Former executive Curtis LeGeyt has taken over as president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters, succeeding former Oregon Senator Gordon Smith.
Smith had led the major lobbying organization for 12 years after serving two terms in the Senate as a Republican. With the NAB, he now serves as an advisor and advocate. Following an initial statement last May, the baton was passed last Saturday, January 1.
LeGeyt, the Washington, D.C.-based trade group's chief operating officer, takes over as president with a few problems on members' minds. New rounds of industry consolidation are taking place in the wake of the streaming boom, as well as the implementation of ATSC 3.0, a new set of technology features targeted at improving station broadcasts with higher-quality audio and video, as well as interactive capabilities.
LeGeyt has been with NAB for than a decade and previously served as senior counsel to then-Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT), who is now the Senate's president pro tem. LeGeyt spearheaded efforts to reauthorize bills such as the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act, as well as a bill that would reimburse stations $1 billion for costs incurred as a result of the broadcast spectrum auction.
In a press statement, NAB Joint Board of Directors Chairman David Santrella, CEO of Salem Media Group, said, “The broadcasting community is extremely grateful to Gordon for his many years of service as an influential advocate for our industry. We are excited to now have Curtis at the helm to guide the organization into its next chapter. He is a proven leader and skilled fighter on behalf of broadcasters, and we are thrilled to have him serve as our voice in Washington and around the world.”
The NAB organizes one of the largest U.S. trade events, which brings in a significant amount of annual money, in addition to education and diversity programs and representing broadcasters' interests. This year's NAB Show in Las Vegas will be held in person in April, as is customary in the spring. Because to Covid, the 2020 edition was held virtually, and the 2021 exhibition was postponed and then canceled owing to pandemic-related issues. NAB Show New York, a new spinoff event, was just revealed to be returning this fall.
“It is an honor to lead this great organization and advocate for the local television and radio broadcasters that inform, entertain and serve their communities every day,” LeGeyt said. “I am grateful to our board of directors for placing its trust in me and look forward to working alongside them, the entire NAB team and our members to ensure a vibrant future for broadcasting.”
In addition to confirming the move in the corner office, the NAB also announced that Michelle Lehman, EVP of Public Affairs, will also serve as chief of staff. Lesley Pea has been elevated to the position of deputy chief of staff. Both of these positions are new to the company.
