Gary Shapiro CEO at Consumer Technology Association | Official website
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has expressed concerns over the National Association of Broadcasters' (NAB) recent push for mandates that affect consumer technology. Gary Shapiro, CEO and Vice Chair of CTA, criticized NAB's efforts to enforce regulations that he believes will lead to increased costs for consumers.
"The National Association of Broadcasters is at it again—first pushing to mandate FM chips in phones, then misleading policymakers about AM radio, and now forcing NEXTGEN TV onto every consumer and manufacturer," Shapiro stated. He highlighted that the adoption of NEXTGEN TV could result in significant cost increases during a period when affordability is crucial for American families.
Shapiro pointed out that less than 10% of Americans rely on antennas for television viewing, suggesting that the proposed mandates are unnecessary. He accused broadcasters of lobbying for regulations to support what he described as a failing business model rather than focusing on innovation.
"This administration has made cutting red tape a priority, yet here in 2025, broadcasters are pushing for new regulation to benefit themselves at the expense of competition and consumer choice," Shapiro said. He emphasized CTA's commitment to providing real value and choice to consumers without relying on government mandates.
He also mentioned past collaboration between CTA and NAB when both opposed an ATSC 3.0/NEXTGEN TV tuner mandate in 2017, calling any transition "counterproductive and unnecessary."
The CTA continues its focus on supporting innovation within the tech sector while advocating against regulatory measures it sees as detrimental to consumer interests.
###
