David Rehr Resigns As NAB President

National Association of Broadcasters President David Rehr announced his resignation Wednesday, but is expected to remain for a transition period until early June. Janet McGregor, NAB chief operating and financial officer, will take over day-to-day running of the lobbying organization until it can find a replacement. Rehr was hired as a connected Republican and a good fund-raiser, but he has conceded he made some missteps in connecting with Capitol Hill, a criticism that was echoed by some lobbyists and board members. NAB had suffered some defeats recently, including the issue of allowing unlicensed devices to share TV channels, its failed attempt to block the XM Sirius merger, and what some saw as too absolutist a position on per-performance fees for radio airplay. More than one source on background said that the choice of Rehr had also represented a move toward a board-driven, rather than a staff-driven organization.