👋 Good Friday morning! Welcome to the inaugural edition of The Wrap. Going forward, you'll hear from NAB each Friday with a wrap up of what you need to know from our HQ in the nation's capital.
This week in the nation's capital the NAB Leadership Foundation held its annual Celebration of Service to America Awards gala, honoring broadcast stations for incredible public service.
Chef Jose Andres and legend Patti LaBelle were Leadership Award recipients, while Sen. Gordon Smith was honored with the Samaritan Award. Geico was lauded for corporate philanthropy.
Numerous senators and dignitaries attended an event at The International Spy Museum on Monday night to raise a glass to Sen. Smith's 25 years of public service.
SPOTTED: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY), Sens. Jon Tester (MT), Jerry Moran (KS), Susan Collins (ME), Ron Wyden (OR), Amy Klobuchar (MN), Roy Blunt (MO), Patrick Leahy (VT) and Ben Ray Luján (NM), Reps. Tom Emmer (MN-06) and Darrell Issa (CA-50), Michael O'Rielly and Major Garrett.
FCC NEWS
2. NAB Slams FCC's Proposed Fee Increase
Local radio stations still recovering from the pandemic would be subject to a staggering 13% fee increase in the FCC's regulatory fee proposal.
NAB CEO Curtis LeGeyt: "Unfortunately, the Commission continues to unlawfully require broadcasters to subsidize the Commission's broadband activities." Read on: NAB's response.
NEW AT NAB
3. Media Titans Discuss Radio's Future
Heavy hitters David Field and Bob Pittman speak candidly with Curtis LeGeyt in a wide-ranging discussion of radio's ever-evolving place in the media landscape.
Don't get left behind without a solid understanding of NEXTGEN TV. NAB's technology arm, PILOT, is offering roadshow seminars to help educate engineers in NEXTGEN TV technology.
The next seminar will be held in Dallas, June 21-22.
5. Radio's Big Night in the Big Apple
Get ready to celebrate excellence in radio at the2022 NAB Marconi Radio Awards. Judging is currently underway. Finalists will be announced this summer.
🎉 The Marconi Radio Awards will take place October 19 during NAB Show New York.
6. Showcase Your #BroadcastGood
Amplify your great public service on any social platform to remind policymakers of stations' vital role in every community.
👏 See how broadcasters are making a difference here.
