President’s Memo: Building on 2025 Successes as We Enter 2026

Posted on December 16, 2025 in ATSC News

As we close 2025, I am pleased to share important news about the leadership that will help guide ATSC into its next chapter. ATSC members elected four industry veterans to serve three-year terms on the ATSC Board of Directors beginning January 1, 2026.

I’m delighted to welcome Javier Ruano, President & General Manager of Televes USA, who will be joining the Board for the first time. A telecommunications engineer with a master’s degree in radio-telecommunications, Javier brings 25+ years of experience in RF engineering, transmitters, antennas, test/measurement, and network infrastructure. His deep operational experience and a forward-looking perspective on broadcast technology deployment will be invaluable as we advance our standards work both domestically and internationally.

In addition, three current Directors have been re-elected to second terms: Adam Goldberg of Sony Electronics, Anne Schelle of Pearl TV, and John Taylor of LG Electronics USA. Their continued service reflects both their dedication to ATSC’s mission and the confidence our members place in their leadership.

This year’s election cycle drew 10 highly qualified candidates, a testament to the extraordinary talent and commitment across our membership. Just as noteworthy was the record-setting voting participation, demonstrating strong engagement and shared momentum as we work together. With such a diverse and experienced group of executives at the table, I am confident that ATSC will continue empowering a new era of broadcasting.

We are also pleased to welcome India-based consultant Anil Bhardwaj, to the ATSC family. He is an international sales leader with 17+ years of experience across South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Pacific. Known for advancing ATSC 3.0 in emerging markets, Anil brings deep expertise in global market development, strategic partnerships, and broadcast-technology growth to support our work in India.

In 2025, ATSC delivered substantial progress across technical standards, global outreach and market momentum. We published key updates to ATSC 3.0 standards (including new and revised documents such as A/331, A/337, A/339 and A/371) to clarify delivery, synchronization, interactive content, and redistribution practices. Please continue to follow our standards work by reading the Standards column for updates.

Our presence at CES, NAB Show, Caribbean Broadcasting Union AGA, and SET Expo 2025 highlighted growing international interest: we showcased consumer NEXTGEN TV products from multiple manufacturers, upgrade receivers for consumers, cloud-based broadcast solutions, and ATSC 3.0 innovations tailored for international deployment – from Brazil’s DTV+ official adoption in 2025 (built on ATSC 3.0 technology) to emerging markets across the Americas and beyond.

On the international standards front, ATSC strengthened its influence by joining as an official Associate Member of ITU‑R Study Group 6 and advancing seven contributions, including three newly approved documents now recognized, which underscores the growing international adoption potential of ATSC 3.0.

In 2026, I am confident that with our experienced Board, strengthened international partnerships, and continued technical innovation, ATSC will build on this momentum of driving adoption of NEXTGEN TV, expanding our footprint, and continuing to empower broadcasters and viewers worldwide for a brighter, more connected future.

Certainly, all eyes in 2026 are on the actions of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, which is asking nearly 70 pages of important questions as it ponders its future regulatory activity related to ATSC 3.0 in the U.S. market.  ATSC will comment, as appropriate, and we expect to see many of our members formally commenting and meeting with Commissioners and staff to ensure all voices are heard in this important milestone for the U.S. ATSC 3.0 transition.

As we enter this holiday season, I send warm wishes to all ATSC members – may your celebrations bring joy, rest, and good tidings with family and friends.

Madeleine Noland

President

Posted in ATSC News