1. Reach out to Members of Congress during August Recess
While members of Congress are in their home districts during the August recess, don't miss the opportunity to let them know about your valuable service to your community.
Invite members of Congress to visit your station and learn about your work. Visit nab.org/SpeakUp for tips and tools on communicating your station's vital service to your legislators.
The proposals, initially submitted by NAB and other radio stakeholders, will allow FM stations to increase digital broadcast power to improve coverage and service for listeners, including audiences inside buildings.
NAB supports the FCC's preliminary conclusion that adopting these rule changes will enhance digital FM radio service.
3. FEMA and FCC Plan Nationwide EAS Test for October, 4, 2023
🚨 The next nationwide test of the emergency alert system (EAS) will take place at 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
A similar test of wireless emergency alerts (WEA) will be initiated at 2:18 p.m. This test will ensure that both systems continue to be effective means of public warning .
In case of severe weather or other significant events, the back-up test date is October 11, 2023.
Broadcasters should coordinate with their State Emergency Communications Committees (SECCs) to prepare for the test. All EAS Participants must upload required filings regarding the test to the FCC's EAS Test Reporting System (ETRS).
More on how to access ETRS, the reporting deadlines and other important information regarding the test can be found here.
4. Important Reminder: Filing Broadcast Ownership Reports
The Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) Media Bureau recently released a reminder to commercial and noncommercial broadcasters of their upcoming requirement to file their 2023 ownership reports.
The window for filing ownership reports will open on October 2, 2023, and all reports must be submitted by December 1, 2023.
Questions? Please contact the NAB Legal department at (866) 682-0276 or legal@nab.org.
5. Preview New NAB Show New York Sessions for Broadcasters
💡 Don't miss the Broadcast Content Summit at NAB Show New York on Thursday, October 26. This new dual-track conference is designed for TV and radio leaders, programmers and content creators and features deep-dive discussions on today's hottest topics.
Includes AI, AM radio, connected car, NEXTGEN TV, sportscasting, audience engagement, preserving content, recruitment and more.
Check out Broadcast Content Summit session highlights here and stay tuned for new session announcements!
NAB's Government Relations team is hard at work sharing how local broadcasters are serving their communities. Last week NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt and Vice President, Government Relations Charlyn Stanberry met with U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-14) to discuss top-of-mind priorities for broadcasters.
Yesterday, NAB Executive Vice President of Industry Affairs April Carty-Sipp (pictured with Bryan Broadcasting Vice President and General Manager and NAB Board Member Ben Downs) spoke at the Texas Association of Broadcasters annual convention to give an update on AM radio in the dashboard, including the industry's advocacy efforts to ensure this vital service remains in all cars.
7. During Extreme Heat Waves, Broadcasters Are There
As extreme heat waves plague many parts of the country, broadcasters are there for your community. When severe weather strikes, local television and radio stations meet a wide range of needs, providing emergency alerts, fact-based reporting and community service.
(Pictured above: California Oregon Broadcasting Founder William Smullin and California Oregon Broadcasting President Patsy Smullin (1990))
🎉 Congratulations to California Oregon Broadcasting station KOBI-TV/NBC5 on their 70th anniversary! Recently, California Oregon Broadcasting President and NAB Political Action Committee Trustee Patsy Smullin sat down with NBC5 News for an interview focusing on the station's history of service to the communities in Southern Oregon and Northern California.
