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The 2026 edition of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show delivered cutting-edge information, entertainment and fun on many levels. The premier global event for broadcast, media and entertainment, this year’s NAB Show ran from April 18–22 in Las Vegas. It brought together over 1,100 exhibitors with creators, technologists, and decision-makers exploring breakthroughs in AI, the creator economy, sports, streaming and cloud. And, continuing a tradition, it honored accomplishments by industry stars such as Rob Lowe, Nate Bargatze, John Tesh, and Jeff Probst.
NAB Show attendees came from 146 countries, with 22% traveling from outside the United States. Nearly half the total audience were first-time visitors to the show.
AI Gets Useful
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been the subject of sessions at NAB for several years. What struck me as different this year: The message had changed. No longer did we hear, “Don’t be afraid of AI.” Speakers assumed you accepted it. Instead, we heard, “Here’s how to use AI so that you don’t get left behind.”
Many examples of AI use for broadcasting were explained and analyzed. A major shift this year was how broadcasters had refocused from just making their job easier, to enhancing the fan experience. Both inside the stadium and at home on the couch, broadcasters want to engage the fan into the background and potential of the moment.
Sports Tees Up
For me, one of the most impressive uses of AI for sports broadcasting involved the Masters Golf Tournament in Atlanta, Georgia. The Masters’ Vault contains images and video from the past 50 years. Its purpose was to allow players to see what they had done in the past.
Now that AI has analyzed the Masters’ Vault, players and the press can do two things. In less than four minutes, players can see what has been done from a particular spot on the course by themselves or their competition. Also, the press can also obtain analysis of how likely a golf ball sitting in a particular spot will find its way to the green or hole.
Awards and More
As always, the NAB Show took time to recognize professional accomplishments.
Ever heard of a show called Survivor? NAB honored the reality show on its 50th anniversary with its Spirit of Broadcasting Award. The event included an on-stage interview with Survivor personality and fan-favorite contestant, Cirie Fields. They also showed off some broadcast tech by interviewing Survivor host and showrunner Jeff Probst. He was on a remote island where he was working on season 51.
Other awardees included Rob Lowe (St. Elmo’s Fire, Parks and Recreation) for the Television Hall of Fame, and John Tesh, whose technical accomplishments in radio brought him into the Radio Hall of Fame. Comedian Nate Bargatze received the 2026 NAB Television Chairman’s Award for his unifying, clean comedy.
More About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters advocates for America’s broadcasters. It advances radio and television interests in legislative and regulatory areas through advocacy, education and innovation. NAB aims to enable broadcasters to better serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and explore digital age opportunities. You can learn more about NAB at NAB.org.
