WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today over 550 radio and television broadcasters from all 50 states convened in Washington, D.C. at the Salamander Hotel for the National Association of Broadcasters’ (NAB) annual State Leadership Conference (SLC). Jorge Estevez, an anchor with WSB-TV Channel 2 in Atlanta Ga., emceed the event, which focused on the vital, local service broadcasters provide and the impact policy issues can have on stations and the communities they serve. Today and tomorrow, broadcasters head to Capitol Hill to meet with their members of Congress to discuss local stations’ policy priorities for the 119th Congress.
NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt kicked off the event with remarks about broadcasters’ essential role in their communities and the impact of their advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill. LeGeyt also highlighted key policy priorities that broadcast advocates will discuss with lawmakers tomorrow, including the urgent need to modernize broadcast ownership rules and the effort to keep AM radio accessible in automobiles.
LeGeyt also moderated a fireside chat with Brody Mullins, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author, where they discussed how advocacy strategies have evolved and the importance of grassroots lobbying.
Attendees heard from a lineup of legislators and policymakers who play key roles in shaping broadcast policy, including Sen. Ted Cruz (TX), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, who spoke about the importance of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, of which he is the lead sponsor. Sen. Maria Cantwell (WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, spoke about the important work local stations do in their communities, calling for the modernization of outdated broadcast ownership rules and other measures to support broadcasters’ investment in local journalism. Rep. Brett Guthrie (KY-2), chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, shared how broadcasters play a critical role in times of emergency and the need for a level playing field for broadcasters to compete and thrive. Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-8), ranking member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, spoke about how a strong and independent local broadcast media is essential to democracy.
In addition, Rick Kaplan, NAB’s chief legal officer and executive vice president, Legal and Regulatory Affairs, moderated a Q-and-A with FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington. They discussed the importance of implementing an orderly transition to the ATSC 3.0 standard for the benefit of consumers and the need to address decades old media ownership rules.
Other highlights included a briefing from the NAB Government Relations team focused on key issues for broadcasters; the presentation of the Crystal Radio Awards that honor stations’ exceptional public service, the presentation of the Crystal Heritage and Chuck Sherman Television Leadership Awards; and a presentation honoring Wendy Paulson, outgoing president of the National Alliance of State Broadcasters Associations (NASBA).
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at nab.org.
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