Definition: According to their website, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is "a trade association that advocates on behalf of more than 8,300 free, local radio and television stations and also broadcast networks before Congress, the Federal Communications Commission and the Courts."
That is more formal way of saying that the NAB is a guardian of free, over-the-air (OTA) radio and TV. The fact of the matter is that the NAB is involved with almost every broadcast-related issues. Examples include increasing awareness with the digital transition, outlining growth within the telecommunications market, and researching the industry's job market for college graduates.
Membership is voluntary and open to anyone involved with the broadcast industry. However, the NAB strongly urges all broadcasters join their trade association "to be effective on every issue."
The NAB was a co-founder of the DTV Transition Coalition and operates the digital transition information website DTVAnswers.com.
NAB Key Facts
- According to The Museum of Broadcast Communications, the NAB formed in 1922 "to work for rational rules related to spectrum allocation related to U.S. radio broadcasting."
- Headquartered in Washington D.C
- NAB's official website: http://www.nab.org
- Hosts annual conference in Las Vegas that is the year's premiere event for the broadcast industry - http://www.nabshow.com.
