HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — WEMM owner Jack Mortenson, president of Mortenson Broadcasting Company, received the National Religious Broadcasters milestone award.

The award was presented on Feb. 21, at the awards dinner, at the NRB 2012 convention and exposition.

“This award would have not been possible without the loyalty and support of listeners in the Tri-State and Kanawha Valley,” said Bryan K. Fowler, general manager for the Huntington Cluster of MBC. “After being notified of winning the award, it was quite a task to get Mr. Mortenson to accept it. He says all the credit goes to the Lord and the listeners.”

Mortenson Broadcasting Company began with Mortenson and his late father, Dr. E. M. Mortenson. As one of the early pioneers in Christian radio broadcasting, under Jack’s leadership, MBC was in the Christian radio-broadcasting network that it is today.

“While developing radio and Internet outreach platforms that minister to various denominations and cultures, Mortenson Broadcasting has consistently focused on Christ and on proclaiming his name,” Dr. Frank Wright, NRB president and CEO, said. “Over the past 50 years, MBC’s programming has preached the Gospel, encouraged the faithful and undergirded the family.”

As the years have passed and with the progress of new technology, MBC continues to lead a growing trend of transition from general Christian formats to formats directed to specifically targeted audiences.

MBC is also at the forefront with the launch of a series of strategic digital media initiatives to provide its audiences, broadcasters and advertisers with new web and mobile platforms to further the cause of Christ locally and globally.

“In a culture where Christian Radio Stations stand with their hands out for money, we are so very proud of our company for affording the Tri-State and Kanawha Valley the opportunity to operate two full-time Christian radio outlets without ever accepting a dime from listeners,” Fowler said. “That is an accomplishment.”

In Huntington, MBC operates Gospel 107.9 FM and Shine 1200 WEMM.

The National Religious Broadcasters is a non-partisan, international association of Christian communicators whose member organizations represent millions of listeners, viewers and readers.

Their mission is to advance Biblical truth; to promote media excellence; and to defend free speech. In addition to promoting standards of excellence, integrity and accountability, NRB provides networking, educational, ministry and fellowship opportunities for its members. Learn more at www.nrb.org.