1. Merkhet Solutions Launches to Advance Deployment of the Broadcast Positioning System^TM

One big thing: This week, NAB announced the launch of Merkhet Solutions, Inc., an independent company focused on the commercial deployment of the Broadcast Positioning System (BPS™).

• BPS, first conceived by the Technology team at NAB in 2021, is a patented terrestrial, GPS-independent timing and positioning technology that leverages the high-power, geographically diverse broadcast infrastructure already covering the United States.
• Merkhet Solutions CEO Sam Matheny: “BPS solves a problem we can no longer afford to ignore: an entire economy and national security posture resting on a single, contested signal from space. We built BPS at NAB because broadcast infrastructure is uniquely suited to deliver assured terrestrial timing at scale. We're launching Merkhet Solutions because the time to operationalize this technology is now."

Matheny testified this week before the House Communications and Technology Subcommittee at a hearing titled "Where Are We?: Examining Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Capabilities in the United States," where he spoke about the dangers of relying solely on GPS and how BPS may help alleviate those concerns.

Dig deeper: On this week’s episode of "AirTime," learn more about Merkhet Solutions, the new company dedicated to the commercial deployment of BPS. Listen here.

2. New “Keep the Game On” Tools Released for Stations

NAB is releasing new tools - including television spots in English and Spanish - to support our Keep the Game On campaign, and we need your help educating fans about the importance of keeping live sports on free, local broadcast TV.

• Get involved: The full toolkit is available at nab.org/sportstoolkit.
• Congressional attention on this issue is growing. The House Judiciary Committee recently announced a hearing on June 10 titled, “Examining the Sports Broadcasting Act.” NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt will testify on behalf of broadcasters. This is a critical time for stations to engage viewers and reinforce the value of broadcast TV in keeping sports accessible to all fans.

3. 2026 NAB Board Election Results Announced

NAB announced the results of the 2026 NAB Radio and Television Board of Directors elections. The two-year terms of the elected board members will begin in June 2026.

• View the full list here.

4. Foreign Sponsor ID Updates – FCC Suspends Expansion of Diligence Mandates to Ads/PSAs, Reminds Broadcasters to Comply with Heightened Diligence Standards

What’s happening: NAB and individual broadcasters worked closely with FCC staff to secure certain relief from the foreign sponsorship identification rules in a Public Notice. The relief substantially reduces burdens on broadcasters and provides additional time to work toward a more reasonable compliance framework.

Heightened Diligence Standards Effective June 7, 2026. Since 2022, FCC rules have required disclosure of certain foreign government sponsored programming aired pursuant to a lease, along with diligence steps to determine whether a lessee is a foreign governmental entity.

In a 2024 Order, the FCC changed its rules to require stations to undertake additional diligence steps (i.e., a station's choice of certifying compliance and making requests for lessee certifications OR requesting lessees to provide screenshots from a government database to document their status). Compliance was delayed pending Office of Management and Budget approval and later extended by the Media Bureau. In a Public Notice released this week, the FCC reminded broadcasters that it will enforce these new requirements beginning on June 7, 2026.

Expansion of Diligence to Ads/PSAs Suspended Until Further Notice or 2028. The 2024 Order also expanded the scope of the rules beyond leases to include certain advertising, including political issue advertising and paid public service announcements (PSAs). The only exemptions were for: (i) advertising for commercial products and services and (ii) candidate advertising.

In the Public Notice, however, the FCC announced that enforcement of these expanded requirements will be suspended for two years — or until further notice, whichever comes first — while the agency evaluates the costs and burdens associated with the rules.

Although the expansion is suspended, broadcasters with actual knowledge that the sponsor of an ad or PSA is a foreign governmental entity must still air the required foreign sponsorship identification disclosures.

Compliance considerations: Stations may comply with the heightened diligence requirements in several ways, including by:

• Using FCC-supplied forms available in Appendices C-D of the 2024 Order
• Modifying agreements with lessees or sponsors to include language similar to the FCC forms; or
• Using the NAB Airtime Lease Form

An updated Airtime Lease Form will soon be available in the Member Tools section of the NAB website.

Next steps: NAB will continue engaging with the FCC as the agency reviews these rules and evaluates their burdens and benefits.

Broadcasters seeking guidance on how the FCC’s foreign sponsorship identification and record-retention requirements apply to specific circumstances should consult station counsel or contact the NAB Legal and Regulatory Affairs department at legal@nab.org.

5. Happening at NAB

NAB hosted the 2026 ATSC NextGen Broadcast Conference this week. NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt participated in a chat with ATSC President Madeleine Noland, where he shared the news about the launch of Merkhet Solutions and gave an update on NAB’s advocacy to help deploy NextGen TV nationwide. Merkhet Solutions CEO Sam Matheny gave an overview of the current status of BPS.

LeGeyt also participated this week in a panel on Capitol Hill hosted by FOX Sports ahead of the 2026 World Cup kickoff. He spoke on the value of sports on broadcast TV along with Fox Sports analysts and former U.S. national team soccer players Stu Holden, Carli Lloyd and Alexi Lalas.

6. Protect Your Station and Reduce Costs with NAB Property and Tower Insurance

Broadcasters face increasing pressure to control costs, manage risk and protect critical infrastructure. NAB members have access to a range of insurance and business solutions designed specifically for the broadcasting industry.

NAB member benefits include:

• Property and Tower Insurance: Tailored for broadcasters to help protect towers, facilities and essential equipment.
• Property, Casualty and Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Solutions designed to help protect your station, employees and day-to-day operations.
• Energy Cost Savings: Commercial energy consulting and procurement services that can help lower utility expenses.
• HR and Payroll Solutions: Resources for payroll, employee benefits, health insurance and risk mitigation.
• Media Liability Insurance: Protection designed for today’s evolving broadcasting environment.

These valuable programs help broadcasters operate more efficiently, reduce costs and protect the assets that keep their stations on the air.

Gain access to these cost-saving programs and many other exclusive member benefits designed to support your station's success. Join NAB today.