1. “Martes de Acción” to Support Hispanic Voter Participation
NAB, in collaboration with members of the Hispanic Media GOTV Coalition, launched Martes de Acción (Tuesdays of Action), an initiative aimed at encouraging Hispanic voter participation and strengthening civic engagement ahead of the November elections.
What's happening: Every Tuesday through Election Day, NAB’s Hispanic Media GOTV Coalition members will intensify their outreach efforts across various
media platforms, including radio, television, digital media, social media, podcasts and live events.
🗳️ Dig deeper: This effort builds on NAB’s ongoing commitment to fostering civic engagement, as reflected by the recent launch of NAB’s Election Preparedness Initiative. Both initiatives underscore NAB’s dedication to equipping broadcasters with tools to support informed and active voter participation. In line with this commitment, NAB also offers an Election Toolkit, which provides broadcasters with comprehensive resources to engage and educate voters.
2. Happening Soon: “Building and Maintaining Trust in Election Coverage”
Join NAB and the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) on Monday, September 9 at 2 p.m. ET for “Building and Maintaining Trust in Election Coverage,” a free online session that will provide you with strategies for building trust with your audience and combating disinformation during the 2024 election season.
RSVP today so you don’t miss this important opportunity to get the information you need to navigate the complexities of the 2024 election cycle.
Register for the in-person Election Coverage Summit at NAB Show New York. Use promo code ELECTION1 to get a free Exhibits Pass and complimentary access to the Summit.
Dig deeper: Download NAB’s Election Toolkit for more tips on voter engagement strategies, trust-building with audiences, field safety and best practices from leading broadcasters.
3. Bobby Bones Announced as Marconi Host and Honoree, DJ Scratch Returns
Don’t miss the 35th annual NAB Marconi Radio Awards, brought to you by Xperi and hosted by syndicated-radio personality Bobby Bones, who will be honored with the 2024 NAB Distinguished Service Award during the ceremony.
Radio’s biggest night will also feature DJ Scratch, who returns as the house DJ, adding energy and excitement to the event.
Check out the latest episode of the NAB Podcast as Alex Roman, chief technology officer at Mediaco New York City Radio and Jonathan Williamson, executive producer and head of production at the wildly popular podcast and radio show "Men in Blazers" discuss what you can expect at the Radio + Podcast Interactive Forum, including:
Tips for maximizing your time at the Show and on the Exhibit Floor
Register today and use promo code FORUM24 to save 20% on the non-member rate.*
*Cannot be combined with other offers.
5. FCC Clarifies Delay of Form 395-B Filing Deadline
In February, the FCC issued an Order that reinstated the collection of Form 395-B, on which broadcasters report information about the race, ethnicity and gender of their broadcast employees across various job categories.
What's happening: Under the FCC’s rules, the form is required to be filed on or before September 30 of each year. However, the FCC stated in the Order and noted in the new version of the relevant rule that compliance will not be required until after the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) completes review of any information collection requirements raised by the FCC’s reinstatement of the form or until after the OMB determines that such review is not required.
Last week, the FCC announced that, because the Media Bureau has not yet released the required Public Notice, Form 395-B will not be due on September 30 this year. The FCC further stated that the Media Bureau will provide broadcasters ample time to put into place whatever data collection processes they require prior to the first filing deadline.
6. Knight Foundation Election Hub Offers Free Resources for Newsrooms
Now that Labor Day is behind us, we want to ensure every newsroom knows about the free resources available through the Knight Election Hub as you hit the home stretch with your election coverage.
Dig deeper: The hub includes checklists, social media monitoring, trainings and more.
September 15 is Democracy Day. This is a great opportunity for stations to remind their audiences and policymakers of the indispensable role broadcasters play in every community across the nation. From our country’s beginning, the right of a free press to challenge the government, root out corruption and speak freely without fear of recrimination has been central to our democracy.
Local TV and radio stations are dedicated to keeping the public informed with trusted news and information, shining a light on the many challenges our nation faces today. And, broadcasters provide this service freely to all Americans, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Get involved: Learn more about Democracy Day and how you can participate here here.
8. NAB on the Move
Yesterday NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt sat down for a fireside chat with Barrett Media president Jason Barrett at the Barrett News Media Summit. Among the topics they discussed were the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, the threat Big Tech companies pose to stations’ vital local journalism and where AI presents opportunity and concern for the broadcasting industry.
