2017, unlike any other year has reported mounting economic pressures against traders and other Ugandans due to what economists call “shrinking of the global economy.”
The government come out to advise on how one can live through the hard times however, this was after the collapse of some of the largest supermarkets, banks and telecom companies in the nation.
Many companies are till this today pulling out of the trade, losing their property over bad debts. The silent struggles of some Christian owned companies have also to the lime light as workers protest delayed and limited pay.
Seemingly immune to all this, one cannot help but wonder how Lighthouse Television has gone through all the harsh economic hurdles to finally mark 20 years of faithful tele-evangelism. Economic hardships aside, one cannot forget the 2015 Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) directive that saw Analog to Digital migration of broadcasting in Uganda.
Like other competitive mainstream broadcasters in Uganda, Lighthouse Television had to tighten its grip and install a new digital TV broadcast server which was launched in the presence of Pastors and religious leaders and their affiliate, TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) family.
How have they been patient with churches, ministries and companies with over due arrears for coverage on the station? Owned by American based preacher and pastor, Bob Nichols who heads Calvary Cathedral International in Fort Worth, Texas, Lighthouse Television today is broadcast at 50,000 Watts using a solid state 5 kilowatt transmitter with reports that the signal reaches 162 miles from Kampala.
The station estimates that it has approximately 22 Million people under the Lighthouse Television signal.
Calvary Cathedral International, founded in 1964, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the station whose staff count is at 23. Rev. Gary Everett, a missionary from Calvary Cathedral International, is the station manager.
Dr. Bob Nichols says he was God called to ministry where people can be saved and grow strong through faith in the Word of God. With no members or financial backing, Dr. Nichols started services in an abandoned United States Post Office building.
Celebrating 20 years of Lighthouse Television.
Dr. Bob Nichols is expected to be the key note speaker at the celebrated slated for 28th October, 2017 at Sheraton Hotel, Rwenzori Ball room. This event will also graced by UCC Director Mr Godfrey Mutabazi, several pastors including Alex Mitala, Bishop Lwere among others.
What is Lighthouse Television’s agenda after 20 like?
New technologies, social media platforms and the dynamic effects of convergence are changing the way consumers access visual and audio content in Uganda. There is an increasing need to ensure that Christian broadcasters lifts the banner in the media industry and continue to thrive, not simply to exist.
According to Mr Fred Otunnu, the head of communication and consumer affairs at UCC, content in Uganda has improved among mainstream media houses and people now have more to watch, attracting especially the young viewers. This is return has upheld the client best inform of commercials for these media firms.
