ASHLAND — Gospel programs recorded at a renovated school in Ashland are being viewed by an international audience every Saturday evening.

Daystar Television Network has been operating locally as WTSF in Ashland since early 2003, with modern video and audio studios in the former Coles Junior High building on Carter Avenue, according to General Manager Richard Clifton. While locally based programs aren’t as common as they once were, Clifton said the quality of locally produced shows has improved dramatically under the guidance of Daystar Television.

“WTSF is very proud that Ashland, Ky., is producing a TV program that is seen in every city in America and in every nation of the world,” Clifton said.

The show “Gospel Music Showcase,” which is recorded in the WTSF studios and aired every Saturday at 7:30 p.m. has included performances by groups and individuals including Jimmy Fortune, who spent more than two decades touring and recording with the Statler Brothers; Janet Pascal, who is often associated with the Gaither’s Homecoming Tour; Gordon Mote, whose studio and live performance credentials include some of the most recognizable names in the music industry; Russ Taff, winner of five Grammy awards and nine Gospel Music Association Dove Awards; Gospel trio 33 Miles, and John Darin Rowsey, who recorded several Christmas songs including an original composition last week for Daystar Television.

Rowsey, of Flatwoods, said he has been tremendously impressed by the changes made at the local television station in recent years.

“They are amazing to work with,” the singer said between recording sessions. “Since Daystar began here they’ve constantly improved things.”

The local station also records Tri-State Celebration with nationally and internationally known guests including author Tommy Tenny, Dr. T.L. Lowery and Pastor Tommy Bates. The station also hosts concerts and events at the studio several times per year including recent performances by The Greenes, The Primitives, Mark Bishop and others.

The television station began broadcasting as an outreach of First Baptist Church in Proctorville, with the challenge of raising $1 million to start operations in addition to finding suitable studio space and a transmitter site. While numerous individuals were involved in the station’s foundation, Claude and Maybelle Messenger are perhaps the best known individuals in WTSF’s early years. Maybelle Messenger continued to run the station after her husband’s sudden death in 1996 and managed much of the operation until 2003. Her main objective after deciding to sell the station was to make sure WTSF continued to operate as a Christian mission.

In the Ashland and Ironton areas, Daystar television can be seen on channel 304 or 98.6 with a digital tuner, and Armstrong Cable carries WTSF on Channel 19.

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.