Irondale, AL, May 13, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EWTN Global Catholic Network Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael P. Warsaw and Bishop Kevin Vann of the Diocese of Orange formally opened EWTN's first studio facilities on the West Coast in a ceremony this morning on the campus of Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove, California. In addition to the dedication, which included a blessing of the TV studio, control room, and offices, Bishop Vann also joined Warsaw in recording the first-ever show from the new facility.
"Today's dedication and launch of EWTN's West Coast studio marks a significant moment in the history of the Network," Warsaw said. "Our collaboration with the Diocese of Orange will enable EWTN to produce exciting new programming that will bring the people and the stories of faith that make up the Church in Southern California to our global audience. We are also pleased to develop this studio in advance of the historic renovation of the Christ Cathedral itself. We will be well-positioned and prepared to share news of this closely watched transformation with our viewers."
The EWTN studio is located in the iconic Tower of Hope on the cathedral campus. Originally built as part of the former Crystal Cathedral complex by televangelist Reverend Robert Schuller, the property was acquired by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange in 2011.
"As we transform the Christ Cathedral campus into a dynamic and inspirational center of Catholic worship and outreach, we are blessed to partner with EWTN to share our community's energy and faithful witness with the world," said Bishop Vann. "EWTN's partnership will profoundly benefit our Church, enabling us to share the love of Christ with millions across the world in multiple languages from the Cathedral campus here in Orange County."
Also among those present at the dedication of the new studios were EWTN President & Chief Operating Officer Doug Keck, who served as moderator for the first broadcast; EWTN Vice President of Programming & Production Peter Gagnon; and EWTN Vice President of Spanish Programming & Production Enrique Duprat.
EWTN Global Catholic Network, now in its 34th year, has experienced explosive growth over the past few years. In addition to transmitting 11 separate television networks in multiple languages to over 240 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories, EWTN distributes a global AM/FM radio service that just acquired its 300th U.S. affiliate. EWTN Radio can also be heard via Shortwave Radio and Internet streaming, SiriusXM Satellite Radio and numerous digital streaming app options including the EWTN Network App, iHeartRadio, iTunes Radio, TuneIn Radio, Roku, Amazon Fire and Sky Satellite.
In 2014, the Network launched "EWTN News Nightly", the first global daily newscast from a Catholic perspective. EWTN also recently acquired the Denver-based Catholic News Agency and the ACI Prensa Group headquartered in Lima, Peru. ACI Prensa is the largest Spanish-language Catholic news service in the world.
With its Internet and digital media platforms, including the www.ewtn.com website, its electronic and print news services, and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.
###
Photos accompanying this release are available at:
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=32940
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=32941
