With the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters being acquired by the U.S. Black Chambers, NABOB President Jim Winston has added CEO to his title at the trade association where he has served for more than four decades. Winston sees a sizable payoff for NABOB becoming a division of USBC.
“Joining with USBC is going to be very beneficial for NABOB members,” he tells Inside Radio. “USBC advocates on behalf of every aspect of operating a business. So now, in addition to advocacy on behalf of the FCC aspect of their business operations, NABOB members will receive advocacy on behalf of all aspects of operating their businesses.”
Under the acquisition announced Monday, the newly established USBC Media Network will oversee the USBC Radio Network, NABOB, USBC Events, and USBC Media programs and initiatives. The network aims to transform Black media, culture, narratives, and enterprises.
The milestone USBC-NABOB merger has been in the works for years. The two groups have been working closely on various initiatives, including making NABOB’s annual Power of Urban Radio Forum part of the Chamber’s annual conference since 2021.
Keeping Winston at the helm of the first and only trade organization representing the interests of African-American owners of radio, television, and digital media across the country will provide continuity and consistency for its 257 members. After forming in 1976, NABOB brought Winston in as executive director and general counsel in 1982. He was promoted to President in December 2014. Winston leads NABOB’s federal government relations and advertising industry outreach efforts. During the 1980s and early 1990s, he helped NABOB grow to 250 radio stations and 25 television stations. He also helped create the nonprofit NABOB Telecommunications Education and Management Foundation, which works to educate the next generation of broadcast industry leaders.
A graduate of Harvard Law School, Winston is also a partner in the Washington-based law firm Rubin, Winston, Diercks, Harris & Cooke, which he co-founded with Eric Rubin in 1981. Before that he worked at the FCC, as a Legal Advisor to Commissioner Robert E. Lee.
The acquisition of NABOB will enable collaboration among USBC’s 169 global chambers, collectively representing over 300,000 Black businesses and NABOB-represented radio, television, and digital media across the country. It will provide opportunities for Black-owned businesses and advertisers on both Black-owned radio stations and digital platforms.