1. New: TV And Radio Broadcasters Contribute Significantly to the Economy

A new study by Woods & Poole Economics, with support from BIA Advisory Services, found that the local commercial broadcast television and radio industry generates $1.23 trillion of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 2.52 million jobs through direct and stimulative effect on the American economy.

• “From trusted local and national news, live sporting events and popular network programming to critical emergency information, broadcasters provide the content Americans rely upon each day. These local stations are also an engine for economic health and development keeping local dollars within our hometowns across the country,” said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt.
• See the full report, including state by state breakdowns, here.

2. FCC Misses Opportunity to Update Outdated, Decades-old Rules

On December 26, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released its order in the long-pending 2018 quadrennial review of broadcast ownership rules. Broadcasters were deeply disappointed, though not surprised, that the FCC missed the opportunity to update the decades-old rules that hurt local stations’ ability to provide diverse and essential content to our communities.

• What you need to know: Three rules were at issue: the local radio rule, the local TV rule and the dual network rule.
• The FCC made no changes to the long-standing numerical limits on the ownership of AM and FM stations in local markets.
• The FCC also retained without change the current dual network rule, which prohibits combinations among the ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC networks.
• The FCC retained the local TV ownership restrictions, which prohibit ownership of more than two full-power commercial TV stations in any local market and the ownership of more than one top-four rated full-power commercial TV station in any local market.
• In fact, the FCC tightened the top-four rule to prohibit a broadcaster from acquiring a network affiliation and placing it on a low power TV or Class A station or on a multicast programming stream, if the broadcaster would be otherwise prevented by the top-four restriction from placing that affiliation on a separate full power station.

While NAB’s team continues to examine the details of this lengthy order, it is clear that the FCC fails to grasp the deep challenges local broadcasters face in the wake of unprecedented competition with Big Tech behemoths.

Broadcast stations are a critical source of information in every community across the country, and it takes significant resources to provide up-to-the minute news, emergency journalism and other services. No other medium has the responsibility, the ability or incentive to serve the public's needs. To continue offering free, over-the-air service, broadcasters must be able to compete on a level playing field.

3. NAB Show 2024: New Year. New Resolutions.

🎉 HNY! It’s that resolution-making time again. As the most trusted resource for the broadcast, media and entertainment industry, we’ve got two for you that are definitely worth sticking to.

Resolution #1: Register for the 2024 NAB Show in Las Vegas, April 13-17

• Attend conference sessions, networking and exhibits in the Broadcast District, located in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Resolution #2: Connect with your Community

• Celebrate the philanthropic work of your fellow radio broadcasters during the annual NAB Crystal Radio Awards. Enter your station now through January 31. Finalists will be announced in February.
• Connect with your peers during the Small and Medium Market Radio Forum on Saturday April 13. Space is limited – reserve your seat now. Save $150 on your NAB Show registration when you register.
• Stay engaged with the NAB Show community leading up to the big event on NAB Amplify, the industry’s most dynamic, digital hub.

NAB members get the lowest registration rates - get your ticket today.

4. Show Off Your Community Impact

🏆 NAB is now accepting entries for the 38th annual NAB Crystal Radio Awards, honoring outstanding community service efforts undertaken by radio stations throughout 2023.

• Stations must submit an online entry through My NAB describing their community service efforts for the 2023 calendar year. The deadline for entry submissions is January 31.

5. C-band Reimbursements Deadline Approaching

Was your station affected by the C-band satellite transition? Did you install filters, a new dish or new satellite receivers? If so, you must submit your claim for reimbursement by February 5 or the costs of relocation will become your responsibility. On December 5, the FCC's Wireless Bureau released a Public Notice setting the following deadlines for reimbursement claims:

• February 5, 2024: Submission deadline to the C-band Relocation Payment Clearinghouse (RPC) for all reimbursement claims for costs incurred and paid by claimants as of December 31, 2023, including all lump sum election claims by incumbent earth station operators.
• July 1, 2024: Submission deadline to the RPC for all reimbursement claims for costs incurred and paid by claimants after December 31, 2023.

Questions? Contact the NAB Legal department.

6. Keep Up with Filing Deadlines with the NAB Legal Calendar

📅 Stay on top of your state’s various filing deadlines with NAB’s new state-specific legal calendars. This is a members-only benefit – log in to My NAB to download your state’s calendar today.

7. New PSAs for the New Year

Refresh your station’s public service announcement creative at NAB’s Spot Center, a destination for local radio and television broadcasters seeking public educational materials from credible organizations.

• New TV and radio spots from the Selective Service System feature creative targeting young people or their parents, encouraging registration as required by law.
• Other recently added spots include TV spots for Guide Dogs for the Blind and radio spots for Doctors Without Borders.

8. ICYMI: NAB Congressional PSAs Have Expired

The 2023 NAB Congressional Public Service Announcement (PSA) spots expired on December 31. Discontinuing the spots promptly ensures compliance with federal election laws and avoids equal time rule requirements.

We appreciate your support of this legacy campaign, which provides a unique opportunity for members of Congress to engage with their communities, while sharing important messages with viewers and listeners. Please contact WeAreBroadcasters@nab.org with any additional questions.

9. Scripps Howard Award Entries Now Open