This week, the Oregon Conference announced transitions coming to the Oregon Conference Media Center. The process began when the Oregon Conference Executive Committee voted in June to move away from TV ministry in the Portland area.

For nearly a decade, the Media Center has been investing in over-the-air television technology, intending to create a Conference-branded station in the Portland-area. The television industry has changed, however. While digital distribution of television content is increasing, the over-the-air broadcast model is experiencing a great deal of uncertainty.

“It has become clear,” writes Jonathan Russell, assistant to the president for multimedia communication, "that the ongoing expenses and required investments in future TV ministry make it unwise for us to continue. In response to the executive committee’s decision, we have begun exploring how to properly bring this TV ministry to a close. We will immediately begin working with the Southern Oregon Conference Association AdCo and board (the legal owners of the TV station) to determine the best path forward. While the process is complex, we will work with due diligence to bring this television ministry to its conclusion, while planning for the future of media ministry in the Oregon Conference.”

As a part of the transition, it was announced that the position of Media Center director would be phased out, effective October 6, 2018. At the present time, the Media Center will operate under the direction of the assistant to the president for Multimedia Communication.

Although the Media Center is moving away from TV ministry, it will continue to serve the needs of the Conference and its churches through video production, live event services and consulting.