Christian broadcasters are gathering this week in Nashville for the National Religious Broadcasters’ annual Convention, billed as the largest event of its kind that is “dedicated solely to assist those in the field of Christian communications.”
Thousands are attending the four-day event that started Monday and features industry shop talk and a Presidential Forum headlined by former President Donald Trump.
Some might cast a wary eye around the media world: 2024 has been tough in many corners, where outlets such as CNN and CBS have announced major layoffs and media writers wonder aloud whether the industry is in meltdown.
One Christian communications executive who isn’t worried is Rich Bott. He believes the essence of the Christian message — and a need for its teachings — will keep the airwaves humming.
Bott, president and CEO of Bott Radio Network, told the Washington Times, “There’s a tremendous hunger for the teaching and preaching of God’s Word,” which helps keep that network of stations operating.
Mark Dreistadt, president and CEO of Infinity Concepts pointed out that companies such as Bott Radio Network are likely to do better than some mass-media players because of their targeting a specific, interest clientele.
He said they have “a very specific message that they’re delivering to an audience looking for that specific message. “