Today marks the official start of NAB Show New York – over the next three days, broadcasters from across the country and the world will fill the Javits Center in Manhattan. While there are a few summits starting today on streaming and AI, the majority of the action begins tomorrow, especially for radio broadcasters.
From AM to AI and everything in between, here are eight sessions on Wednesday and Thursday you won’t want to miss.
Wednesday, October 25
Day two of the show will see the exhibition hall open, but also features the Radio Insights Executive Seminar. Seeing as there are four sessions to the seminar and one is a short introduction, it’s admittedly a bit easy to pick out the day’s can’t-miss talks.
1:15 PM – 2:00 PM: The Future of Radio Business: Strategies for Growth
After a 15-minute kickoff overview of radio’s economic landscape, Rob Babin, EVP of Radio at Cox Media Group, Bob Proffitt, CEO of Alpha Media, and Marie Tedesco, CFO at Beasley Media Group, will delve into the anticipated strategies for business growth in radio. Topics will likely include the expected increase in digital ad revenue, streaming listenership, and how the industry is evolving to meet these changes.
2:05 PM – 2:45 PM: AI’s Evolving Role in Radio: What Lies Ahead
Next, the spotlight will shift to the evolving role of AI in radio. The session will explore the potential benefits and challenges presented by emerging technologies like ChatGPT and AI air talent. Panelists will discuss the public’s reception of AI and how policies might shape its future integration into radio.
2:50 PM – 3:30 PM: The Pursuit of Future Growth: Embracing New Technologies
Concluding the day’s sessions from 2:50 PM to 3:30 PM, industry experts including Christopher Bell from Amazon Web Services and Sarah Foss, CTO at Audacy, will examine how radio can utilize innovative technologies and services to grow business and increase efficiency.
Thursday, October 26
After a night honoring radio’s best at the Marconis, the final day of the upcoming NAB Show New York is shaping up to be a treasure trove of insights for radio broadcasters. Grab a bacon, egg, and cheese on the way to the Hall – you won’t want to miss the morning sessions ranging from the importance of archiving content to strategies for in-car radio engagement and data-driven storytelling.
9:00 AM – 9:40 AM: Your Content is King: Preserve It!
Hosted by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation, this session will feature a panel of award-winning broadcasters and archivists, including David Gleason, who will be honored with the inaugural LABF Excellence in Broadcast Preservation Award. Moderated by ABC News’ Steven Portnoy, the discussion will focus on the best practices for archiving and repurposing radio and TV content.
9:45 AM – 10:25 AM: AI for Radio: Operational Opportunities
While Wedneday’s session touched on the on-air and overarching issues on AI, this talk, moderated by Radio Ink columnist Buzz Knight, hones in on the strategic applications of AI in support of programming and advertising sales.
10:30 AM – 11:10 AM: Winning Radio Strategies: In the Car and “On the Air”
So starts the AM radio portion of the day. Expect an update on the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act’s porgression on Capitol Hill followed by Hubbard Broadcasting CEO Ginny Morris on a panel sharing insights on how AM radio continues to be a must-listen medium and the tactics deployed to win local markets.
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: AM Chief Engineer Panel
While outside of the radio room, the second AM panel features New York area station engineers discuss the technical challenges and opportunities in AM radio from the Tech Stage in the Exhibits Hall. Expect discussions on antenna system optimization and the potential for an all-digital future for the band.
2:15 PM – 2:55 PM: Data-Driven Storytelling: Connected Cars and Listener Engagement
The day will wrap up at 2:15 PM with a session focused on the role of connected cars in providing insights into listener behavior. Justin Chase from Beasley Media Group and Steve Shultis from New York Public Radio will join Xperi’s Joe D’Angelo to discuss the latest dashboard breakthroughs.
Of course, these eight panels are only a fraction of what NAB Show New York has to offer. Radio Ink will be in sessions and on the floor this week, so look for full coverage on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday on our social media, website, and in our morning headlines. See you at the Show!
