The Word Network, also known as The Word, is a religious broadcasting network. The Word is the largest African-American religious network in the world.[1] It was founded in February 2000 by Kevin Adell who also owns WFDF, a local urban-talk radio station, and WADL, a television station serving the Detroit television market. The network is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan.[2] The network is also available as streaming content on Apple TV, Roku,[3] Chromecast, YouTube Red, and via smartphone apps. The network is also available on cable and satellite in several countries, and on over-the-air television.[4]
Adell planned a national network for African-American religious ministries in the 1990s, and launched The Word Network on February 14, 2000 on DirecTV.[5]
Following its launch, broadcast was extended to all major[which?] television cable platforms in the United States.[citation needed] The network then moved to satellite broadcast[which?]. The network claims that it reaches viewers in 200 countries.[6]
In May 2012 the network completed a multimillion-dollar[quantify] expansion[7] that included new technology, production facilities with a television studio, editing suites, green rooms, conference room, a call center, and a fulfillment center.[8] Facilities were also opened on the West Coast, in Orange, California.
In January 2015 Adell purchased former Radio Disney affiliate WFDF-AM 910 in Detroit for $3 million.[9][10]
In 2019, the network faced boycott calls from African-American clergy after the network's white owner, Kevin Adell, shared a racially charged meme, in which Adell was depicted as a pimp surrounded by black pastors.[12][13][14]
You're Season of Change with David Alexander Bullock[26]
Coming Home with Gerald & Tammi & Friends-Gerald & Tammi Haddon
Your Time for Miracles with Bishop Clarence McClendon
Kingdom Come TV with Rev. Timothy Flemming Sr.[27]
The Breaking Room with Dr. Zina Pierre
Breath of Life-Pastor Debleaire Snell
The Millennial Meal-Que Morgan and Micah Davis
In addition to its original programming, The Word Network also participates in religious conference and conventions[28] that include the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc.-P.A.W., Full Gospel Conference, Church of God in Christ Holy Convocation, and “7 Last Words” hosted by Dr. Jamal Bryant. The network also broadcasts the Gospel Music Awards, produced by Sunwise Media.[29]
