Credit: Encyclopedia of Alabama
The Eternal Word Television Network in Irondale, AL, celebrated a milestone anniversary of 40 years in August of 2021. With 11 different channels, reaching over 390 million homes, in 150 countries and territories, EWTN provides instruction about the Catholic faith and how to live it. Today's largest religious media network in the world began with the vision of one extraordinary woman, Mother Angelica. Mother Mary Angelica, a Poor Clare nun, is the first woman to establish a television network, pioneering the way for women in the broadcasting industry.
Credit: Ryan Penny Originally from Canton, Ohio, Mother Angelica came to Alabama in 1961 to minister to the African American community after hearing of the atrocities being committed during the Civil Rights Movement. She desired to start a monastery to, “Ceaselessly make reparation for all the insults and persecutions the Negro race suffers and implore God’s blessing and grace upon a people dear to the Heart of God.” After establishing her monastery in Irondale, AL, Mother Angelica reached out to both the African American and the local Catholic community. She gained popularity hosting a weekly bible study at her monastery and writing pamphlets about the faith. Mother Angelica later produced a weekly show on the local news channel regarding matters of faith and scripture. She quickly developed a devoted following. However, a conflict over a profane movie the station aired led Mother Angelica to cancel her show. On August 15, 1981, with only $200 dollars and her faith in God, Mother Angelica launched The Eternal Word Television Network, the country's first Catholic satellite television network. She began by airing 4 hours of religious shows each day to an audience of 60,000 homes. The remaining hours of the day were filled with reruns of popular family friendly television shows. Her lively personality increased the popularity of EWTN’s lineup. Catholics throughout the country were tuning in weekly to view “Mother Angelica Live.” Even as EWTN’s popularity grew Mother Angelica worked tirelessly to strengthen the network.
In the beginning EWTN operations cost around 1.5 million dollars a year. Mother Angelica raised these funds through 100 percent viewer support. To keep the network going she would solicit donations on her popular show, “Mother Angelica Live.” She would often say, “Keep us between your gas and electric bill.” This proved to be an effective slogan keeping EWTN in operation for 40 years. Further, the National Conference of Catholic Bishop’s failed attempt to create a viable Catholic television network, led to some resentment of Mother Angelica. Mother Angelica set a pattern for women facing obstacles in the industry. Through her unwavering faith in God and stubborn personality she persevered.
Mother Angelica’s legacy brims with awards, decorations, and honors. In addition to EWTN, she started the world’s largest privately owned shortwave radio station, reaching a prospective listening audience of over 500 million. Her program “Mother Angelica Live” became the only religious program nominated for the Award for Cable Excellence. Furthermore, EWTN became the first television station in the world to use the Hewlett-Packard video file server, making it possible for them to air seven different feeds at the same time. In 2003, the Cable TV Pioneers Class inducted Mother Angelica into their ranks for her work in the field of broadcasting. Additionally, the Alabama Broadcasters Association named her person of the year in 2004. These awards and recognitions proved Mother Angelica’s place as an instrumental woman in a man’s world of broadcasting.
Mother Angelica’s outstanding on-screen personality proved to be the heart and soul of EWTN. Although tremendously popular with Catholics, people of every nationality, race, and religion loved her. Her charismatic personality and down-to-earth manner made her a beloved staple in homes throughout the world. At the time of her death on Easter Sunday 2016 at the age of 92, her $200 station had grown into a multi-million-dollar television/radio network, reaching millions around the world. Major news agencies commemorated Mother Angelica for her efforts in the community, the Catholic Church, and the field of broadcasting. She will forever remain part of the Eternal Word Television Network. Mother Angelica’s legacy continues to influence women in broadcasting worldwide.
Additional Information:
In the beginning EWTN operations cost around 1.5 million dollars a year. Mother Angelica raised these funds through 100 percent viewer support. To keep the network going she would solicit donations on her popular show, “Mother Angelica Live.” She would often say, “Keep us between your gas and electric bill.” This proved to be an effective slogan keeping EWTN in operation for 40 years. Further, the National Conference of Catholic Bishop’s failed attempt to create a viable Catholic television network, led to some resentment of Mother Angelica. Mother Angelica set a pattern for women facing obstacles in the industry. Through her unwavering faith in God and stubborn personality she persevered.
Mother Angelica’s legacy brims with awards, decorations, and honors. In addition to EWTN, she started the world’s largest privately owned shortwave radio station, reaching a prospective listening audience of over 500 million. Her program “Mother Angelica Live” became the only religious program nominated for the Award for Cable Excellence. Furthermore, EWTN became the first television station in the world to use the Hewlett-Packard video file server, making it possible for them to air seven different feeds at the same time. In 2003, the Cable TV Pioneers Class inducted Mother Angelica into their ranks for her work in the field of broadcasting. Additionally, the Alabama Broadcasters Association named her person of the year in 2004. These awards and recognitions proved Mother Angelica’s place as an instrumental woman in a man’s world of broadcasting.
Mother Angelica’s outstanding on-screen personality proved to be the heart and soul of EWTN. Although tremendously popular with Catholics, people of every nationality, race, and religion loved her. Her charismatic personality and down-to-earth manner made her a beloved staple in homes throughout the world. At the time of her death on Easter Sunday 2016 at the age of 92, her $200 station had grown into a multi-million-dollar television/radio network, reaching millions around the world. Major news agencies commemorated Mother Angelica for her efforts in the community, the Catholic Church, and the field of broadcasting. She will forever remain part of the Eternal Word Television Network. Mother Angelica’s legacy continues to influence women in broadcasting worldwide.
Additional Information:
Author
Grace Gagnon is a native of Hoover, Alabama, and is currently enrolled at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. She is a nursing major hoping to specialize in trauma. She loves running, cooking, writing, and spending time with her family.
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