Business

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai and National Association of Broadcasters President and CEO Gordon Smith will participate in a keynote conversation Wednesday, May 13 during the NAB Show Express Welcome event. The industry’s top regulator and the head of NAB will discuss communications policy issues before the FCC, including spectrum policy and media ownership.

The opening session will be streamed on nabshowexpress.com at 12 p.m. on May 13 and available on-demand following its conclusion.

The FCC regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable. An independent U.S. government agency overseen by Congress, the Commission is the federal agency responsible for implementing and enforcing America’s communications law and regulations.

Designated FCC chairman by President Donald Trump in January 2017, Pai has taken great strides to modernize the rules and regulations that apply to the nation’s radio and television broadcasters. He has been instrumental in paving the way for Next Gen TV, working hard to reform the Commission’s long-outdated local media ownership rules, reinvigorating AM radio by, among other things, helping broadcasters gain access to FM translators, and clearing much of the regulatory underbrush that makes it harder for broadcasters to serve the public.

Chairman Pai, who has also served on the FCC staff and as a commissioner, has shown dedication to his job and openness to arguments from all sides.

Prior to joining NAB in 2009, Smith was a two-term U.S. senator from Oregon, serving on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, which has jurisdiction over telecommunications issues.

The NAB Show Express Welcome event will also feature Smith’s “State of the Broadcast Industry” address and the presentation of the NAB Distinguished Service Award to Jim Henson, the artist, innovator, and visionary creator of the Muppets. The Crystal Radio Awards, Digital Leadership Award and Engineering Achievement Awards will also be presented. Coloff Media’s KCVM-FM Cedar Falls, IA will receive the NAB Crystal Heritage Award.

NAB Show Express, held May 13 – 14, is a dynamic online event offering 24-hour access to premium content curated for the global entertainment and media community. Featuring live and on-demand educational sessions as well as an exclusive Solutions Marketplace, NAB Show Express provides critical information, inspiration and solutions to move the industry forward.

Registration for NAB Show Express is free.