Lawyer Baumann Leaving NAB in February

Jeff Baumann, for two decades the top lawyer at the National Association of Broadcasters, is resigning his position effective next February. A replacement has not been named.

Baumann, executive vice president of legal and regulatory affairs, directed the NAB's ongoing legal battle with the cable industry over Federal Communications Commission policies regarding the transition to digital television.

"Being able to represent broadcasters before the courts, the FCC and other branches of government has been the most satisfying experience of my life," Baumann said in a prepared statement.

NAB spokesman Dennis Wharton said president Edward Fritts would look both inside and outside of the trade group for Baumann's successor.