The Educational Media Foundation (EMF) announced it would be moving its global headquarters from Rocklin, California to Nashville, Tennessee. EMF is the parent company to popular contemporary Christian radio networks K-LOVE and Air1, as well as Christian content producers AccessMore podcasts and WTA Media.
EMF stated that the transition would take about three years’ time. In its announcement, EMF clarified that it had also made small preparations for this move in advance, such as the expansion of broadcast studios and offices for the companies already based in the state.
EMF CEO Bill Reeves suggested that this move better aligns with their religious agendas.
After much prayer, extensive discussion, and research, the EMF Board and leadership team are in unanimous agreement that relocating our headquarters to the Nashville area will position us to fulfill our mission of creating compelling media that inspires and encourages audiences to have a meaningful relationship with Christ. This move will enable us to better serve our audiences and deepen our relationship with faith-focused artists, content creators and the recording, film, and publishing industries as we continue to broaden our media offerings through radio, film, streaming, live events, books, and more.
Governor Bill Lee thanked EMF for choosing Tennessee.
“Our state is home to some of the top music, media, and entertainment companies, and EMF will be a respected addition to this important sector,” stated Lee.
During the three years it projects for relocation efforts, EMF stated that it will grow its staff – bringing more jobs to the Volunteer State.
EMF is one of many in a trend of individuals and businesses alike migrating to the Volunteer State. Other major companies over the past few years have been swayed by Tennessee’s fiscal incentives in its policy and tax impacts. These include Mitsubishi Motors, The Daily Wire, the ICEE Company, and CKE Restaurants (owns Carl’s Junior and Hardee’s).
The “California Exodus,” as it’s been dubbed, has become so obvious that the California Policy Center created a running list of companies and major entrepreneurs that fled the state, along with their market value.
At the beginning of the year, The Tennessee Star shared details of U-Haul’s report that Tennessee had the largest net gain of moving trucks crossing its borders over the past year.
– – –
Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and the Star News Network. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to [email protected].
