The NRB International Christian Media Convention takes place at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville from Feb. 17–20.
Organizers expect approximately 6,000 visitors this year, following last year’s attendance of roughly 5,800 people representing 52 countries. The show’s core mission is to serve as a relationship-building hub for Christian media professionals.
Some of the most successful movies, TV shows and other Christian media projects have debuted at the convention, organizers told Radio World.
“If you have a program or product for the faith audience, the NRB Convention is the place to start,” organizers said.
Radio World readers will recognize both session presenters and exhibitors, and we asked the organization to give us a feel of what attendees with radio-related interests might expect next week in the Music City.
Regulatory and behind the mic
There will be approximately 230 exhibits across the 55,000-square foot space at the Gaylord Opryland. The convention will feature several sessions focused on the radio industry, from getting the most out of your station’s faith-based programming, to understanding the current tenor of the FCC’s regulatory shifts.
On Wednesday, Juan Galdamez, senior director of broadcast strategy at Xperi, will discuss radio’s position in connected cars in “Current Technology Trends for Broadcasters.”
Attorneys David Oxenford and Joseph Chautin will lead a session regarding the FCC’s recent regulatory changes and their implications for broadcasters in “FCC Regulatory Reset.”
In a session titled “Why Listen,” Chuck Finney of Finney Media will present findings from a study his company conducted last year on what makes Christian radio listeners tune in and out of programming.
Other sessions include a Thursday workshop by Fred Jacobs of Jacobs Media on the role and importance of local radio, and a presentation by Matt Harper of Connecticut’s 104.9 WIHS(FM) on community outreach through working with local houses of worship.
The NRB radio advisory council will hold a standing committee meeting on Thursday that is open to radio professionals.
Suppliers and networks
Among exhibitors that will be familiar to Radio World readers are names such as Aiir, American Amplifier Technologies, Avid, B&H, Broadcasters General Store, BSW, Christian FM Media Group, Encompass Digital Media, LinkUp Communications, Live365, RCS, Rohde & Schwarz and SCMS. (Here’s the full list.)
Broadcast networks such as iHeartMedia, American Family Association, CSN Radio, Faith Radio and K-Love/Air1 will also have booths inside the Gaylord Opryland.
The opening session features music from Michael W. Smith and Nicole C. Mullen, with remarks by H.B. Charles Jr., pastor-teacher at the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Fla.
On Thursday evening, Feb. 19, NRB will host an event with the White House to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, featuring speakers from the White House’s Task Force 250.
AM radio and local ownership
NRB included its legislative and regulatory priorities on protecting local and faith-based broadcasters as one of its core NRB Show messages. That includes through the organization’s advocation of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.
“NRB is pursuing multiple legislative pathways to move the AM bill forward, including surface transportation reauthorization, the FY 2027 appropriations process and potential end-of-year legislative packages,” the organization said.
The organization is also opposed to “harmful ownership consolidation,” saying that it opposes changes to local and national television ownership rules. NRB believes further consolidation would reduce faith-based programming and viewpoint diversity.
It also continues to oppose new music performance royalties, fees or taxes on local radio and supports the Local Radio Freedom Act in both chambers.
