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| T.D. Jakes (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Variety) |
In a move designed to create more original programming, TEGNA Media will both produce and distribute the “T.D. Jakes” series.
“T.D. Jakes has a unique and uplifting voice that is well suited for daytime television. With Jakes at the helm, this program has an opportunity to attract blue-chip advertisers, generate large audiences and empower viewers across the country,” said Dave Lougee, president, TEGNA Media.
“During the show’s test run this summer, Jakes’ audience grew each week in every market. Once viewers found him, they liked him and we look forward to introducing him to a wider audience next fall.”
“T.D. Jakes” enjoyed a highly successful month-long test run this summer on four TEGNA Media stations. The shows tackled socially relevant, topical and exclusive stories, highlighting Jakes’ unique, heart-centered wisdom and humor. As he did last summer, Jakes will continue to offer personal stories and welcome celebrity and non-celebrity guests for enlightening, entertaining and sometimes unexpected conversations.
Jakes is a prominent Dallas-based pastor, entrepreneur and businessman, whose multi-platform reach extends far beyond the pulpit of his 30,000-member church and humanitarian organization, The Potter’s House. His reach also includes nearly 5 million social media followers.
In addition, Jakes is a best-selling author of more than 40 books with his latest, Destiny, debuting in the top ten on The New York Times Bestseller List this past August. He has produced Grammy Award winning music and several feature films including “Heaven is for Real”, “Sparkle”, and “Jumping the Broom”. His next film, “Miracles from Heaven”, will be released on March 18, 2016.
“It is indeed an honor for TDJ Entertainment to work with such a stellar slate of industry players like TEGNA Media, 44 Blue, EnLight and Scott Carlin whose belief in my ability to engage a broader audience with relevant and uplifting content is consistent with my years of experience at the intersections of the faith-based, entertainment and business worlds,” said T.D. Jakes, CEO of TDJ Entertainment and Senior Pastor of The Potter’s House of Dallas, Inc. “This is an unprecedented opportunity to bring a new voice to a familiar platform. To say I am excited and challenged by this opportunity is an understatement.”
“T.D. Jakes” will be owned and distributed by TEGNA Media. Launch markets will include Atlanta, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Minneapolis and Seattle, reaching nearly one-quarter of the U.S. television audience. Upwards of 20 TEGNA Media markets will launch the show in the afternoon time period. Additional TEGNA Media stations will air the show as timeslots clear.
