Topic: Nab

A 1961 speech by then-FCC Chairman Norman Minow is revisited, in which he famously described television as a "vast wasteland." Minow criticized the medium for its reliance on game shows, violence, and endless commercials. The hosts note that despite 62 years of technological progress, the core criticisms of media quality and "doom scrolling" remain relevant today.

A donor's note criticizing the show's audio quality prompts a discussion about one host's hearing disability and the use of hearing aids. The host defends the show's production value, comparing his role to a "Phil Spector of podcasting." The segment touches on the lack of formal industry awards from organizations like the NAB or AES for independent podcasting excellence.

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show features a "Podcast Pavilion" and a "perfect podcasting studio." The hosts criticized mainstream media coverage of podcasting, which often credits shows like "Serial" or "Gimlet Media" for the medium's success while ignoring long-term independent podcasters. Listeners attending the NAB show were asked to send photos of the pavilion.

A 2013 public service announcement from the National Association of Broadcasters is replayed to highlight the industry's self-promotion as the "most trusted source" for news. The hosts find the messaging ironic in the current climate of "fake news" accusations and declining trust in traditional media institutions.

Ed Schultz, formerly of MSNBC and now with RT, is discussed regarding his transition to a pro-Trump stance to align with Russian perspectives. The segment details the elaborate setup at the Javits Center for Hillary Clinton's victory party, including a literal "glass ceiling" made of a false ceiling material intended to be shattered. The hosts mock the campaign's hubris for having to vacate the building by 2:00 AM for a National Association of Broadcasters event.

The logistics of the Javits Center event are further explored, noting that the Clinton campaign was forced to tear down their stage to make room for the National Association of Broadcasters. This transition is cited as a moment of extreme irony and hubris. The hosts discuss the "too close to call" media narrative that persisted even as the results became mathematically certain.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the program from the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas during the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention. Curry describes staying in the West Wing of a suite provided by Sir David Foley after experiencing technical difficulties with hotel Wi-Fi. The hosts discuss the poor state of connectivity in modern hotels and Curry's reliance on a Verizon LTE connection to broadcast.

The discussion shifts to the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) floor, focusing on audio gear and microphone technology. Curry recounts visiting the Countryman booth and learning the correct way to wear earset microphones, noting that the capsule should be pressed against the cheek for optimal performance. He observes that many professional users wear these microphones incorrectly as small boom mics.

Adam Curry reports on the massive "drone pavilion" at NAB, noting the rapid growth of the industry since drones first appeared at the show years ago. He describes large-scale quadcopters with six-foot wingspans designed to carry heavy professional cameras. The hosts express concern over the lack of safety cages for the lethal, high-speed rotors and predict eventual accidents involving the technology.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the show discussing a planned trip to Las Vegas for the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention. They express confidence in winning a write-in vote for the Podcast Awards in the comedy category. The hosts also mention visiting a contact named Foley to discuss UltraFlix 4K television technology.

The 10th annual Podcast Awards will coincide with the 2015 NAB Show in Las Vegas, featuring the inauguration of the Podcasting Hall of Fame. Adam Curry and Dave Winer are discussed as likely first-ballot inductees due to their roles as pioneers of the medium. John C. Dvorak considers attending the event to deliver a speech titled "Broadcasting is Dead," mirroring his previous "Film is Dead" lectures.

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) released a public service announcement claiming that broadcast television and radio remain the most trusted sources for news and entertainment. This claim is disputed by the hosts, who argue that the industry is in a state of panic due to declining ratings and loss of public trust. They suggest that in actual emergencies, citizens rely on ham radio operators rather than corporate broadcasters.

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show in Las Vegas featured 95,000 attendees and a heavy presence of media industry stereotypes. Despite the large crowd, the convention center had numerous empty parking spots that were reportedly being held for "handicapped" drivers as part of a perceived local scam. The hosts describe the atmosphere of the show as being filled with "local anchors" and industry "talking heads."

The hosts discuss Kiki Stockhammer, a well-known figure in the video production industry and a brand ambassador for NewTek. Her presence at the NAB show and her history as a "sexy" redhead in the tech world are noted. The conversation revolves around her role in promoting the TriCaster and her potential influence on the hosts' hardware projects.

The FCC's absence from the NAB show was officially blamed on the "sequester," but insiders suggest it was to avoid criticism over plans to eliminate Low Power TV (LPTV) spectrum. Lobbyists from major carriers like Verizon are reportedly pushing to kill off these smaller stations to repurpose the bandwidth. The hosts argue this is part of a broader effort to force consumers away from free over-the-air television and toward paid cable services.

Gordon Smith, head of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), expresses concern over FCC plans to hold "incentive auctions" in 2014. The government aims to buy back spectrum from television broadcasters to sell to mobile carriers for 4G services. The hosts argue this will disenfranchise millions of Americans who rely on terrestrial broadcasting and increase government control over communications.

Classical music radio stations are increasingly utilizing automated "selector" systems purchased at industry conferences like the NAB. This shift toward pre-programmed libraries has resulted in a loss of curated, live DJ sets that respond to local events and moods, leading to repetitive or inappropriate music selections during drive-time slots.