1. Capitol Hill: State of Play on Broadcast Priorities
With the August Congressional recess in full swing, members of Congress are in their home offices until after Labor Day.
This is a great time to invite them to your station for a visit and to talk about how their work impacts your audience.
Here's a recap of where things stand on broadcast policy issues:
AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act
Since introduction in May, this bill has garnered great momentum, receiving a House hearing and Senate markup (the procedure that moves legislation to a floor vote).
We expect further action on the bill this fall.
The legislation has 144 House cosponsors and 28 Senate cosponsors.
Automakers have ramped up opposition to this bill, so keep the pressure on, and please keep airing spots!
Journalism Competition and Preservation Act
This bill, which would allow broadcasters a more level playing field to negotiate with big tech giants on the value of their content, was voted out of the Senate Judiciary Committee in June.
We look forward to continuing this positive momentum, despite the strong headwinds from Meta and other tech behemoths that do not want to pay for quality journalism.
Most recently Meta pulled news off their platforms in Canada. NAB and the Canadian Broadcasters responded.
Local Radio Freedom Act
Legislation opposing a performance tax on local radio continues to grow in support with 188 House cosponsors and 23 Senate cosponsors.
This bill is an important stopgap measure to prevent the so-called American Music Fairness Act, which would impose a new performance fee on all radio stations, from moving forward.
Despite a lot of rhetoric from opponents musicFIRST, broadcast champions continue to stand strong against a performance tax.
FCC Commissioner Nomination
In May, President Joe Biden nominated Anna Gomez to fill the fifth commissioner spot at the Federal Communications Commission.
In July, the Senate Commerce Committee advanced her nomination and a Senate floor vote is expected when Congress returns this fall.
PRESS Act
Last month, the House Judiciary Committee passed the Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act (PRESS Act), which would provide federal-level protections for journalists regarding disclosure of confidential sources.
This important legislation has also been introduced in the Senate.
Don't miss the biggest names in broadcasting, media and entertainment at NAB Show New York, Oct. 24-26!
Industry expert Evan Shapiro is set to lead an empowering, day-long workshop to help you navigate the challenges of the current media landscape and unlock the full potential of your career.
Acclaimed sportscaster Rich Eisen will host the 2023 NAB Marconi Radio Awards, brought to you by Xperi. Record producer and radio host DJ Scratch will return as house DJ for radio's biggest night of the year! Purchase your tickets and tables now.
Do you have a studio-transmitter link (STL) or other facilities in the 13 GHz band? If so, you need to confirm that your license information is correct and inventory your equipment.
In GN Docket 22-352, the FCC proposes to auction the "13 GHz Band," relocating broadcasters into other bands and reimbursing them for the costs of changing facilities.
A certification deadline for existing, incumbent 12.7-13.25 GHz broadcast licenses will be set by the FCC soon. Broadcasters will need to certify that they are operating in accordance with their licenses to be eligible for reimbursement.
Verify all license data in the FCC's Universal Licensing System (ULS) as soon as possible. If you are currently using 13 GHz for ENG, not fixed links, notify SBE Frequency Coordination Manager RJ Russell at RJ Russell at rjrussell@sbe.org of the licensee callsign and designated market area.
The rulemaking is available here. For further information, contact Robert Weller with NAB Legal and Regulatory Affairs at rweller@nab.org.
4. Must Carry/Retransmission Consent Election Deadline
All commercial and noncommercial television stations are required to place a carriage election statement stating whether they elect retransmission consent or must carry on cable and satellite in their online public files (OPIF) on or before October 1, 2023.
Stations that are changing their elections with respect to a multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD) must also email the affected MVPD and the Commission and attach that email to the statement they upload into OPIF.
4. Hawaii Broadcasters Stay on Air During Devastating Wildfires
Our thoughts are with the brave local station personnel who are continuing to broadcast lifesaving information to the people of Hawaii during the wildfires that are wreaking devastation on the island.
Internet, cell and even 911 services are disrupted, making local broadcast stations one of the only lifelines available to residents and visitors.
Please share your stories with us so we can amplify these heroic efforts and ensure the public knows how to stay safe.
5. LeGeyt Named Among "40 Most Powerful People in Radio"
ICYMI: NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt made Radio Ink magazine's list of the "40 Most Powerful in Radio."
"The radio industry is more unified now than I have ever seen it during my time at the NAB," LeGeyt said in an interview with Radio Ink. "We are extremely fortunate to have grassroots support from our members, which can be a game-changer in our policy battles. Over the years, we have emphasized the importance of broadcasters building strong relationships with lawmakers, and our members are able to use the power of their airwaves to educate their listeners as well."
👀 NAB board members Rob Babin, David Field, Jesus Lara, Alfred Liggins, Bob Proffitt, Dave Santrella and Bill Wilson also made the list.
6. Member Benefit of the Month: UPS
📦 UPS has partnered with NAB to provide huge savings for broadcasters. NAB members can receive up to 50% off UPS shipping rates. Enroll in the UPS program and enjoy additional savings on your daily operational expenses.
