
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.
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