1. NAB President and CEO Testifies on Media Ownership
One big thing: NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt testified this week before the Senate Commerce Committee at a hearing focused on the national TV ownership cap.
In his testimony, LeGeyt noted that nine decades after the Federal Communications Commission first imposed TV ownership limits, broadcasters are still restricted by a 39% national ownership cap that hurts stations’ ability to invest in local journalism and programming.
LeGeyt: "Your local stations remain hobbled by rules designed for the analog era – rules that directly undermine broadcasters’ ability to provide our essential public service that remains free and universally accessible to our viewers."
Dig deeper: Get into the details in this post on the NAB Blog.
2. Nate Bargatze to Receive NAB Television Chairman's Award
Comedian Nate Bargatze will be the 2026 recipient of the prestigious NAB Television Chairman’s Award.
Nick Radziul, NAB Television Board Chair: “His work demonstrates how broadcast television continues to be the cultural bridge between creators and audiences, delivering unparalleled reach and trusted, must-watch content that sparks shared moments viewers embrace.”
The award will be presented at the 2026 NAB Show on April 21 at 10 a.m. in Las Vegas as part of the annual We Are Broadcasters event on the Main Stage, where Bargatze will also participate in a fireside chat and Q-and-A.
3. FCC Clarification Provides Reminder to Update Your Federal Registration Number Contact Information
On February 5, 2026, new rules became effective that require all entities with a Federal Registration Number (FRN) to update their FRN contact information in the FCC’s Commission Registration System (CORES) within 10 days of a change, or face a potential $1,000 per day fine.
The new rules were adopted in an FCC Order aimed at improving the effectiveness of the FCC’s Robocall Mitigation Database (RMD). Although the Order focused on entities that transmit robocalls, it included some imprecise text that some observers viewed as possibly opening the door to applying the new potential fines also to broadcasters and other entities. To clarify such confusion, on February 6, 2026, the FCC released a Public Notice, which explains that the new potential fines for failure to update one’s FRN information apply only to RMD filers.
Specifically, the Public Notice states that, while all entities must update their FRN contact information within 10 days of a change, the robocall Order “did not address or change any forfeiture amounts that may be associated with failures to update the CORES information by non-RMD filers.” Broadcasters can therefore set aside concerns about the new $1,000 per day fine.
However, given the new 10-day deadline to update FRN information and the heightened attention to keeping CORES up to date, NAB strongly recommends that all stations take this opportunity to check their FRN in CORES to make sure their contact information is up to date, and to make sure the information remains current following any changes. Click here to log into CORES.
4. Ralph Oakley to Receive Chuck Sherman Award
Ralph M. Oakley, a respected leader in local broadcasting, will receive the Chuck Sherman Television Leadership Award in recognition of his distinguished career and enduring commitment to local television.
NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt: “Ralph Oakley exemplifies the spirit of local broadcasting through his steadfast leadership, deep community commitment and lifelong service to others.”
The award will be presented on March 3, 2026, during a special television and radio broadcasting awards presentation at the NAB State Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.
5. Mo Rocca to Receive 2026 LABF Insight Award at NAB Show
Mo Rocca, award-winning correspondent for “CBS Sunday Morning” and creator of the “Mobituaries” podcast, will receive the 2026 Library of American Broadcasting Foundation (LABF) Insight Award on April 21, 2026, at 10 a.m. during the We Are Broadcasters Main Stage event at NAB Show in Las Vegas.
Now in its fifth year, the Insight Award, presented by LABF and NAB, honors individuals or organizations whose work enhances public understanding of media’s role, impact and evolution. Rocca’s career spans broadcast journalism, podcasting and bestselling authorship, blending history, culture and humor across platforms, including “CBS Sunday Morning,” NPR’s “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!” and his earlier work as a correspondent on “The Daily Show.”
The 2026 NAB Show takes place on April 18-22 (exhibits April 19-22) in Las Vegas.
6. AI Headlines Sunday’s Small and Medium Market Radio Forum
Sunday at NAB Show is built for small and medium market radio.
The Small and Medium Market Radio Forum kicks off on April 19 at 2 p.m. with an AI panel featuring Sun Sachs and David Oxenford, followed by peer-driven conversations on programming, digital revenue, audience growth and other key topics impacting stations in markets 51+.
đź“» Small and medium market stations: Email membership@nab.org to request a promo code for $200 off your Premium Conference Pass* and register today.
7. 2026 PILOT Innovation Challenge Now Accepting Submissions
Applications are now open for the 2026 PILOT Innovation Challenge. The Innovation Challenge offers startup companies the opportunity to showcase solutions that address real challenges facing broadcasters today.
Once again, PILOT is collaborating with the Startup Pavilion at NAB Show. Any Startup Pavilion exhibitor with a product or solution that is relevant to broadcasters is eligible to apply.
Up to three winners will receive the opportunity to join a panel presentation about their company or product at the 2026 NAB Show. Winners will also get the opportunity to contribute a guest blog to the PILOT blog and have a one-on-one coaching session with NAB’s chief innovation officer about how to get the most out of their time spent at NAB Show.
The application window is open until 5 p.m. EDT on February 27, 2026.Click here to learn more and apply.
8. Happening Soon: NAB Board Elections
The 2026 NAB Board of Directors election will be conducted by VoteNow.com from February 10-April 13. The 2026 election is for even numbered radio districts and six at-large television seats. The eligible radio districts up for election are listed below, followed by the election schedule.
For questions about the NAB Board of Directors election, please contact Jennifer Landry-Jackson at 202-775-2520 or jlandry-jackson@nab.org.
2026 Radio Districts:
District 2 - New York, New Jersey
District 4 - Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia
District 6 - North Carolina, South Carolina
District 8 - Louisiana, Mississippi
District 10 - Indiana
District 12 - Missouri, Kansas
District 14 - Iowa, Wisconsin
District 16 - Colorado, Nebraska
District 18 - Southern Texas
District 20 - Montana, Idaho, Wyoming
District 22 - Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah
District 24 - Southern California, Guam, Hawaii, American Samoa, MP
(Northern Mariana Islands)
2026 Schedule of Electronic NAB Board Elections:
March 9 - Nominations due/candidates verified 
March 17 - Ballots go out via Votenow.com 
April 10 - Ballots due in 
April 13 - Notification of winners and if run-off required
