1. NAB Launches New Policy Podcast “AirTime”

One big thing: NAB this week launched “AirTime,” a new weekly podcast delivering brief updates on the policy issues shaping broadcasting.

• What you’ll hear: Episodes drop each Wednesday, breaking down the latest developments from Washington, D.C., and what they mean for local TV and radio stations.
• 🎧 Catch up: The first episode is now available for listening.

2. Tell Washington: Keep Live Sports Accessible

What's happening: Americans are sharing their frustration with the rising costs of following their favorite teams as more marquee sports migrate to streaming giants like Amazon and Netflix. We want to keep sports on broadcast TV and available to everyone – no password required.

• ✏️ Now is the time to speak up: Click here to tell the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to keep sports on broadcast TV and ensure fans can continue watching their hometown teams without a paywall.

3. Gayle Benson to Receive Service to America Leadership Award

The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF) announced that philanthropist and businesswoman Gayle Benson will be the recipient of the 2026 Celebration of Service to America Leadership Award for her exceptional civic and humanitarian contributions.

She will receive the recognition during the Celebration of Service to America Awards gala in Washington, D.C., on June 9.

4. It’s Time for the FCC to Provide Real Relief to Local Stations

Thought bubble: Modernizing broadcast ownership rules is not about Wall Street. It is about Main Street.

It is about giving local TV and radio stations the ability to invest in trusted journalism, lifesaving emergency information, election coverage and the community service Americans rely upon.

Broadcasters are competing every day against Big Tech platforms and global streaming services while still operating under ownership rules written for a very different era.

NAB continues to push the FCC to eliminate arbitrary caps on local TV and radio stations that are out of touch with today’s media marketplace.

Get involved: You can keep this issue front and center by airing NAB’s ownership spots and using our messaging tools. Get resources at nab.org/ownershiptools.

5. Put Your Station in the Spotlight

Nominations for the 2026 NAB Marconi Radio Awards are open now through May 31, giving your station the opportunity to earn one of radio’s most prestigious honors.

Recognizing excellence, creativity and impact across radio, the NAB Marconi Radio Awards celebrate the stations, personalities and teams setting the standard for the industry.

What you should do now:

• Review the entry rules and award categories.
• Gather your strongest on-air examples.
• Submit your entry.

Put your station and talent on a national stage alongside the best in broadcasting.

Winners will be honored this October in New York City during the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner held the evening before NAB Show New York.

🎙️ Don’t wait: Start your submission today.

6. New Firearm Safety 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 End Family Fire TV and radio spots from the Ad Council and Brady Campaign promote secure firearm storage.

7. Deadline Extended: National Press Club Journalism Awards

The deadline to enter the National Press Club Journalism Awards has been extended to Monday, May 11, 2026.

• View eligibility details, award categories and the submission form here.

8. NAB on the Move

NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt attended the Heartland Media Conference this week in Fargo, N.D. He participated in a fireside chat with Nic Anderson, vice president of Government Affairs for Salem Media Group and NAB Radio Board member.

• Pictured here are Steve Willard, president, South Dakota Broadcasters Association; Beth Helfrich, president, North Dakota Broadcasters Association; Wendy Paulson, president, Minnesota Broadcasters Association; and LeGeyt.

LeGeyt also attended the Morgan Murphy Media Leadership Summit in Milwaukee, Wisc., where he was interviewed by Jon Allen, vice president and general counsel for Morgan Murphy Media.