INSP (TV network)

{{short description|American pay television channel}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2025}} {{Infobox television channel | name = INSP | logo_size = | logo = INSP 2022.svg | logo_alt = | country = United States | language = English | launch_date = {{start date and age|1978}} | headquarters = Indian Land, South Carolina | key_people = David Cerullo (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer) Dale Ardizzone (Chief Operating Officer) Mark Favaro (Executive VP Worldwide Sales) Doug Butts (Senior VP Programming) | website = {{url|insp.com}} | picture_format = 1080i (HDTV) 480i (SDTV) | owner = INSP LLC (The Inspirational Network, Inc.) | former_names = PTL – The Inspirational Network (1978–1990) The Inspiration Network (1990–2010) | replaced = | sister_channels = | online_serv_1 = Service(s) | online_chan_1 = Frndly TV, FuboTV, Philo, Sling TV }}

'''INSP''' (formerly '''The Inspiration Network''') is an American digital cable television network that features primarily western programs and films and is headquartered in Indian Land, South Carolina, a suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Until 2010, INSP was a non-profit ministry focused network. In October 2010, it was rebranded and launched as a socially conservative, commercial-supported family entertainment network (over time becoming centered around westerns), and has Nielsen C3 ratings status. As of 2021, more than 60 million households receive INSP.<ref>{{cite web |title=INSP Distribution |url=https://clients.insp.com/distribution/ |publisher=INSP}}</ref>

==History== {{see also|PTL Satellite Network}} INSP was founded in 1978 as the PTL Television Network, a religious television network founded by Christian televangelists Jim Bakker and his wife, Tammy Faye Bakker. The network was the flagship channel for their daily Christian variety program, ''The PTL Club''. The network later became known as the PTL Satellite Network and then PTL – The Inspirational Network.

In 1990, after Jim Bakker resigned, the PTL Television network filed for bankruptcy. Morris Cerullo World Evangelism eventually purchased the network from the United States Bankruptcy Court in Columbia, South Carolina, and subsequently removed PTL from its name. Morris Cerullo's son, David Cerullo, currently serves as CEO of the network.<ref>{{cite news |title=S.D. Evangelist Gets OK to Buy Bakker's PTL Cable Network – Deal: At $7 million, Morris Cerullo outbid Oral Roberts for the bankrupt holdings. He also plans to buy the grounds of the former Heritage USA theme park for $45 million |author=Chris Kraul |work=Los Angeles Times |date=June 1, 1990 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-06-01-fi-91-story.html}}</ref>

In October 2010, the network had a major rebranding with an added emphasis on family programming. Along with the rebranding came a new logo, tagline and renaming from The Inspiration Network to INSP. At the end of 2021, ''Variety'' reported that INSP's household viewers were up 1,171% since 2010.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Schneider |first1=Michael |title=Most-Watched Television Networks: Ranking 2021's Winners and Losers |url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/network-ratings-2021-top-channels-1235143630/ |publisher=Variety |date=December 30, 2021}}</ref>

In 2022, INSP changed its logo to include a cowboy hat to emphasize the continued success of its western-based shows and films. Prior to the logo change, INSP had also introduced the tagline, "''Heroes Live Here''". Its focus on western-based programming has been reported to be the reason behind its continued ratings success, with primetime viewing growing 17% on the previous year.<ref>{{cite web |title=INSP Reveals New Logo and Brand Refresh, Embracing Westerns and the Cowboy Hat |url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/network-ratings-2021-top-channels-1235143630/ |publisher=Variety |date=January 11, 2022}}</ref> On March 30, 2022, Imagicomm Communications purchased eighteen stations in twelve markets from Cox Media Group for $488 million;<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Jacobson |first=Adam |date=April 8, 2025 |title=Imagicomm Finds A Buyer For Remaining Properties |url=https://rbr.com/imagicomm-finds-a-buyer-for-remaining-properties/ |access-date=April 10, 2025 |website=Radio & Television Business Report}}</ref> this was to help Cox Media comply with regulatory requirements related to a proposed merger between Tegna and Standard Media, which Cox was assisting in side transactions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Mark |date=March 30, 2022 |title=Cox Sells 18 Stations In 12 Markets To INSP |url=https://tvnewscheck.com/business/article/cox-media-sells-18-tv-stations-to-imagicomm/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |website=TV News Check |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |title=Cox Media Group to Sell Television Stations in Twelve Markets to Imagicomm Communications |date=March 30, 2022 |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/03/30/2413122/0/en/Cox-Media-Group-to-Sell-Television-Stations-in-Twelve-Markets-to-Imagicomm-Communications.html |language=en |last=LLC |first=Cox Media Group |access-date=March 31, 2022 |website=GlobeNewswire News Room}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jacobson |first=Adam |date=March 30, 2022 |title=An INSP-ired TV Deal For Cox Is Done {{!}} Radio & Television Business Report |url=https://www.rbr.com/an-insp-ired-tv-deal-for-cox-is-done/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref> Imagicomm operates as a shell company of INSP.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=George Winslow |date=March 30, 2022 |title=Cox Media Group to Sell TV Stations in 12 Markets to Imagicomm |url=https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/cox-media-group-to-sell-tv-stations-in-12-markets-to-imagicomm |access-date=March 31, 2022 |website=TVTechnology |language=en}}</ref>

In May 2022, INSP launched the '''Cowboy Way Channel''', an internet streaming service aimed at younger viewers. Named after INSP's original series, ''The Cowboy Way'', the service features other original series and Western and outdoor-themed movies.<ref name="Cablefax">{{cite web|url=https://www.cablefax.com/programming/insp-launches-cowboy-way-fast-channel|title=INSP Launches Cowboy Way Fast Channel|work=Cablefax|date=May 18, 2022 |access-date=January 28, 2023}}</ref> On September 3, 2024, the service rebranded as '''Western Bound'''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cablefax Staff |title=Cowboy Way Western Bound |url=https://www.cablefax.com/distribution/cowboy-way-western-bound |website=Cablefax |access-date=August 14, 2024}}</ref>

==Programming== ===Current programming=== Currently, INSP features mostly Westerns (both series and movies), with Mike Murdock's ''Campmeeting'' in the early mornings.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.jewocity.com/blog/inspiration-network-family-friendly-fun/9077|title= Inspiration Network: Family Friendly Fun|publisher=The Largest Online Jewish Business Directory and Marketplace|access-date=September 22, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.insp.com/schedule/|title=INSP | TV Schedule|accessdate=January 16, 2023}}</ref> As of January 9, 2024, Western television series regularly aired by INSP include ''Gunsmoke'', ''Bonanza'', ''Wagon Train'', ''The Virginian'', ''Rawhide'', ''Tales of Wells Fargo'', ''The Rifleman'', ''Laramie'', ''The Big Valley'', ''Cheyenne'', ''Alias Smith and Jones'', and ''How the West Was Won''.<ref name="INSP series 2024">{{cite web |title=INSP: Shows |url=https://www.insp.com/shows/?=top_nav |website=INSP.com |publisher=INSP |access-date=January 9, 2024}}</ref> Films regularly aired by INSP include ''More Dead Than Alive'', ''Rage at Dawn'', ''Gun the Man Down'', ''High Lonesome'', ''Hardcase'', ''Yuma'', ''Fort Dobbs'', ''Yellowstone Kelly'', ''The Outlaw Josey Wales'', ''They Call Me Trinity'', ''Joe Kidd'', ''Comanche Station'', ''Tall Man Riding'', ''Badman's Territory'', ''Man in the Saddle'', ''Tulsa'', ''Ambush at Cimarron Pass'', ''Colt .45'', and ''Open Range''.<ref name="INSP movies">{{cite web |title=INSP: Movies |url=https://www.insp.com/movies/?=top_nav |website=INSP.com |publisher=INSP |access-date=January 9, 2024}}</ref>

===Original series=== In its early years, INSP produced a wide range of original programming, including specials, concerts, and inspirational entertainment. While some of the overnight or early morning programming was faith-based, the network's daytime and evening scheduling was original content focused on a variety of family-oriented and traditional value productions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/artists/mark-lowry/biography/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140425022215/http://www.mtv.com/artists/mark-lowry/biography/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 25, 2014 |title=Mark Lowry Bio | Mark Lowry Career |publisher=MTV |access-date=April 25, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=@InspirationMins |url=http://www.wheredopeoplego.com/about-the-film |title=Where Do People Go When They Die?Where Do People Go When They Die? |publisher=Wheredopeoplego.com |access-date=April 25, 2014 |archive-date=April 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140425022156/http://www.wheredopeoplego.com/about-the-film |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2010, with INSP's rebrand, the channel subsequently changed its programming. It increased the amount of original series, but also diversified into other areas of content, such as dramas and lifestyle television series.<ref>{{cite web |author=Weirton Daily Times |url=http://www.weirtondailytimes.com/page/content.detail/id/601295/City-native-holds-post-with-family-channel-in-N-C-.html?nav=5008 |title=City native holds post with family channel in N.C. - WeirtonDailyTimes.com | news, sports, jobs - Weirton, Hancock County — Weirton Daily Times |publisher=WeirtonDailyTimes.com |date=June 23, 2013 |access-date=April 25, 2014 |archive-date=April 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140425034313/http://www.weirtondailytimes.com/page/content.detail/id/601295/City-native-holds-post-with-family-channel-in-N-C-.html?nav=5008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> One of the first major projects of this transition was ''A Walton's Family Reunion'', a program that increased the network's focus on Western-themed entertainment. In the special, the surviving cast members of ''The Waltons'' reunited on Walton's Mountain almost 30 years after the series' conclusion.

In 2011, a short-form episode from INSP's ''Moments'' titled "Thank You for Your Service" became viral. It was featured on ABC's'' The View'', the Pentagon Channel, and USAA's website. It was also shown at several national conventions and conferences, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, and Jewish War Veterans.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2L3skZ7FEw|title=Thank You For Your Service (A Moment of Truth)|accessdate=January 16, 2023|via=www.youtube.com}}</ref> During a Vietnam memorial in which "Thank You for Your Service" aired, General Claude M. Kicklighter noted, "This stirring tribute never fails to inspire deep emotions. It has helped bring healing and encouragement to true patriots, many of whom have felt taken for granted and ignored."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/insp_teams_with_the_united_states_of_america_vietnam_war_commemoration_to_honor_vietnam_veterans_and_their_families/?pg=4 |title=INSP Teams with The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration to Honor Vietnam Veterans and Their Families | VWCC News - News | Vietnam War Commemoration |publisher=Vietnamwar50th.com |date=October 1, 2013 |access-date=April 25, 2014}}</ref>

In 2013, ''Old Henry'' was launched by INSP, a series of interstitials. Actors who appeared on the interstitials included Ralph Waite from ''The Waltons'' (in one of his final television roles before his death in February 2014) and Rachel Hendrix from ''October Baby.'' They aired as six separate interstitials, but due to their popularity, were merged together into a 30-minute version with additional content.<ref>{{cite web |title=Old Henry Synopsis |url=https://www.insp.com/old-henry-2/ |publisher=INSP}}</ref> In early 2014, INSP announced plans for an increased focus on original content, creating the position of Vice President of Original Programming.<ref>{{cite web|author=January 21, 2014, 12:23 PM Eastern |url=http://www.multichannel.com/news/content/insp-adds-craig-miller-head-original-programming/356440 |title=INSP Adds Craig Miller to Head Original Programming |publisher=Multichannel |date=January 21, 2014 |access-date=April 25, 2014}}</ref>

Content on INSP changed again in 2015, as it premiered its first reality television series titled ''Handcrafted America'', hosted by Jill Wagner. ''Handcrafted America'' originally aired exclusively on INSP. After its linear run, the series was licensed by Amazon Prime Video. In the program, host Wagner travels the country to interview talented artisans who continue to make products the traditional way, with their own two hands.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rapp |first1=Ilana |title=Jill Wagner Brings Heart, Art and So-Much-More to Her Award-Winning Show Handcrafted America |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jill-wagner-brings-heart-art-and-so-much-more-to-her_b_58081892e4b00483d3b5cfb8 |publisher=Huffington Post}}</ref> A year later, one of its longest running original series ''The Cowboy Way'' premiered, running until 2020, and aired for seven seasons.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Milligan |first1=Kaitlyn |title=INSP Greenlights 7th Season of Original Series The Cowboy Way |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/INSP-Greenlights-7th-Season-of-Original-Series-THE-COWBOY-WAY-20190829 |publisher=Broadway World}}</ref> In 2019, ''Ultimate Cowboy Showdown,'' hosted by Trace Adkins premiered, airing for four seasons until 2023. It continued with the same strategic approach as ''The Cowboy Way'', with the entire schedule for INSP having a focus on Westerns.

As of 2025, INSP has a number of original series currently airing or new series in development, many of which are described as Western dramas. ''Into the Wild Frontier'' and ''Wild West Chronicles'' are both docudramas, exploring the historical events in the American frontier. Both have been widely praised for the depiction of the timeline in American history. The most successful historical docuseries by INSP is ''Elkhorn'', which has run for two seasons, with the first winning many notable accolades for its depiction of Theodore Roosevelt.<ref name=cowboysindians>{{cite web |last1=Leydon |first1=Joe |title=Saddling Up with Theodore Roosevelt in Elkhorn |url=https://www.cowboysindians.com/2023/12/saddling-up-with-theodore-roosevelt-in-elkhorn/ |publisher=Cowboys & Indians |date=December 20, 2023}}</ref> ''Blue Ridge: The Series'' is a police drama based on the film of the same name that premiered on INSP in 2024, and is one of a few non-Western programs that airs on the channel.

==Facilities and studio== INSP originally was headquartered in studios and offices in Charlotte, North Carolina. The broadcast facility remains in Charlotte, while the network's offices were relocated to a campus known as CrossRidge (formerly named the City of Light) in Indian Land, South Carolina in the 2010s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://southeast.construction.com/features/2009/1201_LightCorporateCampus.asp |title=The Inspiration Networks City of Light Corporate Campus | Southeast Construction | McGraw-Hill Construction |publisher=Southeast Construction |access-date=April 25, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=About|url=http://www.crossridgecenter.com/about/|access-date=September 27, 2015|archive-date=September 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928215433/http://www.crossridgecenter.com/about/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Accolades== INSP has been honored with several industry awards in television:

*2012: The PTC Seal of Approval from the Parents Television Council<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.parentstv.org/PTC/news/release/2012/0523.asp |title=INSP Network Earns PTC Seal of Approval |publisher=Parentstv.org |date=May 23, 2012 |access-date=April 25, 2014 |archive-date=April 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140425004252/http://www.parentstv.org/PTC/news/release/2012/0523.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> *2012: Cablefax FAXIES Awards finalist in two categories; Trade Show Marketing/PR and Direct Response Marketing<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cablefax.com/cfp/awards/cablefaxiesseoy2013/ |title=The CableFAX FAXIES and Sales Executive of the Year Executives Finalists :: CableFax Portal |publisher=Cablefax.com |access-date=April 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140424220738/http://www.cablefax.com/cfp/awards/cablefaxiesseoy2013/ |archive-date=April 24, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bravotv.com/blogs/the-dish/bravo-nominated-for-9-prestigious-tv-awards |title=Bravo Nominated for 9 Prestigious TV Awards | Bravo TV Dish | Official News |publisher=Bravotv.com |date=August 14, 2013 |access-date=April 25, 2014}}</ref> *2013: Nominated in the Category for Human Concerns at The New York Film & Television Festival<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newyorkfestivals.com/winners/2014/index.php|title=New York Festivals - 2014 World's Best Television & Films™ Winners|access-date=April 12, 2016|archive-date=April 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410082012/http://www.newyorkfestivals.com/winners/2014/index.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> *2014: CableFax Digital Awards finalist in their Social Good Campaign for Moments.org<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cablefax.com/cfp/awards/digitaltech14/ |title=The CableFAX Digital & Tech Awards Luncheon - March 13 :: CableFax Portal |publisher=Cablefax.com |date=March 13, 2014 |access-date=April 25, 2014}}</ref> *2014: Telly Awards: **The Silver award in the Category of Entertainment for ''Going Home''<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://vimeo.com/92980026|title=INSP-GoingHome-Image 24p-h.264 INSP (HD)|work=Vimeo|access-date=April 12, 2016}}</ref> **The Bronze award in the Category of Entertainment for ''Italian Family''<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3VXYWvDZcg/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/o3VXYWvDZcg |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|title=INSP Family|date=March 24, 2014|access-date=April 12, 2016|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> **The Bronze award in the Category of Use of Humor for ''Italian Family'' *2016: CableFax Program Award: Jill Wagner, Best Family Friendly Host, ''Handcrafted America'' Season 1<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cablefax.com/programawards2016/|title=CableFax Program Award|publisher=Cablefax.com|access-date=July 10, 2018|archive-date=July 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710133607/http://www.cablefax.com/programawards2016/|url-status=dead}}</ref> *2017: Telly Awards: **The Bronze award in the Category of General Cultural for ''Handcrafted America''<ref>{{cite AV media|url=http://www.tellyawards.com/winners/2017/tv-shows-segments/craft-videography-cinematography/handcrafted-america/184183|title= Handcrafted America|date=2017|via=Telly Awards}}</ref> **The Bronze award in the Category of General Travel/Tourism for ''Handcrafted America'' *2017: CableFax Program Award: Taylor Hicks, Best Family Friendly Host, ''State Plate''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cablefax.com/event/cablefax-awards-gala-2017|title=CableFax Program Award- Best Host Family Friendly|publisher=Cablefax.com}}</ref>

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== * {{Official website|http://www.insp.com/}} * [https://www.imagicomm.com/ Imagicomm Communications] * [http://www.moments.org/ Moments.org] * [http://inspaffiliate.com/ INSP Affiliates] * [https://cowboyway.tv/ The Cowboy Way Channel website]

Category:English-language television stations in the United States Category:Religious television networks in the United States Category:Television channels and stations established in 1978