Two days ago -- prior to the opening of the NAB Convention in Las Vegas,  NAB CEO Senator Gordon Smith attended a small luncheon meeting with a cross section of Nevada's broadcasters.  In attendance this past Saturday, April 10, 2010, were general managers (and station owners) representing Las Vegas television and radio; Reno television and radio; and rural radio.  There was strong representation from Hispanic television and radio. Senator Smith also brought along his wife and several key NAB staff members.  The meeting was held in the board room of the Nevada Broadcasters Association.

The meeting was led by former NBA board chairman and current member of the NBA Executive Committee, Tony Bonnici.  Prior to the arrival of Senator Smith, there was an hour provided to network together, to talk about immediate lobbying goals for the NBA and to have lunch.

Upon his arrival, Senator Smith, spoke about his background and his 12 years working in Washington, D.C., as a United States Senator.  He then outlined the three top priorities facing the NAB:  Performance Tax, Broadband and Retransmission Consent.  For those in attendance, there was a strong sense that there was a new sheriff in town -- a leader who is both knowledgeable of the challenges facing Nevada's broadcasters, and competent to win the battles that we will face in the future.

Following the meeting, Senator Smith became a guest on the NBA's public affairs radio program, OBSERVATIONS.  The program -- recorded in the NBA studio, will air statewide this weekend over 24 radio stations.