Educational Media Foundation has appointed Bill Reeves as its new CEO filling the opening following last year’s retirement of Mike Novak.
EMF has also signed a letter of intent to purchase The WTA Group, which Reeves co-founded in 2009. WTA Group markets and finances Christian themed productions and publications. Reeves has also worked as multiple other Christian focused companies working on marketing and licensing for Thomas Nelson Publishers, Big Idea Productions and Word Music.
INSTANT INSIGHT: Now that EMF has entered the majority of the major markets, Reeves brings the ability for the organization to work on building the K-Love and Air1 brands into nationally known platforms. With not many other radio markets left to add, expansion into other mediums makes sense for EMF to continue to grow in the coming years.
After an extensive national search, Educational Media Foundation (EMF)—parent company of K-LOVE and Air1 contemporary Christian radio networks—has named Bill Reeves, founder and president of The WTA Group, as CEO.
“God always sends the right person at the right time,” said Alan Mason, interim CEO and President of EMF. “Bill’s unique skill set and personality are a great match with our current and future needs, and his vast media experience complements radio as we take our first step toward becoming a more diversified media ministry.”
“All of us at EMF are excited to welcome Bill into our family,” said Mark Voltmann, EMF Chairman of the Board. “Bill’s love for the Lord and ministry through Christian media is a great fit.”
A number of K-LOVE and Air1 artists who have longstanding relationships with Bill welcomed the news. “When I found out Bill was coming to EMF, I was elated,” said Grammy-nominated musician Nicole C. Mullen. “He’s not just brilliant in business, he has the heart and the character to back it, and that’s a combination that few possess.”
AMA, GMA and K-LOVE Fan Award winner Matthew West commented, “Bill’s been in and around the music industry in different capacities for many years, he knows lots of different sides of it, and so I think it’s a perfect fit.”
Grammy, GMA, and K-LOVE Fan Award winners for King & Country lead singers Joel and Luke Smallbone added, “Bill is someone we believe is going to celebrate the mission of K-LOVE and Air1 and take it to new heights.”
Founded in 1981 with one station in Santa Rosa, California, EMF— through its K-LOVE and Air1 networks—has grown to broadcast on more than 900 signals in all 50 states with an estimated 14 million listeners each week. EMF is among the top 10 U.S.-based audio streaming companies. EMF also operates K-LOVE Classics, a radio network focusing on Christian music from the 1980s forward.
EMF has issued a letter of intent to acquire The WTA Group, which Reeves founded in 2009, and which has become a leader in development and marketing of faith-based film and publishing.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge of this expanded role with EMF,” Reeves said. “K-LOVE and Air1 have tremendous impact on our culture, and I look forward to continuing to grow that impact and reach both through the radio networks and through new media in the future.”
Reeves and his wife, Heidi, will relocate to Rocklin where most of EMF’s 400 employees work. WTA Group will remain in Nashville where it has operated since its inception.
