Each year, the NRB Awards honor individuals and organizations who have demonstrated excellence, integrity, and a clear Gospel witness through media. But behind every plaque and podium moment is a deeper story of legacy, humility, and calling.
As NRB receives applications for the 2026 Media and Special Service Awards, last year’s recipients reflect not only on the honor itself, but on what it represents in the broader mission of Christian communication.
Roger Kemp: “Go and do likewise.”
Roger Kemp, president of RK Media and recipient of the 2025 William Ward Ayer Award for Distinguished Service, points to the generational ripple effects of faithful leadership in Christian media.
“In my 46-year career in Christian media, I’ve only had three employers. As it turns out, all three were NRB Hall of Famers. See, this is what NRB is all about. Our colleagues, our mentors, our employers, are men and women of great faith who invest in our lives so that we ‘go and do likewise.’”
Victor Kaonga: “No effort…for God’s glory goes unnoticed.”
Victor Kaonga, international director for Eastern & Southern Africa at TWR, received recognition for the work he and his team accomplished at TWR Malawi.
“I am just encouraged that the efforts we made in locally resourcing the ministry and expanding the FM network have been recognized internationally. I almost broke into tears that day when I came to the stage realizing that I was uniquely privileged to represent Malawians and the Africa region to receive such an award. I was very humbled.
“Since my work covers all partners in East and Southern Africa region, I believe partners in each of these countries can also rise to the occasion and be inspired by TWR Malawi. They are doing a good job, but I will encourage them to do even better than TWR Malawi; after all, no effort made in and for God’s glory goes unnoticed.”
Anne Graham Lotz: “Heaven’s whisper of applause.”
For author and evangelis t Anne Graham Lotz, the award carried with it an affirmation of her calling and a reminder of the relationships that have supported her ministry.
“To be singled out for the NRB Chairman’s Award was highly honoring and at the same time, very humbling. I received it as Heaven’s whisper of applause for the ministry to which God has called me. And one day, I will have the high privilege of laying it at the feet of Jesus in gratitude for all He has enabled me to do, for His glory.
“The primary benefit that I’ve experienced from my interactions with NRB has to do with relationships. My first time at NRB was at the invitation of Brandt Gustavson. He was encouraging and very supportive of God’s call on my life. His attitude has been reflected in chairmen I’ve known since.”
Mark Dreistadt: “A milestone and a motivator.”
For Mark Dreistadt, president and CEO of Infinity Concepts, the honor encouraged both his personal mission and the team behind the scenes.
“Receiving the 2025 Digital Innovation Award…affirmed that the work we are doing at Infinity Concepts is not only relevant but also resonating within the community of Christian communicators. Personally, it was a humbling reminder that innovation rooted in meaningful ministry purpose can have a real impact.
“The award energized our entire Infinity Concepts team. It was a tangible acknowledgment of their commitment to excellence. It affirmed that our approach—blending strategy, creativity, and technology to advance the Kingdom—is making a difference. It also reinforced our commitment to lead with integrity and innovation in the Christian media world. Being recognized by the NRB has become a milestone for our agency and a motivator for future innovation.”
Joe Battaglia: “I would not be the person I am today without NRB.”
For Joe Battaglia, founder and CEO of Renaissance Communications, Inc., the NRB Award represents his lifelong relationship with the organization that helped direct both his career path and personal life.
“Early on, [NRB] provided the platform to help me understand the broadcast industry from the faith perspective and receive encouragement as a young broadcaster from many seasoned saints. Strategically, NRB provided an opportunity to know many of the broadcasters I would welcome to my station and ultimately come to know as friends. Simply, NRB was an encouragement to me throughout my life. I would not be the person I am today without NRB.
“You always hope that any personal recognition goes beyond yourself to inspire and encourage others to participate and contribute for the benefit of future generations.”
Pastor Allen Jackson: “It’s time to take your place.”
For Pastor Allen Jackson, a longtime broadcaster and minister, the awards his ministry received were markers in the broader mission to speak biblical truth into culture.
“It takes the efforts of many people to produce our broadcasts each day, and while receiving an award isn’t necessary (we’re all doing this to build God’s Kingdom!), it’s a tremendous source of encouragement to me and my team.
“We were given the Best Original Podcast Award within a year of launching The Culture & Christianity Podcast, and it helped affirm something we knew to be true: people are hungry for truth, and they need practical ways they can apply their faith to make a difference in their homes, schools, and communities.
“The Radio Impact Award was also a blessing to receive, honoring the investment our ‘little country church’ has made in strengthening Christ followers across the nation. It is time for The Church to take our stand for biblical truth in our culture, and it’s an honor to be a part of His purposes.
“We have had the privilege of working with NRB for many years now, and we are grateful for their voice and their influence for biblical values in our culture. Through NRB, we have grown relationships with other likeminded Christ followers and have increased our ministry’s impact. Many of our relationships, vendors, and media resources are a result of participating in the NRB annual conference. This has directly impacted our content creation, including our podcast and radio ministries.”
Pastor Jackson’s encouragement to other Christian media leaders:
“Begin where you are, with the resources available and always strive for excellence. God determines outcomes and provides the opportunities for the increase. There are many voices of truth rising up in the culture, and it’s time to take your place.
“For too long, Christian voices have been silenced, and we need to recognize the critical importance of being Jesus’ advocates in our generation. We are living in the midst of an unprecedented window of opportunity to boldly speak truth and proclaim the name of Jesus—so let’s go do it! Our influence begins around our kitchen tables; start by telling the truth to your family, your friends, and your local community, and more opportunities will arise. It is hard work, but a worthwhile investment!”
Recognize Kingdom Impact. Inspire Others.
The NRB awards honor individuals and organizations who model excellence in Christian media through faithful service, creative innovation, and a clear commitment to the Gospel. As the testimonies of past recipients show, these awards aren’t about self-promotion. They’re about encouraging one another, celebrating meaningful ministry, and inspiring the NRB community to reach further in proclaiming truth to a world in need.
Your story matters. Whether you’re leading a small church broadcast, a global media ministry, or a behind-the-scenes production team.
Know someone making an eternal impact through media? Is your team doing work that deserves recognition? APPLY or NOMINATE for the 2026 Media or Special Service Awards.
Applications close on August 15, 2025. The awards will be celebrated at the Media Awards Luncheon and the Closing Gala at the NRB 2026 International Christian Media Convention in Nashville, Tenn. from February 17–20, 2026.