Evangel University began broadcasting on local cable in 1986.  Under the supervision of Professor Don Pieper, most of the programming was selected by work studies and consisted of educational programs and material borrowed from the Assemblies of God Headquarters.  Evangel College Television began as a regular information outlet for the campus. 

In the 1988-1989 school year, the TV studio and the athletic department coordinated efforts to create a sports highlights show.  Students interested in broadcasting and communications worked behind the scenes running the cameras and equipment.  On air talent consisted of coaches and athletic department officials.  In 1989 Sports Update was officially created and has filmed shows on a weekly basis for nearly 20 years. 

In the spring of 1990 a newscast practicum was created for students who were interested in broadcast news.  The practicum produced a show that was initially called EC News but was later changed to Newswatch the following fall.  Newswatch is the oldest production at Evangel that is and was completely student produced.

By 1991 Sports Update and Newswatch were successfully broadcasting Evangel news and sports.  However, several students felt that another show was needed to showcase a growing interest in music/entertainment news.  Jeff Burnett and Tom Stasiac were two students who approached advisor Dr. Cameron Pace about creating a third Evangel show.  A pilot season of Strobelight was shot in the spring of 1991 and the show was born the following fall semester. 

Until 1991 all of the shows, salaries, and props were funded by the television studio.  Unfortunately tight budgets made it difficult to staff and produce three weekly shows and successfully manage the other financial responsibilities of the TV Studio.  Dr. Cameron Pace approached the administration about establishing ECTV as a student medium.  This change would allot funding for ECTV separately just like The Lance, KECC, and Excalibur.  At the same time ECTV was going through the process of becoming a legitimate member of the on-campus student media, cable television was being installed in every building on Evangel’s campus.  ECTV partnered with the Evangel cable television so that the station’s programming could be accessible across the campus. 

As academic and social demands evolved, Evangel College took steps to change over to a university.  In 1997 Evangel changed its name to Evangel University.  Evangel College Television became Evangel Cable Television. 

The latest addition to ECTV was a film-making division called ECTV Pictures, which was established in 2004.  The film workshop class now produces films every semester to broadcast on ECTV and many other communications classes contribute to ECTV Pictures through short films and documentaries. 
ECTV now has more student interest and support than ever before.  The programming continues to evolve and improve over time as does the equipment and sets.  In 2005 ECTV moved into its new home in the recently completed TV Studio in Trask Hall.  Dr. Cameron Pace continues to be the advisor of the TV Studio and ECTV to this day. 

Anchor Jeff Burnett prepares to
deliver the news in the old TV Studio.