Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) today announced a sweeping election preparedness initiative designed to provide broadcasters with the critical resources, tools and training needed to navigate the complexities of the 2024 election cycle. As the voice for America’s broadcasters, NAB is supporting its members as they work to deliver accurate and reliable election coverage across all platforms.
“This is a critical time for our nation and our democracy. Broadcast journalists serve a pivotal role in educating voters on the candidates, the issues and the electoral process, and NAB is here to support them in these efforts,” said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “As bad actors increasingly use advanced technologies to create and spread disinformation, the role of local broadcasters as custodians of the truth has never been more important.”
NAB’s election preparedness initiative includes three core elements:
- Digital Resources: NAB’s Election Toolkit highlights voter engagement strategies, trust-building with audiences, field safety and best practices from leading broadcasters. NAB’s Hispanic GOTV Toolkit provides targeted resources aimed at increasing voter participation and engagement within the Hispanic community. These and other tools can be found on the Broadcast Resource Hub.
- Virtual Learning Event: On September 9, NAB, in partnership with the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA), will host a free online session, Building and Maintaining Trust in Election Coverage: An NAB Virtual Learning Event, to equip broadcasters with strategies for building trust with their audiences and combatting disinformation during the 2024 election season. Learn more and RSVP here.
- Election Coverage Summit at NAB Show New York: On October 10, NAB will host an in-person summit at NAB Show New York inside the Javits Center just ahead of the pivotal 2024 elections. Key topics will include improving trust in political coverage with a deep dive into RTDNA’s research and best practices to address skepticism about media bias. The summit will also tackle ensuring verified news in the age of AI and social media, discussing how stations are combating misinformation and the rise of deep fakes. Also important is how journalists prepare their audience for the aftermath of the election and stay safe while covering political events. The Election Coverage Summit is an essential forum for those committed to delivering trusted news during this critical time. Register today for NAB Show New York and use promo code ELECTION1 to get a free Exhibits Pass and complimentary access to the Summit. The Election Coverage Summit is open to all attendees with an Exhibits Pass. Members of the media covering NAB Show New York can attend the event free of charge. Click here if you are a member of the media and would like to register to cover the Show.
Background
NAB’s election preparedness initiative offers broadcasters support in key areas of election coverage:
- Maintaining Broadcasters’ Role as the Most Trusted Medium: Local television and radio remain the most trusted sources of news and information, especially in a time when misinformation is pervasive online. NAB is committed to providing resources to help broadcasters strengthen and sustain audience trust throughout the election season, ensuring they remain the go-to source for fact-based journalism amidst a landscape increasingly influenced by social media and generative AI.
- Ensuring Safety in the Field: As political tensions escalate and journalists face greater risks, it is more important than ever to protect those on the front lines of reporting. NAB is offering essential resources and training to help broadcasters safeguard their teams while covering political events and rallies. This support is meant to help journalists report safely and effectively, maintaining the high standards of integrity and reliability that audiences expect from local broadcasters, even in volatile environments.
- Debunking Misinformation: In an era where misinformation can spread rapidly online, often exacerbated by social media and AI technologies, broadcasters are tasked with a critical responsibility: verifying facts and debunking falsehoods to keep the public informed. NAB is ensuring policymakers are aware of the many tools and strategies broadcasters are employing to combat misinformation and ensure their audiences receive accurate, trustworthy information.
