Federal Way’s TBN station reaches beyond religion with ‘Public Report’

The Trinity Broadcasting Network is the largest Christian television network in the United States. Tucked away on South 341st Place, the TBN affiliate in Federal Way (KTBW-DT) broadcasts across the Puget Sound region, from south of Olympia to north of Everett and beyond Bremerton.

By Andy Hobbs • August 10, 2009 11:48 am
George Pettingell prepares to tape an interview with columnist Walter Backstrom for 'Public Report.'
George Pettingell prepares to tape an interview with columnist Walter Backstrom for 'Public Report.'



The Trinity Broadcasting Network is the largest Christian television network in the United States.

Tucked away on South 341st Place, the TBN affiliate in Federal Way (KTBW-DT) broadcasts across the Puget Sound region, from south of Olympia to north of Everett and beyond Bremerton.

The non-profit television station relies solely on donations as well as four full-time employees and two full-time editors. The station has also ventured into original programming on local topics that reach beyond religion.

“Public Report” offers filter-free discussions on pressing issues in Washington state. The show is hosted by George Pettingell, the station’s manager, and guests often include prominent public officials. Lt. Gov. Brad Owen will participate on Aug. 28, along with Federal Way interim city manager Brian Wilson on Sept. 18 to discuss human trafficking. Pettingell recalls an appearance by former Federal Way School Board member Charlie Hoff that generated criticism due to Hoff’s views on education.

“We’re a small station that does a lot,” said Pettingell, a Federal Way resident. He said “Public Report” is watched by about 250,000 viewers each week, with peak viewership in the late hours when infomercials dominate the airwaves.

On Aug. 7, local columnist Walter Backstrom was invited to discuss the state’s public education dilemmas. Pettingell prepped his guest in the green room as to how the conversation would flow, including the presentation of a problem and solution. They then headed to the studio, sitting across from each other on plush red couches. A small station crew adjusted cameras, monitors and microphones while another assistant dabbed Backstrom’s face with a powder brush. An array of stage lights with colored cellophane shined down on the two men as they entered a one-on-one dialogue free from interruptions — except for a one-minute public service announcement. The first 15-minute segment will air multiple times starting at 10 a.m. Aug. 14 on channel 20. A second 15-minute segment will begin airing 10 a.m. Aug. 21.

Learn more

Trinity Broadcasting Network was founded in 1973 by Paul Crouch, Jan Crouch, Jim Bakker and Tammy Faye Bakker. To learn more about the Federal Way station, e-mail gpettingell@tbn.org or call (253) 927-7720.