NAB Executive Vice President, Global Connections and Events Karen Chupka spoke in a summary of the NAB Show on Monday, April 20.
Chupka initially described “storytelling” as a show theme, if not the theme.
However, much of the discussion involved artificial intelligence.
She noted the show’s increase in artifical intelligence “presence” has doubled compared to last year’s show. Much of that emerges from an increase in exhibitors exclusively peddling AI along with more traditional exhibitors making AI tools or AI enhancement of traditional products and services. “This is the year you’re seeing the realities of AI,” she said.
In response to a question afterward about whether NAB exhibitors and attendees should fear AI, Chupka said that wasn’t the case, “AI can make them more efficient and help do their jobs.”
Another theme which has increased year-over-year is “creator” or “creators,” as in “creators’ economy.” Besides more show floor exhibitors there is now programming and sessions consciously aimed at them. This new group features small content creators such as podcasters, YouTube/Tik-Tok video creators.
The association views this group as a growth area as the traditional broadcast core shrinks in industry consolidation along with the greater number of programming choices for viewers.
She spoke on the increased presence of the Creator Lab on the show floor with more exhibitors and visitors. “Creator Lab has expanded significantly and brings togethercreators, platforms, broadcasters, studios, and partners in one place to discover the tools, technologies and business strategiespowering today’s creator economy,” she said.
Yet another theme is the increased attention on sports, notably in creating content but there is also a production technology quotient to it with items such as cameras and drones.
Chupka pointed out, “Sports media is being reshaped by the race for viewership,attention and deeper fan engagement. New models around rights, distribution, direct-to-consumer strategy, and live production are changing the landscape quickly.”
It was also noted that programming production using the cloud while distribution was growing in streaming rather than over-the-air transmission.
She announced regrouping of the radio and TV exhibitors in the newly refurbished Central Hall.
Chupka said that 22% of attendees were from outside the United States.
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