NAB Announces 2026 Board Election Results

Why It Matters

The refreshed board will steer NAB’s advocacy, standards and technology initiatives, directly influencing broadcasters’ regulatory environment and market strategies. Its diverse composition signals a broader focus on digital transformation and regional market needs.

Key Takeaways

• Molly Draper Russell joins NAB Radio Board, District 4
• Barry Fisher appointed to Television Board, replacing Mike Steib
• New members include iHeart, Audacy, Univision Radio executives
• Board now covers wider geographic and market segments
• Two‑year terms start June 2026, influencing broadcast policy

Pulse Analysis

The National Association of Broadcasters, the leading trade organization for radio and television, convenes a board of directors that shapes policy, standards and industry research. Elections occur every two years, allowing member stations and groups to vote for representatives who will champion their interests in Washington and at the annual NAB Show. This cycle’s outcomes are closely watched because the board’s decisions affect everything from spectrum allocation to emerging technologies such as ATSC 3.0 and podcast monetization.

The 2026 roster introduces several high‑profile executives from iHeart Media, Audacy, Univision Radio and Townsquare Media, underscoring a shift toward digital‑first content strategies. New members like Molly Draper Russell and Ashley Tullos Fortenberry bring experience in regional market growth and cross‑platform advertising, while seasoned leaders such as Barry Fisher add continuity on the television side. Geographic diversity has also broadened, with representation spanning the Midwest, South, Mountain West and Pacific territories, reflecting the industry’s increasingly fragmented audience landscape.

These changes are likely to influence NAB’s lobbying agenda, especially as the FCC considers further spectrum repurposing and next‑generation broadcast standards. With fresh voices advocating for both legacy broadcasters and emerging digital platforms, the board may push for more flexible advertising regulations and greater investment in data‑driven audience measurement. Stakeholders can expect a more proactive stance on issues like localism, public service funding and the integration of streaming services into traditional broadcast models, setting the tone for the sector through 2028.