revelationtv.com www.revelationtv.com]
[http://www.rmusictv.com www.rmusictv.com]
sat serv 1=Sky Digital
(Revelation TV)
sat chan 1=Channel 585
sat serv 2=Sky Digital
(Genesis TV)
sat chan 2=Channel 592
dummy parameter=
|

Revelation TV is a UK Christian television channel, that was started by Howard (an ex-Jehovah's Witness) and Lesley Conder in 2003; the channel broadcasts on Sky Digital channel 585.

Revelation broadcasts a high amount of self-created programming, regularly producing their own shows such as "World In Focus", "Church In Focus" and "R-Mornings".

They also feature many programmes discussing the end times and the nation of Israel's role in it. They are strong supporters of Zionism and regularly feature appearances from Messianic Jews. The channel is highly multi-cultural with participation from black and Asian Christians, though 'multi-culturalism' is regularly criticised by presenters. Lately they have had quite a bit of programming from Arab Christians as well as Christian converts from regions like Pakistan.

Revelation TV had a popular forum that was suspended due to a small minority of users being offensive to other users.

Genesis TV

On Monday April 3 2006 Revelation TV launched its own music channel, called 'rmusictv' on Sky Digital channel 370 in the UK. The channel's aim was to provide what it calls "positive music", a playlist free from the negative influences of sex, violence and worldly values. Many of the songs derived from various branches of Christian music though it is largely Contemporary Christian Music. Much of the music on the channel was broadcast live from the Revelation TV studios in London.

The Key shows on the channel were "Out the Box", a show that featured a mix of contemporary styles of Christian music, "UK Gospel Live" a show that brought in Live Gospel Music acts from the UK and finally "Rchart hits", the channels own chart show. In place of a news service, Revelation TV makes use of extended newspaper reviews, focusing especially on the Daily Mail, Daily Express and Mirror. Presenters discuss the headlines without reliance on experts. An interesting feature of these discussions are contributions by Nigerian presenter Yemi criticising aspects of British life. Immigration is a regular topic, as is to be expected in the reliance on these three newspapers.

For a brief period the channel aired a secular show called "TasteBuds", a once a month show of contemporary singer/songwriter style music. The Show was hosted by Dannii Evans and was affiliated to a once per month night at Balham based nightclub The Bedford called "OneTaste". This is a purely secular show in contrast to the normal contemporary Christian music of the channel.

Much of the live programming on rmusictv ceased towards the end of 2006 and the channel itself ceased to exist at the beginning of February 2007. Another channel, Genesis TV was launched on the same channel number and continues to play much of the same content from rmusictv. It is thought that Genesis TV will present a mixture of music, TV ministry and biblical discussion. Revelation TV is currently exploring the obtaining of a Spanish broadcasting licence. Whilst they would continue to operate out of London, a Spanish licence would exempt the station from British broadcasting standards in relation to homosexuality and other aspects of the 'human rights culture' which constrains their programming. Mrs.Conder has reassured viewers that the channel will not be leaving London, simply taking advantage of what she called a 'loophole' of setting up a studio with a sofa in Spain in order to register there.

Revelation TV has a strong interest in aspects of African religion. Presenter Yemi has recently described a stool which was possessed by a demon - members of the family turn to the stool for guidance in life decisions. Yemi has explained that western people have lost the ability to discern demons in inanimate objects. He gives as an example the Asian boxing day tsunami. Animals were able to discern the demon and flee to higher ground, whereas the humans had lost this ability and were drowned. Yemi explained that demons must be cast out, and leave through the body orifices, such as in belching or farting. His co-presenter described finding the bad smell of demons in their office, and how this smell left when Yemi prayed. A recent programme has described the miraculous provision of gold teeth by God. Worshippers discovered that gold teeth appeared where there had been none before, evidence of God's deep care for his followers' dental well-being. A new presenter, Don, who joins the channel in January 2008, has some of these miraculous gold teeth in his own mouth.

Bible studies in the book of 1st Samuel during February 2008 unveiled the station's biblical basis for novel constitutional ideas. On 14 February 2008, a study of the desire of the Israelites to have king inspired the regular Bible commentator to elaborate a grand political theory. In the beginning, God was in charge, directly inspiring his prophet-judges by the Holy Spirit. These prophets would not give false prophecy for fear of being stoned to death if the prediction did not come true. The adoption of a monarchy transferred some power from God to the people: whereas God had picked each prophet-judge, now the eldest son of the king would become the next king. Democracy has further de-throned God, by giving complete power to the people, who can now have whatever laws they wish. Focus groups represent the nadir of this process. It is not clear whether the Holy Spirit is considered able to work in conditions of democracy.

Criticism

Revelation TV has been accused of promoting strong 'conservative' and family values, as well as providing criticism of Islam, however through live call-in shows Muslims have called in and responded to issues raised. Broadcasts on health issues have revealed a divergence between presenters with fairly mainstream views, and a conflicting strand. The latter presenters have concerns about blood transfusions and organ transplants in case these convey the donor's personality to the recipient. Ancient Jewish idioms referring to personality traits as residing in the heart, liver, kidney or bowels are taken literally by some presenters, causing them to say they would refuse to accept a transplant or to authorise one for their child. This view is not shared by all at Revelation TV. However, it is more widely accepted that organ transplants may be wrong if they prolong life beyond the point at which God had ordained the life to end. It is not clear whether this dilemma applies to the use of medecines or other medical interventions.

Revelation TV has also been underfire from regulators Ofcom with regards to their biased views about homosexuality, after complaints from gay rights compaigners and members of the public. Ofcom has warned Revelation TV that they must in future be fair and express all points of view when approaching this subject, or they face mandatory sanctions.

Fundraising

Formerly, channels like Revelation TV which operate from the UK were unable to ask for funds on-air, due to OFCOM restrictions. With the lifting of these restrictions, this is no longer the case and Revelation TV can now ask for funds on air. [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/newspapers/sunday_times/britain/article1295190.ece "Television evangelists given blessing to pass collection plate round viewers"] , Times Online. Article dated 2007-01-22, retrieved 2007-02-25.]

References

External links

* [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/02/11/nchurch211.xml "The Lord will provide.... we hope"] , Telegraph.co.uk article