• Broadcasting & Cable, Tuesday, February 24, 2009 9:15 AM

Many broadcast network and station engineers are expected to skip their annual pilgrimage to the National Association of Broadcasters' annual convention this April. CBS has canceled its annual engineering breakfast, where it typically discussed technology plans with chief engineers from local affiliates.

Major broadcast networks, such as CBS, and station groups are sending fewer people to canvass the floor and participate in industry meetings. Fox Broadcasting, for instance, sent 11 engineers from its TV station group and 20 from its radio division last year, but only one employee is attending this year.

While big exhibitors like Cisco and Quantel won't be on the floor this year, NAB has signed up 70 new exhibitors including Electronic Arts, Philips 3D Solutions and 3ality Digital. Other trade show have seen declines this year. The Consumer Electronics Show in January suffered a 20% dip and the NATPE syndication show saw attendance fall about 14%.

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