Gordon Smith Delivers Keynote at 2018 NAB Show

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, April 9, 2018

Gordon Smith

NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith delivered the annual NAB State of the Industry address during the 2018 NAB Show. He noted that NAB has been around for nearly as long as broadcasting itself -- created nearly a century ago with the intent to tell broadcasters' story and to support their mission. "And that mission is to always be there, to be the voices against oppression... the megaphones for freedom and democracy... and to report the news without fear or favor."

"Protecting this mission is the moral compass that drives all that we do at NAB, in our advocacy before Congress and the Federal Communications Commission and in our investment in future innovations and technologies," he said. "This past year, we at NAB worked hand in hand with our broadcasters to educate policymakers on stations' vital role, and together we achieved five enormous wins." The wins he was referring to included:

• The FCC approved voluntary deployment of the Next Gen TV standard, which promises to deliver the benefits of ultra-high definition television, interactive features and customizable content to viewers.
• Fighting back attempts by the record labels to tax radio stations simply for promoting and playing the music listeners love to hear.
• Preventing a $169 billion tax on advertising that would hurt every broadcast station, as well as small businesses and vital, local jobs.
• The Commission made significant strides to modernize outdated media ownership rules.
• And, most recently, broadcasters were instrumental in securing $1 billion in legislation passed by Congress to reimburse radio and television stations for their costs during the spectrum repacking process, ensuring viewers and listeners don't lose access to their stations.

"These wins did not come by accident or chance," Smith said. "They were won because of the willingness of radio and television broadcasters all across the country to advocate on these critical issues. When this industry speaks with one voice, these wins demonstrate that it is a powerful voice. So, while appropriate to enjoy a moment of thanksgiving and celebrating, this much we also know - the challenges will keep coming and our cause cannot rest."

Smith went on to say, "We are witnessing an exciting revolution in radio. Through PILOT, our innovation initiative, we are conducting the first experiments with all-digital FM radio that could deliver more digital audio channels and data capacity to support autonomous vehicle and connected car infrastructures, providing broadcasters with new uses of their valuable spectrum."

He continued, "NAB is working with the largest U.S. radio groups to improve the presence, appearance and overall positioning of radio on the car dashboard. And, we are working closely with leaders in the auto industry to identify areas of collaboration and ways to enhance the relevance and operation of radio in present and future automobiles. We welcome the automotive executives participating in this year's NAB Show, including representatives from Audi, Avis Budget Group, Honda, Ford, the GENIVI Alliance and General Motors."

"Local stations have the power to reach and impact people like no other medium, and our innovations are expanding and improving the delivery of emergency updates, local news and entertainment our listeners and viewers value," Smith said. "Yes, the NAB Show is an opportunity for us to reflect on and celebrate what we do. But it is also an opportunity for us to take an active part in shaping our industry's future."

He concluded with "Recently, Senator Heidi Heitkamp from North Dakota spoke before a room of broadcasters at our State Leadership Conference, and something she said really resonated with me. She asked:

• Who would tell us where to seek shelter when the storm is coming, and stay with us throughout the ordeal until the danger passes?
• Who would promote and support the charities that help our friends and neighbors in need?
• And who would investigate, produce and air the stories that uncover government corruption and protect us from consumer scams?

"To her," she said, "this would be a very bleak picture for our communities," but Smith proclaimed, "it's a reminder of broadcasting's highest purposes."

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