NAB Kicks-Off Day One Of 2014 NAB Show

Gordon Smith

The NAB Show Monday began with a State of the Broadcast Industry Address from Gordon Smith, president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and a slate of sessions showcasing how the media industry's brightest "channel opportunity" in today's rapidly-shifting marketplace. More than 93,000 audio, video, and film content professionals are expected to attend this year's NAB Show, which runs through Thursday, April 10 in Las Vegas.

Gordon Smith, NAB president and CEO, addressed attendees this morning, officially opening this year's conference. Smith called on federal regulators to develop a National Broadcast Plan during his keynote address at the opening session of NAB Show 2014. Smith called on policymakers to develop a holistic regulatory approach that ensures radio and television broadcasting are not disadvantaged in the marketplace due to government bias towards other forms of media.

Jorge Ramos

Following his keynote, Smith presented renowned Univision broadcast journalist Jorge Ramos, one of the most respected figures in Hispanic television, with the NAB Distinguished Service Award.

In the following keynote conversation between Gordon Smith and Haim Saban, chairman of Univision Communications Inc., both entertained and informed attendees during a spirited discussion concerning the future of the global media industry and broadcast's important role in today's quickly-shifting marketplace.

Ramano, Rousch, Garrett

At the Television Luncheon, moderated by Matt Rousch, senior TV critic at TV Guide Magazine, the cast of "Everybody Loves Raymond," Brad Garrett, Patricia Heaton, Monica Horan, Doris Roberts, Ray Romano along with creator Phil Rosenthal were on stage to accept the induction of the top-rated television series in to the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

Show attendees were also given exclusive insight into the Sochi Winter Olympics, as Ken Kerschbaumer of Sports Video Group spoke with Rob Bunn of CBC Television; Jens Knudsen, TV 2 Norway; Dave Mazza of NBC Sports Group; Isidoro Moreno and Sotiris Salamouris of Olympic Broadcasting Services. All shared their insight on how behind how they made one of the year's most challenging productions come together for the entire world to see.