July 1, 2011
Steve Newberry is the President and CEO of Commonwealth Broadcasting. A company he co-founded which is now up to 22 stations. Newberry started his career at age 14 as a board op at WKAY in Glasgow Kentucky. Last month Newberry completed a 2-year run as the joint board president of the National Association of Broadcasters. Not only was Newberry running his company but he was volunteering his time helping radio, and television owners, deal with the wonderful world of politics. He tells Radio Ink, among other things, his experience was "time consuming and challenging" and not always a bed of roses.
"It was an incredible experience. While it was extremely time consuming and had its share of challenging moments, it also gave me an even deeper and greater appreciation for America?s broadcast community. Working with all types of broadcasters (radio/tv, public/private, small market/large market, etc) allowed me insight to the variety of challenges each faces. But, regardless of their structure or location, it is very obvious how passionate those broadcasters are about serving their listeners/viewers and their communities."
Being that, for some reason, members of the NAB, many of whom fight for the flow of free information, conduct only closed board meetings we wanted to get some "inside the boardroom" information from someone who was there. "Whenever you deal with difficult topics or strong personalities, there?s always a possibility of disagreements and tough discussions", Newberry told us. "I?ve certainly been involved in many of those types of conversations over the past two years, but they generally remained professional in nature. With one exception, I would be happy to sit down and have a friendly cup of coffee with anyone I?ve met with or had a discussion with." And, while we tried to guess who that one person was, Newberry wasn't biting.
Newberry says he loved dealing with the tough issues. "Being in the midst of some very interesting topics, and navigating through those issues with many of our industry?s brightest and most intelligent leaders, kept me on my toes. I loved that experience. I believe NAB?s reputation and strength in Washington have provided so much benefit to America?s broadcasters. Before I became actively involved with NAB, I had no clue of how many bad concepts never become realities because NAB is so strong, influential and respected. Many special interest groups want to chip away at local broadcasters and are constantly offering new ideas to accomplish that goal?.and NAB is able to stop 99% of them dead in their tracks. They realize taking on the strength of NAB and its member stations is a tall order and will not end in success. Issues like the Performance Tax and the FCC?s Spectrum Grab are frustrating for local broadcasters?.but without NAB?s strong presence, there would dozens more issues eroding local broadcasters and our business models."
Newberry says when he was first elected board chair he set four goals. "First, I wanted to foster a spirit of solidarity among radio and television broadcasters because we are clearly stronger when we present a united front on policy matters in Washington. We have been very successful in that effort and it is paying big dividends for NAB. Second, we were in the midst of a search for our new CEO. We needed to find someone that would be a strong advocate for broadcasting, a great communicator, a builder of relationships, a tough negotiator and highly respected on Capitol Hill. Frankly, that sounded like an impossible order to fill ? but Gordon Smith has met and exceeded our highest expectations. Third, I hoped NAB would increase its role as a technology leader for the industry. Lynn Claudy and his team had done a great job with very limited resources ? and we needed to support their efforts with a stronger institutional commitment to technology. Since that time, we?ve added the outstanding technology resources from the MSTV staff and have welcomed Kevin Gage as NAB?s new Chief Technology Officer. We?re much stronger now, and I am convinced that will be beneficial to our future. Finally, I stepped into the role in the midst of the Great Recession. Like any of our businesses, NAB was faced with a more challenging financial environment. Thanks to our great staff, we became even more efficient in delivering our member services ? increasing the value of NAB for our membership. In addition, we were able to protect and build our investment fund ? ensuring we have very adequate resources for our big-issue battles. Certainly, there are other items still unresolved ? but I believe, across-the-board on those issues, we?re in a much better position now then we were. Give credit to a great board of directors, staff and executive committee for us making the progress we did. They worked like crazy and we accomplished those four goals."
Paul Karpowiz was elected the new joint board chair (he comes from the TV side). And Newberry offered up a little advice for the new man with the gavel. "Paul Karpowicz is an incredibly bright and successful television broadcaster, who has always been very supportive of the radio board?s efforts. He really didn?t need my advice, but I said, ?You?ve been around this organization and you know what a strong staff and board you have to work with. I?m here to help you in any manner you wish?so never hesitate to call or put me to work.? I want to make sure I?m totally helpful and supportive of Paul. He will do a great job."
Newberry says if stations are not part of the NAB, they should strongly consider signing up. Here's why. "Having a strong NAB is the equivalent of getting a vaccination for a terrible disease. Nobody wants the pain of the shot, but can you risk going without? Likewise, everyone wants to control expenses in these tough times?but can broadcasters really risk going without a strong NAB? If there is ANY way possible, put NAB into your budget. It is a vital investment in the future of our/your business. And from a personal note, I would encourage every GM in America to join and NAB and get involved. Go to the conventions, network with other broadcasters, serve on committees, run for board seats, serve on a convention panel?..those activities have been the real reward for me. I have learned so many valuable lessons and ideas from fellow broadcasters. Those conversations have saved me enough money to pay my NAB dues many times over."
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