Answer: Backgrounder on NAB

The National Association of Broadcasters, formed in 1922, is the industry group representing commercial radio and television stations of the United States. The NAB is one of the most powerful and influential lobbying groups in Washington. In 2003, the NAB spent over $3 million in lobbying the Congress and over the past 4 years, it has given over $2.2 million to federal campaigns, almost 2/3 of which went to Republican candidates. (Center for Responsive Politics)

The NAB is holding their annual radio conference in San Diego from Oct.6 - 8, 2004. In order to confront the NAB and give voice to independent, grass-roots, non-corporate media, a Media EmergenC has been called. Check out this 3 day convergence / action / performance / gathering / training. The events are hosted by the San Diego Independent Media Center. Radical reference will be there handing out flyers, learning about internet radio and meeting other media activists.

Why you should be worried about the NAB

• The NAB represents powerful corporate media and works aggressively to keep control of the airwaves away from the public and firmly in the hands of big business
• The NAB has fiercely opposed Low Power FM (LPFM) radio licensing for community radio stations
• The NAB has also pushed for ownership deregulation in the broadcast industry
• The NAB paid $191,472 between 1995 — 2003 to bring 206 FCC officials to its events, unduly influencing FCC media regulations and policy changes.

Articles about the NAB

• Layton, Charles. "Lobbying Juggernaut." American Journalism Review, Oct/Nov 2004
• Grebb, Michael. "Broadcasters Gut Digital TV Bill." Wired News, September 23, 2004.
• FCC managers still flying free
• FCC officials rack up $2.8 million travel tab with industries they regulate

Websites

• Critical Mass Radio Network
• Don't Let Them NAB Our Airwaves
• Fighting the NAB
• Media Access Project
• Prometheus Radio Project
• Public Interest, Public Airwaves Coalition