By Mark Dreistadt, President & CEO, Infinity Concepts
The year 2006 may be the year of change for television at NRB. With the advent of new technology, the launching of the Reach Conference, the growing impact of Internet TV and handheld video devices, and the changes in leadership on the TV Committee, 2006 definitely looks to be the year of change.
Let’s start with basics. After four years as Chairman of the TV Committee, I will be stepping aside to allow new leadership to step forward. I have been involved with the TV Committee for over a decade and have thoroughly enjoyed working with the many fine and talented people who have served with me on the committee over the years. While I plan to continue to work with the TV Committee, this is the year for a change in leadership.
In the past couple of years, we have seen the restructuring of the TV Committee from 30 members down to 12 in order to conform to NRB guidelines. We have witnessed the birth of the TV Forum and the TV News Forum in the process. That transition is now complete, and there will be a change in the way the TV Committee operates.
Through the TV News Forum, in cooperation with CBN, this year marked the first time video clips were delivered from TV News Forum participants around the world through the Internet. The people involved with television at NRB are a dynamic, resourceful, and talented group. As a result, there has been a change in the way footage can be gathered from across the globe.
This is also the year for the debut of Reach 2006 Innovative Media Conference, sponsored by NRB. This dynamic event is designed to inspire and motivate creative communicators to engage a sight and sound generation with the Gospel through innovative media. It’s a change in the way we reach out to the world.
Technology is changing the world around us. Over-the-air broadcasting has given way first to cable, then to satellite, and now to the Internet. More and more people are converting to broadband for their Internet connection, making Internet TV more and more a reality. For the cost of streaming video, a ministry can now broadcast around the world. This is a change in the delivery options available to programmers and broadcasters.
Speaking of technology, if you haven’t seen video on a handheld device, you need to check it out. More and more content is being delivered to cell phones, PDAs, and portable video players. The quality is excellent, and content options will continue to increase. This is a change in the way content will be viewed.
So many changes, but much remains the same: new leadership … consistent passion; new structure … constant goals; new styles … the ageless Gospel; new technologies … timeless truth; new delivery systems … unchanging message; new viewing systems … same need for Jesus.
Let’s embrace the changes and hold fast to the unchanging commitment that drives us to utilize all the creativity God has given us … that the world may know the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This feature article appeared in the February-March 200/ edition of NRB Magazine.