Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Pat Robertson

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 25, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Pat Robertson made an impact.

Pat Robertson was a prominent American televangelist, media mogul, and political commentator. He founded the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) and Regent University, advocating for a conservative Christian worldview. Robertson ran for president in 1988, demonstrating his active involvement in Republican politics and his influence within the Christian right. He was a key figure in the Charismatic movement and a significant voice in American religious and political discourse for decades.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1952: Promoted to First Lieutenant

In 1952, Pat Robertson was promoted to First Lieutenant upon his return to the United States.

1960: Established the Christian Broadcasting Network

In 1960, Pat Robertson established the Christian Broadcasting Network in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

October 1, 1961: First Broadcast of WYAH-TV

On October 1, 1961, Pat Robertson's station, WYAH-TV, first broadcast from Portsmouth, Virginia.

1961: Ordained as a Southern Baptist Minister

In 1961, Pat Robertson was ordained as a Southern Baptist minister by Freemason Street Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia.

1966: The 700 Club launch

In 1966, the TV series 'The 700 Club' was launched, with Robertson as a long time co-host.

April 29, 1977: CBN Satellite Service Launched

On April 29, 1977, CBN launched a religious cable network, the CBN Satellite Service, which became The Family Channel.

1977: Founded CBN University

In 1977, Pat Robertson founded CBN University, a private Christian university, on CBN's Virginia Beach campus.

1982: Served on Victims of Crime Task Force

In 1982, Pat Robertson served on the Victims of Crime Task Force for U.S. President Ronald Reagan.

1982: Governing Member of CNP

In 1982, Pat Robertson was a governing member of the Council for National Policy (CNP) and served on its Board of Governors.

1984: Member of Council for National Policy

In 1984, Pat Robertson was a member of the Council for National Policy.

1985: President of CNP Executive Committee

From 1985 to 1986, Pat Robertson was the President of the Executive Committee for the Council for National Policy.

September 1986: Presidential Ambitions Announced

In September 1986, Pat Robertson announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination for President of the United States. He stated that he would only pursue the nomination if three million people signed up to volunteer for his campaign by September 1987.

1986: President of CNP Executive Committee

From 1985 to 1986, Pat Robertson was the President of the Executive Committee for the Council for National Policy.

September 1987: Presidential Campaign Launch

In September 1987, Pat Robertson formally announced his candidacy for President of the United States. By this time, he had secured three million volunteer pledges and raised millions of dollars for his campaign. He surrendered his ministerial credentials, relinquished leadership of CBN to his son, Tim, and left the Southern Baptist Convention to fully commit to his political aspirations.

1988: Robertson Drops Libel Suit

In 1988, Pat Robertson dropped his libel suit against Paul "Pete" McCloskey Jr. to focus on his presidential campaign.

1988: Unsuccessful Presidential Campaign

In 1988, Pat Robertson unsuccessfully campaigned for the Republican presidential nomination. This led to him never again serving in an official role for any church.

1988: Member of Council for National Policy

In 1988, Pat Robertson was a member of the Council for National Policy.

1990: Formation of International Family Entertainment Inc.

In 1990, International Family Entertainment Inc. (IFE) was formed to produce and distribute family entertainment, including The Family Channel.

1991: Publication of "The New World Order"

In 1991, Pat Robertson's book "The New World Order" became a New York Times best seller, marking a significant achievement in his career as an author and public figure.

1994: Operation Blessing Aid to Rwandan Refugees

In 1994, after the Rwandan genocide, Pat Robertson's Operation Blessing solicited donations to provide medical supplies to refugees in Zaire.

1997: Sale of IFE to Fox Kids Worldwide

In 1997, IFE was sold to Fox Kids Worldwide, Inc. for $1.9 billion and renamed Fox Family Channel.

1997: Sale of The Family Channel

In 1997, Pat Robertson sold The Family Channel to News Corporation for $1.9 billion.

1998: Member of Council for National Policy

In 1998, Pat Robertson was a member of the Council for National Policy.

November 7, 2007: Endorsement of Rudy Giuliani

On November 7, 2007, Pat Robertson announced his endorsement of Rudy Giuliani for the 2008 Presidential election.

2008: Rudy Giuliani Presidential Campaign

In 2008, Robertson endorsed Rudy Giuliani to be the Republican nominee in the Presidential election.

October 2021: Retirement from The 700 Club

In October 2021, Pat Robertson retired from hosting The 700 Club after many years. He made the announcement on the sixtieth anniversary of the first telecast of what eventually became CBN.

2021: Operation Blessing Ranked by Forbes

In its 2021 ranking, Forbes ranked Operation Blessing/CBN at #44 of "100 Largest Charities" with a fundraising efficiency of 93% and charitable commitment of 87%.