A bipartisan coalition of more than 20 senators led by Sens. Maggie Hassan (NH) and John Barrasso (WY) have introduced the Local Radio Freedom Act (LRFA) in the Senate. Additionally, 23 new cosponsors have signed on to the companion bill in the House, bringing the total number of cosponsors in the House of Representatives to 155.
The LRFA is a resolution opposing "any new performance fee, tax, royalty or other charge" on local broadcast radio stations.
đŖ Tell your legislators today that you want them to keep local radio strong by supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act.
2. Congratulations to the 2023 Crystal Radio Award Finalists
The finalists for the 36th annual NAB Crystal Radio Awards have been announced.
Bonneville International's KTAR-FM Phoenix, Ariz., will receive this year's Crystal Heritage Award. This award recognizes radio stations that have won a total of five Crystal Radio Awards for exceptional year-round community service efforts.
đ The finalists will be celebrated and the winners announced during the We Are Broadcasters Awards ceremony held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 18 on the Main Stage at NAB Show in Las Vegas.
3. NAB Weighs in on FCC Quadrennial Review
NAB filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission regarding the Commission's Public Notice triggering the 2022 quadrennial review of broadcast ownership rules.
"The FCC cannot retain, consistent with law, local radio and TV ownership rules that pre-date internet ubiquity, the proliferation of digital devices and widespread adoption of audio and video streaming services, as well as the growth of social media and 'Big Tech,'" we commented.
4. LeGeyt Urges Preservation of AM Radio in Cars
NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt wrote for the NAB Blog this week about the public safety imperative of preserving AM radio in the automobile, particularly electric vehicles.
đ "Local radio stations are taking innovative steps to continue serving the public through the evolving dashboard and preserving AM radio as a standard feature in new vehicles. We urge automakers to work with us to ensure drivers and passengers can continue to enjoy the local news, entertainment and companionship AM radio has to offer," LeGeyt wrote.
5. Last Chance: Service to America Awards Entries Close Soon
đ The Celebration of Service to America Awardsapplication window closes on Monday, March 13. These awards honor excellence in community service philanthropy and the impact made by local radio and television stations across the country.
Click here for more information and to submit your station's work today.
6. See What's Planned for You at the 2023 NAB Show
Check out the new TV and Radio Broadcasters' Guide for a preview of the sessions and networking experiences tailored for you at the 2023 NAB Show.
Just announced! iHeartMedia co-founder, chairman and CEO Bob Pittman will sit down with iHeart and Premiere Networks personality Angela Yee for "Math & Magic: Stories from the Frontiers of Marketing with Bob Pittman," a live podcast conversation open to all NAB Show attendees on April 16 at 3 p.m.
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.
8. NAB on the Move
Several NAB staff members attended the Broadcasters Foundation of America's annual Golden Mike Award Gala in New York this week, honoring Jack Abernethy, CEO of Fox Television Stations and Dick Wiley, former chair of the FCC. Pictured here are NAB Chief of Staff and Executive Vice President, Public Affairs Michelle Lehman, Executive Vice President, Legal and Regulatory Affairs Rick Kaplan, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Finance TÊa Gennaro and Senior Vice President, Communications Alex Siciliano.
On Wednesday evening broadcasters from 10 NAB member companies, Jacobs Media and the Boston Red Sox connected virtually with students from colleges across the country during the first Student Networking Night: Careers in Broadcast Media. The event, which was produced by NAB, BEA, the NAB Leadership Foundation and Jacobs Media, allowed broadcasters and students to meet in a casual online environment and have career building conversations. Future events are being planned for the fall. To participate, email NAB's Josh Miely at jmiely@nab.org.
9. Member Benefit of the Month: TriNet HR Solutions
TriNet offers small and medium-size broadcast members access to full-service HR solutions and big company benefits like health, life and even pet insurance.
Learn about TriNet's offerings while you're attending the 2023 NAB Show. The TriNet team will be available onsite to meet with NAB members to discuss how they can help stations navigate HR complexities. Stop by the TV and Radio HQ in West Hall to discuss your options with the TriNet team in-person.
