1923
Founded in 1923, NAB was originally called the National Association of Radio Broadcasters. NAB's first organizational meeting held in Chicago with 16 radio stations represented.
For 100 years, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has provided strong advocacy and resources necessary to advance the interests of television and radio broadcasters and build a strong future for the industry.
NAB is proud to be the voice of America’s broadcasters in our nation’s capital. And, as we embark on our centennial year, our mission will remain focused on defending broadcasters’ ability to innovate and serve their communities.
NAB ensures policymakers are informed on the issues that impact the broadcasting industry. We rely on the grassroots strength of our television and radio members and state broadcast associations. Broadcasters recognize the importance of educating Congress, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the administration on how legislation and regulations affect their business, and more importantly, the listening and viewing public.
Whether it's the new possibilities created by NEXTGEN TV or hybrid radio technology in the automobile, NAB is helping broadcasters seize opportunities in the digital age. Advances in technology are giving broadcasters opportunities to find better, more innovative ways to deliver the high-quality content and services that local communities expect and deserve.
From providing free public service materials to assist in implementing locally focused community service initiatives, to offering a number of programs through the NAB Leadership Foundation to support diversity, leadership and professional development, NAB offers broadcasters a variety of programs to help them grow in their careers, promote diversity in the workplace and strengthen their businesses.
To learn more about NAB's mission, visit the links below:
NAB PILOT: A coalition of innovators, educators and advocates dedicated to advancing broadcast technologies and cultivating new media opportunities.
NAB Leadership Foundation: The NAB Leadership Foundation works with current and aspiring leaders in broadcasting to build a more diverse, innovative and vibrant future for the industry by investing in our greatest resource: our people.
We Are Broadcasters: We are local. National. Personal.
Broadcast Resource Hub: A comprehensive one-stop-shop for resources, tools and information on the most relevant issues impacting local radio and television stations.
Founded in 1923, NAB was originally called the National Association of Radio Broadcasters. NAB's first organizational meeting held in Chicago with 16 radio stations represented.
President Truman wrote the president of NAB thanking broadcasters for serving their country during World War II.
First full-fledged NAB industry convention since before World War II draws 3,000 attendees.
NAB takes initiative to lay the groundwork for the Emergency Broadcast System.
The National Association of Television and Radio Broadcasters changes its name to the National Association of Broadcasters.
NAB moves into newly built headquarters in Washington, D.C.
NAB launches the first radio-only conference.
NAB, along with four other industry groups, forms the Advanced Television Systems Committee, which later documented the technical standards for digital television broadcasting and NEXT GEN TV.
The National Radio Broadcasters Association becomes part of NAB.
The NAB Education Foundation is formed. In 2020, its name is changed to the NAB Leadership Foundation.
Attendance at NAB Show tops 100,000, doubling in five years.
NAB relocates to a state-of-the art building in Washington, D.C.'s Navy Yard neighborhood.
NAB Show returns to Las Vegas after going virtual for two years due to the pandemic.
You were just glued to the screen. That song came on the radio. The best NAB Show you ever attended.
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