Library of American Broadcasting

05/14/2026

The LABF announced four recipients of its inaugural preservation grants, including the California Historical Radio Society.

04/29/2026

The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of broadcasting and other electronic media, primarily by supporting the Library of American Broadcasting (LAB) at the University of Maryland. For more information on the library: tvradiolibrary.org/about-the-library

04/22/2026

Humorist, journalist, and actor Mo Rocca received the 2026 LABF Insight Award, given annually by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation, in partnership with the National Association of Broadcasters, during the recent NAB Show in Las Vegas.

An award-winning correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning since 2011, Rocca is known for blending journalism, history, and humor across a wide range of subjects. He is also the creator and host of the podcast Mobituaries, a bestselling author, and a frequent panelist on Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!. Earlier in his career, he was a correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Rocca received the award on the Main Stage as part of the “We Are Broadcasters” program. LABF Co-Chairs Deborah Parenti and Dave “Chachi” Denes made the presentation, saying, “His storytelling continues to inform, engage, and inspire audiences everywhere.”

Now in its fifth year, the Insight Award recognizes individuals whose work enhances the public’s understanding of the role and evolution of media through impactful storytelling.

The NAB Show is the premier global event for media, entertainment, and technology, bringing together industry leaders from around the world - making it a fitting stage to honor Rocca’s contributions to modern storytelling and media.

Photo: Photo: Mo Rocca (center), flanked by LABF Co-Chairs Deborah Parenti and Dave “Chachi” Denes, and members of the LABF board.

04/20/2026

P.S. Celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the National Broadcasting Company - Come visit Hornbake Library, where we will have a set of the iconic NBC chimes available to play!

04/20/2026

The relatively young National Broadcasting Company was able to establish itself in the world beyond radio thanks to creative and diligent work from staff... Noran Kersta, who worked at NBC in the 1930s and 40s, saved documents that help us understand how television became a part of everyday life in America...

These reports help reveal the role of closely-watched experimentation in the launch of a new medium. As Kersta wrote: “During the first eight months of programming, the watchword has been ‘try everything’.” https://hornbakelibrary.wordpress.com/2025/12/17/eight-months-for-nbc-to-try-everything/

04/16/2026

Acclaimed actor, producer, and director Kelsey Grammer will be honored as one of the 2026 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts, the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation (LABF) announced, in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry.

Grammer joins an esteemed class of 2026 honorees that includes Debra OConnell, David Donovan, Skip Finley, Jaime Jarrín, Deborah Norville, Jane Pauley, David “Dave” Santrella, and Suzyn Waldman—an accomplished group of leaders whose work has helped shape the broadcasting and electronic arts industries.

The 2026 Giants will be celebrated at a luncheon in New York City on November 17th. https://www.tvradiolibrary.org/giants-2026

04/15/2026

We have new featured items in our "Unboxing Innovation in Special Collections" exhibit. Stop by Hornbake Library anytime in April to see artifacts that capture just a few of the myriad stories from the National Broadcasting Company's (NBC) 100-year history.

These items are all from the Library of American Broadcasting collections at the University of Maryland. Read more here: https://hornbakelibrary.wordpress.com/2026/04/01/unboxing-innovation-april-featured-items-happy-birthday-nbc/

Photo: Dave Garroway’s Eyeglasses and Bowtie. Lee Lawrence papers, Box six, item 1 and item 2

04/14/2026

Join the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation (LABF) and Broadcast Education Association (BEA) at the 2026 Career Fair & Showcase during the NAB Show 2026!

Monday, April 20, 11 AM–3 PM

Connect, network, and explore careers across media. See you there!

02/12/2026

The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation and the NAB have named CBS Sunday Morning correspondent Mo Rocca as the recipient of the 2026 LABF Insight Award to be presented April 21 during the We Are Broadcasters event at the 2026 NAB Show.

Mo Rocca has been named the 2026 LABF Insight Award recipient and will be honored during the We Are Broadcasters event at NAB Show in Las Vegas.

01/09/2026

Do you know who these people are?
We’re wondering who the man and woman in this photograph are. Any ideas? The lady in the stylish hat has “JWK” monogrammed on her pocket. You can respond here or email us at [email protected].

12/19/2025

The Committee to Preserve Radio Verifications' extensive collection is part of the Library of American Broadcasting at the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.

Many years ago, Michael Henry, Reference Specialist for Special Collections in Mass Media and Culture, produced a four-panel display about CPRV's QSLs for a Broadcast Education Association convention.