KNLJ-TV celebrates 10 years with Christian Television Network

Angela Reimund plays guitar and sings as Austin Phillips records her performance. Both work at local Christian television station CTN-KNLJ, which is marking its 10th anniversary of operations.
Angela Reimund plays guitar and sings as Austin Phillips records her performance. Both work at local Christian television station CTN-KNLJ, which is marking its 10th anniversary of operations.

Mid-Missouri's Christian Television Network affiliate, KNLJ-TV, celebrated its 10th anniversary Wednesday, welcoming the community to celebrate their journey of producing Christian content.

Vickie Davenport, general manager at the Jefferson City station, said she is proud to be part of the community.

"Hopefully we are creating content people want to watch and are creating an atmosphere that speaks to the community," Davenport said. "As a 501(c)(3), we depend on the support of our viewers."

Ambassadors of the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce participated in the official ribbon-cutting, showing their support of the station's milestones.

Network supporters like Joy Sweeney, executive director at the Council For Drug Free Youth; Red Cross Executive Director David Griffith; Karen Dye, host of New Horizons and the Courageous Heart; Kirk DeMars, owner of Sports Locker Magazine; and Odoggy's, a Rolla-based hot dog restaurant, were also present.

"The world is so full of negativity, bad news, division and hatred, so to have a station that focuses on what is positive and what God is doing for his people has certainly been an encouragement to me and many viewers," Dye said. "To be able to have Christian television available here in the Jefferson City market is truly a gift."

The station began producing and broadcasting Christian content in Mid-Missouri more than 30 years ago, but in 2007 the nationally syndicated Christian Television Network purchased the station from its former owner, Larry Rice.

Since 2008, the CTN affiliate station has called its location at 311 W. Dunklin St. home.

Davenport pointed out several milestones in KNLJ-TV's lifespan.

Along the station's journey, The Ministry of Tourism in Israel invited Davenport and her production team to travel overseas to tape one of their programs, called "The Courageous Heart," hosted by DJ Karen Dye out of Camdenton. 

For the past four years, the station has hosted a Christian Business Expo and has participated in the former local Christian festival.

When it comes to local programming, Davenport said she takes pride in supporting local businesses and local talent.

During the past decade, Davenport said, the station has broadcast 10-15 local programs. She highlighted the popular programs like "New Horizons" and "The Courageous Heart," as well as "The Listening Heart," hosted by Jefferson City's own Pastor Randy Dignan of Bible Baptist Church, which is broadcast nationally and uses sign language to tell stories to people in the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

"This station has had a big impact on the community by encouraging people with hope - letting them know there's a God in heaven that loves them," DeMars said.

KNLJ-TV is the only Christian station with a brick-and-mortar broadcast facility based in Mid-Missouri.

The station has conducted interviews with dozens of Missouri-based writers, community leaders and business owners. 

They also have run commercials for organizations such as Healing House, Pregnancy Help Center and Shoes from the Heart.

In the near future, CTN KNLJ-TV plans to move to another location in Jefferson City. Davenport said the new station will be built from the ground up.

"We are ecstatic about 10 years, very thankful for Jefferson City and to be able to call it home," Davenport said.