Episode Details

How did preaching the gospel evolve into a multi-billion dollar global media empire? In this episode of pplpod, we tune into the complex history of televangelism. We trace the phenomenon back to its roots in the 1920s, when pioneers like S. Parkes Cadman and Aimee Semple McPherson used radio to reach millions outside traditional church walls. We discuss how the medium shifted in the 1950s with the arrival of the first official "televangelist," Roman Catholic Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, who won Emmy Awards for his broadcasts.

We also unpack the massive deregulation of media that allowed American evangelicals to build their own networks, such as Pat Robertson's Christian Broadcasting Network and the Trinity Broadcasting Network. But it’s not just about saving souls; we dive into the controversies surrounding the "Prosperity Gospel" and the murky finances of media ministries. We break down the 2007 Senate probe into six major organizations regarding lavish spending on Rolls-Royces and private jets. Finally, we look at how this uniquely American format has gone global, influencing stars of the "Islamic televangelist" movement like Moez Masoud and Zakir Naik.