The next studio to feature under the Spotlight is in the vibrant metropolis of Istanbul – home of SAT-7’s Turkish language channel.
SAT-7 has broadcast programmes in Turkish since 2006, but SAT-7 TÜRK officially became its own satellite channel in 2015. Over that time, the team has marvelled at God’s faithfulness. No longer a tiny operation producing a few hours’ output a day, the channel is available 24/7 on the country’s national satellite TV platform.
“Five years ago, SAT-7 TÜRK began broadcasting God’s love in Turkey with a staff of 20,” says David Middleton, Development Manager at SAT-7. “Today, they are a team of 40 individuals that God has brought together from across the country.”
The premises itself houses two studios, where around three hours of live broadcasts are filmed every day, along with pre-recorded programmes. SAT-7 TÜRK’s programmes explore Christian culture and Christianity in Turkey, as well as diverse programmes about women (like Homemade, pictured), health, food, children, cinema, arts and culture.
As the team has grown, so too have the responses from viewers. In 2015, the audience relations team received 1,211 contacts; four years later, this number had reached over 18,000. The audience relations team is also based in the Istanbul studio, taking phone calls and helping viewers find out more about Jesus.
“Non-Christians are more comfortable reaching out to the channel than they are in approaching a church directly,” says Cem Erçin, pastor of a church in the city. “SAT-7 TÜRK serves as a starting point and a foundation in their search for answers about Christianity.”
PRAY
- Pray God’s blessing on everyone who works at the Turkish studio and ask that He will guide them in their work.
- Thank God for every person who gets in touch with the Audience Relations team. Pray that they will find the answers they seek.
- Pray that God will provide the channel with the equipment upgrades they urgently need to continue to broadcast high-quality television.