National Association of Broadcasters

National Association of Broadcasters is the premier trade association representing the interests of free, over-the-air radio and television broadcasters in the United States. Founded in the early days of the radio industry, it advocates for its members before the United States Congress, the Federal Communications Commission, and other regulatory bodies. The organization is known for its annual NAB Show in Las Vegas, one of the world's largest media and entertainment conventions, and for its staunch defense of the First Amendment and localism in broadcasting.

History

The association was established in April 1922 as the merger of the National Association of Radio Broadcasters and the Radio Association of America, emerging during a period of rapid growth and regulatory uncertainty following the Radio Act of 1912. Key early battles involved establishing industry standards and negotiating with the Hoover administration and the newly formed Federal Radio Commission over spectrum allocation and advertising practices. Throughout the 1930s, it played a central role in shaping the Communications Act of 1934, which created the modern Federal Communications Commission. Major historical efforts included defending the AM band, transitioning the industry to FM broadcasting, and later advocating for the development of digital television standards and the digital transition.

Organization and governance

Headquartered on North Capitol Street in Washington, D.C., the association is led by a Board of Directors composed of executives from major broadcasting companies like Nexstar Media Group, Sinclair Broadcast Group, and Hearst Television, as well as smaller, independent station owners. The current president and chief executive officer is Curtis LeGeyt, who succeeded longtime president Gordon H. Smith, the former United States Senator from Oregon. Several internal divisions focus on specific issues, including the NAB Legal Department, the NAB Technology Department, and the NAB Political Action Committee, which supports candidates for federal office. Membership is divided among television and radio station owners, with affiliate organizations like the State Broadcasters Association coordinating advocacy at the local level.

Advocacy and policy positions

Core advocacy revolves around preserving and enhancing the economic viability and regulatory standing of its members in Washington, D.C. This includes vigorous opposition to proposed performance royalty fees for terrestrial radio airplay, a long-standing battle against music industry groups and artists like Taylor Swift. The association strongly supports modernizing media ownership rules, advocating for deregulation to allow greater consolidation among local stations. It is a leading proponent of the LOCAL TV Act and related legislation to ensure carriage rights and retransmission consent fees from pay-TV providers such as Comcast and Charter Communications. Other key positions include defending the spectrum auction process, promoting Next Gen TV standards, and fighting for journalist protections under the First Amendment.

Events and initiatives

The flagship event is the annual NAB Show, held each spring at the Las Vegas Convention Center, which attracts over 90,000 attendees from fields including broadcast engineering, digital media, and film production. The association also hosts the NAB Show New York, the Radio Show co-produced with the Radio Advertising Bureau, and the State Leadership Conference in the American capital. Notable initiatives include the NAB Leadership Foundation, which runs the Broadcast Leadership Training program and the Service to America Awards, celebrating community service by local stations. Technology projects include the ATSC 3.0 rollout and the Broadcast Internet initiative, exploring new datacasting services over television signals.

Criticism and controversies

The association has faced significant criticism from public interest groups like Free Press and the Future of Music Coalition for its opposition to performance rights legislation, accused of stifling artist compensation. Its aggressive lobbying for media ownership deregulation has been challenged by organizations such as the United Church of Christ and the National Hispanic Media Coalition, who argue it reduces viewpoint diversity and local news quality. The NAB's stance during the digital television transition was scrutinized by the Government Accountability Office and members of Congress, including then-Senator John McCain, over consumer education shortcomings. Its close relationships with the Federal Communications Commission and lawmakers have periodically drawn allegations of excessive influence over telecommunications policy in the United States. Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C. Category:Broadcasting organizations in the United States Category:Radio industry trade groups