1771 N Street N.W. is a familiar location for many members of the broadcast business and regulatory communities: It’s been home to the National Association of Broadcasters for years. But it looks like that is going to change.
The address is near the center of the city, just off Dupont Circle and a brisk walk north of the White House. It is also very close to the M Street NW building that used to house the FCC.
However, the NAB conducts much of its own business on Capitol Hill. And the FCC has moved to a Southwest DC location not far from the Hill. More to the point. So NAB is thinking of making a new home in that high profile neighborhood.
The NAB Real Estate Committee and the NAB Executive Committee have voted unanimously to pursue the move.
“I am delighted by today’s vote, which would move NAB to the center of government action in Washington,” said NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith. “Traffic has become so congested in much of Washington that it is extremely difficult for members of Congress and the FCC to visit NAB’s current headquarters. A move to the Capitol Hill/Capitol Riverfront area would provide policymakers and regulators easier accessibility to NAB, and will allow NAB to better showcase broadcast innovation.”
RBR-TVBR observation: The NAB could spend a lot of money hiring a professional business moving operation when the time comes. Or it could spring for pizza and beer and get members of the broadcast community to volunteer for the job, at a big savings. Just a suggestion.
