Crossroads/CTS Expand Capabilities through ComStar Partnership
Programs to Reach Over 40 Million US Homes
BURLINGTON, ONTARIO — January 17, 2011. Crossroads/CTS are pleased to announce a partnership with U.S. based ComStar Media LLC. ComStar Media is the operator of two well known television networks, the faith and values Family Net and the family friendly American Life, reaching over 40 million homes.
ComStar principals are Chairman Dr. Robert A. Schuller (formerly Pastor of the Crystal Cathedral), and CEO Chris Wyatt, the founder of several social media networks, including GodTube, the fastest growing website of 2007.
The transaction, which includes an investment in ComStar’s broadcasting arm, ComStar Networks, LLC, provides CTS with exclusive Canadian rights to the media libraries of Family Net and American Life which include family-values entertainment as well as ministry programming. It also enables Crossroads/CTS to deploy ComStar’s social media technology.
Additionally, this new agreement allows for programs produced by Crossroads/CTS to be licensed for broadcast on ComStar’s growing networks and opens the door for future co-production between these leading faith-based media companies.
Dr. Robert A. Schuller explains, “This exciting new partnership between ComStar and Crossroads/CTS will allow us to extend our reach by offering our award winning media library to the largest Christian Broadcaster in Canada. Mr. Simmonds and I share the vision for the future of Christian television programming, which includes a more sustainable economic model. We’re thrilled to take part in the next generation of television.”
Crossroads/CTS and ComStar, both broadcast media pioneers, have a compatible vision to produce and distribute relevant, quality programs that set a new standard for faith and values content.
“The strategy and vision of ComStar closely matches that of Crossroads and CTS,” according to Don Simmonds, Chairman and CEO. “It begins to fulfill our dream of finding capable, compatible partners around the world with whom we will work to produce and distribute clear faith and values messages more broadly through the media.” Mr. Simmonds adds, “Most importantly, the people behind ComStar believe in our vision to communicate a relevant message of Christian faith and values to North Americans of all ages, along their whole faith journey; using multiple technology platforms.”
This partnership with ComStar will help Crossroads and CTS achieve their goals of increased content, increased viewership, and increased care and inspiration to their audiences.
About Crossroads Christian Communications Inc. (CCCI)
Crossroads produces 100 Huntley Street, the longest running daily Christian television program in Canada. Founded by David Mainse, Crossroads has provided relevant messages of faith and inspiration for millions of Canadians for nearly 50 years. As a producer of faith and values media content, its mission is to convey the unchanging message of God’s love to people around the world. Crossroads also interacts with its viewers by praying for their needs via 24/7 prayer lines and providing helpful materials that assist in their spiritual growth. They reach out to children and youth through the operation of eight Circle Square Ranches across Canada. Crossroads has also been a highly respected and effective not-for-profit aid agency for over 25 years, having responded in times of natural disaster worldwide, raising funds and partnering with on-site, non-government organizations for emergency relief and long-term rebuilding strategies. For more information, visit: www.crossroads.ca
About Crossroads Television System (CTS)
CTS is a Canadian leader in faith-based and balanced programming, operating stations in Burlington, Calgary and Edmonton with repeater transmitters in London and Ottawa. CTS creates television and other powerful visual media that can educate, entertain and inspire through positive, superior quality content. CTS features a range of entertaining and inspirational programs, including faith and values content based on biblical principles. Like many Canadians, CTS shares the concern about the decline in quality family programming and is taking a stand to ensure a place for trustworthy, safe television in Canada… “Television You Can Believe In”. www.ctstv.com
About ComStar Media Fund, LP
Dr. Robert A. Schuller and Chris Wyatt founded ComStar Media Fund, LP in 2008. The fund is actively acquiring media properties that globally distribute family values and faith programming through television, mobile, and Internet platforms. ComStar Media delivers broadcast programming to over 40 million US households through the AmericanLife Television Network, FamilyNet Television and FamilyNet HD. www.comstarmedia.com
