As we gathered this week in Kansas City for the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) Convention, it was a bittersweet time. Broadcasters of all mediums and of all parts of the country came together and hugged for the first time in two years. While we kept close and had a convention virtually, we weren?t there to share in each other?s joys and sorrows.
While we may be competitors on the face of it, we are also a coalition of comrades with a common goal; to inform the American farmers and ranchers. As communications have evolved, many would assume that the organization made up mostly of radio stations, might be falling by the wayside. That it would be another dinosaur destined to fall under the digital platform.
However, it isn?t happening. As the year comes to an end, the current NAFB President reflects on his tenure at the helm and the changes he has seen. He also shares his optimism for the future of agriculture broadcasting.
Gale Cunningham is a broadcaster for WYXY Classic Radio in Champaign, Illinois. He is also the 2021 NAFB President. He has the challenge of leading the organization as it comes out of some of the most challenging times in history. Cunningham talks about the organization and the importance that we all meet together in person once again.
Cunningham talks about the camaraderie that is formed, even amongst those who are professional competitors. It is an atmosphere that is unlike any other profession. We all have the common goal of informing those who are part of the most important industry in the world, food production.
Cunningham says that he feels confident that the future of Farm Broadcasting is in good hands. The enthusiasm he sees in young broadcasters, coupled with the willingness of younger broadcasters to take responsibility for shaping the future of this industry, gives him hope of a strong and bright future.
My full conversation with NAFB President Gale Cunningham will air on this week’s edition of Weekend Ag Matters.
