Pat Robertson, the Christian media mogul who held an influential role in developing the modern American Christian Right, died Thursday at 93, his broadcasting network announced.

Robertson transformed a small local television station into the global Christian Broadcasting Network in 1960, building a substantial audience and gaining influence on the Christian Right in the process. He also ran for president in 1988, finishing in third and winning four primary contests. He finished second in the Iowa caucuses, knocking eventual Republican nominee and former president George H.W. Bush to a third place finish.