NAB STATEMENT ON CTIA’S
ANTI-RADIO LETTER TO LAWMAKERS

WASHINGTON — The National Association of Broadcasters issued a statement today in response to a letter sent by several wireless industry representatives to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees. The groups expressed their opposition to the adoption of a radio receiver in cell phones.

Commenting on the letter, NAB Executive Vice President of Communications Dennis Wharton issued the following statement:

“Countries around the globe have added radio-enabled cell phones that are increasingly popular with consumers. The reality is that 239 million Americans tune in to free and local radio every week, and seven million new radio listeners were added just last year.

“Day in and day out, local radio stations serve as a reliable lifeline in times of crisis and weather emergencies. In an increasingly mobile society, it would be unfortunate if telco gatekeepers blocked access to public safety information offered by free and local radio.”

About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America’s broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.

NAB MARCONI RADIO AWARD NOMINATIONS BEGIN MAY 1
 
WASHINGTON — The 2010 NAB Marconi Radio Awards nomination process will open May 1, NAB announced today. The award recognizes overall excellence in radio broadcasting. To be considered for a 2010 NAB Marconi Radio Award, general managers may nominate their station in the “Station of the Year by Market Size” and/or “Station of the Year by Format” categories, as well as one of their outstanding air personalities in the “Personality of the Year by Market Size” category. They may also submit nominations for “Legendary Station” and “Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year.”

Stations must submit their nominations online at www.nab.org/marconis. All nominations must be received by May 31. Finalists will be announced in July.

On September 30, the winners will be announced during the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show at the Radio Show in Washington, DC (September 29-October 1).

Winners are chosen by the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Selection Academy. The Academy is made up of general managers, program directors, regional radio executives, owners, programming consultants and former radio executives. Applications for membership into the Academy can be received by contacting Susan Platt at splatt@nab.org.

About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America’s broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.

NAB’S SMITH TESTIFIES
AT SMALL BUSINESS SPECTRUM HEARING

WASHINGTON — NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith testified today before the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship regarding government efforts to expand broadband access in America. Smith’s remarks highlighted the role of local broadcasters and reiterated NAB’s support for spectrum inventory legislation.

Smith, a former two-term Senator from Oregon, emphasized NAB’s desire to see both broadband and broadcast flourish, and he stressed the important role broadcasters can play in furthering the rollout of nationwide broadband.

“Simply put, any notion that we’re looking at a world of broadband verses broadcast is false. It’s a false choice,” he told the committee.

Calling proposed spectrum fees “punitive,” Smith expressed concern that such regulatory action could be viewed as a mechanism to force broadcasters off the airwaves.

“Make no mistake: such a punitive measure, such a fee, would be a devastating blow to the small businesses that I represent in the broadcast industry,” Smith said.

Smith also outlined broadcast television’s efficient use of spectrum, noting that broadcasters provide entertainment programming as well as critical information during times of crisis. Because broadcast TV is a one-to-everyone delivery system, he said, viewers are never subjected to the network congestion routinely experienced by mobile phone users.

“Broadcasting is a highly efficient use of spectrum. It’s one-to-everyone. Broadband is one-to-one, and it’s spectrum hogging,” Smith explained.

A copy of Smith’s written testimony, submitted to the Committee earlier this week is available here in PDF format.

About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America’s broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.