The NAB and the NAB Show have been an integral part of both my fathers’ and my life. Working for the NAB was one of the happiest times in Dads’ career, and the last 15 years working as a contractor at the NAB Show has been one of my happiest as well.
Dad served as a Communications Officer in WWII followed by assignment in Washington, DC as Deputy Officer in charge and Production Director of AFRS. He later worked for NBC News in Washington, Broadcasting Magazine, Voice of America, the State Department, and as Chief of Staff and Assistant Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
In 1954 Dad took the job as Public Relations Director for the NAB where he worked until 1957 (the year I was born). After the NAB he became a Media Broker for Blackburn & Company, and they had a suite at the NAB Show for many years. I can’t remember exactly when I started tagging along but it was long enough ago that the show used to be in different cities each year (before they locked on Vegas). Since the brokers never left the suite, I used to “borrow” a badge and wander the floor of the show. That is where my love for the industry formed, and likely led to my own 45-year career in Broadcasting.
Over the years I worked at local TV stations, CBS Sports, Comedy Central, and the Discovery US Networks. I attended the show many times in those jobs. After going out on my own in 2008 the NAB was one of my first clients. It brought Dad great joy when I started working with the NAB and completed our circle. My role has shifted across the years, but the NAB Show has remained one of my favorite jobs each year. When I walk into the LVCC each year, I still feel like that little kid sneaking in over 50 years ago.
– Bob Sitrick | Bethesda, Md.
You were just glued to the screen. That song came on the radio. The best NAB Show you ever attended.
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