Radio’s New Guy At The NAB

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    Earlier this week we reported that the NAB’s Executive Vice President of Radio, John David, is moving away from his day-to-day role as head of the NAB Radio Department as of next week. He will continue to serve as a Senior Advisor to the NAB. And as the NAB reviews its organizational structure, a familiar face at the NAB will be representing radio. Commonwealth Broadcasting CEO Steve Newberry will have oversight of the Radio Department. On Wednesday, we spoke to Steve about his additional responsibilities with the NAB….

    Radio Ink: John David is transitioning out of his role as Executive Vice President of Radio. He’s created quite a record of success.
    Newberry: I believe most in our industry know John is one of my closest and dearest friends, and I am keenly aware of the wonderful job John has done for NAB and the industry. Fortunately, John is still a big part of NAB and will be working with us to continue that record of success.

    Radio Ink: What will be your main responsibilities?
    Newberry: In this transition, Gordon Smith and NAB’s COO Chris Ornelas asked me to add oversight of the radio department to my broader NAB responsibilities. I was happy to do so, and I want to make sure we don’t miss a beat. Radio has some big issues that present big opportunities, but we can’t slow down. John built a really strong Radio Department team, and I see my job as making sure we keep the fuel tanks full and the accelerator to the floor.

    Radio Ink: What is Radio’s number one challenge in Washington?
    Newberry: We must continue to tell radio’s story to Congress. We are such a vital piece of the American fabric. In every local community we are serving our listeners in their good times and helping them in their worst times. Members of Congress need to be reminded this is not a marketing message, but an absolute fact. Making sure Congress knows our story is at the very foundation of how we face challenges on the Hill, including the performance royalty issue.

    Steve Newberry visits Washington to represent broadcasters.

    At the FCC, we are seeing some much needed regulatory relief. That is enabling our stations to focus more on serving their listeners and communities. We need to focus on continuing that trend.

    Radio Ink: What do you hope to accomplish while you are in that position?
    Newberry: First, we will build on the great foundation established by John and his team, continuing to provide high value for our membership.

    Next, we will continue demonstrating radio’s relevance and impact to those observing our industry.

    Finally, we want to turn radio’s focus toward the future and the opportunities it will provide for radio. “At work, at home, or in the car” there are some very exciting opportunities for us to marry radio’s valued brands with incredible technology. NAB is more committed to advancing technology than ever before, and I’m going to do everything in my power to build on those efforts.

    Radio Ink: Being an owner of stations and constantly giving back as you do with the NAB, what is your opinion on how radio is doing?
    Newberry: Radio has been incredibly resilient through its history, and in spite of those transitions, radio listening is at an all-time high and we continue to serve 93% of Americans each week. That’s my way of saying I believe radio has a great future ahead. I believe we should be agile, aggressive, creative, and local. Those habits built a strong radio industry and will propel us to future success.

    Radio Ink: Will you be as funny as John is on stage at the conventions?
    Newberry: Back in the day, John did the morning show on several stations. I did afternoons. I’d answer your question by simply pointing out they let the funny guys do mornings, not afternoons. There’s no way we can replicate John’s sense of humor. We won’t be as funny, but we will have fun!

    3 COMMENTS

    1. Well, we have the right guy for the job. Personable and smart to affect greater
      attention to the everyday mom and pop stations on mainstreet. This guy
      understands the challenges of the local hometown broadcaster.
      Besides all that, he is a class act.

    2. Thanks, Steve, for always making our industry a priority! You give so much of your time and passion to us – we are incredibly grateful. Best wishes to John David who has served our industry faithfully all these many years – he is a treasure and great friend to us all!

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