1. NAB Urges Policymakers to Keep Sports on Local TV

What's happening: NAB has filed reply comments in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) sports media marketplace proceeding.

• Why it matters: These reply comments continue to highlight the benefits of live sports on broadcast TV for fans and leagues alike. While global streaming platforms lock games behind paywalls and create an expensive and confusing viewing experience, broadcasters continue to reach the widest audiences for free and over the air.

Game On is an NAB initiative with tools for broadcasters, highlighting how local stations deliver live sports coverage that is universally accessible without a subscription, internet connection or login.

• Last month, over 3,000 sports fans used NAB's tools to submit comments to the FCC's sports ownership Public Notice, urging the Commission to keep live sports free and accessible.

Dig deeper: The push for live sports on broadcast doesn't end there.

• Yesterday, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (WI) introduced the “For the Fans Act," which would require professional leagues to provide access for local fans to watch all games for teams based in the state in which they reside, through a single, free option.
• Additionally, the Department of Justice has opened a probe into whether the NFL's broadcast rights practices harm consumers.
• Charlie Beller, acting deputy assistant attorney general for the U.S. Department of Justice and lead on this investigation, will speak on a panel at NAB Show titled Washington Update: Views from the DOJ and FCC.

2. 🚨 NAB Show Kicks Off This Weekend

One big thing: The broadcast industry will come together April 18-22 at NAB Show, where the boldest ideas and most important conversations in television and radio are happening, all in one place.

Here’s what’s waiting for you:

• 🎤 Main Stage Opening – CBS’ “Survivor” 50th season celebration with Jeff Probst and a fireside chat with mega producer Jesse Collins.
• 🌍 Broadcast Management and Monetization Conference – including AI, digital revenue, audience growth and the NAB Leadership Foundation Focus on Leadership speaker session.
• 🚀 Broadcast Engineering and IT Conference – forward-looking sessions on media tech, including NASA’s Moon-to-Mars streaming vision.
• 📺 Programming Everywhere – content strategy, distribution and monetization across platforms.
• 📻 Small and Medium Market Radio Forum – peer-driven strategies for local radio leaders.

📍 Make TV and Radio HQ in Central Hall your home base for live conversations, networking and the NAB Member Lounge.

👉 Review the Broadcasters’ Guide to finalize your schedule. If you haven’t already, register now before it’s too late.

3. Not a Member Yet? Join Us at NAB Show

There’s a whole experience waiting for NAB members at NAB Show, including access to the NAB Member Lounge, inside the TV and Radio HQ in Central Hall, where you can recharge, connect and meet partners who support your station year-round.

As a member, you’ll enjoy:

• Access to the Member Lounge and onsite networking opportunities
• Connections with partners like TriNet, Amwins and AXIS
• Exclusive benefits that support your operations beyond the Show

Join NAB before the Show to unlock these perks and more.

4. 2026 Service to America Award Winners Announced

The NAB Leadership Foundation (NABLF) has announced the recipients of the 2026 Celebration of Service to America Awards, which recognize local television and radio stations for the essential role they play in communities across the country.

• 🏆 View the full list here.
• Winners will be honored at the Celebration of Service to America Awards on June 9, 2026, at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.

5. New Light the Night PSAs Now Available

Refresh your station’s public service announcement creative at NAB’s Spot Center, a destination for local television and radio broadcasters seeking public educational materials from credible organizations.

• The “Light the Night” TV campaign from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation invites viewers to participate in the Light the Night campaign from April 23-May 6.