The major broadcast networks have all unveiled their coverage plans for the largely virtual Democratic and Republican National Conventions. Networks are planning to air a single hour of coverage each day of the four-day conventions and provide supplemental coverage and analysis on their websites and streaming services.

The National Association of Broadcasters' annual NAB Show New York will feature programming from New York State Broadcasters' Association Digital Leadership Academy, Media and Entertainment Day and Post|Production World Online, among others. Registration for the show, which will take place entirely online this year, will begin in early September.

Diversity and inclusion efforts must be ongoing, have buy-in from all levels and include regular communication with employees, participants in a panel discussion organized by the National Association of Broadcasters said. Some view the media as perpetuating racial stereotypes, but broadcasters have the opportunity to transform that narrative, participants said.

The National Association of Broadcasters, together with other wireless carrier organizations, is urging federal lawmakers to fund training for tower crews working on infrastructure that will support 5G and NextGen TV deployment. The current shortage of qualified tower workers could contribute to the widening digital divide, the organizations argued in a letter to Congress.

Radio stations across the US will forgo regular programming this afternoon at 2:00PM to air a special broadcast memorializing Breonna Taylor, who police killed while she was in her home and unarmed earlier this year. The special will include contributions from Taylor's family as well as audio clips from the peaceful protests over her death that have taken place in Louisville, Ky., for the last 75 days.

The resumption of MLB, NBA and NHL games has some network executives optimistic about making up a portion of the advertising revenue they lost earlier in the year, especially as they saved money on rights and production costs. The fate of college and professional football remains uncertain, however, with two conferences and many players backing out of the fall season.

Shari Redstone fought long and hard to win her place as chair of ViacomCBS, but could face new challenges following the death of Sumner Redstone, her father. The senior Redstone left control of ViacomCBS parent company National Amusements in the hands of a trust with six other members.

The NAB Leadership Foundation is excited to honor station finalists at the 2020 Celebration of Service to America Awards, accessible online and available for local stations to air starting on Saturday, August 22. Learn more about station finalists and their efforts to serve their local communities ahead of the premiere at nabfoundation.org/sta.

More than 60 papers from the 74th annual Broadcast Engineering and Information Technology (BEIT) Conference were prepared for the 2020 NAB Show and presented at NAB Show Express. Topics include Next Gen TV, emerging radio technologies, IP conversion, AI, big data, cloud technologies, OTT video, and more. Papers may be purchased individually or as a complete set at NABPilot.org.