CBC Media Awards & Conference 2003
The Christian Broadcasting Council – CBC held their Annual Media Awards and Conference on 26/27 September at the University of Keele, Staffordshire.

The conference sessions highlighted many aspects of Christian broadcasting and the role of Christianity in today's world of media.

Olave Snelling, CBC Chairman commented, “If we do one thing alone in this conference that should be for each of us to register the power of God in our lives to carry out the things He has set before us to do.”

Chris Cole, CEO of Cross Rhythms 101.8 (Stoke), reminded delegates that, “CBC represents the independent sector and 400,000 viewers and listeners. We are to be a positive voice in turbulent times.”

Gareth Littler, Director of the Centre for Justice and Liberty, pointed out that what Christians do is held up in terms of whether they cause offence or interfere with the rights of others. He said that, “Persecution may come for those who stand for the right to practice their Christian faith, who witness and then practice what they believe.”

Mal Fletcher of Next Wave International said that, “Europe today needs for us in the media to have a battle-hardened determination. What are you setting in motion today will be a real influence in the media in five years time? God wants you to speak into every home and car you can get into.”

The author of the book, 'Changing World, Changing Church', Rev Dr Michael Moynagh, commented that people are leaving existing church in droves and stacks more are about to leave. He went on to say, “If we are to be in tune with our culture we need to be doing church differently. Church must turn itself inside out. There is no alternative.”

“In the natural it looks impossible, but you pray, you get the witness, you push through and you do it,” said Johnny Woodrow, UK Regional Director of GOD-TV.

Paul Jones and his wife Fiona Henley Jones presented the CBC Media Awards for 2003 including Best Christian Radio Programme and Best Television Programme.

The winners were:

BEST CHRISTIAN RADIO PROGRAMME (Gold Award)
“ Tough talk on the streets of New York”
Presented by Martin Saunders & produced by Trevor Smith
For Premier Christian Radio

BEST CHRISTIAN RADIO DOCUMENTARY (Gold Award)
“ Sacrifice” Programmes Two and Three
Presented by Hajar Javaheri & produced by Sandra Herbert
For BBC Radio Leicester

BEST CHRISTIAN VIDEO (Gold Award)
“ More Than Survivors”
Produced by Sally Murcott – Magnetic Pictures
For Baptist Missionary Society World Mission

BEST CHRISTIAN TELEVISION PROGRAMME (Gold Award)
“ Journeys” – Programme One
Produced by Wild Rover
For Ulster Television (UTV)

BEST CHRISTIAN SATELLITE/CABLE PROGRAMME (Silver Award)
“ XLR8 TV”
Produced by Graeme Spencer
For Cloak Productions

BEST CHRISTIAN FILM (Gold Award)
“ Eikon – The Govan Chairman”
Presented by Lindsay Hill & produced/directed by Anna Hannigan
For Scottish Television by Scope Productions

THE JOHN Q DAVIS SPECIAL AWARD
Gareth Littler & Patricia Hargreaves, in recognition of their continued service in seeking justice and liberty for Christians in broadcasting

CBC's new General Secretary, J Peter Wilson, summed up the conference by saying, “This conference has shown the vital need for independent Christian broadcasters (ICB) who operate quality broadcasting stations and make programmes for the public service channels to be at the heart of broadcasting in this country.”

He continued, “Christian broadcasters must take-up the new opportunities now offered for religious programmes and new Christian stations. They can show the love of Jesus in their programmes to a world that is crying out for answers about life.”

Thursday 2 October 2003