Key points:
- United Methodist Radio Network is rebranding to United Methodist Broadcast Network to embrace new digital technologies and reach more people.
- Broadcast channels will include television, web streaming and social media in order to reach people previously not reached by radio.
- The decision affirms the network’s commitment to engage people in new ways with the theme, “Many voices, one message.”
The United Methodist Radio Network has voted unanimously to rebrand as the United Methodist Broadcast Network.
The change, made during the group’s annual meeting in South Africa June 19-21, shows the network's commitment to using the power of broadcasting to reach more people with messages of faith.
Under the theme “The Power of Broadcasting: Many Voices, One Message,” broadcasters, communication leaders and technologists from Africa and the Philippines gathered to discuss the future of broadcasting in The United Methodist Church.
“As we welcome you to South Africa and the Mozambique Episcopal Area, you have crossed bridges, and as communicators and broadcasters, crossing bridges is what we will need in order for the church to reached unreached places through the skills that you are getting at this meeting,” said the Rev. Miriam Magura, superintendent of the Central District in the South Africa Provisional Conference.
Dan Krause, top staff executive of United Methodist Communications, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunities ahead. He noted the diversity and the nature of the broadcasting systems that annual conferences are operating in different countries.
“We are obviously at a pivotal time in The United Methodist Church, but I think it’s also an exciting time because whatever lies ahead, we’re going to need to make sure that we continue to speak to the world in relevant ways and to use the latest technologies to reach people,” Krause said.
Tafadzwa W. Mudambanuki, director of United Methodist Communications’ central conference relations, said the reimagined network becomes a means to bring more people to Christ.
“Winning souls is the heartbeat of the gospel,” he said.
Pacome Nguessan, top staff executive of the United Methodist Broadcast Network, was excited about the change and shared how the process had been going since 2015. He said it was important to keep improving the communication strategy so that it stays relevant to the needs of the audience.
Attendees overwhelmingly supported the network's name change to the United Methodist Broadcast Network, recognizing the importance of inclusive communication in today's world. The network intends to use “broadcast” to include TV, web streaming and social media.
Nguessan said he believes that this makeover shows the network's dedication to adapting and utilizing all forms of broadcasting to spread faith, hope and love.
“The new name for the network is a new wineskin of reaching the world — reaching a wider generation and a wider audience through broadcasting,” said Danny Mai, chief operating officer for United Methodist Communications.
Throughout the meeting, participants shared their motivations, experiences and success stories. The United Methodist Broadcast Network's commitment to fostering unity and inclusion among its members was evident, as participants from different countries and cultures engaged in fruitful conversations.
Ashley Gish, United Methodist Communications’ director of global communications technology strategy, praised the network's commitment to embracing new digital technologies. She explained that the transition represents a laudable change in the approach to communication, adding that this will open new opportunities to engage people and increase the influence of The United Methodist Church.
Looking ahead, the United Methodist Broadcast Network aims to build on the conference by creating a comprehensive plan to develop more effective broadcast platforms.
Krause shared that by taking a multifaceted approach that embraces both traditional and emerging technologies, the network seeks to engage people of all ages and backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
The United Methodist Broadcast Network is resolute in its commitment to deliver an enduring message of faith, hope and love to a world in need of spiritual guidance, said Nguessan. He said the network continues to empower and connect communities through the commitment to “Many voices, one message,” bringing people closer to their shared values and giving them a better understanding of the power of faith.
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Muzerengwa is a communicator in the Zimbabwe East Conference. Maforo is director of communications in the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area.
News media contact Julie Dwyer at 615-742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free Daily or Weekly Digests.
