March 9, 2023

NRB to FCC: Signal Support for Full ATSC 3.0 Transition

On March 3, the NRB wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Jessica Rosenworcel, urging the FCC to signal its support for a full and timely transition to the ATSC 3.0 television standard.

ATSC 3.0, known commercially as NextGen TV, is the gold standard for over-the-air (OTA) television broadcasting. This standard, approved by the FCC in 2017, boasts two-way interactivity, multi-screen applications, higher resolution, and more through a combination of broadcast TV with broadband internet. Broadcasters in many markets are already using this new technology to deliver a cutting-edge end user experience, with ATSC 3.0 stations currently available in some 68 markets covering 60 percent of U.S. homes.

Melissa Sturgis Rejoins NRB as Director of Membership

We are delighted to announce that Melissa Sturgis has returned to NRB as the Director of Membership.

In this key role, Melissa will be responsible for revamping the membership department to develop new avenues for enhancing membership value and growing NRB’s membership in new areas.

“We’re excited to welcome Melissa back to NRB,” said NRB President & CEO Troy A. Miller. “She is committed to applying her experience and insight to help expand the NRB family and support our historic mission of maintaining access for Christian communicators.”

Melissa formerly served as NRB’s Director of Membership from 2013 to 2016. After leaving NRB, she returned to college and earned a master’s in communication from Regis University. She has also served in community and public relations positions, most recently for Wounded Warrior Project. Melissa brings significant experience to this role, as well as a proven track record of success in the membership area. She is passionate about Christian broadcasting and sharing the message of Christ.

“I am so very blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of the NRB team again,” said Sturgis. “I look forward to serving NRB members, growing NRB membership, and seeing an ever-growing number of people reached with the Gospel.”

Melissa can be reached at msturgis@nrb.org or (202) 849-8446. Please join us in warmly welcoming Melissa back to the NRB!

At NRB 2023, Thought Leaders to Discuss the Dangerous Implications of Woke Ideologies

On Tuesday, May 23, NRB will host a robust panel discussion on the influence of critical theory on schools and churches, and the proliferation of “wokeness” in corporate boardrooms through diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. How should Christians exercise wisdom and discernment in an environment where godless belief systems masquerade as morality, and how can Christian communicators dissent from the culture?

Member Spotlight: CrossExamined

Founded in 2006 to provide believers and non-believers alike with the evidence for Christianity, CrossExamined is an inter-denominational, Christian apologetics ministry that reaches high school and college campuses, equips the Church, and “puts a stone in the shoe of skeptics.”

In Memoriam: Ferdinand “Ferdy” Mahfood

On February 26, 2023, Food For The Poor (FFTP) founder Ferdinand “Ferdy” Mahfood went to be with the Lord.

“Ferdinand was a visionary leader who leaves behind a legacy of Christian service,” said NRB President & CEO Troy A. Miller. “The organization he founded has touched the lives of millions of people in need across the Caribbean and Latin America, and he set a Christlike example with his unwavering dedication to serving those less fortunate.”

NRB Member News

• James Rosen: Justice Antonin Scalia's "Rise to Greatness"
• Pacific Justice Institute: Tucker Carlson Interview on Fox News
• Movieguide®: How Pure Flix Helps Viewers Encounter God this Easter Season
• 'Jesus Can Provide Hope': Ministering God's Kindness in Turkey's Dark Aftermath
• FRC to Join Georgia Pastors and Leaders in Delivering More than 20,000 Petitions to Port Wentworth Mayor, City Council in Support of Former Georgia Police Officer Jacob Kersey
• Samaritan's Purse: Rebuilding Liberia’s Communities Through Its Churches
• First-ever surgery performed on board the Global Mercy
• Pastor Alistair Begg Speaks Out on the Dangers of Compromising Biblical Truths

NRB Reminders

Industry Trends and Insights

• FCC: March Regulatory Dates for Broadcasters
• EAS, EEO, Office Reopening, Filing Fee Guide
• FCC Adopts Temporary Stay of ATSC 3.0 A/322 Rule Sunset
• Bill to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent Reintroduced in Congress
• Why True Influence Comes in All Sizes
• Unleashing the Power of Instagram Reels: 7 Proven Strategies for Your Organization
• Which Social Media Platform Does your Radio Audience Use?
• Interview Tip: It’s His Show

Industry Job Openings

• Membership Coordinator (NRB)
• Digital Content Coordinator - Part Time (KCBI)
• Producer/New Weekly Program (Life Issues Institute)
• Board Operator (Salem Media Group)
• Listener Engagement Specialist (Heartfelt Radio)