Marion Gordon "Pat" Robertson (1930–2023) was an American media executive, televangelist, and political commentator known for his conservative Christian advocacy. He led the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) and founded Regent University, significantly influencing the landscape of religious broadcasting and conservative political movements. Robertson's career, spanning over five decades, saw him establish numerous organizations, including Operation Blessing International and the American Center for Law & Justice. He was also a prolific author and hosted "The 700 Club" for many years.

Robertson, the son of a U.S. Senator, held a charismatic theology that differed from traditional Southern Baptist practices. He ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 1988, after which he stepped back from official church roles. Throughout his public life, Robertson remained a prominent, albeit controversial, figure, voicing strong opposition to progressive causes like LGBTQ+ rights and abortion, while promoting a deeply conservative Christian worldview. His influence extended into politics through organizations like the Christian Coalition.

Pat Robertson's extensive career began with his founding of the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) in 1960, initially acquiring a UHF station in Portsmouth, Virginia. The network soon launched "The 700 Club," a long-running program where Robertson served as a prominent host. In 1977, he established CBN University on the Virginia Beach campus, which would later be renamed Regent University. This institution grew to offer a wide range of degrees and became recognized for its online programs. Robertson's ventures extended to launching a religious cable network, the CBN Satellite Service, which evolved into The Family Channel, demonstrating his significant impact on religious media and its commercial potential.

Beyond media and education, Robertson founded Operation Blessing International Relief and Development Corporation, an organization focused on providing humanitarian aid, including medical assistance, to those in need in developing countries. While praised for its charitable work, Operation Blessing faced scrutiny regarding the use of its aircraft for non-charitable purposes, specifically alleged transport of equipment for diamond mining operations in Zaire. Robertson also established the American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ), a public interest law firm dedicated to defending constitutional freedoms and conservative Christian principles, often characterized as advocating for dominionism.

Robertson's public life was deeply intertwined with politics. He unsuccessfully sought the Republican presidential nomination in 1988. Following his political campaign, he founded the Christian Coalition, a significant organization within the Christian right that aimed to mobilize voters and support conservative candidates. The coalition faced legal challenges related to campaign coordination. Robertson was a vocal opponent of various progressive social movements, including LGBTQ+ rights, feminism, and abortion rights, which drew considerable criticism. His advocacy for a conservative Christian ideology and his role in shaping public discourse on these issues made him a consistently controversial yet influential figure.