NATPE

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NATPE, the National Association of Television Program Executives, is an organization dedicated to providing information, marketing and meeting opportunities in television programming. NATPE also has an educational foundation that provides grants and scholarships to students and educators, as well as offering presentations on relevant subjects to the television programming community. NATPE sponsors a three-day annual annual conference in January that draws attendees from more than 70 countries worldwide.

"NATPE is a global, non-profit organization dedicated to the creation, development and distribution of televised programming in all forms across all mature and emerging media platforms. NATPE develops and nurtures opportunities, both commercial and educational, for buying, selling and sharing of content and ideas."

Major Upcoming NATPE Events

2007
June TBD Web Seminar

06/20-06/22 DISCOP - Sofitel Atrium, Budapest
"Founded in 1991, DISCOP is the only telelvision content and formats market strictly targeted at Central & Eastern European marketplaces. [http://www.discop.com DISCOP] brings key programming, acquisition, production, marketing and "new business" executives from Central and Eastern Europe -- representing broadcasters, thematic channels, regional TV stations, digital TV operators, DVD distributors and local producers as well as a growing number of multiplatform distribution networks -- together with international television content format sales orgranizations. You can establish a secure footprint in this rapidly emerging market by exhibiting at, advertising at, sponsoring during or attending DISCOP."Email for more information: [e-mail]

07/25-07/27 LATV Festival - West Hollywood, California
"Celebrating the art and commerce of video content in the TV production capital of the world. - A highly dynamic and information packed three-day festival - 5th Annual NATPE TV Producers' Boot Camp - Pitch Pit - NextGenTV Competition - Sessions, workshops, panel discussions - Digital showcases - Screenings - Networking events Opportunities Created / Opportunities Showcase and show off your content, learn from industry leaders, meet emerging and seasoned producers, bring your career up to date... The [http://www.latvfest.net LATVF] is designed to accommodate your career and budgetary needs. You have the option to purchase an "All Events Access Pass" or a "A la Carte Pass", which gives you access to one or more events separately. Visit LATVF.net for all the latest news and information on attending, sponsoring and participating."Email for more information: [e-mail]

September TBD Web Seminar

December TBD Web Seminar

2008
Week of 01/28 NATPE Conference - Las Vegas, Nevada
More information to come in the near future. For now, check out the [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57OlnuSl1sE&eurl= highlights from the '07 conference.]

What NATPE Does

NATPE does provide valuable information and resources to its membership, which is comprised of companies and individuals involved in or wanting to become involved with the creation, development anddistribution of television programming;

NATPE does serve as a catalyst for idea sharing, discussion and debate regarding trends and practices in the television industry as it relates to programming;

NATPE does provide its members with 24/7 access to accurate databases of global information, worldwide industry news, trends, and creates opportunities for its members to advance themselves and the industry through its annual Conference & Exhibition, regionalworkshops and seminars, demonstrations, gatherings and other means of overall support.

What NATPE Does Not Do

NATPE does not provide referrals to agents, managers, lawyers, producers, distributors or network executives; however, it does make its membership directory available to other members and does have a discount partner program.

NATPE does not present program concepts to development executives; however, it does create opportunities for its members to meet and pitch ideas to development executives during several of the industry events it organizes.

NATPE does not serve as a clearinghouse for program concepts or ideas; however, it does publish a directory of companies and individuals involved in program creation, development and distribution and also provides links to other industry associations, trade publications and other organizations that could be helpful in researching and/or registering program ideas.

NATPE does not lobby in Washington, DC on behalf of its members. However, we do keep our members apprised of FCC rulings, regulations and congressional rule making through our Washington Report provided by Mickey Gardner of the Law Offices of Michael Gardner.

History

As the medium of television grew up, program directors at local U.S. television stations felt a need for a program specific forum to discuss and resolve the challenges faced as a result of the Prime Time Access Rule, which gave responsibility for programming between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. to local stations and program directors. Encouraged by syndicated programming salesmen, 64 program directors (NATPE’s charter members) named Stan Cohen of WDSU New Orleans temporary president and set about organizing a meeting.

The first formal meeting of the National Associates of Television Program Executives was held in May 1964 at the New York Hilton Hotel and drew 71 registrants. The majority of participants where program directors. During the first two-day meeting in New York, the topics of discussion ranged from “The Network’s Relationship to Local Programming” and “Where Do You Find Talent?” to “Government’s Influence on Programming” and “Successful Formats for Handling Politicians & Political Issues.”

NATPE has changed dramatically over the past 40 years - membership grew from 64 to 210 by 1970; up to 1,206 in 1980; 1818 in 1990 and to a peak of 3,812 by the new millennium in January 2000, although membership and conference attendance declined significantly from the "dot-com bust" of 2001. The NATPE conference event added exhibition suites in 1980 and an exhibit floor in 1981.

As an added link between the television industry, the academic community and students, the NATPE Educational Foundation, was formed in 1978. Its mission is to reach out to students by providing hands-on opportunities for them and their teachers in order to help prepare them for a future in television. NATPE’s Educational Foundation, underwritten by membership fees and the support of sponsors and special endowments, provides a number of annual fellowship, grants and prizes to the academic community. Lew Klein, one of the founders of NATPE and an early president of the organization, continues his dedication to the association as president of the Educational Foundation.

NATPE also remains committed to providing its members with education, networking, professional enhancement and technological guidance by publishing timely directories and offers numerous online services to its membership, in addition to its role as the only American program market serving the worldwide television community.

Leadership

Rick Feldman - CEO & President
Jon Dobkin - CFO
Beth Braen, SVP - Marketing
Nick Orfanopoulos - SVP, Conference Operations & Sales
Christina Vergara - Director, Event Programming
Lew Klein - President, NATPE Educational Foundation

External links

* [http://www.natpe.org NATPE Web site]
* [http://natpe.blogs.com Penthouse 10, The Official NATPE Blog]
* [http://www.latvfest.net The LATV Festival Web Site]
* [http://www.nextgentvfest.com The NextGen Competition Web Site]
* [http://careers.natpe.org The NATPE Career Center]
* [http://www.myspace.com/latvfestival The LATV Festival Myspace]