Over 560 local radio and television broadcasters from across the country convened in D.C. this week for NAB's annual State Leadership Conference (SLC).
Attendees heard from lawmakers, FCC and FEMA leaders and NAB staff about current legislative and regulatory issues facing broadcasters. Guest speakers included Sen. Ted Cruz (TX), Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14), FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington, NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt, Salem Media President and NAB Joint Board Chair Dave Santrella and more.
Broadcasters then hit Capitol Hill to meet with their members of Congress and discuss broadcasters' policy agenda for the 118th Congress.
NAB External Affairs hosted community partners, broadcasters and NAB staff in a networking coffee break at SLC.
Broadcasters also met with FCC commissioners and staff to discuss marketplace changes affecting local broadcasters, including competition for advertising dollars and employment and staffing challenges.
"If a new performance tax is implemented, stations may be forced to offset these costs by flipping formats, diverting resources from community service activities, cutting staff, reducing promotional activity, forgoing equipment upgrades or even shutting down entirely," wrote the NRB.
🎤 The LRFA, which has the bipartisan support of 132 members of the United States House of Representatives, is a resolution opposing "any new performance fee, tax, royalty or other charge" on local broadcast radio stations. Tell your legislators to support the LRFA.
3. NAB Expresses Concerns on FCC Merger and Acquisition Review
NAB issued a statement on the FCC Media Bureau's decision to designate the Standard General-TEGNA merger for hearing. While NAB takes no position on the merits of the transaction, we are alarmed by the FCC's needlessly prolonged process, as well as the fact that the Commission's actions are based on issues outside its purview.
📃 NAB stated that Congress should consider codifying the FCC's informal 180-day shot clock into law, and that Congress should also clearly define the "public interest" for the purpose of FCC merger review.
4. Ask Your Legislators to Participate in NAB's Congressional PSAs
NAB's long-running Congressional PSA Campaign is once again underway, as part of local television and radio stations' dedication to shining a light on important health, social and safety issues and supporting local businesses.
Members of Congress and their family members can record up to two 30-second television and radio public service announcements (PSAs) that will be distributed to all broadcasters in their district.
Please reach out to your members of Congress and ask them to RSVP today at nab.org/cpsa.
5. Introducing Diversity Speaks: A DEI Webinar Series for Broadcasters
NAB is excited to announce a four-part webinar series, Diversity Speaks: A DEI Webinar Series for Broadcasters, focused on delivering helpful information to build and execute effective DEI strategies.
Register now for the first webinar in this series, Managing the Multigenerational Workforce, on March 7, 2023, 2-2:30 p.m. ET, featuring renowned human resources leader Jessica Miller-Merrill, founder of Workology.
6. FCC Issues New EAS Operating Handbook
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued an updated version of the EAS Operating Handbook.
📖 The Handbook helps station personnel handle EAS messages and tests by outlining operational procedures needed to implement part 11 of the FCC's rules. It summarizes the steps that station personnel should take upon receipt of a national-level EAS alert, required national, monthly and weekly tests and state and local alerts.
The Handbook must be located at normal duty positions of station operators or at EAS equipment locations. Please download the Handbook, complete the included blank spaces to tailor the handbook to suit your station's individual procedures, and make sure it is available at all required locations.
7. ChatGPT: What Broadcasters Need to Know
Daniel Anstandig, founder and CEO, Futuri Media, turns his AI-focused eyes to ChatGPT and what the new technology means for broadcasters. Learn what ChatGPT is, how fast it's growing, what it competes with and the potential implications and opportunities widespread adoption will afford TV and radio broadcasters. Plus, hear about RadioGPT, Futuri Media's latest innovation.
8. NAB Show is Only Six Weeks Away!
Don't miss the 2023 NAB Show, where you'll get a mix of free education on the show floor, exclusive programs with prominent industry leaders and a dedicated lineup of sessions for TV and radio broadcasters in the all-new Broadcast District.
Come get the insights you need to keep your career trending upwards among the more than 1,000 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and solutions.
Join us for the NAB Crystal Radio Awards on Tuesday, April 18 at 10 a.m. on the Main Stage and cheer on the Crystals finalists and Crystal Heritage Award winner.
Attend the NAB Show Career Fair and recruit your newest employees. Recruiters will have the chance to fill open positions, meet graduating seniors and receive Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) credit for their participation. Use code NAB-MBR for a special NAB member rate of $250 through March 10.
NAB hosted TelevisaUnivision and special guest Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (NV) at our headquarters on Thursday for an event discussing Latino voter turnout during the 2022 midterm elections. Univision News Anchor Teresa Rodriguez emceed the event.
10. Keeping Up with NABPAC
NABPAC co-hosted two fundraisers last week in Park City, Utah. The first was for Energy and Commerce Chairwoman Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05). She is the first female chair of this powerhouse committee in its storied 227-year history. In addition to NAB's Curtis LeGeyt, Executive Vice President of Government Relations Shawn Donilon and Senior Vice President of State, International and Board Relations Sue Keenom, Teddy Gibbon, general manager of KXLY of Spokane and Richard and Liz Burns of Morgan Murphy Media were in attendance for this special event.
The next evening, NABPAC hosted a fundraiser for Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (NM) at the home of Sen. Gordon Smith. Sen. Lujan is a longtime friend and champion for broadcasters, and he spoke extensively about his close relationship with - and the importance of - New Mexico's broadcasters. Sen. Lujan touched upon almost every issue of significance on the NAB advocacy agenda. In addition to LeGeyt, Donilon, Keenom and NAB Senior Vice President of Government Relations Josh Pollack, Paula Maes of New Mexico Broadcasters Association, Estevan Gonzales of KSWV-FM Santa Fe and Jordan Wertlieb of Hearst Television were among the many attendees at the event.
