1. Congressional Hearing Spotlights AM Radio’s Critical Public Safety Role

The House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing this week titled “Preserving Americans’ Access to AM Radio.”

• The big picture: Chairwoman and CEO of Midway Broadcasting Corporation Melody Spann-Cooper testified on behalf of NAB. She spoke extensively about why AM radio is an essential lifeline for many Americans, and how its role in emergency alerting and overall public safety makes it necessary for Congress to step in and preserve access.
• NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt: “America’s broadcasters are grateful to the subcommittee members and other lawmakers who have voiced staunch support for preserving AM radio in cars. It’s a lifeline in emergencies and the backbone of the Emergency Alert System. We look forward to continuing our work with all committee members to ensure this vital communications medium remains accessible to listeners across the country.”
• 🏛️ Momentum is building: Sens. Ed Markey (MA) and Ted Cruz (TX) have announced that more than 60 senators are supporting the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, giving the legislation a filibuster-proof majority of senators.
• Go deeper: Read more about the hearing on the NAB Blog.
• Act now: Click here to urge your legislators to support AM radio.

2. Cannabis Reclassification Moves Forward

This week, news broke that the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is poised to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

• The big picture: If upheld, this would mark a step towards broadcasters’ ability to advertise cannabis products without major concerns as FCC licensees, as the CSA's prohibition on advertising of Schedule I drugs would no longer apply. However, Schedule III drugs remain subject to significant federal regulations and broadcasters (and others) may need additional clarifications under the law.
• What's next: Once the DEA makes an initial determination to reschedule, it must then publish a proposed rule in the Federal Register and initiate an administrative rulemaking process under the Administrative Procedure Act.
• Once the DEA administrator publishes its own final rule, this would then trigger the opportunity for aggrieved parties to bring suit within 30 days.

Stay tuned: NAB will be closely monitoring these proceedings over the coming months and will keep you up to date with the latest news.

3. Marconi Radio Awards Entry Window Now Open

The 2024 Marconi Radio Awards nomination window is open now through May 31.

• Winners will be announced during a special dinner program on October 9, 2024 at the Javits Center during NAB Show New York, held October 9-10.
• ✏️ Get started: All nominations must be submitted through the NAB member portal. The complete list of entry rules and qualifications can be found here.

Questions? Contact Tobi Hall at thall@nab.org.

4. Get Up to Speed with the Broadcast Resource Hub

The Broadcast Resource Hub is a comprehensive one-stop-shop for resources, tools and information on the most relevant issues impacting local radio and television stations.

• Dig in: Find everything from the 2024 Election Toolkit to mental health resources for journalists and more in the Hub.

5. Find New Talent with "You Belong Here"

"You Belong Here," is a multifaceted campaign to help broadcasters find, hire and grow talent in their stations.

• Get started: Visit YouBelongHere.media/toolkit to download a 30-second customizable spot, a long-form video for classrooms or career fairs, social media and other digital assets and messaging.
• Use these to direct job seekers to YouBelongHere.media to learn how they can use their skills and find their passion in broadcast media and access thousands of jobs available in broadcast media. 

6. FM and TV Self-Inspection Guides Now Available

NAB, in partnership with the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE), has released updated self-inspection guides for FM radio and TV stations. 

• What are they? These guides provide up-to-date, standardized guidance to help comply with FCC rules and policies. The FCC stopped publishing self-inspection checklists in 2003, but rules and policies have continued to change since then. The guides are also intended to provide recommendation practices for the alternative broadcast inspections program (ABIP).
• Get started: The guides are available as a free benefit to NAB members, and can be downloaded at my.nab.org. Guides for AM and low-power stations will be available in the future.

Questions? Contact Bob Weller at rweller@nab.org.