Tln Media
TLN Media is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Christian broadcast and streaming platform, founded in 1976, that distributes faith-based content via two U.S. broadcast stations (Chicago, San Francisco), the TLN+ streaming service, an affiliate network of 100+ outlets, and international licensing partners. It serves multi-generational Christian families, children, and women seeking biblically-grounded entertainment and teaching.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1976
- HeadquartersTinley Park, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingDigital Commerce or Content
What Tln Media does
TLN Media is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Christian broadcast and digital media organization, legally known as Total Living International, Inc., headquartered in Tinley Park, Illinois, and operating since 1976. The organization runs two full-power broadcast stations in Chicago and San Francisco and produces culturally-relevant Christian content spanning original series, faith-based films, documentaries, children's programming (e.g., SuperBook, Kids Beach Club), worship and teaching shows (e.g., Joyce Meyer, In Touch with Charles Stanley, INSIGHT with Pastor James Ward), and news programs (e.g., Washington Watch, Jerusalem Dateline). Its content library is supported by over 30 Emmy Awards and multiple NRB recognitions including Full Power Broadcast Station of the Year.
The organization distributes content through a multilayered platform: broadcast television in two major U.S. markets, a proprietary streaming service called TLN+ available across Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Samsung/LG/Vizio Smart TVs, Google TV, PlayStation, Xbox, and Xfinity, plus mobile apps on iOS and Android. Additionally, TLN Media operates an affiliate network of more than 100 like-minded Christian outlets and licenses original programming internationally through partnerships with Alpha Omega Television (Romania) and SAT 7 (Middle East).
TLN Media's revenue model is diversified across three streams: viewer donations (primary, as a 501(c)(3) religious nonprofit), TLN+ subscription revenue at $8.99/month for the premium ad-free tier (with a free ad-supported tier available), and content licensing royalties from international distribution partners. The organization completed a leadership transition in June 2023, with founder Jerry Rose retiring after 48 years and James E. Ward Jr. (founder of INSIGHT Church and National Prayer Altar at Museum of the Bible) assuming the Chairman/CEO role alongside his wife Sharon Ward as Vice-Chairman. A 2023 rebrand from Total Living Network to TLN Media signaled a strategic emphasis on multi-generational ministry and reaching emerging audiences through expanded digital distribution.
Tln Media firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Tln Media
- Legal name
- Total Living International, Inc.
- Website
- https://tlnmedia.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1976
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- TLN Media is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Christian broadcast and streaming platform, founded in 1976, that distributes faith-based content via two U.S. broadcast stations (Chicago, San Francisco), the TLN+ streaming service, an affiliate network of 100+ outlets, and international licensing partners. It serves multi-generational Christian families, children, and women seeking biblically-grounded entertainment and teaching.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Tln Media industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Religious Broadcasting and Faith-Based Streaming
- NAICS
- Television Broadcasting Stations (51612), Television Broadcasting Stations (516120), Broadcasting and Content Providers (516), Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (51621)
- SIC
- Television Broadcasting Stations (4833)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Christian Broadcasting (TV & Radio) (MPABALAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Religious/Faith-Based Broadcast Networks (MPABAAAF), Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Network/Studio Streaming Channels (MPABAHAG), Public Media Digital Platforms & Streaming (Apps, On-demand, Podcasts) (MPABADAG)
Keywords
Where Tln Media is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tinley Park
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Tln Media business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Digital Commerce or Content
- Cost components
- Personnel
Revenue model
- Donations and Giving: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit religious organization, TLN Media relies heavily on viewer donations and support to continue broadcasting the gospel and providing Christian content. The organization has been broadcasting for over 45 years through donor support.
- TLN+ Subscription Revenue: TLN+ Premium subscription at $8.99/month provides unlimited access to all premium content including movies, kids programs, documentaries, TV shows, and podcasts without ads. TLN+ Free tier is supported by advertising.
- Broadcast Licensing: Original programming has reached international markets through licensing agreements with partners like Alpha Omega Television in Romania and SAT 7 in the Middle East.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Monthly | TLN+ Free - Ad-supported access to limited content |
| Subscription | Monthly | TLN+ Premium - Unlimited ad-free access for $8.99/month |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
Tln Media product offering
Product offeringCore offering
TLN Media operates a Christian broadcast and digital media platform distributing culturally-relevant faith-based content via two full-power television stations (Chicago and San Francisco) and the TLN+ streaming service. The organization produces and curates original Christian series, documentaries, children's programming, films, podcasts, and live broadcasts, supported by viewer donations and a freemium subscription model (TLN+ Premium at $8.99/month). Its content reaches audiences through broadcast, the TLN+ app across smart TVs and mobile devices, and an affiliate network of 100+ partner outlets.
Product overview
TLN Media operates as a Christian broadcast and digital media platform that distributes culturally-relevant content from a Biblical worldview. The core offering consists of TLN Media's broadcast television network (reaching millions of viewers across America) combined with the TLN+ streaming service (offering both free ad-supported and premium $8.99/month subscription tiers). The product portfolio includes award-winning original programming, local and national talk/teaching programs, faith-based movies and entertainment, children's programs, and documentaries. Programs are distributed through broadcast TV, the TLN+ app available on streaming devices (Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, Samsung, LG, Vizio Smart TVs, PlayStation, Xbox, Google TV, Xfinity), mobile apps (iOS and Android), and international partnerships with Alpha Omega Television and SAT 7.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- TLN+: A streaming service featuring inspiring faith-based content including outstanding series, compelling dramas, groundbreaking documentaries, kids' entertainment, Bible-based teaching, podcasts, live TV, and additional premium content.
Products and services
- TLN+ Streaming Service
- TLN Media Broadcast Television Network
- Online Donation Platform
Companies that use Tln Media
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Tln Media technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration12 records
Feature1 record
Tln Media partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.
- Museum of the Bible - National Prayer AltarflagshipCo-founded National Prayer Altar at Museum of the Bible by James and Sharon Ward. TLN Media broadcasts live prayer events from this location, creating a flagship partnership for faith-based programming and ministry outreach.
- Alpha Omega Television (Romania)coreInternational content distribution partnership allowing TLN's original programming to reach audiences in Romania through Alpha Omega Television's broadcast network.
- SAT 7 (Middle East)coreInternational distribution partnership providing TLN's original programming access to viewers throughout the Middle East region via SAT 7's Christian satellite television network.
- National Religious Broadcasters (NRB)coreTLN Media is an active member of NRB with representation on the Television Committee, Board of Directors, and Executive Team. Debra Fraser chairs the Public Policy and Awards Committees.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Tln Media competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- SAT-7: SAT-7 is a Christian satellite television network serving the Middle East and North Africa, with Turkish, Arabic, Farsi, and English channels. Directly comparable as an international partner of TLN Media, operating the same faith-based broadcast content model in a different geography.
Direct peers
- Daystar Television Network: Daystar is a Christian broadcast network with over 200 affiliates, a streaming presence, and a similar faith-based, multi-platform, donation-funded model. Operates on the same Designated Market Area broadcast license framework as TLN.
- Cornerstone Television (WPCB): Cornerstone Television is a Pittsburgh-based Christian broadcast network with national carriage and a streaming presence. Comparable as a single-market-anchored faith broadcaster that has expanded to a multi-platform ministry model similar to TLN's evolution.
- Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN): CBN operates a national Christian television network plus the Superbook children's brand and CBN's streaming offerings, with comparable mix of broadcast, original content, ministry funding, and global reach. Several CBN-produced shows (700 Club Interactive) are actually distributed by TLN, indicating identical distribution vertical.
- Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN): EWTN is the largest Catholic faith broadcaster globally, combining a broadcast TV network, streaming service, and donation-driven nonprofit model. Comparable in broadcast-plus-streaming distribution and donor-supported funding, though distinct in denominational focus.
- Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN): TBN is the largest Christian broadcast network in the U.S., operating multiple full-power stations and a streaming platform (TBN+) with faith-based programming. Directly comparable to TLN Media in mission, broadcast-plus-streaming model, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit funding structure.
- 3 Angels Broadcasting Network (3ABN): 3ABN is a Christian broadcast network offering faith and family content via over-the-air stations, cable, satellite, and a streaming app. Closely comparable in mission, nonprofit funding model, and multi-platform distribution to TLN Media, though smaller in audience scale.
Broad incumbents
- Salem Communications / Salem Web Network: Salem operates Christian and conservative-talk radio stations, a digital publishing network, and has historically held Christian broadcast TV properties. Comparable as a multi-platform Christian content operator, though predominantly radio and digital rather than TV broadcasting.
- BYUtv: BYUtv is the broadcasting arm of Brigham Young University, offering a faith and family-focused broadcast and streaming service. Operates at larger institutional scale but comparable in faith-based content, educational programming, and multi-platform streaming distribution.
Emerging players
- Pure Flix: Pure Flix is a faith-and-family streaming service focused on curated movies and original series, now aligned with Great American Media. Comparable to TLN+ in faith-based streaming subscription model and content verticals (movies, family, kids), though it lacks full-power broadcast operations.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Tln Media social profiles
Digital presenceTln Media financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Tln Media leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Tln Media funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Tln Media M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Tln Media
What does Tln Media do?
TLN Media operates a Christian broadcast and digital media platform distributing culturally-relevant faith-based content via two full-power television stations (Chicago and San Francisco) and the TLN+ streaming service. The organization produces and curates original Christian series, documentaries, children's programming, films, podcasts, and live broadcasts, supported by viewer donations and a freemium subscription model (TLN+ Premium at $8.99/month). Its content reaches audiences through broadcast, the TLN+ app across smart TVs and mobile devices, and an affiliate network of 100+ partner outlets.
Is Tln Media a public or private company?
Tln Media is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Tln Media founded?
Tln Media was founded in 1976. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Tln Media based?
Tln Media is headquartered in Tinley Park, United States, in the North America region.
How does Tln Media make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Donations and Giving is the primary driver. The others are TLN+ Subscription Revenue and broadcast Licensing.
Who are Tln Media's main competitors?
SAT-7 is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are Daystar Television Network, Cornerstone Television (WPCB), Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) and 3 Angels Broadcasting Network (3ABN). Broad incumbents are Salem Communications / Salem Web Network and BYUtv. Pure Flix is listed as an emerging player.
Does Tln Media have an API?
No public API is recorded for Tln Media.
What industry is Tln Media in?
Tln Media's product category is Religious Broadcasting and Faith-Based Streaming. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPABALAA, Christian Broadcasting (TV & Radio), with a secondary code of MPABAAAF, Religious/Faith-Based Broadcast Networks. Its NAICS code is 51612 and its SIC code is 4833.