As someone deeply invested in the values of quality children's programming, the news of TBN's Smile of a Child TV station's planned closure fills me with great concern. After almost twenty years of broadcasting essential content for our children, the network has chosen to phase out the channel in favor of its streaming service, Yippee. This switch is expected to take place on January 12, 2025 and we fear it may disrupt TBN's Saturday morning broadcasts of VeggieTales - the beloved series that has been a beacon of wholesome content.

The importance of the Smile of a Child channel can't be overstated. It seems that the channel has been on autopilot during the past couple of years, yet still managed to serve quality programming, even if it was confined to a limited number of VeggieTales episodes. I, and so many others like me, saw this coming, and we cannot sit back and watch as it unfolds without protest.

We understand the commercial reasons for focusing on Yippee and the growth potential that streaming services offer. There's no denying this fact, but there must be balance in preserving crucial elements of our TV heritage. Channels like Smile of a Child have shaped the minds, imaginations, and values of countless children over nearly two decades - and to simply erase this network potentially jeopardizes this source of cherished childhood memories and ongoing quality programming.

As consumers, and more importantly, as an extended community of parents, guardians, educators, and advocates for quality children's content, we urge TBN not to discount the importance of traditional TV broadcasts like Smile of a Child.

Support us in holding onto a treasured piece of our childhood nostalgia and ensuring the future of quality children's programming.

❗✍️ Sign this petition to encourage TBN to reconsider its decision and keep Smile of a Child TV live on the air. ✍️❗

To take further action, please email TBN at comments@tbn.tv and tell them directly that we demand to know the progress made toward this commitment.

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