The National Rifle Association has been self-reforming. Part of getting that message out involves engaging with new audiences. It was announced the Association is now sponsoring Armed American Radio.
Via a press release from the National Rifle Association, the organization announced they’ve teamed up to sponsor Mark Walters’ Armed American Radio. Walters has been hosting the radio show for over 15 years. Walters, admittedly, has been critical of past NRA leadership, however, he’s embracing the current team as they’re turning over a new leaf.
“The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) is proud to announce its sponsorship of Armed American Radio, hosted by Second Amendment author and activist Mark Walters,” the release stated. “A product of the Salem Radio Network, Armed American Radio airs live on Sundays from 8:00 to 11:00 pm Eastern Time on over 200 stations across the country and is streamed on social media and podcast platforms.”
On Walters’ May 30, 2025 show, he shared the announcement by reading from the Association's release. “Ladies and gentlemen, I've been teasing a big announcement coming up on Sunday, and the National Rifle Association has just put up earlier today a large press release that went out,” Walters said. “NRA signs on [as] a sponsor of Armed American Radio.”
“I am honored and thrilled to join forces with the National Rifle Association,” said Walters in the NRA release. “Armed American Radio stands firm with the NRA and our goal of moving forward together to advance the mission of protecting, advancing, and safeguarding our cherished Second Amendment freedoms.”
Further on in the May 30 show, Walters did address his past scrutiny of the Association. “While I was critical of the National Rifle Association management over the last few years,” Walters said, “I was never critical of the NRA itself. In fact, I told you repeatedly that you still had to be a member of the NRA. This is the largest gun rights organization on Earth, over three-and-a-half-million members. It has shed some members because of what occurred. Now we look forward, and we need you to rejoin [...] if you're not a member.”
Leadership from the NRA took the opportunity to celebrate this new relationship too.
“The NRA is excited to support Armed American Radio and its proven defense of the truth about America’s gun owners and the right to self-defense,” said Doug Hamlin, NRA executive vice president & CEO. “Mark offers bold insight and fearless commentary on the topics of the day that impact law-abiding gun owners and constitutional freedoms. Armed American Radio is an important voice in the fight to promote and defend Second Amendment rights, and Mark is an ally to the NRA in our mission to safeguard gun rights in America.”
Walters hosted Hamlin on the May 11 episode of AAR, about two weeks after the Association’s Annual Meeting. The 2025 NRAAM had several reformative and meaningful events occur; the addition of more NRA 2.0 board members, the introduction of NRA’s “Voices of the Second Amendment” program, the unseating of NRA President Bob Barr and sweeping of the officers’ election, and a message of continued support was shared by President Trump.
Bearing Arms has spoken to Hamlin several times since he’s become the executive vice president of the Association. He’s discussed the efforts the organization is taking to bring the NRA back. Hamlin has also addressed some of the concerns of members and former members.
“It's my pledge to our members that we are going to be extremely judicious with any expenditures that come from their membership dues,” Hamlin promised during a recent interview concerning NRA’s path forward. “We have a chief compliance officer in place now. Malfeasance will not be tolerated. We have a whistleblower policy that's available. You can do it anonymously, you can do it by name.”
Bringing transparency and engagement with members are more measures the Association has committed to going forward. Hamlin et.al. answered questions at a town hall style meeting at the annual Great American Outdoor Show. He has also been making appearances at several events such as Friends of the NRA banquets–with more to follow.
Seeing the NRA engage with more media is a positive sign. This forward-facing policy shows the leadership has come out from the shadows and that they are ready to move forward. The NRA teaming with those who were formerly critical of the group’s management shows they’re making enough change to sway those strong opinions. Ardent and steadfast Second Amendment advocates like Walters are onboard, and that is indicative of positive reformation.
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