National Association of Broadcasters facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
National Association of Broadcasters

Legal status	501(c)(6)
Location	Washington, D.C., United States
President	Curtis LeGeyt
Revenue	$92,404,239 (2020)

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is a group that supports radio and television stations in the United States. It works to protect the interests of both commercial (with ads) and non-commercial (without ads) broadcasters. The NAB represents over 8,300 radio and television stations across the country.

As of 2022, the president and CEO of the NAB is Curtis LeGeyt.

How the NAB Started

NAB headquarters in Washington, D.C.

The NAB began in April 1923 in Chicago. It was first called the National Association of Radio Broadcasters (NARB). The person who started it was Eugene F. McDonald Jr.. He also founded the Zenith corporation, known for electronics.

In 1951, the group changed its name to the National Association of Radio and Television Broadcasters (NARTB). This was done to include the growing television industry. By 1958, it became known by its current name, the "National Association of Broadcasters."

NAB and Commercial Radio

The NAB played a big part in creating the commercial radio system in the United States. In August 1928, a plan called General Order 40 was set up. This plan gave the best radio frequencies and broadcast times to commercial radio stations.

Some groups, like educators and non-profit broadcasters, did not agree with this. They wanted a public radio system without commercials, similar to the BBC in the UK. They worried that commercial radio would only show popular programs and lower the quality of broadcasting. However, the NAB and commercial radio groups had more political power. The non-profit groups eventually lost this fight when the Communications Act of 1934 was passed.

NAB and Satellite Radio

The NAB has also been involved in discussions about satellite radio. Many satellite radio fans have criticized the NAB for trying to stop new laws that would help these services. The NAB spoke out against the approval of both XM and Sirius in the U.S. They also criticized the 2008 merger of these two companies. The NAB called the combined company a "potential monopoly," meaning it might have too much control.

Helping with Digital TV

In 2005, the NAB worked with another group to create a good quality, low-cost digital-to-analog converter box. This box helps older TVs receive digital television signals. The design for this converter box was later used by the U.S. government. It became a required standard for boxes that people could get with a special coupon.

NAB and Wireless Internet (White Space)

The NAB has also worked against using "white spaces" for wireless internet. White spaces are unused parts of the broadcast spectrum between TV channels. The NAB claimed that using these spaces would cause problems for existing TV broadcasts. However, tests by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) did not support these claims. The FCC has actually suggested using white spaces for broadband internet and other digital uses.

In 2011, the NAB paid for an advertising campaign called "The Future of TV." This campaign argued that private groups should own these airwaves. It presented this as a way to protect free television.

Supporting Free TV

In mid-2014, the NAB launched another advertising campaign. This one was against a threat from the cable-TV lobby in Congress. The campaign asked viewers to help defeat the cable-TV lobby's efforts.

Groups Like the NAB

There are groups similar to the NAB in different U.S. states. Examples include the Georgia Association of Broadcasters (GAB) and the Illinois Broadcasters Association (IBA). In Canada, the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) does a similar job.

NAB Events and Gatherings

NAB Convention Floor, Las Vegas, 2010

The NAB holds a big event each spring called the NAB Show. Over 100,000 people from the broadcasting industry usually attend. The NAB also runs the NAB Radio Show every autumn, which brings together more than 3,000 radio professionals.

At the NAB shows in 2010 and 2011, popular technologies included 3D video and editing software. This was inspired by movies like Avatar. Other new technologies included special cameras and improvements in editing tools.

The annual NAB Show returned to Las Vegas in April 2022. It had been paused for two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 50,000 visitors from 155 countries attended the show.

NAB and Broadcasting Rules

In 1952, the NAB created the Code of Practices for Television Broadcasters. This code set rules for what could be shown on TV. For example, it banned showing family life in a bad way, disrespect for God, cruelty, or detailed crime methods. It also said that horror should not be used just for shock. A special committee made sure these rules were followed.

In 1983, courts decided that this Code was against the law. After that, the NAB board of directors issued a short "Statement of Principles." This statement encourages broadcasters to "exercise responsible and careful judgment" when choosing what to broadcast.

On March 1, 2022, the NAB asked broadcasters to stop showing any programs linked to the Russian government. This was in response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

NAB Hall of Fame

NAB Awards

The NAB gives out several awards each year:

• NAB Marconi Radio Awards: These go to the best radio stations and personalities in the country.
• NAB National Radio Award: This award honors an outstanding leader in the radio industry.
• NAB Crystal Radio Awards: These are given to radio stations that do excellent community service.
• NAB Engineering Achievement Awards: These recognize individuals for their great work in broadcast technology.
• NAB Distinguished Service Award: This award is for broadcasters who have made a big and lasting contribution to American broadcasting.

See also

In Spanish: National Association of Broadcasters para niños

• Code of Practices for Television Broadcasters—This includes the NAB's Television Code and Seal of Good Practice, which were used from 1952 to 1983.