NAB
National Association of Broadcasters - the trade association representing radio and television broadcasters in the United States.
Definition
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is the premier trade association for America's radio and television broadcasters. Representing over 8,300 member stations and broadcast networks, NAB advocates for the industry on regulatory, legislative, and technology issues.
Beyond advocacy, NAB hosts the annual NAB Show in Las Vegas, one of the world's largest conventions for media, entertainment, and technology. The organization also provides resources for broadcaster education, diversity initiatives, and industry research.
Why It Matters
Broadcasters rely on NAB advocacy for spectrum protection, regulatory flexibility, and technology transitions. The organization's positions on retransmission consent, ATSC 3.0 adoption, and local journalism support shape industry economics.
For vendors and marketers, NAB Show provides critical exposure to broadcast decision-makers. The convention showcases the latest in production technology, advertising solutions, and content delivery innovations.
Examples in Practice
NAB's advocacy helped broadcasters secure favorable spectrum auction terms, generating billions in revenue while protecting local TV stations' ability to serve their communities.
Technology companies launch new broadcast and streaming products at NAB Show, reaching 65,000+ attendees who control station equipment and software purchases.
NAB's leadership on ATSC 3.0 (NextGen TV) standards is enabling broadcasters to offer interactive features, 4K quality, and targeted advertising capabilities.