An Electronic Publication of the National Association of Broadcasters

2021 NAB Show Shifts to Fall

Last week, NAB President and CEO Gordon H. Smith made the following announcement regarding the 2021 NAB Show. Click here for his full statement.

As we look ahead to 2021 and beyond, NAB's top priority is to deliver a successful NAB Show. We recognize the vital role NAB Show plays as a driver of innovation and an economic engine for the global media and entertainment industry. With that in mind, it is critical NAB acts on your behalf and in a way that will best serve the long-term interests of the industry. We have worked diligently over the last few weeks and months monitoring a range of variables to gain an understanding of overall trends and future conditions for holding a major event in 2021.

Taking all of this into account and in the interest of supporting the business, health and safety concerns of our show community we have decided to move the 2021 NAB Show, previously scheduled for April 11–14, to October 9–13, 2021 in Las Vegas. Additionally, the 2021 Radio Show will co-locate with NAB Show in Las Vegas, as will NAB's Sales and Management Television Exchange.

We have not made this decision lightly and have relied on a great deal of feedback from the NAB Show community. NAB is grateful to our stakeholders and partners for engaging with us and supporting our decision. As always, NAB looks forward to working with you to provide vital events and services and to propel the industry forward.

TV Stations Must Make Carriage Elections by
October 1, 2020

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently modernized its carriage election rules. TV broadcasters were required to take action to comply with the new rules by July 31, 2020 and must make their carriage elections by October 1, 2020.

FCC Regulatory Fees Due September 25, 2020

FCC regulatory fees for fiscal year 2020 are due on September 25, 2020. Broadcasters' regulatory fees must be paid in full using the FCC's online Fee Filer. Payments received after the deadline will be assessed a 25% late payment penalty and accrue interest until paid in full. Broadcasters can refer to the FCC's broadcast-specific regulatory fees fact sheet for more information on the regulatory fee amounts owed and payment procedures. Due to the economic impacts of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the FCC has streamlined its processes for requesting and obtaining waiver, deferral and installment payment relief. Requests for waiver or reduction of regulatory fees or for an installment payment plan based on financial hardship must be filed on or before September 25, 2020 and be accompanied by supporting financial documentation. The request may be submitted electronically to 2020regfeerelief@fcc.gov. For more information regarding the FCC's coronavirus pandemic waiver procedures, please see the FCC's September 4, 2020 public notice.

House Commerce Committee Passes Diversity Tax Certificate Legislation

Last week, NAB applauded House Energy and Commerce Committee passage of bipartisan legislation to update and reinstate the diversity tax certificate program. This marks the most significant movement on this issue in the last decade. Additionally, the committee advanced legislation that would require the FCC to reinstate form 395-B employment reporting. This report collected annual data on the race and gender composition of broadcast stations with five or more full-time employees and has been suspended following court rulings. NAB supports the goal of this legislation and we will continue to work with the committee on addressing the broadcast industry's long-standing concerns with such data collection should the legislation move further. NAB will continue to be constructively engaged and seek common ground on these important diversity priorities.

NAB Files Comments in Hearing on Competition in Digital Markets

Earlier this month, NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith submitted a filing to the House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial and Administrative Law regarding competition in digital markets and its impact on a free and diverse press, local journalism and radio and television broadcasters. In his comments, Sen. Smith stated that "the dominant marketplace power of a handful of digital technology platforms puts local broadcast radio and television stations at a competitive disadvantage for advertising revenue and impedes broadcasters' ability to effectively monetize their own content online," and argued that broadcast radio and TV stations must utilize digital platforms to effectively reach audiences, yet they have little leverage when dealing with the digital giants that control access to content. NAB will continue to advocate on broadcasters' behalf as Congress considers these issues.

Urge your Members of Congress to Support the Local News and Emergency Information Act

Even as stations continue to struggle from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, you are on the front lines providing critical, lifesaving support to your communities. That is why NAB is working hard to ensure Congress includes broadcasters in new COVID-19 relief legislation.

Shine a Light on Broadcasters' Vital Role In Our Democracy

In recognition of broadcasters' critical role, NAB is providing new We Are Broadcasters spots for radio and TV stations that showcase the importance of our local stations not only during this unprecedented time, but every day of the year.

Are your listeners and viewers #VoteReady?

September 22 is National Voter Registration Day - are your listeners and viewers #VoteReady? This year more than ever, local stations play a critical role in encouraging audiences to register and exercise their right to vote.

Radio Show Presents Radio Week – October 5-9, 2020

Get ready to be part of an exciting week-long celebration of radio at the 2020 Radio Show, coming to you online each afternoon (ET) October 5-9, 2020. We'll celebrate radio, media and all things audio as we bring you the best of the best in content, networking opportunities and technology presentations, including exclusive keynotes from Byron Allen, Dave Ramsey, Rishad Tobaccowala and thought leaders shaping the future of media and advertising. Visit RadioShowWeb.com to view the full agenda.

Sales and Management Television Exchange (SMTE) – October 14-15, 2020

Experience SMTE 2020 from the comfort of your home on October 14-15! Gain the tools and knowledge needed to overcome obstacles, generate revenue and break through the barriers confronting your business and career. Plus, don't miss a live Q-and-A with Dr. Oz! Visit nabsmte.com to view the full agenda.

NAB members are eligible for a 50% discount off the $198 registration rate.

Discount promo codes are distributed to members directly. Please check your inbox for SMTE emails from NAB for the code. For more information or to request a promo code, please contact membership@nab.org.

Refocus. Reengage. Reimagine.

The all-new NAB Show New York digital experience is set to showcase innovative technologies, insightful thought-leaders and unconventional applications. Over 10 days, connect with visionaries, disruptors and media and entertainment professionals pushing the boundaries of content. Learn more and save 50% on a Marketplace Pass at nabshowny.com with code NABMEM. Discount applies for NAB members only.

Census Bureau Accepting Ad Buy Proposals from Local Stations

NAB has been aggressively seeking federal advertising opportunities for local radio and television stations facing enormous economic challenges due to the pandemic. To that end, NAB has been in contact with the Census Bureau on utilizing local broadcast advertising to increase response rates to the census in areas where they fall below the national average. We're pleased that the Census Bureau announced a $75 million RFP process for spots that will target mostly rural areas. As the media planning and buying window is extremely tight, we encourage stations that are interested in submitting a proposal to do so as soon as possible. Information about the submission process and the Census Bureau's media campaign can be found here. The Census Bureau's media vendor, Team Y&R, is accepting proposals here.

We will keep you updated as we work with federal agencies to urge them to direct their ad buys to local broadcasters. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact your NAB Membership Concierge at (202) 775-2555 or membership@nab.org.

NAB Sponsors Investigative Journalism Conference

In communities across the country, broadcasters provide Americans' most trusted news. Local stations' award-winning investigative units uncover government corruption, question those in power and expose those who abuse their positions.

NAB is a proud to support the Investigative Reporters & Editors (IRE) as a sponsor of the annual event's broadcast track. #IRE20 will take place September 21-25.

Journalism Grants Available to Fill Gaps in Local Coverage

Report for America, an organization that places journalists into local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and communities, has opened applications for news organizations interested in hosting journalists in their newsrooms for up to three years beginning next June. Report for America will cover half of these reporters' salaries (up to $25,000 per year).

Helping Stations Navigate the Pandemic

While broadcasters have been on the front lines keeping our communities connected and informed, NAB has been working around the clock to provide vital resources and support your needs. Our team is fighting for congressional and regulatory relief and providing tools to help your station continue to serve your local communities.

Click here to see how NAB is actively working to support your station and the resources available to you.

Your NAB membership means you have a team of professionals fighting for you every day in Washington, D.C. For assistance accessing these tools, don't hesitate to contact your NAB Membership Concierge at (202) 775-2555 or membership@nab.org.

On-Demand: Beltway Briefing - COVID-19 Broadcaster Relief

Learn more about NAB's efforts to advocate for additional COVID-19 broadcaster relief, so you can speak to your legislators about this important issue when they are in their home districts. Gain strategies for effectively communicating the importance of local broadcasting even when you cannot meet with policymakers face-to-face. This webcast is now available to watch on-demand, free for NAB members.

COVID-19 Webcast: Guiding Your Community

NAB and research firm SmithGeiger provide timely and detailed information on how broadcasters can best operate during the coronavirus pandemic.

Tomorrow: Get Your Political Broadcasting File into Shape

Join us for a webinar on September 15 at 2 p.m. ET to receive advice from FCC experts on what information must be placed in your online political file, when it must be filed and how to use the FCC's online public file database. Log in using your nab.org credentials to access this free webcast.

Latest NAB Podcast: Crafting Successful Digital Campaigns

NAB's Vice President of Digital Strategy Gagan Nirula discusses the aspects of effective digital campaigns and highlights some of the newest digital resources NAB has to offer, including the Broadcast Resource Hub.

Protect your business from cyberattacks, ransomware and more with NAB's suite of dedicated broadcast cybersecurity courses, designed to provide the solid knowledge base your staff needs to secure your operations and prevent potential cyberattacks.

Broadcast Executive Guide to Cybersecurity

This course provides strategic and top-level insight into key principles that executives should know in order to manage this increasingly complex area. Executives taking this course gain:

• An understanding the importance of cybersecurity planning and management
• An ability to explain the utility of risk management and continuity of operations plans
• Methods to effectively manage staff and third parties who will be implementing cyber solutions

This course hits the highpoints of the philosophy and management practices needed to provide leadership and guidance for your organization.

NAB members: $25
Nonmembers: $55

Cyber Awareness for Broadcasters

Designed for all staff members, this course will provide the foundational practices that make up good cyber hygiene and habits every employee should incorporate into their work days. FREE for a limited time!

For a full listing of cybersecurity courses for all employee levels, visit nab.org/cybersecurity.

Experience MORE with the Broadcast Resource Hub

Powered by NAB and the NAB Leadership Foundation, the Broadcast Resource Hub is a comprehensive one-stop-shop for resources, tools and information on the most relevant issues impacting local radio and television stations. NAB members can access various resources including the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Resource Center, the 2020 Election Toolkit, Broadcast Cybersecurity Education, the NAB Spot Center and much more.

NABPAC Flash Briefing Episode 14 Now Available

ICYMI - NABPAC Flash Briefing episode 14 focuses on the House of Representatives, which met last week and held markups for many of the current Energy and Commerce Committee bills including the tax certificate legislation amidst COVID-19 and broader politics. Contact Jenn Flemming at jflemming@nab.org to receive a copy of this recording, complimentary weekly flash briefings on these issues and more.