NAB’s reflecting on a powerful year of advocacy for local broadcasters, solidifying their position in the industry.
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) recently reviewed its key achievements from the past year, focusing on empowering radio and television station owners while enhancing local voices across the airwaves. Under the direction of President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt, the NAB has been vocal about its commitment to uplifting these essential media platforms.
A dedicated microsite on NAB.org showcases the association’s year of continuous advocacy, strategic initiatives, and impactful storytelling from broadcasters nationwide. One of the standout accomplishments highlighted is the growing bipartisan support for maintaining AM radio in vehicles. This comes as the bipartisan AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act remains stalled in Congress, having failed to see a vote in the previous session.
The NAB also reported that it sent nearly 239,000 messages to lawmakers advocating for updated ownership rules. In a significant move to protect local radio, the organization successfully rallied support against attempts led by Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee to advance the music industry-supported American Music Fairness Act. This effort was bolstered by the Local Radio Freedom Act, a non-binding resolution that commits Congress members to oppose any legislation imposing new fees for airplay of recorded music.
Another notable highlight includes the NAB’s plans to develop a Broadcast Positioning System (BPS) leveraging ATSC 3.0 digital broadcast signals. This initiative is expected to enhance broadcasting capabilities and create new opportunities for the industry. Further insights on this topic are anticipated in the upcoming Winter 2026 edition of RBR+TVBR, featuring a detailed discussion with NAB’s Sam Matheny.
This year also marked the 25th anniversary of the NAB’s Broadcast Leadership Training Program, which aims to diversify the industry and encourage the next generation of broadcasters. Celebrating such milestones reinforces the NAB’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the broadcasting sector, ensuring its relevance and adaptability in a rapidly evolving media environment.