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1. FCC Calls in ABC Licenses Two Years Early, NAB Responds
This week, the FCC’s Media Bureau issued a highly unusual order directing Disney to file early license renewal applications for all eight ABC-owned television stations. NAB issued a statement opposing this action because using a rarely invoked early renewal process tied to broad, unsubstantiated claims sets a dangerous precedent for all broadcasters.
NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt: “Broadcast stations already face intense challenges as they work to deliver trusted journalism, lifesaving emergency services, community programming and election coverage. The FCC must be careful to avoid actions that create further instability for the local stations viewers and listeners depend on.”
We will continue to monitor the matter closely and advocate against regulatory actions that threaten the stability of broadcast licenses and the ability of free, local stations to serve their communities.
2. Ben Arden Joins NAB as Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel
Ben Arden has been named NAB senior vice president and deputy general counsel.
Arden will help lead NAB’s policy and legal advocacy before the FCC, advancing broadcasters’ priorities on issues including media ownership, competition policy and the evolving media marketplace.
What’s happening: On May 14, the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau will conduct a cybersecurity workshop targeted to broadcasters. The workshop will feature speakers from the FCC, federal partners and industry experts from television and radio station groups.
Why it matters: The goal of the workshop is to raise awareness of cybersecurity risks, share best practices and highlight opportunities for public-private partnership on cybersecurity issues.
The workshop will take place on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 10 a.m., and will also be livestreamed at fcc.gov/live.
NAB encourages you to join this workshop for helpful advice, including guidance tailored for small- and medium-sized broadcast companies. Stations are requested to RSVP to attend the workshop by filling out this form.
4. Get in the Game: Fight to Keep Live Sports Accessible
What's happening: Fans are sharing their frustration about sports moving behind paywalls like Prime and Netflix. We want to channel their anger into action and urge Washington to keep live sports on free, local television.
Game On is a new site for fans with tools for broadcasters, highlighting how local stations deliver live sports coverage that is universally accessible without a subscription, internet connection or login.
5. It’s Go Time: Marconi Nominations are Open
The NAB Marconi Radio Awards nomination window is officially open.
The stage is set and the spotlight is waiting. Now through May 31, you can submit your best work for the 2026 NAB Marconi Radio Awards and make your mark on radio’s biggest night this October in New York.
From your biggest on-air moments to the team that makes it happen, this is your chance to show what sets you apart.
This week on the NAB Blog, read about how local broadcasters across the country are celebrating the America's 250th anniversary by connecting Americans to their history, their communities and each other.
We want to feature you. Share your station’s plans and stories at wearebroadcasters@nab.org so we can amplify them with policymakers.
7. Happening at NAB
NAB Chief Innovation Officer John Clark joined the National Association of Farm Broadcasting’s “Washington Watch” for a session on AI use in broadcasting and rural connectivity. NAB is proud to partner with broadcasters to advance innovation that strengthens local service and reaches every community.
Clark was also interviewed on the "RFD Today" podcast. You can listen to the episode here.
