NAB Show: Smith Touts Broadcast Innovations

• NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith opened the 2018 NAB Show Monday in Las Vegas with his annual State of the Broadcast Industry Address, and a broad range of industry professionals led sessions focusing on the latest advances in filmmaking, television production and content creation. This year’s NAB Show runs through Thursday, April 12.

In his address, Smith spoke about the importance of broadcasting and its vital role in the future – specifically regarding autonomous vehicles, the rollout of Next Gen TV, and innovations in radio. Following Smith, Kevin Beggs, chairman of Lionsgate TV, joined Hearst Television President Jordan Wertlieb for a discussion about the current state of the television industry.

 "This past year, we at NAB worked hand in hand with our broadcasters to educate policymakers on stations' vital role, and together we achieved five enormous wins." He cited:

• The FCC approved voluntary deployment of the Next Gen TV standard, which promises to deliver the benefits of ultra-high definition television, interactive features and customizable content to viewers.
• Fighting back attempts by the record labels to tax radio stations simply for promoting and playing the music listeners love to hear.
• Preventing a $169 billion tax on advertising that would hurt every broadcast station, as well as small businesses and vital, local jobs.
• The Commission made significant strides to modernize outdated media ownership rules.
• And, most recently, broadcasters were instrumental in securing $1 billion in legislation passed by Congress to reimburse radio and television stations for their costs during the spectrum repacking process, ensuring viewers and listeners don't lose access to their stations.

"These wins did not come by accident or chance," Smith said. "They were won because of the willingness of radio and television broadcasters all across the country to advocate on these critical issues. When this industry speaks with one voice, these wins demonstrate that it is a powerful voice. So, while appropriate to enjoy a moment of thanksgiving and celebrating, this much we also know - the challenges will keep coming and our cause cannot rest."

Roberts at book signing

Broadcast legend Robin Roberts received the Distinguished Service Award at the conclusion of the NAB Show Opening. Later in the day, "Wheel of Fortune" and "JEOPARDY!" were inducted into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame at the new Achievement in Broadcasting Dinner. Pat Sajak, Vanna White, Alex Trebek and Harry Friedman, executive producer of both shows, were all present to receive the award.

In honor of Elvis Duran being inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame this evening, Sierra Automated Systems has presented Premiere Networks morning host Elvis Duran with a gold “Hall of Fame Edition” iSL console.

During the special event at the Sierra Automated Systems booth, SAS President Ed Fritz and Vice President Al Salci were joined by Duran’s fellow Hollywood Walk of Fame recipient ‘Shotgun’ Tom Kelly to present the special “Hall of Fame” edition console.

Duran recently celebrated his 25th anniversary at iHeartMedia’s Z100 WHTZ New York and has had a legendary career that spans nearly 40 years including earlier successes programming WIOQ Philadelphia and KBTS Austin, afternoons at Z100, and evenings at Z93 Atlanta. SAS is used extensively throughout iHeart’s flagship facility that houses 6 broadcast stations, Premiere Networks operations, and iHeartRadio channels. SAS technology powers an Audio Distribution Network of over 10,000 channels and over 50 networked consoles.

In addition to the special edition console presented to Duran, SAS is debuting two new products at the 2018 NAB Show.

In “Janusz Kaminski: Three Decades of Image Making,” the multiple-Oscar-winning cinematographer sat with David Geffner, executive editor of “ICG Magazine,” and discussed many of his award-winning works. Examples included his historical collaboration with director Steven Spielberg on “Saving Private Ryan,” how he builds his shots, and working in virtual production for the first time on “Ready Player One.” The session was produced in collaboration with the International Cinematographers Guild Local 600.

“’Black Panther’: Telling a Superhero Story Like No Other” featured editor Michael P. Shawver, Steve Boeddeker, sound designer/supervisor and re-recording mixer, and visual effects supervisor Geoffrey Baumann, discussing how editorial, sound, and visual effects departments created one of the year’s biggest hits.

During “’Marvel’s Jessica Jones’: The Art of Darkness,” series creator, showrunner, and executive producer Melissa Rosenberg, Manuel Billeter, director of photography, and Tony D’Amore, senior colorist, joined Alicia Lutes to explore how they brought the series to life – discussing high-contrast lighting and their work in High Dynamic Range (HDR).

Livestreamed sessions can be viewed on the home page of NABShow.com.