Sermonette (i.e., a small sermon) is a generic term for short, locally produced religious messages that were aired by many U.S. television stations during their sign-on and sign-off periods.
Sermonettes were generally about three to five minutes in length, and featured religious clergy from churches in the local station's coverage area.
Reflecting the majority religious faith in the U.S., the clergy involved were almost always Christian (Protestant or Roman Catholic), although in TV markets with a large Jewish population, a rabbi would occasionally be called upon.
They contain an introduction, frequently a joke, a body or situation that is being addressed, a biblical equivalent and a wrap-up or point tying the illustration and scripture together in a meaningful way.
CTV affiliates in several Canadian cities aired sermonettes at the beginning or end of each broadcast day.