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.

NAB ANNOUNCES CRYSTAL RADIO AWARD WINNERS

LAS VEGAS — The National Association of Broadcasters has named 10 winners of the NAB Crystal Radio Awards. Since 1987, the NAB Crystal Radio Awards have recognized radio stations for their outstanding year-round commitment to community service. The 2010 NAB Crystal Radio Award recipients are:

Award winners were selected from among 50 finalists and recognized at today’s NAB Show Radio Luncheon, which featured a presentation by Phil Hendrie, nationally syndicated radio host and satirist. Legendary Texas radio personality Ron Chapman was inducted into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame. The luncheon was sponsored by ASCAP.

About the 2010 NAB Show
The NAB Show will take place 10-15 April, 2010 in Las Vegas (exhibits open 12 April). It is the world’s largest electronic media show covering filmed entertainment and the development, management and delivery of content across all mediums. Complete details are available at www.nabshow.com.

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.