NAB Show Premiere Opening Session Explores Broadcasting in the Pandemic

–Broadcast executives will discuss the impact of 2020 on the industry–

Washington, D.C. — Leading television and radio broadcast executives Emily Barr of Graham Media, Dave Santrella of Salem Media Group and Hearst Television’s Jordan Wertlieb will speak during the opening session of NAB Show Premiere on April 12 at 12:30 p.m. ET. The panel, moderated by National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Chief Operating Officer Curtis LeGeyt, will focus on the how the industry was impacted by the pandemic and other major events of the past year. NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith will deliver opening remarks for NAB Show Premiere, which is available exclusively on NAB Amplify.

NAB Show Premiere, a special online event, will convene top brands in media and entertainment and offer exclusive educational content on NAB Amplify, April 12—23. Program highlights include new product launches, award presentations and networking opportunities.

The opening session titled “One Year of Broadcasting in a Pandemic” will feature the executives in a candid conversation about the challenges faced by broadcasters over the last year, how they adjusted and what local stations achieved in the face of adversity.

Topics will include broadcasters’ response to the pandemic, growing competition from social media and technology companies, promoting industry diversity and attacks on the First Amendment and journalism.

Emily Barr is the president and CEO of Graham Media Group, overseeing seven media hubs delivering local news, programming and digital media in six states. Dave Santrella is the president of Broadcast Media, Salem Media Group, overseeing Salem’s 115 local radio stations in 35 markets. Jordan Wertlieb is the president of Hearst Television, with oversight of Hearst’s local television stations, radio stations and digital properties across 26 markets.

NAB will also present the TV Chairman’s Award to acclaimed host Mario Lopez and announce the winners of the 2021 NAB Crystal Radio Awards live on April 13. Established in 1987, the NAB Crystal Radio Awards nationally recognize local radio stations for their year-round commitment to serving communities.

An NAB Amplify account is required to access “One Year of Broadcasting in a Pandemic” and all other NAB Show Premiere sessions.

Qualified members of the press should indicate their press status during the NAB Amplify registration process.

About NAB Amplify

Designed by the creators of NAB Show, NAB Amplify is the new digital hub for the media and entertainment community. With curated content, trusted insights and new product launches, NAB Amplify is the year-round destination to connect and interact with the global NAB Show community. Learn more at www.nabamplify.com.

About NAB Show

NAB Show, held April 23 – 27, 2022, in Las Vegas, is the premier event for content professionals in the media, entertainment and technology ecosystem. It’s the ultimate marketplace for those seeking to create superior audio and video experiences. From creation to consumption, across multiple platforms, NAB Show is where global visionaries convene to bring content to life in new and exciting ways. For complete details, visit www.nabshow.com.

About NAB

The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America’s broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.