On display was an industry in transition. NAB represents the broadcast networks along with more than 1,100 U.S. television stations and 5,600 local radio stations. Savvy American broadcasters see the success of interactive TV in Europe, and they want in the game. But for their voices and views to prevail, their industry first must release its resistance to digital interactivity. Rallying the Troops Viacom chair and CEO Sumner Redstone used his opening keynote to hearten those afraid terrestrial broadcasting cannot withstand competition from digital satellite and cable services.
Broadcasting is still as compelling as ever.
In the new media world, I say, the advantage belongs to the broadcasters. The Columbia Broadcasting System is the commercial TV network built by William S. Paley, whom he credited with inventing a viable business of advertising supporting free broadcasts, the model driving commercial television for 50 years. The CBS acquisition leverages Viacom's world subscription channels, MTV and Nickelodeon, which may benefit from Columbia's music catalogue. What we need is the resolve to fully exploit our unique strengths. He offered examples.