Commonwealth's Newberry NAB Joint Board Chair

RADIO ONLINE | , , | :am CT

The NAB's board of directors met in Washington, DC, this week, voting Commonwealth Broadcasting President/CEO Steve Newberry as NAB Joint Board Chairman. Janet McGregor was designated as the acting President/CEO as the trade association searches for a successor to David Rehr. Bruce Reese will continue as the chair of NAB's presidential search committee.

Newberry, who previously served as Radio Board Chairman, turns those duties over to ICBC Broadcasting Holdings President/COO Charles Warfield. Beasley Broadcasting's Executive VP Caroline Beasley was elected as Radio Board First Vice Chair, while Tri-State Communications President/CEO Randy Gravley takes the radio board's Second Vice Chair.

NAB Executive VP/Media Relations Dennis Wharton provided a detailed report on the media relations activities related to the proposed royalties for local radio airplay. Wharton highlighted several op-eds, editorials and letters to the editor published in opposition and noted that, if enacted, the new fees would direct more money into the coffers of record label companies than featured artists.