Broadcast Advocate

With less than two weeks until NAB Show 2026, National Association of Broadcasters Executive Vice President, Industry Affairs and Innovation April Carty-Sipp joins Randy Gravley (GA Association of Broadcasters) and previews the wide array of offerings at broadcaster's biggest event of the year. From a massive show floor with hundreds of industry vendors, to dynamic sessions covering everything from Artificial Intelligence, NextGen TV, and sports broadcasting, there is truly something for everyone at NAB Show.

In a must-see episode for broadcast newsrooms across the country, Al Tompkins joins co-hosts Michelle Vetterkind (WI Broadcasters Assoc.) and Tim Vetscher (TMJ 4 , Milwaukee) to discuss measures newsrooms can take to keep journalists safe.The trio discusses current challenges, best practices, and how the First Amendment factors into news gathering.Head to https://nasba.connectedcommunity.org/meet-nasba/podcast to download a copy of Al Tompkin's "Covering Unrest: Guide for Journalists."

In this episode of Broadcast Advocate, co-host Chris Winkle (Kentucky Broadcasters Assoc.) and Wendy Paulson (Minnesota Broadcasters Assoc.) are joined by National Association of Broadcasters EVP of Government Relations Shawn Donilon, and VP, Government Affairs for Salem Media Group and VP of Public Policy for the National Religious Broadcasters Nic Anderson. The group discusses the most pertinent issues to radio and television broadcasters: Ownership, the AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act, NEXTGEN TV, and performance royalties as hundreds of broadcasters from every state are set to advocate for the industry in Washington, DC.

In this episode of Broadcast Advocate, host Casey Jones (Michigan Association of Broadcasters) sits down with Fred and Paul Jacobs of Jacobs Media to break down what CES 2026 revealed about the future of broadcasting. From the rise of applied AI to the growing importance of companionship, collaboration, and presence, the conversation focuses on how broadcasters can intentionally claim their place in an increasingly crowded media ecosystem. Rather than chasing trends, the Jacobs brothers argue that the future belongs to broadcasters who engage early, make room at the table, and help shape what comes next.

Countering the misconception that "young people don't like the radio" college radio stations around the country continue to thrive and attract smart, dedicated students who love the medium. In this episode hosted by David Donovan (New York State Broadcasters Assoc.) and Jordan Walton (New Jersey Broadcasters Assoc.) we speak with members at Marconi Award-winning Hofstra University's WRHU 88.7, longtime radio programmer and current GM John Mullen, station manager Ashley Blum, and on-air personality and Director of International Programming Ricky Hubert about how young people view radio and how the industry can support these future broadcasters and radio listeners. Listen to WRHU: https://www.hofstra.edu/wrhu/listen-live.html

The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFOA) reaches across the United States and Puerto Rico to provide an anonymous safety net for radio and television broadcaster professionals who find themselves in acute financial need due to an illness, accident, or emergency. In this episode hosted by Dennis Lyle (Illinois Broadcasters Assoc.), BFOA board member Ray Cole and BFOA president/CEO Tim McCarthy share insight into over two decades of BFOA’s support to the broadcast community through both sustaining and emergency grants. BFOA grant recipient Terrie Cammarie joins the conversation and personally shares her family’s story of BFOA support. To learn more about the BFOA: https://broadcastersfoundation.org/ To watch Luke and Terrie's story: https://broadcastersfoundation.org/who-we-help/

Television broadcasters throughout the country are voluntarily upgrading to ATSC 3.0, known to viewers as NEXTGEN TV. While most viewers have access to the signals today, broadcasters are sharing transmitter signals and hoping to completely move to ATSC 3.0 with action from the FCC. In this episode, Sam Matheny, CTO of the National Association of Broadcasters, discusses the advantages of NEXTGEN TV with Dave Arland (Indiana Broadcasters Assoc.).

Digital Content Creator, Journalist, and Producer Dana Schaeffer joins the podcast to discuss the future of broadcasting, including innovation, local relevancy, and engaging the next generation. Learn more about Dana on her website: https://www.danaschaeffer.com/

Dan Shelley of the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) joins Kyle Geissler (WI Broadcasters Assoc.) and Chris Kline (AZ Media Assoc.) to talk about broadcast journalism and the first amendment.

Jim Timm (NE Broadcasters Assoc.) and Wendy Paulson (MN Assoc. of Broadcasters) dive into the most critical issues facing local radio and television with National Association of Broadcasters President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt.

Allison Mazzei (KS Assoc. of Broadcasters) and Jordan Walton (MA Broadcasters Assoc.) host.Guests Jeff Nalley, President of the National Association of Farm Broadcasters and National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters President Jim Winston discuss the importance of the AM band and broadcasters' efforts to preserve it in the name of safety and the unique audiences AM reaches every day.

Mitch Fox (NV Broadcasters Assoc.) hosts with guests Sharon Tinsley (AL Broadcasters Assoc.) and Dave Arland (Indiana Broadcasters Assoc.). Sharon and Dave discuss ways their associations support and promote radio and television broadcasters in their own states as well as how state broadcasters associations around the country serve their broadcasters at home and in Washington D.C.