WASHINGTON, D.C. — As June 2020 came to a close, so did the FCC’s time at the Portals, an office complex a few blocks of L’Enfant Plaza’s Metro Rail stops. Nearly six years later, the neighborhood has become a gathering place for many of broadcast media’s key leadership — many of who may have something to say about the Commission.
That’s thanks to the NAB’s annual State Leadership Conference, which began Monday afternoon with cocktails at the Salamander — which opened nearly 2 1/2 years after the FCC’s move.
Serving as the SLC emcee is Steve Patterson, host of Hubbard Radio’s KTMY-FM “myTalk 107.1” in Minneapolis-based “Donna & Steve Show.” Across the sessions, broadcasters’ “indispensable role in delivering trusted news, emergency information and local connection to communities nationwide” — as the NAB describes it — was seen.
Come Wednesday (3/4), as is seen each year as part of the State Leadership Conference, attendees will head up to Capitol Hill to meet with their Members of Congress to discuss what they believe are policy priorities critical to local stations.
Perhaps NAB President/CEO Curtis LeGeyt gave the 570 attendees on hand some cues. In prepared remarks, LeGeyt outlined “the urgent need to modernize outdated regulations that prevent local stations from competing on a level playing field with global technology platforms.” He also put a focus on broadcasters’ “unique and essential role in public safety, civic engagement and strengthening local democracy,” reiterating comments made since the start of the Trump Administration in favor of over-the-air radio and TV.
Massachusetts Democratic Senator Ed Markey, who appeared February 10 at a monumental Senate Commerce Committee hearing to review and debate the 39% national television household reach cap in place since Congress enacted legislation in January 2004, spoke about the longtime value of broadcast radio while noting his efforts to get the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act out of quicksand. Movement on the bill, despite overwhelming Congressional support, remains stuck in the mud as the technology industry and automotive lobbyists have converged in a massive effort to block a vote.
Also in attendance was Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), who addressed the issues any legislation that would introduce a performance tax poses to local radio stations. Thus far, the American Music Fairness Act has just 5 Senate co-sponsors and 13 co-sponsors of companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
Additionally, Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), Chairman of the important House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, which maintains FCC oversight, spoke about the need for broadcast ownership rules to reflect today’s landscape. He also touched on the importance of keeping AM radio in cars, as demonstrated with the severe flooding triggered by Hurricane Helene in areas of Asheville, N.C.
The NAB’s advocacy team was on hand to provide a comprehensive policy briefing led by Exec. VP of Government Relations Shawn Donilon. For NAB Exec. VP of Public Affairs and Chief of Staff Michelle Lehman, highlighting the NAB’s America 250 campaign was a focal point.
The conference also celebrated retired Quincy Media, Inc., leader Ralph Oakley, who received the Chuck Sherman Television Leadership Award in recognition of his exceptional contributions to local television.
Concurrently, NAB Senior Vice President for State, International and Board Relations Sue Keenom recognized several outgoing state association leaders for their dedicated service to broadcasters and their communities:
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Jim Timm, President, Nebraska Broadcasters Association and outgoing President, National Alliance of State Broadcasters Associations (NASBA)
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Pat Roberts, Florida Association of Broadcasters
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Neal Gladner, Arkansas Broadcasters Association
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Vance Harrison, Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters
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Cathy Hiebert, Alaska Broadcasters Association
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Chris Kline, Arizona Media Association
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Keith Shipman, Washington State Broadcasters Association
— With on-site reporting by Cameron Coats
NAB Crystal Radio Award Winners Announced
The 10 winners of the 39th annual NAB Crystal Radio Awards have been announced at the 2026 NAB State Leadership Conference, being held at the Salamander in Southwest Washington. The honorees include a heritage Class B Rocker one can tune to here, even thought it is licensed to Baltimore.
