In this month’s issue of Radio Ink, NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt is recognized as Radio Executive of the Year. “In addition to bringing together and leading the radio industry in support of keeping AM radio in the nation’s vehicles, he continues to shape the National Association of Broadcasters into one of the most effective lobbying and advocacy organizations in the country,” Radio Ink Magazine Editor Lainie Petersen said.
Rapidly changing technology, economic uncertainty and rising misinformation present new challenges to broadcasters, but also new opportunities, as local, personal news and entertainment is more important than ever. As NAB’s president and CEO, LeGeyt is helping lead broadcasters through these changes to secure broadcasting’s future.
As LeGeyt told Radio Ink, “Local broadcasting remains the most trusted medium, and we are fighting every day to ensure that we’ve got the opportunity as an industry to continue to reach listeners and viewers, wherever they are, however they are, and to provide them with a service that stands in contrast to Big Tech and social media disinformation.”
“A free press plays a central role in our democracy, but local news is facing a myriad of challenges from declining ad revenue to competition from artificial intelligence,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar (MN) told Radio Ink. “NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt is a strategic and dedicated leader. From his support of the AM for Every Vehicle Act and my legislation that will level the playing field between news outlets and Big Tech platforms, Curtis has been a fantastic partner in our work to ensure the long-term viability of local news.”
One of NAB’s top priorities for the radio industry remains the preservation of AM radio, a vital part of our nation’s emergency infrastructure and an important resource of news and entertainment for 82 million Americans, including many underserved communities. The bipartisan AM for Every Vehicle Act would require the Transportation Secretary to issue a rule requiring vehicles manufactured in or imported into the U.S. to have devices installed that provide access to AM radio.
AM For Every Vehicle Act sponsor Sen. Ed Markey (MA), told Radio Ink, “Curtis LeGeyt and NAB have been essential partners in preserving AM radio and advancing my AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. As automakers turn their backs on broadcast AM radio, Curtis and NAB have had the backs of broadcasters around the country. Thanks to that support, I am confident that Congress will pass my bill and ensure this accessible and reliable communication channel remains in vehicles for years to come.”
“Under Curtis LeGeyt’s leadership, the National Association of Broadcasters have been strong allies in the fight to preserve AM radio in American vehicles,” said Sen. Ted Cruz (TX). “While we have much work to do, the NAB has served as an advocate for this important cause.”
Look back at NAB’s advocacy and accomplishments in the 2023 Year in Review.
