Broadcasting interests brought more that 100 Seventh-day Adventist broadcasters to an ad hoc event, March 7, in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, sponsored by Adventist Television Network.
Broadcasting interests brought more that 100 Seventh-day Adventist broadcasters to an ad hoc event, March 7, in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, sponsored by Adventist Television Network.
“It was quite a surprise to me how many broadcasters attended,” said Brad Thorp, executive director of ATN. Thorp said that the ATN event was the largest meeting attended by such a wide spectrum of Adventist broadcasters, producers, technicians, as well as representatives of manufacturers and media providers, and commented that it bore a “testimony to our common interest in reaching the world with the mission this church was given.”
Thorp welcomed broadcasters representing television, radio, Internet and independent productions attending a National Broadcasters Association convention, the world’s largest event and trade show.
The ATN evening event, which included a dinner, brought together broadcasters from Adventist World Radio, the church’s media centers, and television entities in North America, Brazil, Germany, Norway, Bolivia and Australia, as well as supporting ministries such as Three Angels Broadcasting, SafeTV and independent video and television producers.
Broadcasters expressed their support for the church’s efforts to diversify and increase its television ministry, but also challenged the church to pursue programming options for diverse audiences and age groups, especially for children and youth.
For David Brillhart of Brillhart Media, Columbia, Maryland, the meeting meant catching up with colleagues he met over the years while producing programs for the church. “I have been coming to NAB for 20 years. It was fascinating to meet friends again but also see how we are growing, and how many of us are pursuing excellence in broadcasting.”
Among those who expressed their fascination at so many broadcasters coming together was Ted Wilson, vice president of the world church and chairman of the ATN Operating Committee. He said that such a meeting was significant because of alliances and friendships that were being made, as well as for the spiritual nurture it provided.
“The many broadcasters who were present at the meeting and involved in evangelistic outreach show how we are part of the Body of Christ with the one purpose of uplifting Him and this Advent message,” Wilson adds.
Thorp expressed ATN’s interest to foster networking and common interests among the church’s broadcasters internationally.