A new television channel is now in operation in the
Philippines to offer Christian values and an alternative to the low-quality
commercial programs.
Cebu Catholic Television Network (CCTN) is a joint initiative of the Cebu
Archdiocese and Radio Veritas, the broadcasting station of the Manila-based
Federation of Episcopal Conferences of Asia.
The new channel's studios, installed in the John XXIII Minor Seminary, were
blessed Dec. 12 by Cardinal Ricardo Vidal, archbishop of Cebu.
With the television network, the Church will have an instrument to diffuse
"the powerful message of love, forgiveness, peace and justice," the
cardinal said in statements over Vatican Radio. It also will promote cultural
values such as "decency, respect and religiosity," he explained.
Seventy percent of CCTN's programs are produced by the U.S.-based Eternal World
Television Network (EWTN). Many programs will be dubbed in Cebuano, the dialect
spoken in Mindanao and in the south of the Philippines.
The channel will rely on advertising for support.