Chair's Message

July, 2007

To put it simply, there is no NAMME without you. Over the course of the next two years, I will do my best to lead this group to continued greatness. But I cannot do this alone. I will succeed because we have done everything we can to achieve the goals of this organization. I will succeed because we have all have shed the sweat – and tears – to Revitalize, Reenergize, Rejuvenate and Reinvent this organization.

Let me be clear the core philosophy of this organization is its commitment to increasing diversity in the ranks of all media by empowering our members to drive change. The founders of this organization set us on this path, and while we have made substantial gains in some areas, our work has just begun; the journey is at its very early stages.

The reality is that many of us are still ‘the only’ or ‘the first’. The latest RTNDA (Radio Television News Directors Association) – Ball State University survey results are a reminder of the work before us. The results show that between 2007 and 2006, the number of minorities in the television and radios news workforces is going down. They’re going in the wrong direction. FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein is just as frustrated as you and I are. He told us so in so many words during our Annual Conference. He wants our help in reversing this trend.

Now, is the time for us to continue to drive the need for diversity in all forms of media, across all disciplines, across all platforms. NAMME is well positioned to be the organization to lead the charge, to lead the change. Quite honestly, the future of this organization is dependent on increasing the ranks of minority executives. The future also is dependent on reenergizing our core supporters, greatly expanding our membership into broadcast and interactive media, and strengthening our programs so that they are relevant, informative, educational and can easily demonstrate an ROI for any member or company involved with us.

In the days and weeks ahead, you will learn more about how I want to work with you to guarantee that NAMME is top of mind at media organizations around this country. Let me outline four key areas that I will define ‘new’ NAMME:

• Identifying new ways to grow our fundraising efforts beyond specific events.
• Simplifying our membership categories and rate structure to increase and retain membership.
• Increasing the promotion of NAMME’s profile in the media.
• Providing more timely and consistent programs and services via e-seminars/webinars and locally sponsored events throughout the course of the year to reach more members, particularly in the areas of leadership development and digital media.

I’m very excited about the possibilities. As I talked with many of you over the course of the past several weeks, I have been greatly encouraged by your faith, support and commitment to help NAMME become a stronger, more vibrant and omnipresent voice on issues of diversity in the media.

So, get ready. You’re going to know NAMME like you’ve never known it before.

As the late Congressman Adam Clayton Powell used to say, ‘Keep the Faith, Baby!’

Neil