AmericanLife TV Network
Encyclopedia
Youtoo TV, formerly known as American Life TV Network (ALN), GoodLife TV Network, and Nostalgia Television, is an American
cable-television
channel launched on May 1, 1985. It now claims over 15 million subscribers throughout the U.S. It is also available on at least one over-the-air terrestrial affiliate — WBQP-CA
in Pensacola, Florida
, which uses the network for part of its schedule. The network had made a video on demand
(VOD) deal with TVN Entertainment Corporation
to offer up to 20 hours of programming per month to more than 100 cable affiliates.
from 2001 to 2009. According to a June 2007 story in Variety
, the network had been a consistent money-loser, although the church's tax-exempt status made it easier to absorb the losses. In 2001, ALN broadcast the Unification Church-sponsored film Inchon
(1982), one of the few times it has been seen since its initial theatrical run. In 2007 the network broadcast George Clooney
's documentary, A Journey to Darfur. It released the film on DVD
in 2008 and announced that proceeds from its sale would be donated to the International Rescue Committee
for its humanitarian efforts in Darfur
.
In May 2009, the network was acquired by ComStar Media Fund, an organization chaired by televangelist Robert A. Schuller
, son of Crystal Cathedral
founder Robert H. Schuller
. Schuller said that the network would concentrate on "family-values programming that speaks to all generations." On November 29 Shuller's new program Everyday Life was first seen on ALN.
Chris Wyatt, ComStar's chief executive officer and founder of religious website
Godtube
, commented: "We are not creating another religious network but rather a family-values channel. We've tapped into a huge underserved market and have the opportunity over time to increase distribution to exceed 40 million homes." Media reports indicated that the network's on-air presentation would change and that other syndicated series would be targeted for acquisition.
On December 1, 2009, ALN announced that it would start airing episodes of the Chuck Norris
World Combat League
, previously seen on the Versus
network. ComStar also has access to a library of classic television programing including as Happy Days
and My Three Sons
. Some of the older television shows moved from ALN to its sister network, FamilyNet
(also owned by Comstar) on March 1, 2010, when it was spun out into its own company as Robert A. Schuller as the chairman.
, The Green Hornet
, and The X-Files
.
Executives claim Youtoo TV to be a social television
service, allowing viewers to participate in television programming using personal electronic devices. Interactive features include the ability for viewers to create and submit 15-second videos, called "Fame Spots", commenting on a variety of subjects, which will air.
In addition, the network will carry programming such as Diggnation
, Revision3, Howcast
and Christopher Coppola
's Digivangelist Show. Also on the network will be new TV versions of Web series including GeekBeat.TV
, Koldcast, and Rooftop Media. The network also will have interactive programs including Say Yes & Marry Me, which will offer viewers the opportunity to propose marriage on-air via Fame Spots.
One of the creators of Youtoo TV is producer Mark Burnett
, through his own social media project, VIMBY (Video in My BackYard).
, Time Warner Cable
, and Comcast
, among other providers. Charter Communications
also carries it; however, they have announced they are dropping it on November 15, 2011, a decision made before the re-brand of ALN, as the channel received carriage under that provider's "faith and values"/religious tier of networks and no longer carried religious programming for a majority of the broadcast day. For subscribers of TV providers that do not offer Youtoo TV, the channel offers viewers up to $200 in credits if they switch to a provider that offers the channel.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
cable-television
Cable television
Cable television is a system of providing television programs to consumers via radio frequency signals transmitted to televisions through coaxial cables or digital light pulses through fixed optical fibers located on the subscriber's property, much like the over-the-air method used in traditional...
channel launched on May 1, 1985. It now claims over 15 million subscribers throughout the U.S. It is also available on at least one over-the-air terrestrial affiliate — WBQP-CA
WBQP-CA
WBQP-CA is a Class "A" television station in Pensacola, Florida that is seen on terrestrial channel 12 and Cox cable channel 39. It contains a mix of programming from ALN and America One, along with 30 hours a week of local programming.-History:...
in Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola is the westernmost city in the Florida Panhandle and the county seat of Escambia County, Florida, United States of America. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 56,255 and as of 2009, the estimated population was 53,752...
, which uses the network for part of its schedule. The network had made a video on demand
Video on demand
Video on Demand or Audio and Video On Demand are systems which allow users to select and watch/listen to video or audio content on demand...
(VOD) deal with TVN Entertainment Corporation
TVN Entertainment Corporation
TVN Entertainment Corporation is a US-based provider of video on demand services to various cable, telecommunication and direct broadcast satellite companies...
to offer up to 20 hours of programming per month to more than 100 cable affiliates.
Background
ALN was owned by the Unification ChurchUnification Church
The Unification Church is a new religious movement founded by Korean religious leader Sun Myung Moon. In 1954, the Unification Church was formally and legally established in Seoul, South Korea, as The Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity . In 1994, Moon gave the church...
from 2001 to 2009. According to a June 2007 story in Variety
Variety (magazine)
Variety is an American weekly entertainment-trade magazine founded in New York City, New York, in 1905 by Sime Silverman. With the rise of the importance of the motion-picture industry, Daily Variety, a daily edition based in Los Angeles, California, was founded by Silverman in 1933. In 1998, the...
, the network had been a consistent money-loser, although the church's tax-exempt status made it easier to absorb the losses. In 2001, ALN broadcast the Unification Church-sponsored film Inchon
Inchon (film)
Inchon is a 1982 war film about the Battle of Inchon, considered to be the turning point of the Korean War. The film was directed by Terence Young and financed by Unification Church founder Sun Myung Moon. It stars Laurence Olivier as General Douglas MacArthur, who led the United States surprise...
(1982), one of the few times it has been seen since its initial theatrical run. In 2007 the network broadcast George Clooney
George Clooney
George Timothy Clooney is an American actor, film director, producer, and screenwriter. For his work as an actor, he has received two Golden Globe Awards and an Academy Award...
's documentary, A Journey to Darfur. It released the film on DVD
DVD
A DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
in 2008 and announced that proceeds from its sale would be donated to the International Rescue Committee
International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee is a leading nonsectarian, nongovernmental international relief and development organization based in the United States, with operations in over 40 countries...
for its humanitarian efforts in Darfur
Darfur
Darfur is a region in western Sudan. An independent sultanate for several hundred years, it was incorporated into Sudan by Anglo-Egyptian forces in 1916. The region is divided into three federal states: West Darfur, South Darfur, and North Darfur...
.
In May 2009, the network was acquired by ComStar Media Fund, an organization chaired by televangelist Robert A. Schuller
Robert A. Schuller
Robert Anthony Schuller is an American televangelist, author, and television executive. He was formerly a minister on the Hour of Power weekly television program broadcast from the Crystal Cathedral in Orange County, California, where he was named senior pastor in 2006...
, son of Crystal Cathedral
Crystal Cathedral
The Crystal Cathedral is a Protestant Christian church building in the city of Garden Grove, in Orange County, California, United States. It is the headquarters and principal place of worship for Crystal Cathedral Ministries, a church founded in 1955 by Robert H. Schuller and affiliated with the...
founder Robert H. Schuller
Robert H. Schuller
Robert Harold Schuller is an American televangelist, pastor, speaker, motivator and author. He is principally known for the weekly Hour of Power television program which he began in 1970. He is also the founder of the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California, where the Hour of Power program...
. Schuller said that the network would concentrate on "family-values programming that speaks to all generations." On November 29 Shuller's new program Everyday Life was first seen on ALN.
Chris Wyatt, ComStar's chief executive officer and founder of religious website
Website
A website, also written as Web site, web site, or simply site, is a collection of related web pages containing images, videos or other digital assets. A website is hosted on at least one web server, accessible via a network such as the Internet or a private local area network through an Internet...
Godtube
Godtube
GodTube is an online video sharing platform which strives to have Christian content. It is owned by Salem Web Network, the Internet division of Salem Communications...
, commented: "We are not creating another religious network but rather a family-values channel. We've tapped into a huge underserved market and have the opportunity over time to increase distribution to exceed 40 million homes." Media reports indicated that the network's on-air presentation would change and that other syndicated series would be targeted for acquisition.
On December 1, 2009, ALN announced that it would start airing episodes of the Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris
Carlos Ray "Chuck" Norris is an American martial artist and actor. After serving in the United States Air Force, he began his rise to fame as a martial artist and has since founded his own school, Chun Kuk Do...
World Combat League
World Combat League
The World Combat League is a defunct full contact, team-based kickboxing promotion. It was founded by movie star and martial artist Chuck Norris.- Rules :The rules are typical of other full contact striking competitions, with some minor variation....
, previously seen on the Versus
Versus (TV channel)
Versus is a sports-oriented cable television channel in the United States. It was previously known as Outdoor Life Network and was launched on July 1, 1995, focusing on fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports...
network. ComStar also has access to a library of classic television programing including as Happy Days
Happy Days
Happy Days is an American television sitcom that originally aired from January 15, 1974, to September 24, 1984, on ABC. Created by Garry Marshall, the series presents an idealized vision of life in mid-1950s to mid-1960s America....
and My Three Sons
My Three Sons
My Three Sons is an American situation comedy. The series ran from 1960 to 1965 on ABC, and moved to CBS until its end on August 24, 1972. My Three Sons chronicles the life of a widower and aeronautical engineer named Steven Douglas , raising his three sons.The series was a cornerstone of the CBS...
. Some of the older television shows moved from ALN to its sister network, FamilyNet
FamilyNet
FamilyNet is a broadcast television network owned by ComStar Media Fund and based in Atlanta, Georgia. The network was founded in 1979 as the National Christian Network, and took the name FamilyNet in 1988 under the ownership of Jerry Falwell. The channel was acquired by InTouch Ministries in...
(also owned by Comstar) on March 1, 2010, when it was spun out into its own company as Robert A. Schuller as the chairman.
Rebrand
On September 27, 2011, ALN was rebranded as Youtoo TV with a focus on mobile devices; as of that date, all links to the website will redirect to a page inviting viewers to sign up for the new service at youtoo.com. The only "retro" programs remaining on the schedule are BatmanBatman (TV series)
Batman is an American television series, based on the DC comic book character of the same name. It stars Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin — two crime-fighting heroes who defend Gotham City. It aired on the American Broadcasting Company network for three seasons from January 12, 1966 to...
, The Green Hornet
The Green Hornet (TV series)
The Green Hornet is a television show on the ABC US television network. It aired for the 1966–1967 TV season, and starred Van Williams as the Green Hornet/Britt Reid and Bruce Lee as Kato.- Episodes:...
, and The X-Files
The X-Files
The X-Files is an American science fiction television series and a part of The X-Files franchise, created by screenwriter Chris Carter. The program originally aired from to . The show was a hit for the Fox network, and its characters and slogans became popular culture touchstones in the 1990s...
.
Executives claim Youtoo TV to be a social television
Social television
Social Television is a general term for technology that supports communication and social interaction in either the context of watching television, or related to TV content. It also includes the study of television-related social behavior, devices and networks...
service, allowing viewers to participate in television programming using personal electronic devices. Interactive features include the ability for viewers to create and submit 15-second videos, called "Fame Spots", commenting on a variety of subjects, which will air.
In addition, the network will carry programming such as Diggnation
Diggnation
Diggnation is Revision3's flagship video podcast produced weekly. It is hosted by Kevin Rose and Alex Albrecht, who had previously hosted TechTV's The Screen Savers together. Its main purpose is to discuss some of the top stories from Digg, the social news and bookmarking website developed by Rose...
, Revision3, Howcast
Howcast
Howcast is a website that provides instructional short-form how-to video and text content that combines practical information with various filmmaking techniques such as humor, claymation and animation...
and Christopher Coppola
Christopher Coppola
-Personal life:Coppola was born in Los Angeles County, California. His father, the late August Coppola, was a professor of literature, while his mother, Joy Vogelsang, is a dancer and choreographer; the two divorced in 1976. His mother suffered from chronic depression...
's Digivangelist Show. Also on the network will be new TV versions of Web series including GeekBeat.TV
GeekBeat.TV
GeekBeat.TV is a tech podcast that reviews new technology, gadgets, social media, and the web. It is hosted by Cali Lewis. The short presentation follows her previously hosted show GeekBrief.TV which she described as being so short because "geeks don't have time to hear an in depth...
, Koldcast, and Rooftop Media. The network also will have interactive programs including Say Yes & Marry Me, which will offer viewers the opportunity to propose marriage on-air via Fame Spots.
One of the creators of Youtoo TV is producer Mark Burnett
Mark Burnett
Mark Burnett is a British television producer and executive producer, based in the United States. He currently is the executive producer of five network television series with seven hours of network programming. Works with which Burnett is associated have won multiple awards and recognition...
, through his own social media project, VIMBY (Video in My BackYard).
Carriage
The network is available on Verizon FiOSVerizon FiOS
Verizon FiOS is a bundled Internet access, telephone, and television service which operates over a fiber-optic communications network. It is offered in some areas of the United States by Verizon Communications. Verizon was one of the first major U.S...
, Time Warner Cable
Time Warner Cable
Time Warner Cable is an American cable television company that operates in 28 states and has 31 operating divisions...
, and Comcast
Comcast
Comcast Corporation is the largest cable operator, home Internet service provider, and fourth largest home telephone service provider in the United States, providing cable television, broadband Internet, and telephone service to both residential and commercial customers in 39 states and the...
, among other providers. Charter Communications
Charter Communications
Charter Communications is an American company providing cable television, high-speed Internet, and telephone services to more than 4.7 million customers in 25 states. By revenues, it is the fourth-largest cable operator in the United States, behind Comcast, Time Warner Cable, and Cox Communications...
also carries it; however, they have announced they are dropping it on November 15, 2011, a decision made before the re-brand of ALN, as the channel received carriage under that provider's "faith and values"/religious tier of networks and no longer carried religious programming for a majority of the broadcast day. For subscribers of TV providers that do not offer Youtoo TV, the channel offers viewers up to $200 in credits if they switch to a provider that offers the channel.