CatholicTV Facebook Fans Pass 5000

On Easter weekend 2010, the CatholicTV® Network celebrated another social media milestone. The network reached 5,000 fans on its very active Facebook page. The CatholicTV Network’s official Facebook fan page launched in February of 2009, giving viewers and supporters a new tool to share their passion for CatholicTV programming.

The website fan page features CatholicTV video clips, background information, photo albums, and updates. Updates, announcements, and other communications keep CatholicTV fans entertained and informed about the work of the CatholicTV network. Recently, a Facebook “tour” of the CatholicTV studios was launched.

"Our Facebook fan page is exciting because we can keep fans in the loop about upcoming events and ongoing recording of their favorite shows and share news about new series projects," said Jay Fadden, CatholicTV Network General Manager. "The CatholicTV page gives us one more way to connect with our fans because their feedback is encouraged. We look forward to interacting with viewers and those who are interested in helping us spread the Good News.”

Facebook users who select the CatholicTV fan page may post their comments. Additionally, on CatholicTV.com the iCatholic section provides bloggers, videographers, and commentators the opportunity to update with photos, videos, and other user content.

Fr. Robert Reed, Director of the CatholicTV Network sees CatholicTV and its viewers as a family. He recently said, “The CatholicTV Network is a unique family that stretches across the United States and among many viewers internationally at CatholicTV.com. The CatholicTV family is strengthened and informed by our elaborate and always fresh Facebook page. We really like to keep people informed about what's coming up on CatholicTV.”

Timeline

2/2009 established CatholicTV.com Facebook Fan Page

3/2009 activated Facebook mobile

6/2009 1200 Fans

1/2010 3000 Fans

4/2010 5041 fans

To become a fan of CatholicTV.com 's official Facebook fan page, click here: CatholicTV Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/CatholicTV)

55-Year-Old CatholicTV Now Has 5000 Twitter Followers and 3000 Facebook Fans

As of January 19th, CatholicTV, which turned 55 on January 1st, 2010 has 5084 Twitter followers and 3015 Facebook fans. Both the 5000 and 3000 marks were crossed during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.

CatholicTV started using Twitter and Facebook in 2009 and many employees have submitted “tweets”. The tweets keep fans of CatholicTV up to date on the daily happenings at CatholicTV and can range from simple events like “Father Reed is getting ready for Mass” to “CatholicTV just launched an iPhone app!”.

CatholicTV also uses Facebook, not only to announce news and events to “fans” but also to communicate and even receive ideas from fans. For instance, on January 18, 2010 one fan, Jeff Ferguson said “I would love to see this [a CatholicTV application] available for Android phones!”

Fr. Robert Reed, Director of CatholicTV sees CatholicTV and its viewers as a family. He recently said, “The CatholicTV Network is a unique family that stretches across the United States and among many viewers internationally at CatholicTV.com. The CatholicTV family is strengthened and informed by our elaborate and always fresh Facebook page and our very active Twitter account. We really like to keep people informed about what's coming up on CatholicTV.”

CatholicTV’s Twitter account can be found at http://twitter.com/CatholicTV

CatholicTV’s Facebook account can be found at www.Facebook.com/CatholicTV

CatholicTV Will Air 72 Hours Straight of Christmas Programming at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV

Starting on December 24th, CatholicTV will offer viewers 72 hours straight of Christmas programming. This programming will include among others, Midnight Mass from the Vatican, an Emmy-nominated Christmas musical performance, and even a Christmas cookie episode of the Catholic cooking show “Our Daily Bread”.

The 72 hours of Christmas programming will stream live at www.CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV where available.

Highlights and details of “ChristmasTV” by CatholicTV are available below (all times Eastern):

Daughters of St. Paul Christmas Concert –
Tuesday, Dec.22 at 12:30 PM., Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 6 AM., Christmas Eve at 2:30 PM. Christmas Day at 9AM and 7:30 PM, and Sunday, Dec. 27 at 2 PM.

The Sounds of the Season- A Christmas Concert featuring ‘The Gregorian Concert Choir’ and ‘The Festival Orchestra’ from the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence, RI. Dec. 24 1:00 PM

“The Promise” with Bing Crosby- Bing Crosby narrates the Nativity story Dec.24 1:30 AM Dec.26 1:00 PM

Pope Benedict’s Christmas Message- Dec.25 Noon & 10:00 PM, Dec. 26 3:30 AM

Real Faith TV: Christmas Edition- “Christmas: Holy day or Holiday?” Catholic teens share their perspective on Christmas and the need to keep Christ at the center Dec. 24 1:30 AM

Midnight Mass at the Vatican Dec. 24 11:00PM , Dec. 25 12:30 AM, 6:00 AM on Dec. 26th.

Tajci: I Believe, the Christmas Concert. Croatian-born Catholic Musician Tajci takes viewers on a Christmas musical sleigh ride in this Christmas concert steeped in mystery and resonating with emotion. Dec. 25 8:00 AM Dec. 26 2:00 AM

The Nativity: A Christmas program of music and drama hosted by Princess Grace of Monaco Dec. 25 12:30 AM & 7:30PM

Amidst Trends of Increasing Online TV Viewership CatholicTV Experiences Surge in Online Viewers

According to an April 2009 survey by the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project, the share of online adults who watch videos on video-sharing sites has nearly doubled since 2006. CatholicTV is experiencing a similar trend according to its website analytics which show that online viewership has become increasingly popular. Online viewership at CatholicTV.com from U.S site visitors has increased 20% in the last 6 months and as much 251% from site visitors from other countries such as Germany. In an effort to accommodate this increasing demand for online Catholic television programming, CatholicTV now offers over 700 full-length episodes of various Catholic shows in its archives with full-screen viewing available.

Below are some of the shows which are available at CatholicTV.com either in the archives or accessible via the live, streaming broadcast.

WOW: The CatholicTV Challenge- Catholic game show featuring 3rd graders answering questions about the faith.

http://www.catholictv.com/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=137

We’ve Got to Talk- Father Dan O’Connell preaches in front of a blue screen with unusual backgrounds. He was once filmed with a superhero costume on with a blue screen of the city in the background.

http://www.catholictv.com/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=77

The Future Depends on Love- A program on marriage and how married love and life transforms the world.

http://www.catholictv.com/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=74

Real FaithTV- A show for teens produced by teens which explores everyday issues of morality and faith from a young person’s perspective. Produced by Diocese of Trenton, NJ
http://www.catholictv.com/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=60

In Your Faith- explains the Catholic faith simply and offers examples from the perspective of a young person. (Salt and Light Television)

http://www.catholictv.com/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=105

CatholicTV’s broadcast is viewable 24 hours per day by visiting www.CatholicTV.com and clicking on “Watch CatholicTV Live”.

Photos of Cardinal Sean O' Malley at 2009 CatholicTV Telethon

Cardinal Sean- A wonderful, American Cardinal. These photos were taken tonight!. You can watch a replay of the CatholicTV Telethon tonight and there's still a chance to hear Cardinal Sean speak and support CatholicTV. www.CatholicTV.com. Click on "Watch CatholicTV Live"