Rita Frazer
RFD Radio Network
rfrazer@ilfb.org
(309) 557-2234
Years of Experience: 28
Board Experience: NAFB East Region Vice President
Chair NAFB awards committee, awards committee (3yrs)
Chair NAFB liaison with ag organizations committee
Illinois FFA communication summit committee
Macoupin County 4-H foundation board
Macoupin County 4-H extension council
Montgomery County extension council
President Carlinville chapter Toastmasters International
Board member Build Benld economic development committee
Bio: I have been director of network and audio services for the Illinois Farm Bureau since January 2015. Prior to my present position, I served as network anchor/broadcast editor with the RFD Illinois Radio Network joining the team in December 2011.
As director, I am responsible for the management and administration of the RFD Radio Network. I also serve as an on-air personality, joining DeLoss Jahnke in producing and distributing more than a dozen programs each weekday for use by more than 80 Illinois radio stations.
Prior to my present position, I served as network anchor/broadcast editor with the RFD Illinois Radio Network since joining in December 2011.
I was an award-winning farm broadcaster and 22-year employee with WSMI Radio in Litchfield, a major affiliate of the RFD Network. I also produced farm programming for soybean farmers for an ad-hoc network of stations, and produced the RFD Livestock Report under contract to IFB and the Illinois Livestock Development Group. I am a devoted member of the Illinois agriculture community, and work to promote the industry and educate consumers.
I am running for the office of National Vice President because I am also a devoted member of the NAFB, and truly believe that radio and NAFB Farm Broadcasters remain an essential part of agriculture and rural life.
I believe in farm broadcasting. I believe we need an organization that secures standards and provides support to members. I believe NAFB should continue to promote the value and effectiveness of farm broadcasting in all forms. I also strongly believe that farm radio is still relevant!
I also very much believe in the NAFB MISSION STATEMENT and the people that make up this National Association of Farm Broadcasting. Over the years I have realized that the members of NAFB are incredible people, many of whom I am lucky enough to call friend. I have listened and learned from the best in the business, and have grown from being a protégé into a mentor for students and young broadcasters today. I want the NAFB to be the outstanding organization it has always been for many years to come, and I am ready to step up and serve for that cause.
It is the perfect time in my professional life to serve on the national board. I have the support of my superiors and my network team members, and will be able to divide my time when needed between my network and board duties.
I can’t say there is ever a perfect time in one’s personal life to spend less time at home or with family, but my husband Mark and my daughter Alexa are also supportive of my decision to run for national office. Mark is the traffic manager for KTRS and because of his outstanding dedication to his work, he has been allowed to work from our home office since we moved to Clinton in 2013. This has been a blessing, and has anchored him at home before and after school for Alexa. Alexa Grace is 12, and a 7th grade student at Clinton Junior High. Alexa is active in student council and a volunteer for the Vault Youth Center in town, while maintaining and an A average in her classes. Alexa always prefers that I don’t do a lot of overnight travel, but seems to be very excited at the thought of getting to stay in the Presidential Suite if I make it to NAFB President. We have agreed as a family that it is the right time for me to serve on the national board.
