National Association Of Broadcasters To Form Task Force On Responsible Programming.

The Executive Committee of the National Association of Broadcasters, in a special meeting, announced plans to form a Task Force on Responsible Programming following a successful all-industry programming summit on Wednesday.

The Task Force will be charged with reviewing a number of options, including the possible implementation of an NAB Code of Conduct.

The NAB Executive Committee indicated it will move quickly in the appointment of a Task Force that will be inclusive of the entire broadcast industry. The first meeting of the Task Force will be held in Las Vegas in connection with NAB2004, the industry’s annual convention that is expected to attract more than 90,000 attendees. The NAB Convention runs April 17-22.

“Broadcasters are committed to a plan of voluntary action to deal with the issue of responsible programming,” said NAB President and CEO Edward O. Fritts. “Given the serious First Amendment concerns surrounding issues related to program content, it is our strong belief that voluntary industry initiatives are far preferable to government regulation.”

“Broadcasters have a long history of being responsive to local communities that we serve,” said NAB Joint Board Chairman Phil Lombardo. “We believe the Task Force on Responsible Programming will develop a game plan for the industry that will continue that proud tradition.”

The National Association of Broadcasters is a full-service trade association that promotes and protects free, over-the-air local radio and television stations’ interests in Washington and around the world. NAB is the broadcaster’s voice before Congress, federal agencies and the courts. NAB also serves a growing number of associate and international broadcaster members.