Television

The Oprah Winfrey Network confirmed Tuesday that as part of her new primetime series, "Oprah's Next Chapter," Winfrey will interview Bishop T.D. Jakes, founder and senior pastor of The Potter's House in Dallas, Texas.

"The series, which features Oprah as she steps outside of the studio for riveting, enlightening and in-depth conversations with newsmakers, celebrities, thought leaders and real-life families, will expand to air part two of her in-depth interviews starting Monday, January 30," the network announced.

Winfrey will be visiting Jakes at his 30,000-member church, but the network did not reveal when the visit will be made nor when the recording of her visit with the megachurch pastor would air. Jakes, also an author and filmmaker, broadcasts his sermons on "The Potter's Touch," which airs on a variety of Christian broadcasting networks, including Trinity Broadcasting Network and Black Entertainment Television. more >>

A prominent Christian apologist believes that mass media has made Americans vulnerable to mass-marketed spiritual ideas, like those pushed by Oprah Winfrey and Deepak Chopra.

Dr. Ravi Zacharias, who details this in his new book , Why Jesus? Rediscovering His Truth In An Age of Mass Marketed Spirituality, said that Americans have been made susceptible to the allures of spiritual ideas because of mass media.

In an interview with CP, Zacharias said that television has "built in it the capacity of god-makers." more >>

Pro football TV analyst and NFL Super Bowl XLI winning coach Tony Dungy is hoping that a large number of Christians hosting parties for this year's Super Bowl will include showing their guests his 3-minute video asking Americans to take a look at the world's orphan crisis and adoption.

"The big win on Super Sunday would be to raise awareness about the millions of children who need a family. I would love to see thousands of local community groups and circles of friends gathering together to stop and consider how they can help," said Dungy, who was the head coach of the 2007 Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts.

Dungy is involved with The Adoption Journey Project, a collective of organizations who want to break down the barriers to adoption. The groups include Bethany Christian Services, Lifesong for Orphans, and Lifeline Children's Services. more >>

ABC's "The Bachelor" has been rebuked by Christian analysts, who have described the show as "depressing and sad."

"The Bachelor" debuted in 2002 and has led to spin-off series "The Bachelorette" and "Bachelor Pad." The show has led to several marriages and divorces, prompting much criticism for its rate of failure and view of competing for love as well as overtly sexual situations.

Each week several women are chosen to go on a group date, while others receive one-on-one dates with the bachelor/bachelorette. One never knows who will receive the coveted individual dates or a rose, which guarantees another week-long stay. more >>

How would Tim Tebow's fancy footwork on the gridiron translate to the ballroom? "Dancing with the Stars" performer Karina Smirnoff wants to find out.

Smirnoff celebrated her 34th birthday on Saturday in Las Vegas, and told a reporter from People that all she wanted as a gift is for the Denver Broncos quarterback to join the cast of the reality show.

"All I want for my birthday is for Tim Tebow to dance on 'Dancing with the Stars,'" she said, shortly after Denver's season ended in an AFC Divisional playoff loss to the New England Patriots. more >>

William Shatner's Priceline Negotiator will die in a new 30-second commercial, set to begin airing on Monday.

In the new TV spot, the Negotiator, who encourages customers to use Priceline.com for discount rates on travel related items, rescues desperate vacationers from a bus losing its balance on a bridge.

"Save yourselves – some money," Shatner says, giving a passenger his cellphone as he and the bus finally fall over the bridge and into a creek, followed by a dramatic explosion, The Associated Press reported. more >>