As lobbyists ramp up for four years of a whole new administration in Washington, NAB President and CEO David Rehr is among those sending a letter of welcome to President-Elect Barack Obama, congratulating the newly-elected leader and highlighting the role played by America’s local television and radio broadcasters.
"There are more than 15,000 local radio and television stations in the United States, employing nearly 250,000 hard working Americans," wrote Rehr. "These stations serve their communities through public service, local news, entertaining programming and vital community information – such as emergency warnings, traffic information and severe weather alerts," he added.
Rehr also referenced the pending transition to digital television, noting that NAB has undertaken "massive consumer education efforts" to ensure that no American is left behind in the switch to DTV.
Here is the entire letter:
November 10, 2008
President-elect Barack Obama
451 6th Street NW
Washington DC 20004
Dear President-elect Obama:
Congratulations on your historic win to become the next president of the United States . On behalf of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), I wish you great success as you transition into your new role of leading this great country.
There are more than 15,000 local radio and television stations in the United States, employing nearly 250,000 hardworking Americans. These stations serve their communities through public service, local news, entertaining programming and vital community information -such as emergency warnings, traffic information and severe weather alerts. NAB advocates on behalf of these stations before Congress and the federal government, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the general public.
As you may know, on February 17, 2009, all full power television stations will transition from analog to digital broadcasting. We are working hard for a smooth and effective digital television (DTV) transition so that the 19 million Americans who depend on free, over-the air television can continue to receive a broadcast signal after the transition. Overall, the transition will affect nearly 70 million televisions in households across the country, so in our massive consumer education efforts, we’ve worked with all branches of the government and across all demographics to ensure no American is left unaware of the switch to DTV. To further arm you and your staff, please find enclosed additional DTV transition information.
We look forward to continuing to work with you and providing you with information to enhance your knowledge of the issues that impact America’s broadcasters. If you have any questions about our legislative advocacy or initiatives, please do not hesitate to contact me at (202) 429-5449.
Again, congratulations on your election and we look forward to continuing to work with you.
Best wishes.
Sincerely,
David K. Rehr
