Washington, DC - After a two-year hiatus, Disney/ABC today announced its intention to rejoin the National Association of Broadcasters, the industry trade group that represents free, over-the-air broadcasters on Capitol Hill and at the FCC.
"ABC believes that the best interests of our industry, our company and ultimately the viewing public can be promoted by returning to the NAB at this time. With policy differences now behind us, ABC and NAB are once again in a position to work together towards our important common goals," said Preston Padden, Executive Vice President/Worldwide Government Relations, The Walt Disney Company.
"We are proud to welcome ABC back into the NAB family," said Bruce Reese, Chairman of the NAB Joint Board of Directors and President & CEO, Bonneville International. "ABC stations have a well-deserved reputation for delivering high quality news and public service, two of the hallmarks of local broadcasting."
Ben Tucker, Chairman of the NAB Television Board and acting President and CEO of Fisher Communications, saluted ABC for its decision. "Broadcasters face many challenges in the public policy arena, and it is important for our industry to speak with one voice before Congress and the FCC," said Mr. Tucker.
David Field, Chairman of the NAB Radio Board and President/CEO of Entercom Communications, said, "NAB's already strong presence in Washington will only be enhanced by the return of ABC to our trade association. We look forward to working together on our issues of mutual concern."
NAB President and CEO Edward O. Fritts also welcomed the ABC announcement. "This is great news for NAB, ABC and the entire broadcast industry," he said. "There is no denying that we are stronger as an industry when we are united."
Today's announcement reinstates the ABC television network into NAB membership, along with the company's 10 TV stations and 70 radio stations. In addition, Mr. Padden will be invited to fill a network television seat on the NAB Board of Directors.
ABC withdrew from NAB in mid-2003 following a policy dispute over proposed deregulation of FCC network television station ownership rules. Congress has since passed legislation capping at 39% the national audience reach of a single broadcast company.
The National Association of Broadcasters is a full-service trade association that promotes and protects free, over-the-air local radio and television stations' interests in Washington and around the world. NAB is the broadcaster's voice before Congress, federal agencies and the courts. NAB also serves a growing number of associate and international broadcaster members. Information about NAB can be found at www.nab.org.
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