NAB executive leadership transition merges legal and government relations departments
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has announced that Chief Legal Officer Rick Kaplan will step down at the end of 2026. Effective January 1, 2027, Shawn Donilon will lead a newly consolidated department as Chief Advocacy Officer, merging the organization's legal and government relations teams.
Key Takeaways
- Rick Kaplan will exit his role as EVP of Legal and Regulatory Affairs after a 14-year tenure including a Supreme Court victory on broadcast ownership.
- Shawn Donilon will lead the unified advocacy department to synchronize efforts between Capitol Hill, the Administration, and the FCC.
- Kaplan’s legacy includes securing lower streaming rates for radio broadcasters and navigating the ATSC 3.0 transition.
- The restructuring aims to address the increasing intersection of congressional and regulatory policy decisions in Washington.
Why It Matters
This structural shift signals a move toward a more unified lobbying front as the lines between legislative action and FCC regulation continue to blur. By consolidating legal and government relations under Shawn Donilon, the organization is positioning itself to respond more rapidly to complex issues like retransmission consent and spectrum auctions. For the broader streaming and broadcast ecosystem, this suggests a more aggressive, coordinated approach to regulatory fees and copyright royalty proceedings. The industry should watch how this consolidated leadership affects the NAB's stance on ATSC 3.0 implementation and music licensing negotiations throughout the 2026 transition period.
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In short
The National Association of Broadcasters is merging its legal and government relations departments under a new Chief Advocacy Officer, Shawn Donilon, effective January 1, 2027. This restructuring follows the departure of Chief Legal Officer Rick Kaplan, aiming to create a more unified lobbying front to address increasingly complex regulatory and legislative policy.
FAQ
When will Rick Kaplan leave the National Association of Broadcasters?
Rick Kaplan will depart his role as Chief Legal Officer and EVP of Legal and Regulatory Affairs in late 2026.
Who is the new Chief Advocacy Officer at the NAB?
Shawn Donilon will assume the newly created role of Chief Advocacy Officer on January 1, 2027.
Why is the NAB merging its legal and government relations departments?
The organization is consolidating these departments to synchronize efforts between Capitol Hill, the Administration, and the FCC, allowing for a more rapid response to complex issues like retransmission consent and spectrum auctions.
What is part of Rick Kaplan's legacy at the NAB?
Kaplan's 14-year tenure included a Supreme Court victory on broadcast ownership, securing lower streaming rates for radio broadcasters, and navigating the ATSC 3.0 transition.
Read full article at nab.org
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