Contact: Sue Parks, Coordinator, Son Broadcasting Network, 505-690-7883, sparks@kchf.com

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico, Jan. 4 /Christian Newswire/ -- The founder and president/CEO of Son Broadcasting Network, Dr. Belarmino "Blackie" Gonzalez passed away at the age of 74 on Wednesday after suffering a massive stroke New Year's Eve.

Joanna Gonzalez, wife of the deceased, and immediate family will host a special memorial service open to the public at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 10, at Calvary of Albuquerque. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in honor of Son Broadcasting Network. Additional information can be found at www.BlackieGonzalez.com.  

"For many, the mention of Blackie's name will bring memories of his warm and winsome spirit, his gift for encouraging others, and his deep devotion to the Savior he loved," said Frank Wright, president and CEO of National Religious Broadcasters (NRB). "If the aim of the Christian life is to know Christ and make Him known to others, then Blackie Gonzalez's exceptional life is an example to follow."

Born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Gonzalez served as a non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, and then for many years was an entrepreneur who operated various businesses, before finally finding his niche in the broadcasting world. In 1984, as part of his new Son Broadcasting Network, Gonzalez launched KCHF TV-11 in Santa Fe as the first full-powered VHF Christian television station in the U.S. Since then, the station has continued to air Christian programming locally and internationally via satellite. Its reputation for excellence garnered it the NRB Station of the Year Award in 2000 – and NRB notified the station this week that it will again receive the award for 2008.

Gonzalez was also founder/president and CEO of Pan American Broadcasting Company, which owns KDAZ Radio (AM 730) in Albuquerque; a partner in Belmax Broadcasting, which owns KYNM TV-30; and a partner in Health Tech, Inc. For his dedication to proclaiming the gospel through his many endeavors, Gonzalez received an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Oral Roberts University in 2006.

Aside from his broadcasting pursuits, Gonzalez served on a number of boards and associations, including the President’s Council and board of directors for the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB). Additionally, Gonzalez was the vice president of the Association of Christian Television Stations (ACTS), and the New Mexico state director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI). He also served on the board of directors of the NRB Television Satellite Network and the World Embassy for Peace and Religious Freedom, a national prayer ministry in Washington, D.C.

Gonzalez also was a champion for the land and people of Israel, supporting many Israeli organizations, raising funds for the Holy Land in times of need, and taking several solidarity trips to Israel.

About Son Broadcasting Network
Founded by Belarmino "Blackie" Gonzalez, Son Broadcasting Network (www.kchf.com) exists to provide its audience with excellence in Christian broadcasting that changes lives by proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. Started in 1984 and based in Santa Fe/Albuquerque, New Mexico, Son Broadcasting Network owns and operates the Santa Fe television station KCHF TV-11.

Sue Parks, Coordinator
Son Broadcasting Network
Phone: 505.690.7883
Email: sparks@kchf.com