Introduction
National Association of Broadcasters is a trade association that represents more than 8,000 local radio and television stations as well as broadcast networks before the Courts, Congress, and the Federal Communications Commission. The overview of the company and its role in broadcasting industry reveals that National Association of Broadcasters is a non-profit institution characterized by high level of transparency in all activities. Taking into account that that the National Association of Broadcasters is a non-profit organization, the transparency is maintained through open communication with the public and fair representation of the members.
Company Background
The National Association of Broadcasters “was formed in 1922 initially to work for rational rules related to spectrum allocation related to U.S. radio broadcasting”1. Within the first years of its operations, Association played crucial role in bringing the Radio Act of 1927 to the public attention. This act created legislature for station licensing and frequency allotment and fostered the liberation from the government control of stations’ business operations. The headquarters of the Association are located in Washington, D.C. It is one of the most active and transparent lobbies in the country. In particular, it represents more than 900 television stations and over 8,000 radio stations. There are over 10,000 members from the television and radio industry, both domestic and international.
One of the main features of the National Association of Broadcasters is close attention paid to analysis of economic, legal, and social trends that may affect the industry. The scope of activities and participations is impressive. The Association holds several conferences conventions and expositions every year. The conferences are devoted to the diverse aspects of radio and television business and technology. For example, the annual convention held in Las Vegas is one of the largest trade and professional meetings in the world. Conventions, expositions, and seminars bring together leading managers, technicians, legislators, and regulators from all over the world. In addition, annual convention in Las Vegas is an international business fair when technological innovations are displayed and discussed by vendors as well as potential buyers and users.
Role and Objectives
As defined by David Rehr, President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters, the Association “is a full-service trade association that promotes and protects the interests of radio and television broadcasters in Washington and around the world”2. The Association works to keep its members informed about the emerging policy issues, innovative technology and management trends. The Association provides broadcast news, industry research, and legal advices to its members. The Association motivates competition and empowers its members to compete more effectively by giving stations the growing range of products and financial services.
The National Association of Broadcasters is a private, not-for-profit organization. With only 173 employees, the Association fosters and promotes the development of broadcasting on national and international levels. “With a budget of $27,000,000, the Association works to ensure the viability, strength, and success of free, over-the-air broadcasting and serves as an information resource to the industry with a library of approximately 10,000 holdings”3. The legislative success of the Association is a result of the political involvement by local broadcasters. In other words, with the help of Association broadcasters educate policymakers about the radio and television industry changes and developments. The National Association of Broadcasters is a community service working for the best results for member stations and communities.
Emphasis on Education
The special attention should be paid to the contribution made by the Broadcast Education Association to educating policymakers, community, and broadcasters on a wide range of issues. With a limited number of employees, the Association supports the operations of the Broadcast Education Association, the organization for teachers and researchers in telecommunications and broadcasting fields. Thus, the Association serves multiple roles on economic, social, and political arenas.
Footnotes
- Harris, Cheryl. Museum TV. Web.
- Rehr, David. President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters. Official website. Web.
- National Association of Broadcasters. Web.