SAT-7’s channel for Turkish viewers is now available to four-five million people on a private subscription TV service.
SAT-7 TÜRK, which became the first Christian channel on Turkey’s national satellite Türksat at the beginning of 2015, is now also available on D-Smart. The digital satellite platform broadcasts its own channels with SAT-7 TÜRK becoming the 157th in the listings.
Broadcasting Manager Gökhan Talas said: “This is a new and big step for SAT-7 TÜRK. The miracle of our channel is still ongoing. These are difficult days for our country but this is one of the reasons we are here and serving the people. God is working.”
It was an historic step when SAT-7 TÜRK was granted permission to broadcast on Türksat, which has an audience of around 50 million. Being on D-Smart is another step forward for SAT-7’s newest channel. It comes amidst heightened anxieties in Turkey following the failed coup by members of the military on 15 July, and gives the country’s small Christian community an enlarged opportunity to witness to fellow citizens.
Calling for prayer about the situation in Turkey, SAT-7 International CEO Dr Terence Ascott said: “Pray that the Christians in Turkey will not only be protected but be salt and light to help bring healing to the country at this troubled time. Pray also that broadcasts will go out uninterrupted. There were some hours when the channel was off air on 15 July because the Türksat broadcast centre came under pressure from coup organisers.”
New live shows
SAT-7 TÜRK has been building an audience over its first 18 months on air and is developing its programming to attract a wider audience. It is currently focusing on new live shows, which offer the opportunity to interact with viewers.
A two-hour daily morning programme for children recently went on air. Morning Joy is packed full of drama, arts and crafts, cartoons and Bible teaching segments aimed at 5 to 12-year-olds. Presenters Ecem Okcular and Merve Alışır play different characters to entertain and educate young SAT-7 TÜRK viewers.
And a new live show for women began on 11 July. Host Ayda Danacıoğlu takes phone calls and prayer requests from viewers as she discusses challenging life issues on the programme.
Although Turkey has a rich Christian heritage, less than 1% of the population is now Christian. Many people have been fed misinformation and hold misconceptions about Christianity, resulting in hostility towards the Christian minority. SAT-7 TÜRK is aiming to correct such misunderstandings and show the authentic Turkish face of Christianity.