FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 21, 2024
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Noelle Huizenga
202-891-7843
presscenter@nrb.org
NRB Opening Day Celebrates NRB’s 80th Anniversary and Focuses on Unity
NASHVILLE, TENN. (NRB) — On Tuesday, February 20, the 2024 NRB International Christian Media Convention kicked off with the Intercollegiate (iNRB) 12- and 24-hour Challenge competitions and the annual members meeting, followed by the Media Awards luncheon, the TV Showcase, the Board of Directors meeting, the Great Commission reception and forum, and the Opening Session, and concluded with the Industry Reception.
“As we celebrate NRB’s 80th anniversary, we see God’s providence toward NRB in the past and in the future. As NRB’s history makes clear: We are stronger together.” said Troy A. Miller, NRB President & CEO.
● The annual members meeting elected new board members for the class of 2027 and officers for the coming year.
● The NRB Media Awards luncheon highlighted the best that Christian media offers in the areas of radio, television, digital media, and international programming.
● The TV Showcase provided the opportunity for attendees to network with program directors and station managers to gain exposure for their programs.
● The Board of Directors elected at-large officers and approved six formal resolutions for 2024 on Applying Wisdom in Use of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology; Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of NRB’s Founding; Commending NRB Members’ Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Response Efforts; Condemning the Persecution of Christians and Religious Minorities Worldwide; In Support of Israel 2024; and Urging Section 230 Repeal. It reaffirmed five resolutions from 2023: Affirming the Biblical and Traditional View of Gender; Maintaining Access for Christian Broadcasters in the Video Marketplace; Opposing Weaponization of the Federal Government; Preserving AM Radio; and Resolving to Stand Firmly on Scripture. Dr. John Sorensen, President & CEO, Evangelism Explosion International provided a devotion. The meeting was sponsored by FaithSearch Partners.
● The Great Commission Forum featured Bishop Dr. Sunday Onuoha, Founder & President at Vision Africa Ministries and Andrew Palau, Evangelist at Luis Palau Association. Sunday encouraged attendees to "find a common way of coming together" and focus on the unifying power of God's love. Palau highlighted the importance of doing this while providing a sobering picture of the world today. Musical selections were provided by Phil Stacey, Christian Recording Artist. Forum sponsors were Christian Care Ministry and LifeWise Academy.
● The Opening Session featured James E, Ward, Jr., Chairman and CEO at Total Living Network, who preached a message of Christian unity, emphasizing that "The world is paying the ultimate price of not knowing that the Father sent His Son." Jonathan Falwell, Pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church & Chancellor of Liberty University, challenged attendees that "If you stand up and say the right things but you aren’t living the right things, you might as well keep your mouth shut." Both speakers highlighted the necessity of turning to God as we faces the challenges of the present day. Attendees viewed a mini-documentary highlighting NRB's 80th anniversary. Israel Tourism Minister Haim Katz expressed appreciation for Christian solidarity with Israel and encouraged Americans to visit Israel now and in the future. In vision-casting remarks, NRB President & CEO Troy A. Miller told attendees that "NRB will continue to move forward in the fight. We will not be silent. We will not be quiet." Musical artists FOR KING + COUNTRY and Journey Worship Co. performed moving musical selections. NRB Board Chairman Jim Sanders closed the opening plenary session with a benediction. The Christian Broadcasting Network and the Israel Ministry of Tourism sponsored the session.
● The opening day of NRB Convention concluded with another valuable networking opportunity at the Industry Reception.
