NAB 2026 Opening Session Presents Spirit of Broadcasting Award to “Survivor”
(Special to USTimes, Washington, D.C., 2026-03-24) )The 2026 NAB Show Opening Session will honor the iconic series, “Survivor,” with the prestigious Spirit of Broadcasting Award at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 10 a.m. PDT. Along with a keynote conversation featuring Emmy Award winner and Executive Producer Jesse Collins.
NAB President and Chief Executive Officer Curtis LeGeyt will be joined by “Survivor” host and executive producer Jeff Probst, who will be tuning in from 5,400 miles away in Fiji as the show films its 51st season. You can catch season 50 of “Survivor” on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS and Paramount+.
Five-time season competitor over the course of 25 years, the fan favorite Cirie Fields will be accepting the award on behalf of “Survivor”. Dawned as “maybe the most celebrated and loved player” by Probst, she is known for her unparalleled social game.
Presented periodically to individuals and organizations, the NAB Spirit of Broadcasting Award highlights “Survivor’s” impact after its 25 years on air.
As stated by the executive vice president, Industry Affairs and Innovation at NAB, April Carty-Sipp, “Survivor’ is one of the most enduring and influential franchises in television history. For 25 years, it has continuously reinvented what unscripted storytelling can be while captivating audience around the world. Reaching 50 seasons is an extraordinary achievement, and we’re proud to recognize its impact on our industry.”
Also featured in the opening session, Jesse Collins’ keynote conversation will be joined by leading journalist Carolyn Giardina, who will be covering entertainment technology and filmmaking craft.
Collins, founder and CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment, spans a number of live events, from music, sports, and entertainment. Collins consistently brings together global audiences to celebrate achievements live, and has been behind the annual BET Awards, Emmy Awards, the Oscars, and the Super Bowl Halftime Show.
“Jesse Collins is one of the leading creative forces in television today. From the Super Bowl Halftime Show to the GRAMMY Awards and the Oscars, he has helped define what live entertainment looks like at the highest level,” said Carty-Sipp. “His perspective on the craft and scale of live production will be an unforgettable highlight of the Opening Session.”
The 2026 NAB show will be at the Las Vegas Convention Center from April 18-22 (exhibits April 19-22).
Visit nabshow.com/las-vegas/ for information on attending, exhibiting, or sponsoring, as well as media resources or free registration for accredited press.