About Us...

Founded in 1948, the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters is the only statewide organization dedicated, solely, to promoting and protecting the interests of Louisiana’s Broadcast Industry.

Our goal is to provide a stable governmental and community environment in which Louisiana Radio and Television Stations may continue to fulfill the needs and desires of their listening and viewing audiences.

Membership is open to Radio and Television stations licensed to and/or doing business in Louisiana. Businesses and Organizations with an interest in the broadcast industry are eligible for Associate Membership.

Working for You Through the Years

1948
A far-sighted group of Louisiana broadcasters, recognizing the urgent and continuous need for strength through coalition, created a collective voice that would protect the industry and also speak up for the public good. The Louisiana Association of Broadcasters was formed and its first president was James H. Gordon of WNOE in New Orleans.

1964
The LAB began honoring outstanding stations and broadcasters through it Annual Prestige Awards.

1979
The first full-time Executive Director was named to lead the LAB to a bright, new future.

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1986-87
The LAB successfully negotiated with the Louisiana Department of Revenue and Taxation on issues relating to the taxation of broadcast copyright material.

1990
The LAB successfully obtained relief for broadcasters from the occupation license tax.

1991
The first Broadcast University was held in Baton Rouge which provided continuing educational opportunities for various segments of the broadcast industry.

1992
LAB successfully obtained relief from a tax on intangibles for broadcasting. LAB successfully lobbied the Louisiana Congressional Delegation for passage of the Cable Act of 1992.

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1993
LAB actively lobbied against legislation which, had it passed, would have placed severe and unfair restrictions on the advertising of alcoholic beverages.

1994
LAB participated in the successful nationwide effort to ease restrictions on advertising of certain leases. LAB then initiated negotiations with the Louisiana Motor Vehicle Commission to bring State rules and regulations in line with the new Federal law.

1995
Continued negotiations with LMVC; Commission approved "re-write" of State regulations to lift restrictions on advertising of certain leases.

Strategic Planning, implementation and achievement all goals set, resulted in fifteen percent increase in membership.

1996
Continued growth in membership and introduction of record number of new member services.

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1997
LAB was successful in defeating legislation that would have required inclusion of unreasonable and extensive disclosure information in certain advertisements on radio and television.

Arguing "equal treatment under the law", LAB was successful in defeating legislation that would have prohibited certain advertisements on television, only.

LAB successfully defeated legislation that would have restricted sponsorship of broadcast and other advertising of high school and college athletic events.

1998
LAB celebrates its 50th Anniversary.

1999
LAB was again successful in defeating legislation that would have required inclusion of unreasonable and extensive disclosure information in certain advertisements on radio and television.

In response to numerous "Notices of Proposed Rulemaking" issued by the Federal Communications Commission, LAB filed joint "Comments", on a number of issues, in an effort to protect the interests of Louisiana Broadcasters.

LAB purchased and began renovating a building to serve as the Association's headquarters.

2000
LAB moved into its newly renovated Offices in Downtown Baton Rouge.

LAB's Media Center was available to News Reporters of member radio and television stations during their coverage of two lengthy trials in Federal Court.

LAB initiated its efforts to obtain a "one time only" sales tax on the purchase of specific equipment needed by broadcasters as they convert from an analog to digital broadcast signal, as mandated by the Federal Communications Commission.

LAB joined every other State Broadcast Association, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico in asking the Courts relief from the undue burdens placed on broadcasters, nationwide, as a result of unfair rules and regulations implemented by the Federal Communications Commission.

LAB joined a nationwide effort to protect existing broadcast signals from extensive interference from proposed new low-power FM stations.

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