YOUNGSTOWN — As part of an integrated media and communications strategy, Bishop David J. Bonnar of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, and the Rev. James Korda, president of Catholic Telecommunications Network of Youngstown, will consolidate diocesan audio and video media operations at the diocese’s central offices in Youngstown.

Officials said this will include a new studio and offices for video and audio programming, replacing current studios at CTNY in Canfield. Resources and personnel from the current CTNY studios will be moved to Youngstown and used to support an emphasis on digital and social media delivery, in addition to continuing to produce programs and diocesan event coverage available in partnership with local media stations.

Korda has served CTNY as a producer and host for 28 years, including 20 as president or pastoral director. He said with the integration, Ecumenical Television Channel, produced by CTNY, will cease operations by June 30, 2022, in coordination with cable companies.

ETC began in 1983, and became a full-time station in 1986, as a collaboration between CTNY and various ecumenical and interfaith partners. At its height, ETC was carried on 11 cable outlets, serving five of the diocese’s six counties. Because of developments in the cable industry, ETC’s footprint has shrunk to two cable companies serving only two of the diocese’s six counties, Korda said.

“The wonderful work of the Catholic Television Network of Youngstown has achieved many outstanding awards and its goals remain as relevant as ever – in adult faith formation, encouraging ecumenism, and reaching out to those who are homebound and in nursing homes. While cable television is no longer able to help us fulfill these goals, there are new possibilities for digital delivery of our multimedia efforts,” Bonnar said.

“This new direction will help the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown to continue to use the gifts of radio, television, and digital media, long into the future, to tell the story of a loving God, revealed in Jesus, who nurtures, calls and unites us all. I trust that all of our faithful listeners and viewers will continue to walk with us during this transition and join us in celebration of this new direction.” Korda said.

CTNY was created in 1980, and has won 46 awards for programs related to adult faith formation, diocesan events and critical social issues.

Mass for shut-ins now will be produced from St. Columba Cathedral. In addition to digital streaming at www.doy.org, it will continue to be available via local media. In Youngstown and Warren, it is currently available on WFMJ TV-21. It also is being sent to 12 nursing homes and four prisons.

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