NAB President and CEO David Rehr kicked off the 2009 NAB Show with an enthusiastic look at the future. During his annual opening keynote address, Rehr focused on the bright future of the broadcasting industry. He also touched on some of the NAB initiatives, activities and innovations that radio and television broadcasters are harnessing to thrive and succeed in the future. With the DTV transition, the Radio Heard Here campaign and support of Open Mobile Video Coalition efforts to develop mobile DTV products and services and efforts to get FM chips on cell phones, broadcasters are forging ahead in the digital age.

“Right here, at the NAB Show, we are demonstrating that broadcasters are forging ahead, spurring innovation and creating multiple platforms to deliver our content. From moving 3D viewing into the home to incorporating FM chips in cell phones to exploring all the possibilities of the Internet. We are planning for the future and seizing opportunities in this digital age. Our journey to this moment has been swift. Our confidence tested. But our focus unwavering. We are faced with making some tough decisions to ensure a strong future for our business,” said Rehr.

To read the full transcript of Rehr’s keynote, click here.

Rehr also presented Mary Tyler Moore with the 2009 Distinguished Service Award. "Mary Tyler Moore is a television icon who not only entertained millions of Americans week after week with her quick humor and amazing talent, but inspired many women of her generation to pursue careers in broadcasting, journalism and related fields," said Rehr. "We are proud to honor her with our Distinguished Service Award for the tremendous impact she's had on broadcasting and for her many years of public service."

In a pre-award video co-stars Dick Van Dyke and Ed Asner; producer-writers Carl Reiner, Bill Persky and Jim Brooks; HBO programming chief Sheila Nevins; and Oprah Winfrey who confessed that as a girl she too "wanted to be Mary Tyler Moore," praised Moore's work.