NAB Appointed New Radio Board Members

The National Association of Broadcasters named industry leaders to fill vacancies on its executive committee.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in People

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a radio transmission tower composed of geometric shapes, symbolizing broadcasting leadership. — The National Association of Broadcasters has appointed Erik Hellum of Townsquare Media and Dave Santrella of Salem Media to its leadership boards. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has appointed new members to its Radio Board and executive committee. The organization selected industry executives to fill leadership roles left vacant by the departure of Allen Power.

Why it matters

These appointments ensure continued industry leadership on the Radio Board, which oversees advocacy and policy initiatives for broadcasters across the United States.

Townsquare Media, represented by Erik Hellum, currently services 74 markets and oversees a portfolio of 336 radio stations.

The players

Erik Hellum

He is the Chief Operating Officer of Townsquare Media and formerly served as board chair of the Radio Advertising Bureau.

Dave Santrella

He is the CEO of Salem Media and previously held the position of chair for the NAB Board of Directors.

National Association of Broadcasters

This is the primary trade association that represents the interests of free, over-the-air radio and television broadcasters in the United States.

Allen Power

He is a former member of the NAB Radio Board whose departure from the executive committee and board seats necessitated these new appointments.

The details

Erik Hellum, Chief Operating Officer of Townsquare Media, will serve as the first vice chair of the executive committee while representing the Southern Texas District. Dave Santrella, CEO of Salem Media, has joined the Radio Board as the representative for the New England District.

October 6, 2026: NAB announced new Radio Board and committee members.
2021-2023: Dave Santrella served as NAB Board chair.
2022: Dave Santrella became Salem Media CEO.
2010: Townsquare Media acquired GapWest Broadcasting.

Market Landscape

This leadership transition reinforces the influence of major media groups within the National Association of Broadcasters Radio Board governance structure. By integrating high-level executives from firms like Townsquare Media and Salem Media, the board maintains its direct connection to large-scale broadcast operations.

These board appointments influence the advocacy priorities of the radio industry, which indirectly impacts the content and regulatory standards listeners encounter. Average consumers may not see immediate changes, but these leadership shifts set the agenda for the future of domestic broadcast policy.

The takeaway

Maintaining strong leadership on the Radio Board is essential for the broadcast industry to navigate evolving federal regulations. Professionals in the sector should monitor these appointments to anticipate future policy priorities set by the association.