It’s a well-known fact that FCC Chairman Ajit Pai is a huge sports fan. Although his University of Kansas Jayhawks aren’t in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, Pai’s likely planning to watch the championship game on Monday, April 8.
This could involve a Las Vegas sports book or private party, because he’s booked for 3pm the next day on the main stage at the 2019 NAB Show.
Chairman Pai will offer remarks at the NAB: We Are Broadcasters Celebration on Tuesday, April 9.
The event will also see the presentation of the NAB Crystal Radio Awards, including the presentation of the Crystal Heritage Award to Alpha Media-owned News/Talk KFOR-AM & FM in Lincoln, Neb.
“KFOR has proudly served the Lincoln, Neb., region for over 94 years, and our commitment to the community has never wavered,” said Alpha Media of Lincoln Market Manager Julie Gade. “We are so proud of our team’s accomplishments both on and off the air and are honored that this dedication is being rewarded with a coveted NAB Crystal Heritage Award.”
The Heritage Award recognizes radio stations that have won a total of five Crystal Radio Awards for exceptional year-round community service efforts. Previous inductees include WTOP-FM in Washington, D.C.; WTMX-FM in Chicago; WLEN-FM in Adrian, Mich.; KNOM – AM & FM in Nome, Alaska; KUZZ-AM & FM in Bakersfield, Calif.; KBHP-FM in Bemidji, Minn.; and WUSL-FM “Power 99” in Philadelphia.
The We Are Broadcasters Celebration will also see Cavell, Mertz & Associates Senior Broadcast Consulting Engineer Cindy Hutter Cavell and President Garrison C. Cavell will receive the NAB Engineering Achievement Awards.
Pai isn’t the only one who will be flying in from the Nation’s Capital. Commissioners Michael O’Rielly, Brendan Carr and Geoffrey Starks will participate in two separate sessions at the NAB Show.
In a session titled “Raining 3s: A Q&A with FCC Commissioners O’Rielly, Carr and Starks,” the Commissioners will provide insight on the FCC’s current regulatory and legislative agenda. The session, scheduled for Monday, April 8, is part of the Business of Media Conference, which brings together broadcast station management executives and leaders from digital, cable and satellite companies to examine broadcast and digital business models and practices.