THE WORSHIP NETWORK NAMES CHRISTIAN ENTERTAINMENT
INDUSTRY VET BRUCE KOBLISH AS NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO

CLEARWATER, Fla. – April 28, 2005 – The Worship Network has appointed Bruce Koblish as its new president and CEO, announced the network’s Chairman of the Board of Stewards Rick Rusaw. 

The Worship Network (www.worship.net), based in Clearwater, Fla., provides unique and uplifting television programming, including its signature inspirational programming called Worship which is seen overnight on PAX-TV and digitally 24 hours in many markets.

Koblish joined The Worship Network last year as executive vice president of Ministry Development, but the Board of Stewards quickly saw his potential to become the organization’s new president at a crucial time for the network, according to Rusaw. 

“The Worship Network has flourished in the last decade thanks to the dedicated and gifted team of professionals who have brought us to our current level of success.  Going forward, we envision emerging opportunities and vast horizons for The Worship Network, and we need a leader whose experience and vision will guide us through the exciting and challenging times ahead.  In his accomplished career, and in the eight months since Bruce joined the network, he has shown us that his ability to forge relationships and to make the most of significant opportunities is just what this organization was looking for in a president and CEO,” said Rusaw, who, in addition to his leadership role as chairman for The Worship Network, is the senior minister at LifeBridge Christian Church in Longmont, Colo. and an author.

Koblish follows Don Anderson who served as interim CEO for the past year and a half, guiding the organization through a critical transitional period.

“I am honored and humbled to be asked to lead The Worship Network into the future, and appreciate the confidence entrusted in me by the Board of Stewards.  I believe in The Worship Network’s simple yet profoundly important mission of helping people to experience God through worship.  The media avenues through which we can accomplish that mission are wider than ever.  I look for The Worship Network to broaden and expand its reach as it continues to inspire, comfort and encourage people all over the world,” said Koblish.

Koblish was first brought to The Worship Network to establish a music division and to develop new strategic partnerships which has already included the production of a worship concept DVD “18 of the World’s Greatest Hymns,” in partnership with Waterfront Entertainment, that is currently being sold at retail while airing as Worship programming on the network.  Other discussions are currently underway with additional strategic partners for products and worship resources that can broaden the impact of The Worship Network’s mission.

Prior to joining the network, Koblish had established a 30-year track record as one of the most respected and accomplished executives in Christian entertainment.   As president of the Gospel Music Association (GMA) from 1991-1997, Koblish’s innovative ideas grew the organization’s membership, introduced SoundScan reporting to Christian retail and established the Dove Awards as the premier national television event for Christian music.  He went on to become president of Reunion Records where he worked with such artists as Michael W. Smith, Kathy Troccoli and Third Day before leaving there to run the music division of Christian web portal Crosswalk.com.  In 2001, he became GM of independent music label Gravity Records.  There, he produced "In God We Trust," an all star anthem featuring more than 70 Christian music artists which became the Christian music industry's unified response to the tragic events of September 11th.  Koblish coordinated the debut live performance of the song at Carnegie Hall and on the 2002 Annual Dove Awards.  He had been involved in consulting with various ministries and businesses during the five years prior to joining to The Worship Network, all calling on his expertise, wisdom and relationships in the area of Christian entertainment and non-profit organizations. 

About The Worship Network

The Worship Network has distinguished itself with its signature programming Worship, which is designed to encourage worship of God through nature images, music, Scripture and inspirational messages delivered through the medium of television and via a growing number of other vehicles such as the Internet, publishing and retail.  Worship can be seen overnight in more than 85 million households in the United States and in more than 50 nations on PAX-TV, Sky Angel, Daystar Television, DirectTV and local Christian television stations.  It is available 24 hours a day via satellite TV on the Sky Angel network.  Additionally, The Worship Network has been expanding its reach through digital television and is currently broadcasting in more than 35 markets. The Worship Network recently launched an educational initiative aimed at informing viewers about how to make the transition from analog to digital television. 

The Worship Network was formed by its parent company, The Christian Network, Inc., (CNI) a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, which was founded in 1992 by Lowell W. Paxson.  Funding for The Worship Network 24-hour programming comes from individual donors, advertising revenues and shared revenue from licensed and ancillary product sales. 

back