The FCC Chairwoman Has COVID-19. The NAB Show Is A Go

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In the 10am hour on Monday, the NAB distributed a press release confirming the appearance of the Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission for a “Fireside Chat” at the upcoming NAB Show in Las Vegas.


On Twitter, at almost the same moment, Jessica Rosenworcel revealed that she’s tested positive for COVID-19.

And, that likely won’t be a deterrent for her plans to speak at the upcoming conference and tech expo playing out at the Las Vegas Convention Center and off-site locales including the Wynn, Encore and Bellagio resort hotels.

In a tweet, Rosenworcel disclosed, “I just tested positive for COVID-19. It’s been mild and I’m grateful for the protection being fully vaxxed and boosted provides. I’ll follow CDC guidance and for now will carry on with the work of the FCC at home. If you haven’t yet, please get vaccinated.”

Rosenworcel has been an active traveler in recent weeks, and on March 1 appeared on stage at MWC Barcelona to deliver a short address to attendees.  “Invention, innovation and imagination” served as the key themes of her prepared keynote address, delivered just before Noon CET on a Tuesday that seemingly saw in-person attendance drop significantly from the first full day of the conference.

In Las Vegas, there’s been chatter of lower attendance from 2019, as COVID-19 resurgences in New York and Washington, D.C., make headlines. That said, pre-show buzz is at a fever pitch among those with convention floor booths, companies and media brokers with Encore and Wynn suites, and communications attorneys planning on making the trip to Southern Nevada.

Rosenworcel’s appearance at the NAB Show is scheduled for Monday, April 25 at 10am Pacific, on the NAB Show Main Stage. She’ll participate in a one-on-one interview with NAB Chairman/CEO Curtis LeGeyt, and it will take place immediately following the NAB Show Welcome address. Rosenworcel is expected to discuss her priorities for 2022 and beyond, her thoughts about the state of the broadcasting industry and her approach to the complex issues facing the FCC.

That leaves plenty of time before radio industry sessions in the familiar N259-N261 room in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center; RBR+TVBR will be on site covering these sessions for its Members.

“In today’s hyper-competitive media landscape, a regulatory framework that allows local radio and television stations to evolve, adapt and better serve their audiences is of vital importance,” said LeGeyt. “Broadcasters look forward to hearing from Chairwoman Rosenworcel about her role as the head of a critical agency and her outlook on the future of our industry.”