NAB Show: Pai Keynotes, Delilah Honored

Ajit Paid, Gordon Smith

NAB Show, the world’s largest annual convention encompassing the convergence of media, entertainment and technology, completed its second day of sessions today. Industry leaders discussed the latest advances in filmmaking, television production and content creation. The 2017 NAB Show runs through Thursday, April 27

The morning began with an address from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai. During his keynote, Pai promised renewed relationships with broadcasters and said he would pursue process reforms designed to enhance agency transparency.

NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt explained how his network has found success in a digital age in the day’s second keynote conversation, “NBC Chairman Robert Greenblatt in Conversation With Chris Hardwick.” Comedian Chris Hardwick led Greenblatt in a discussion that delved into the art of 52-week programming and content distribution, as well as how NBC has launched its newest TV hit, “This Is Us,” with record-breaking results.

NBA Deputy Commissioner & COO Mark Tatum and Jason Gay, sports columnist for “The Wall Street Journal,” discussed the production specifics behind sports and gaming in the Super Session “The NBA’s Golden Age of Innovation.” Tatum examined how the NBA is approaching content creation and distribution of sports media in the new age of social media, embracing virtual reality, and expanding its brand and players on a global basis.

Industry pioneers also discussed how advances in light field technology, volumetric capture and machine intelligence are disrupting content creation during the Super Session “Next Generation Image Making – Taking Content Creation to New Places.” Led by Michael Chambliss of the International Cinematographers Guild (ICG), the session featured Jon Karafin, CEO of Light Field Lab Inc.; Gavin Miller, Adobe’s head of research; Andrew Shulkind, director of photography and technologist; and Steve Sullivan, general manager of Microsoft’s Holographic Imaging initiative.

Dexter Goei, chairman and CEO of Altice USA, discussed the ways in which global media companies affect content and the overall customer experience in the session “Global Growth and Future of Media.” Goei explained how these companies impact the U.S. television market and its audiences in a conversation led by Mark Robichaux, editorial director of NewBay Media.

Delilah

The annual NAB Radio Luncheon honored nationally-syndicated radio personality Delilah, inducting her into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame. The Radio Luncheon also featured a presentation of the NAB Crystal Radio Awards to 10 local radio stations and remarks by keynote speaker Scott Burnell, global lead of business development and partner management at Ford Motor Company. Burnell spoke about plans for autonomous vehicles, listening trends, and how he thinks radios will continue to play a major role in the driving experience of tomorrow.

The Super Session “The Intriguing Tale of Amazon Prime Video’s ‘The Man In The High Castle’” featured Marc Resteghini, senior development and programming executive for Amazon Studios, as well as the show’s executive producer Daniel Percival and star Joel de la Fuente, discussing the specifics of the hit series’ production and the impact of over-the-top programming on the evolving television landscape.

The day concluded with the Super Session “Video Platforms of the Future,” which addressed some of the industry’s most pressing questions on content production, distribution and consumption. Josh Golden, publisher of “AdAge,” who earlier in the day spoke at the “M.E.T. 360 Leaders Town Hall,” moderated a panel featuring Dwayne Benefield, VP and head of PlayStation Vue; Pete Cashmore, founder and CEO of Mashable; and Steve Shannon, general manager & SVP of content and services at Roku.