President’s Memo: Collaborating Together

Posted on August 9, 2021 in ATSC News

We are very excited to bring you the 2021 NextGen Broadcast Conference on August 25 and 26 as a hybrid in-person/livestreamed event taking place at the Reagan International Commerce Center in Washington, D.C.  The event will feature the ATSC Annual Member Meeting and member reception on August 25, followed by a full day of conference programming open to all on August 26. We will cap off the conference with the presentation of the 2021 Bernard J. Lechner Outstanding Contributor Award and Mark Richer Industry Leadership Medal.

The industry is moving full steam ahead with the ATSC 3.0 rollout in the U.S.  Additional markets are launching NextGen TV services apace, with 38 cities now offering a combined 139 services. Over 70 models of NextGen-capable television sets are available, and CTA recently increased its forecast for 2021 NextGen TV sales by almost 300% from their January projection of 800,000 units to a new mid-year projection of 2.1 million units, and they anticipate that by 2023 over 25% of televisions sold will be NextGen TVs. The NextGen Broadcast Conference will cover these important developments and many other topics. In addition to an outstanding program, there will be up to 20 exhibitors showing off the latest tools and solutions for the broadcast ecosystem, and logistical planning is underway for an OConsortium Technology Tour stop right at the conference location.

ATSC is working closely with the Reagan Center to ensure that health and safety protocols are in place in accordance with the latest information from federal and local authorities and the venue’s own requirements. As of this writing, masks must be worn by all attendees regardless of vaccination status. Complete and up-to-date information about COVID protocols can be found at the Reagan International Commerce Center website. ATSC will send regular communications to registered attendees leading up to the event, reminding folks of the protocols, including any updates that may emerge over the next couple of weeks.

While final preparations are being made for the NextGen Broadcast Conference, ATSC is planning its return to Las Vegas where we’ll have a booth for both the NAB Show in October and CES 2022 in early January.

Congratulations go to all show organizers for their ability to create valuable experiences that move the industry forward during the pandemic. Whether all-virtual, hybrid, or face-to-face, our industry events continue to connect us with our colleagues and provide opportunities to stay abreast of the latest trends in the global broadcast ecosystem.

Posted in ATSC News