The National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE), now branded as Content First, is a professional organization representing television programming executives and content creators. Founded in

1964 Events January * January 1 – The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland is dissolved. * January 5 – In the first meeting between leaders of the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches since the fifteenth century, Pope Paul VI and Patria ...

in response to the

Prime Time Access Rule The Prime Time Access Rule (PTAR) was an American television broadcasting regulation enforced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from September 13, 1971, to August 30, 1996. It was instituted under concerns that television networks c ...

, NATPE hosts annual conferences, provides educational grants and fellowships, and facilitates industry partnerships.

History

Origins (1963–1964)

Following the introduction of the United States Federal Communications Commission’s Prime Time Access Rule—which shifted responsibility for the 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. programming block from the major networks to local television stations—station program directors sought a dedicated forum to exchange best practices and address emerging challenges. In late 1963, at the encouragement of syndicated programming sales representatives, sixty-four program directors convened and selected Stan Cohen of

WDSU WDSU (channel 6) is a television station in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, affiliated with NBC and owned by Hearst Television. The station's studios are located on Howard Avenue in the city's Central Business District, and its transmitte ...

(New Orleans) as temporary president to organize an inaugural meeting. The first formal gathering of the National Association of Television Program Executives took place on May 15–16, 1964, at the New York Hilton Hotel. Seventy-one registrants, predominantly local station program directors, attended the two-day conference to discuss programming strategies and syndication opportunities.

Educational Foundation (1978)

To foster stronger connections between the television industry, academia, and students, NATPE created the NATPE Educational Foundation in 1978. This foundation aims to prepare future television professionals through practical internships, workshops for educators, and academic awards. Currently, it manages annual fellowships, grants, and prizes recognizing exceptional work in television studies.

Rebranding and Digital Expansion (2010)

In 2010, the organization rebranded as NATPE Content First to signal its expanded focus on emerging media platforms and digital technology. This rebranding effort sought to attract new media executives, technology exhibitors, and content creators, alongside its existing television members.

International Partnerships (2019)

NATPE formed a partnership with the China International Television Corporation (CITVC), a subsidiary of China Central Television (CCTV), in July 2019. This collaboration was designed to promote content exchange and co-production ventures between North American and Chinese media companies.

Bankruptcy and Conference Cancellation (2022–2023)

In October 2022, NATPE filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The organization stated it was “optimistic that twill emerge from the reorganization process in the same position.” Despite plans to proceed with its annual conference scheduled for January 2023 in the Bahamas, the event was ultimately canceled amid ongoing financial restructuring.

Budapest

In 2011, NATPE acquired DISCOP EAST, which hosts an event covering the central and

Eastern European Eastern Europe is a subregion of the European continent. As a largely ambiguous term, it has a wide range of geopolitical, geographical, ethnic, cultural and socio-economic connotations. Its eastern boundary is marked by the Ural Mountains, and ...

media industry. The event is named NATPE Budapest.

References

External links

* {{Authority control Television organizations in the United States Professional associations based in the United States Film markets 1963 establishments in the United States Organizations established in 1963 Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2022