CEA President And CEO Gary Shapiro Predicts Future For Broadcasters At IBC Conference

Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® President and CEO Gary Shapiro delivered the keynote address today at the IBC2007 Conference in Amsterdam, Europe’s largest conference of broadcasters. In his keynote speech, Shapiro discussed developments that have shaped both the broadcast and the consumer electronics industries in the 40 years since the first IBC conference, and also shared his vision of the challenges and opportunities that new media and consumer demand pose for broadcasters in the next 40 years.

“Broadcasters no longer enjoy a monopoly on content delivery,” noted Shapiro. “Ears and eyes once devoted exclusively to broadcasters are now being drawn in by new forms of content and new methods of delivery.”

In growing numbers, consumers are purchasing the tools they need for anytime, anywhere access to information and entertainment. Shapiro told broadcasters that if they can learn to anticipate consumer demand, adapt quickly and take advantage of their existing assets, there will be a bright future ahead.

“The winners over the next 40 years will be those who have the clearest vision,” said Shapiro. “They are able to identify potentially disruptive new channels, recognize consumer trends and yet, go out to meet the challenge.”

Shapiro also congratulated the IBC Council on the 40th anniversary of the IBC Conference, a milestone that CEA also reached this year with the International CES, CEA’s flagship production and the world’s largest consumer technology trade show.

“The consumer electronics industry has worked side by side with broadcasters to inform and entertain consumers across the globe,” said Shapiro. “Together, we have changed lives and made the world better, safer and smarter.”

Shapiro also noted that the 2007 International CES will reflect the “new convergence” of entertainment and consumer electronics in January 2008 when Brian Roberts, chief executive of Comcast, the largest U.S. cable television company, delivers a keynote address.