NAB Show Underway in Las Vegas

The 2016 NAB Show is underway in Las Vegas! NAB Show is the annual conference and expo for professionals who create, manage and distribute media and entertainment across all platforms. This year’s show features broadcast legends and industry leaders including Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler, popular national radio personalities Mike & Mike and Kim Komando, legendary TV executive producer and writer Chuck Lorre and the creative team and cast members of the hit TV show “Empire.”

With the Presidential election on the horizon and issues critical to broadcasting’s future on the table at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the broadcast industry is facing challenges and unprecedented opportunities in 2016.

In his state of the industry address at the Opening Keynote session, NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith addressed broadcasters’ vital role in every local community and the regulatory challenges the industry faces in attempting to remain competitive in the media marketplace.

Smith touched on the variety of issues facing broadcasters today: the broadcast spectrum auction, retransmission consent rules, next generation TV, radio in smartphones and in the car dash, among others. Smith assured attendees NAB is working tirelessly on their behalf to ensure a strong future for broadcasting.

Smith reiterated broadcasters' deep commitment to their local communities. "As we have so often in the past, we have come together at the NAB Show to make choices that affect our industry. The choices we make today must reflect broadcasting's deep roots in communities across America and its strong commitment to public service. There is no other industry in the world like broadcasting. No other industry has, at its core, such an overarching focus on bringing communities together and serving the public good," said Smith.

Read the full speech here.

In addition to his opening speech, Senator Smith also sat down with Ben Sherwood of Disney Media Networks and Disney|ABC Television Group for an in-depth discussion of the future of the media industry. Additionally, Bob Woodruff was presented with the NAB Distinguished Service Award at the Opening Session for his many years of excellent, indispensable journalism. The rest of the day will also packed with exciting events including the Television Luncheon, where TV executive producer and writer Chuck Lorre will be inducted into the NAB Hall of Fame and actress Keke Palmer will be presented with the Television Chairman's Award.

NAB members attending NAB Show are invited to stop by the NABHUB, which is packed full of valuable tools for broadcasters. The NABHUB is located on the upper level of the north hall lobby, Las Vegas Convention Center.

Relax and recharge, network with peers and access free Wi-Fi in the NAB Member Lounge (N243). While there, meet with NAB Political Action Committee (NABPAC) representatives and learn how NABPAC supports broadcast issues. Make sure to visit the association booths in the NABHUB to learn about programs and resources. Get a free head shot at the NAB Education Foundation (NABEF) booth (NU1) and enter to win a free iPad at the NAB Insurance Programs booth (NU2), compliments of AXIS PRO. Meet representatives from non-profits and select public service announcements (PSAs) on dozens of topics at the NAB Public Service booth (NU3).

Download the NAB Show mobile app from iTunes or Google Play to make the most of your 2016 NAB Show experience. Whether you’re onsite or keeping up at home, follow @NABShow and @nabtweets on Twitter for news and events from the Show, and track #NABShow to see what attendees are saying or share your experience.