Positive reaction to EWTN comeback to local cable network

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
August 9, 2007

Catholic TV programming is once again available on Cable One in Sioux City.

It has been more than five years since the Eternal World Television Network (EWTN) was dropped from Cable One in November of 2001.

The Diocese of Sioux City received a letter from Cable One stating that EWTN is now a part of their Faith and Family Channels.

"We understand that this channel has been greatly missed and we are so happy to be able to tell you that you and your parishioners can now watch EWTN on Cable One digital channel 395," stated the letter.

The letter also stated that the cable network had received many requests for the channel.

Blessed Sacrament parishioner, Larry Walsh, pointed out that two days after hearing about the reinstatement of EWTN he called and restarted Cable One service at his residence.

"I have besieged Cable One for a number of years since they took EWTN off their offering to consider putting it back on," said Walsh. "I am very excited and obviously, since I signed up for it right away, it was something that I wanted."

According to Walsh, two priests, Father Frank Pavone and Father Thomas Euteneuer of Human Life International, are "outspoken" advocates when it comes to talking about the protection of human life.

"It is a message that is never heard on commercial television and this cable television network speaks of it daily," said Walsh.

He commented that Life on the Rock is a "fantastic program for young people."

"I think EWTN is good for the city because of the viewpoints of the people be they priestly or just folks from the ranks that come across," said Walsh. "It can change people's lives. All of the trash that is available on the multitude of channels that we have in front of us is a terrible distraction from the reality of life. When we forget that there truly is a creator, someone that made us in his very image and likeness and wants only to have us share in his glory for eternity, it is important for people to get the message from Scripture on a daily basis."

EWTN offers a Scripture-based set of programming. Walsh pointed out that it is something that people need in today's climate.

The local Cable One provider serves Sioux City and Sergeant Bluff in Iowa, Dakota Dunes and North Sioux City in South Dakota and South Sioux City and Dakota City in Nebraska.