
The United States is home to a number of Catholic television networks, which serve the country's large Catholic community. The CatholicTV Network, commonly known as CatholicTV, is the oldest Catholic television network in the country, having first launched in Boston in 1955. It is based in Watertown, Massachusetts, and is distributed on cable television systems, internet television, and broadcast stations in sixteen U.S. states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Another well-known Catholic television network in the U.S. is the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), which was founded in 1981 by Mother Angelica and has since become the largest religious media network in the world, broadcasting in multiple languages to over 435 million households in more than 160 countries. In addition to these two major networks, there are various other Catholic TV channels and archdiocesan networks across the United States, providing a range of programming relevant to Catholic viewers, including masses, devotional programs, and educational content.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Catholic TV networks in the US | At least 3 (CatholicTV, EWTN, CFN LIVE) |
| Number of US states Catholic TV is broadcast in | 16 (plus the US Virgin Islands) |
| Types of programming | Live religious services, talk shows, devotional programs, educational series, entertainment, children's programs, short television features on general Christian themes, public service announcements, live news from the Vatican and around the world, films, documentaries |
| Types of technology | Cable, satellite, internet, streaming media devices, mobile applications, radio |
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What You'll Learn
- CatholicTV: the oldest Catholic television network in the US
- CatholicTV's programming: religious services, talk shows, educational series, etc
- CatholicTV's reach: 16 US states, the US Virgin Islands, and worldwide
- EWTN Global Catholic Television Network: the world's largest religious media network
- Other Catholic television networks: CFN, Salt + Light, and more

CatholicTV: the oldest Catholic television network in the US
The CatholicTV Network, commonly referred to as CatholicTV, is a Catholic television network based in Watertown, Massachusetts. It was first launched in Boston in 1955, making it the oldest Catholic television network in the United States.
CatholicTV is distributed on cable television systems, internet television, and broadcast stations in sixteen U.S. states, including Massachusetts, California, Hawaii, Louisiana, and New York, as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands. The network also has a global reach, with viewers worldwide.
CatholicTV provides a variety of programming relevant to Catholic viewers, including live religious services, talk shows, devotional programs, educational series, entertainment, and children's programs. It regularly covers liturgies and special events at the Vatican and during papal journeys. The network's first program was produced by the Catholic Television Center of the Archdiocese of Boston on January 1, 1955. In 1957, the Center acquired a license to operate its own broadcasting station in Boston on channel 38, marking the beginning of WIHS-TV, the world's first full-time Catholic television station.
CatholicTV is committed to connecting people with Christ and the Church. The network presents short television features on general Christian themes and public service announcements related to Catholic social teaching. It also offers select programs for download on iTunes and video-on-demand services on Roku and Apple TV.
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CatholicTV's programming: religious services, talk shows, educational series, etc
The CatholicTV Network, commonly known as CatholicTV, is a Catholic television network based in Watertown, Massachusetts. It is the oldest Catholic television network in the United States, first launched locally in Boston in 1955.
CatholicTV broadcasts programming relevant to Catholic viewers, including live religious services, talk shows, devotional programs, educational series, entertainment, and children's programs. The network presents coverage of liturgies and special events at the Vatican and during papal journeys.
CatholicTV's programming includes conversations with Catholic bishops in "From the Chair", and "We've Got to Talk" with Fr. Daniel O'Connell. The network also presents short television features on general Christian themes and public service announcements related to Catholic social teaching and issues such as family life, health, education, community, and the well-being of children.
The network features a variety of Catholic educational and inspirational programming produced in the United States, Canada, Ireland, and Vatican City. CatholicTV also presents visual pilgrimages, such as "Through My Lens with Fr. Lawrence Lew", in which Fr. Lawrence Lew OP explores various places of religious significance around the world and shares his reflections and insights.
In addition to CatholicTV, there are various other Catholic television networks serving the United States. These networks provide a range of programming, including daily and weekly masses, devotional programs, documentaries, live event coverage, and talk shows. Some networks are operated as non-profit businesses with restricted advertising, allowing for more informative and knowledge-based programming.
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CatholicTV's reach: 16 US states, the US Virgin Islands, and worldwide
The CatholicTV Network, commonly referred to as CatholicTV, is based in Watertown, Massachusetts. It was first launched in Boston in 1955, making it the oldest Catholic television network in the United States. Today, CatholicTV is distributed across cable television systems, internet television, and broadcast stations in 16 US states and the US Virgin Islands. It is now also available worldwide.
CatholicTV programming is seen on cable systems in 16 US states: Massachusetts, California, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, and Vermont. It is also available in the US Virgin Islands. The network features a variety of Catholic educational and inspirational programming produced in the United States, Canada, Ireland, and Vatican City.
The reach of CatholicTV extends beyond just television systems. Internet users can access CatholicTV through its website, catholictv.com, or via mobile applications for iOS and Android devices. The network also offers streaming options on popular platforms such as Roku, Google TV, and Apple TV. Additionally, select programs are available for download on iTunes, and video-on-demand services are provided on Roku, Apple TV, and Verizon FiOS in most markets.
CatholicTV broadcasts programming relevant to Catholic viewers, including live religious services, talk shows, devotional programs, educational series, entertainment, and children's programs. The network also presents short television features on general Christian themes and public service announcements related to Catholic social teaching. It regularly covers liturgies and special events at the Vatican and during papal journeys, providing a spiritual connection for its viewers.
Through its various platforms and wide reach, CatholicTV delivers the Good News into millions of homes across the United States and beyond. The network serves as a valuable resource for Catholics, providing theological knowledge, spiritual enhancement, and a sense of community for devotees.
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EWTN Global Catholic Television Network: the world's largest religious media network
The Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) is the largest religious media network in the world. It was launched on 15 August 1981 by Mother M. Angelica, a cloistered nun who had founded Our Lady of Angels Monastery in Irondale, Alabama, in the early 1960s.
EWTN is an American basic cable television network that broadcasts Catholic programming 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is currently led by Michael P. Warsaw, a consultant to the Vatican's Dicastery for Communications. The network reaches 425-435 million people in over 140-160 countries and territories, with 11 networks broadcasting in multiple languages to more than 435 million households. EWTN's platforms include radio services, a worldwide shortwave radio service, one of the largest Catholic websites in the US, electronic and print news services, and a book publishing division.
EWTN's programming includes films, documentaries, news coverage, lively discussion shows, and daily Mass. The network also produces a daily news service for television and radio, featuring news sources including Vatican Radio. It has 30 staff members dedicated to covering the Vatican, far outnumbering other English-language media outlets. EWTN also owns Catholic News Agency, a Catholic news service with bureaus across America, Latin America, and Europe.
In addition to its television and radio presence, EWTN uses cutting-edge technology to make its content available on various platforms, enabling people to stream and watch its Catholic media programming on demand whenever and wherever they choose. This includes live streaming on its website and various social media handles, as well as applications for iOS and Android mobile devices, and streaming media devices such as Roku, Google TV, and Apple TV.
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Other Catholic television networks: CFN, Salt + Light, and more
The Catholic Faith Network (CFN) is available on selected cable and satellite systems across the US, as well as on-demand and via a 24/7 live stream at CFNtv.org. CFN LIVE is a programme that features uplifting, inspiring stories and discussions about the latest issues facing the Catholic Church. It also includes thought-provoking content from regular contributors and guests from various backgrounds.
Salt + Light Television was launched in July 2003 as a non-profit company under the Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation. It initially aired programming in English, French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. In addition to television, Salt + Light also publishes a magazine. The name of the channel comes from the theme of World Youth Day 2002, "You are the salt of the earth... you are the light of the world," which is part of the Sermon on the Mount. The channel is currently led by Alexander Du, who became CEO in November 2023.
CatholicTV, based in Watertown, Massachusetts, is the oldest Catholic television network in the United States, having first launched locally in Boston in 1955. It is distributed via cable television, internet television, and broadcast stations in sixteen US states and the US Virgin Islands, and is now available worldwide. CatholicTV broadcasts programming relevant to Catholic viewers, including religious services, talk shows, devotional programs, educational series, entertainment, and children's programs. The network also presents short television features on general Christian themes and public service announcements related to Catholic social teaching.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several Catholic TV networks in the United States, including CatholicTV, EWTN, and CFN.
CatholicTV, commonly known as CatholicTV, is a Catholic television network based in Watertown, Massachusetts. It first launched locally in Boston in 1955, making it the oldest Catholic television network in the country. Today, it is distributed in 16 US states and the US Virgin Islands, and worldwide.
EWTN, or the Eternal Word Television Network, is the largest religious media network in the world. It was founded in 1981 by Mother Angelica and features 11 global TV channels broadcasting in multiple languages 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to over 435 million households in more than 160 countries and territories.
CFN, or the Catholic Faith Network, is based in New York, NY, USA. It features uplifting and inspiring stories, as well as discussions on the latest issues facing the Catholic Church.
Catholic TV networks offer a variety of programming relevant to Catholic viewers, including live religious services, talk shows, devotional programs, educational series, entertainment, and children's programs. They also present short television features on general Christian themes and public service announcements related to Catholic social teaching and issues such as family life, health, education, and community.


























