Inside look: National Association of Broadcasters conference
Las Vegas recently played host to one of the most anticipated events in the broadcasting and media industry, the National Association of Broadcasters (external link) (NAB) conference. This annual gathering brings together industry leaders, professionals, and students to share ideas and explore the latest innovations shaping the field.
This year, six RTA professors, two Journalism professors and 20 students traveled to Las Vegas to attend the conference, where they explored the latest innovations and formed valuable connections with industry changemakers.
Attendees entering the Main Stage area at the 2024 NAB Show. Image courtesy of NAB.
Where academia and industry converge
In her panel discussion (external link) , RTA professor Dr. Afsoon Soudi explored effective methods for teaching audience analytics across various media and communication disciplines in academic institutions. Dr. Soudi also delved into the intersection of AI and educational strategies, a field where she has carved a niche as Associate Director of the Creative AI Hub.
Image courtesy of NAB
“As an educational and research institution, we are at the frontier of shaping the future of this field,” says Dr. Soudi. “It is very timely that we established the Creative AI Hub at The Creative school, it puts us in a unique position to shape the future of creativity and AI and develop the new generation of leaders in media.”
This forward-thinking approach echoed throughout the conference, as Journalism professor Janice Neil took the stage to discuss innovative methods in teaching Media Law. Her presentation explored ways to transform theory courses into more experiential and immersive experiences, including assignments like performing and covering mock trials.
Journalism professor Shari Okeke participated in three panels during the conference. She had the opportunity to share some audio by student producers of We Met U When…podcast. She also emphasized the significance of empathy in fostering trust and understanding, both in interactions with interviewees and within production teams. Okeke highlighted the importance of modeling empathy in the classroom, emphasizing the consideration of classmates' situations and the impact of missed deadlines. “Practicing empathy does not mean lowering standards,” she said.
Image courtesy of NAB
Okeke's reflections on the conference underscored a communal spirit among educators dedicated to advancing the field. “It was encouraging to meet so many people working in audio and audio education who are eager to support the next generation of audio journalists and producers,” remarked Okeke. “There’s a commitment to creating opportunities for students to showcase their work.”
Empowering the next generation of changemakers
For the students in attendance, the NAB conference was more than just an event; it was a gateway to future success in the industry. Students like Nika Sinay, who’s currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Media Production, were able to gain invaluable insights that will shape their careers in broadcasting and media.
Master of Media Production student Nika Sinay at the Fujifilm booth at NAB
“Hanging out at NAB with pros like Richard Grunberg, Karen Sabesta, and Brian Withers isn't just about rubbing elbows with broadcasting big shots; it's about diving deep into gear, industry know-how, and making connections you couldn't make on your own,” says Sinay.
Serving as a platform for networking, learning and the exploration of emerging technologies, the NAB conference will continue to chart the path forward for broadcasting and media professionals worldwide.
The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University
The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.
