Christian TV Network Daystar gets nod to launch in India

A major US-based Christian evangelistic group has got the government's approval to launch a non-news channel in India.

The Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) has approved the Word of God Fellowship Inc to make a foreign direct investment (FDI) of Rs 16 million.

This will enable the company to set up an Indian unit to "undertake to the business of broadcasting - downlinking and distributing to cable operators a non-news and non-current affairs channel."

Word of God Fellowship is led by Christian evangelist Marcus Lamb and his wife Joni Lamb. The group owns the Daystar Television Network which broadcasts in US and across the world.

Officially launched on New Year's Eve in 1997, the Daystar Television Network has emerged as the fastest growing and one of two largest Christian television networks in the world.

With production facilities in Dallas, Houston, Denver and the Tri-cities, Daystar produces quality programming that reaches 80 million US homes.

In addition, the network reaches international audiences via satellite, broadcasting into more than 200 countries and 525 million homes globally.

The mission statement of the network affirms to "reach souls with the good news of Jesus Christ" and "to seek out every available means of distribution to a world in need of hope".

"Daystar is committed to producing and providing quality television that will reach our viewers, refresh their lives and renew their hearts."

The non-profit organization provides a continuous 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week stream of Christian broadcasting and is listener-supported.

In addition to original Christian programming, Daystar seeks to reach audiences through various ministries, media formats and events.