TURK-7 to Merge with SAT-7

Beirut, Lebanon, June 23, 2009: “We at TURK-7 are excited about this merger. We fully believe that SAT-7, with its similar ethos, its years of experience in Christian broadcasting and its significantly larger operational and support staff, will help raise us up to a higher level of broadcasting,” said David Middleton, TURK-7 Executive Director, about the pending merger.

TURK-7 was created as an independent Turkish Christian television ministry in 2003. Based in Istanbul, the ministry utilizes locally-based Christians and other TV professionals to create original programming as well as some dubbed programming (mostly cartoons and documentaries). TURK-7 is largely funded by a group of 28 partners, half of which are local churches and ministries. SAT-7 is a founding member of the partnership, providing expertise, funding and, since February 2006, four hours of daily satellite airtime for TURK-7 to broadcast its Turkish Christian programs.

SAT-7 CEO Terence Ascott believes the merger is a good step forward for both ministries. “We have great expectations regarding TURK-7’s potential to grow significantly once it becomes a fully-integrated member of our family. In many ways, it is a sensible and cost-effective move because, in the long-term, it will mean we can avoid duplication of effort and provide support services to all four channels simultaneously.” But Mr. Ascott says additional financial support is needed. “We want to help TURK-7 ramp-up its production capabilities, add more staff and acquire new equipment so they can increase their programming output. I encourage anyone with a love for Turkish Christians and the cause of Christ in Turkey to immediately consider supporting this bold commitment to expanding TURK-7’s operations.”

If SAT-7 is able to provide TURK-7 with its own 24-hour channel in the future, then TURK-7's audience should increase significantly. According to Mr. Ascott, “Over 70 million people live in Turkey. While only a tiny fraction of that population is Christian, TURK-7 has proven that it is supporting the local church and aiding Turkish Christians as they witness to Christ. We want to help TURK-7 grow and maximize its ability to reach a much larger audience.”

SAT-7 looks forward to deepening its relationship with TURK-7’s current partners, who have done so much to lay a foundation for the ministry, and whose continued involvement is vital to ensuring TURK-7’s future growth.

Additional details regarding the merger of TURK-7 into the SAT-7 family of channels will be finalized in the months to come.

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Launched in 1996, SAT-7 is a Christian television service created by and for the People of the Middle East and North Africa with U.S. headquarters in Easton, Md. SAT-7 makes Christ's message of hope available to every home in the Middle East. Each week between 10-12 million people tune into the channels (Intermedia research, 2004 – 2006). Broadcast in three languages—Arabic, Farsi and Turkish—SAT-7 can be viewed via satellite in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, much of Central Asia and worldwide at www.SAT7.org. For more information about SAT-7 go to www.sat7usa.org (English), www.sat7.com (Arabic) and www.sat7PARS.com (Farsi).


CONTACT: 
SAT-7 USA 
(410) 770-9804 or (866) 744-7287
usa@sat7.org

Date: 7/16/2009 4:20:27 PM