Pat Robertson Celebrates 50 Years of Ministry at CBN

Pat Robertson retire? Leave "The 700 Club," the hour of television evangelism he's hosted since its inception in 1966? And the Christian Broadcasting Network, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year?

"Not right now," he said upon turning 80 on March 22.

Ignoring the fact he's an octogenarian, and that it hasn't been long since he underwent 10 hours of surgery to correct a heart disorder, Robertson continues to do live television from Virginia Beach five mornings a week.

While describing himself as "the oldest surviving daily talk show host on television," Robertson gave nary a hint as to when he will leave the combination magazine, talk show and news digest - the rock on which the Christian Broadcasting Network was built.

"I don't know when that day will be," said Robertson in an interview conducted at CBN headquarters off Indian River Road.

Robertson began CBN 50 years ago in Portsmouth with $35 in the bank. In 1977, he brought the network into the space age with the unveiling of a satellite earth station.

From what he called "a tiny little beginning," CBN grew to include a cable network, Regent University, Operation Blessing, CBN WorldReach, the American Center for Law and Justice and other ways and means, including a flying hospital, to reach souls in over 200 countries.

And always front and center of the CBN experience has been "The 700 Club." On the flagship program, Robertson shares camera time with Terry Meeuwsen, Lee Webb, Gordon Robertson and Kristi Watts.

Why leave now, asks Robertson? "We have pretty good ratings. A lot of people who watch are accepting the Lord into their lives. "

Retire? "Not until I start to look like George Burns," he said of the comic-philosopher who lived to be 100.

Here is more of the Robertson interview: