2021 NBA Annual Convention Sessions

At the FCC, acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel was profiled by InStyle Magazine in a series celebrating “women who show up, speak up and get things done.” On Capitol Hill, Congress continues to confront issues of concern to the industry. Join the NBA’s John King and the NAB’s Nicole Gustafson as they brief members on issues affecting broadcasters at the FCC and in the halls of Congress. Highlights of issues you can expect updates on include: • Media Ownership – The Supreme Court and the new FCC. • Sponsorship ID – new obligations. • Zonecasting – what are its prospects? • The fluid music licensing environment. • EAS revision/expansion.

This session will examine the steps organizations need to consider when building a diversity strategy. Michelle Duke, Chief Diversity Officer, NAB, will offer tips on how you can create a business case and build a customized diversity plan for your organization. She will also share best practices and emerging trends in the DE&I space.

In a world that seems uncertain and upside down, nothing is more important to our business than a strong team. However, it is often too easy to get so focused on everything we have to do that we neglect our most important assets. This session will focus on our focus. Yes, you read it correctly! Sometimes we need to be more focused on being focused, and putting our attention to the people who make it all work. This session will remind you of areas that can have an enormous impact on those around you…and your bottom line. Prepare to walk away with a clearer vision of how you should lead in the months ahead.

- How to position yourself to immediately get a prospect's attention - What to say (and not to say) to get the appointment - Pro's and con's to walking in, calling, emailing, and texting

- The Covid 19 situation has shown us that people need and love Broadcast TV! - Numbers for local news and most programming grew in large numbers and have maintained a good number of those gains as we come out of Covid - Critical Mass is important in advertising. OTT continues to erode as Broadcast TV grows

- Timing is everything: WHEN to talk about your rate - 10 objections that buyers use and how to respond to each one - Why budget shouldn't AND doesn't matter

- Accountability: National/Global digital’s PR firm is better than those of local broadcast! - National/Global digital’s accountability continues to confuse and exaggerate the truth! - Local digital and local broadcast prove to be the most effective way to reach consumers!

While COVID and Social Justice are not going away, new polarizing issues are now back on the major coverage menu. Controversy, misinformation, and politics govern these issues, but covering controversy by itself never informed anyone. How can journalists educate and inform policed audiences? This workshop looks at all of these issues and answers that question simply and pragmatically — know what story you are covering. Kevin will show you how to break down the most polarizing stories and truly educate your audience. Hot issues are the bread and butter of great journalism. Your community needs this coverage. Here’s how you can do it best.

- How COVID is changing how consumers are listening to radio - Understanding the new competitive environment & how your station can stand out - Why the car dashboard is the most important piece of technology for radio broadcasters

Shew, what a mess we have lived through! While we still have some challenges, the days ahead look much brighter. We have survived the storm, but before we look ahead it is important to take a look back at the lessons we learned. The past 18 months have revealed new opportunities and ways to grow revenue. However, it has also reminded us of a few things that we had forgotten. This session will step on your toes and challenge the way you do business, but it will also prepare you for what’s ahead. Salespeople, don’t miss this session!

This session focuses specifically on issues that rise due to journalists’ quixotic efforts toward journalistic objectivity and neutrality. The results? A continued systemic negative and inaccurate portrayal of marginalized communities and a unique benefit of the doubt for the status quo. Often this creates false equivalence, giving voice to both the status quo and to the fringes while ignoring the unheard and muted voices of those outside the majority and adding fuel to conspiracy theories. We look at specific stories including issues of immigration coverage and break down not only what goes wrong, but how to get it right.

- What qualities programmers should be looking for in new talent hires - How talent can build the station brand and their personal brands at the same time - The skills talent needs to focus on to make themselves “unfireable” in 2021 – and beyond

Yes, it has been hard. Yes, we have struggled. Yes, we have been challenged…but we persevered! We hung in there, and now we are positioned to take advantage of all we have learned. Our clients, our communities and our economy are all counting on us to deliver, and deliver we shall. So, we must rally! We must encourage! This session will help put you on a path back…not back to normal, but back to better. Buckle Up…It’s time to charge! Please join me!