-- Move Re-unifies NAB --
-- CBS's Television and Radio Stations Return to the NAB Fold --
-- Fox-owned Television Stations and MyNetworkTV Also Join NAB --
Washington, DC - CBS Corporation and FOX Broadcasting have rejoined the National Association of Broadcasters, the companies announced today.
Today's announcement also includes the return of CBS's 29 television stations and 130 radio stations into NAB membership, as well as the 27 owned-and-operated Fox Television Stations and the MyNetworkTV programming service. As the primary advocacy organization in Washington for over-the-air broadcasters, NAB represents the interests of thousands of local radio and television stations, and now the following television networks: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ION Media Networks, Telemundo, and Univision.
In regards to the announcement, Jack Abernethy, Chief Executive Officer of Fox Television Stations, commented: "The interests of our industry, our company and our viewers are best served by speaking with one voice on Capitol Hill, at the FCC and in the Courts. We look forward to working with Gordon Smith and the other member companies of the NAB toward our common goal of enhancing the enduring values of over-the-air television."
"As the media landscape evolves ever more rapidly, over-the-air broadcasting faces a number of clear opportunities and some significant challenges," said Martin D. Franks, Executive Vice President for Planning, Policy and Government Affairs, CBS Corporation. "One of the very best ways to address these issues is through a resurgent NAB under Gordon Smith's leadership. We look forward to adding CBS's voice to NAB's efforts to preserve and enhance broadcasting on behalf of the public we serve."
As part of today's announcement, Franks and Abernethy will serve as CBS and FOX's members of the NAB Board of Directors.
"Today is a great day for broadcasting, for NAB, and for the tens of millions of Americans who rely every day on CBS, FOX and other broadcast programming for highly-valued content," said NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith. "Both CBS and FOX currently have superb advocacy arms in Washington. We are delighted by their vote of confidence in the NAB team, and we look forward to presenting a seamless display of broadcast unity inside the Beltway. Our challenges are many, but the mission of free and local broadcasting remains a worthy cause."
About NAB
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 www.nab.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Scott Grogin, Fox Networks Group
310-369-4733
Dana McClintock, CBS Corp.
212-975-1077
Jessica Moss, Fox Television Stations
212-301-3817
Dennis Wharton, NAB
202-429-5350
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