Several hundred radio and television broadcasters from across the state attended the 66th Annual Tennessee Association of Broadcasters (TAB) Conference at the Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center.
Awards Luncheon
Wednesday's luncheon began with the presentation of colors by the Tennessee National Guard, and the playing of our National Anthem.
TAB Vice President Doug Combs welcomed the broadcasters and then introduced nationally known Jim Bohannon from Westwood One.
Doug Combs introduces guests
Gov. Haslam Talks To Broadcasters
Governor Bill Haslam was the keynote speaker for the Wednesday luncheon. TAB Chairman Phil Cox introduced the governor . . .
Gov. Haslam talks to broadcasters
Past Chairman Comments
Immediate Past Tennessee Association of Broadcaster's Chairman Craig Jacobus had some comments . . .
Craig Jacobus
Distinguished Service Award
(Above Photo L-R) Past DSA recipients Paul Tinkle (2001) and George DeVault (1997), Governor Haslam, 2014 DSA honoree Jack Dempsey, past DSA recipients Bart Walker (2002) and Johnny Shaw (2011).
The TAB's Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor bestowed on a Tennessee broadcaster. WGNS' Bart Walker presented the 2014 award to Bristol's Jack Dempsey the president and general manager of WCYB-TV and WEMT-TV.
Bart presents DSA
In 1974 the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters established the Distinguished Service Award to be presented each year, recognizing men and women who have made outstanding contributions to their profession and to their communities. It is the highest honor bestowed on radio and television broadcasters in the Volunteer State.
The conference included educational sessions dealing with classes to improve broadcast skills, preparing to better serve a community when an emergency arises, how to better be a first informer, sessions dealing with adherence to government regulations taught by representatives from the FCC, along with a career fair at the end of the afternoon.