1. AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act Moves Out of Committee

This week, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act advanced out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 45-2.

• What’s next: Now, the bill can move to the House floor, where our 260+ cosponsors demonstrate majority support.
• Why it matters: “As one of the most reliable and resilient communications platforms, AM radio continues to be a lifeline for communities in times of emergency. We urge congressional leadership to ensure this bill moves forward and becomes law, safeguarding AM radio’s indispensable service to the public,” said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt.
• 📣 Get involved: Click here to urge your legislators to support this bill. Even if you have taken action before, now is the time to make our voices heard.

2. AI Rules Proposed for Broadcasters Miss the Target

Today on the NAB Blog, Chief Legal Officer Rick Kaplan writes about new rules being considered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that would require broadcasters to insert a disclaimer on political ads that use AI in any form.

• The issue: Unfortunately, due to the FCC’s limited regulatory authority, this rule risks doing more harm than good. While the intent of the rule is to improve transparency, it instead risks confusing audiences while driving political ads away from trusted local stations and onto social media and other digital platforms, where misinformation runs rampant.
• Deepfakes and AI generated misleading ads are not prevalent on broadcast TV or radio. These deceptive practices thrive on digital platforms, however, where content can be shared quickly with little recourse.
• The FCC’s proposal places unnecessary burdens on broadcasters while the government ignores the platforms posing the most acute threat. This approach leaves much to be desired.
• Dig deeper: Read the full blog post here.

3. Broadcasters from all 50 States Support “NO FAKES” Act

Broadcaster associations from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have sent a letter to congressional leadership in support of the Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe (“NO FAKES”) Act.

• “At a time when misinformation and disinformation run rampant online and on social media, America’s hometown broadcasters are committed to serving your constituents with trusted local news, information and entertainment programming that brings our communities together. But nonconsensual voice and image clones can sever that trust, ruin reputations and careers, and distort our public disclosure,” they wrote.

4. FCC Resumes Collection of Radio Regulatory Fees

The FCC issued a Public Notice announcing that it has fixed the errors in its calculations of radio regulatory fees. Payors can now access the updated fee information and make their payments in CORES.

• The FCC also stated that it will evaluate payments that were made between September 10, 2024 and September 17, 2024, and take action to reconcile those payments and contact affected broadcasters.
• ⌛ Regulatory fee payments must be received by the Commission no later than 11:59 p.m. EDT on September 26, 2024 to avoid late payment penalties and interest.

5. Spanish Language Broadcasters Strengthen Hispanic Communities

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s important to recognize the pivotal role Spanish language broadcasters play in delivering reliable, culturally relevant information to the Hispanic community.

• Dig deeper: This week on the NAB Blog, read more about how Spanish language stations have become a dependable source of trusted news in the Hispanic community, especially during election cycles when their role is more indispensable than ever.

6. TVNewsCheck Execs to Discuss TV Strategies at NAB Show New York

On Wednesday, October 9, TVNewsCheck will host their Local TV Strategies conference during NAB Show New York. TV industry leaders and futurists will explore game plans, kicking off with a financial forecast and following up with high-level conversations with top station groups and advertising industry executives.

• Features sessions on streaming, NEXTGEN TV and AI, followed by an AI technology tour of the NAB Show New York exhibit hall.
• Register today for your conference pass. Includes access to Exhibits, On-Floor Theaters, AES show floor and the Election Coverage Summit.

✨ Sneak preview: Check out our latest podcast episode with Michael Depp, editor at TVNewsCheck, and Rick Ducey, managing director of BIA Advisory Services, as they dive deep into the latest trends in TV programming and technology, as well as share what attendees can expect from the Local TV Strategies conference.

7. Our Best Offer for Radio Biggest Event

Don’t miss the two most important radio events of the year on Wednesday, October 9 at the Javits Center during NAB Show New York.

• Discuss cutting-edge programming, production and marketing strategies with trailblazing radio and podcast innovators during Radio + Podcast Interactive Forum, brought to you by Coleman Insights. Features Mike McVay, Patty Jackson, Colby Turner and more.
• Celebrate your peers for their achievements and excellence of local radio broadcast stations and on-air personalities during the 35th annual Marconi Radio Awards, brought to you by Xperi. Features Bobby Bones, DJ Scratch, Dave Santrella and more.

🎊 Double the fun: Bundle your Radio + Podcast Interactive Forum registration with your Marconi Awards ticket and use code BUNDLE3 to save $149.* View pricing information here.

• A complimentary Exhibits Pass is included with the purchase of a Conference pass, giving access to the Exhibits, On-Floor Theaters, AES show floor, and the Election Coverage Summit.
• Click here to register now.

8. NAB on the Move

Last week NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt spoke at the Kansas State University Radio Centennial: A Century of Sound and Service.

• He spoke on September 12 at a reception along with Allison Mazzei, president of the Kansas Association of Broadcasters (KAB) and Richard Linton, the 15th president of Kansas State University.
• The next day, the Kansas State Pep Band kicked off an outdoor celebration in view of the university’s two 100-year-old radio towers. Additional speakers included Bill Buzenberg, journalist and former vice president for News and Information at NPR; the Honorable Sam Brownback, former Kansas governor, senator and ambassador, and Marshall Stewart, executive vice president, External Engagement and chief of staff at Kansas State.
• Pictured here is LeGeyt with Allison Mazzei, president, KAB; Kent Cornish, past president, KAB, and Roger Brokke, WIBW-TV, at the outdoor event on September 13.

9. Find Talent with “You Belong Here”

“You Belong Here” is a multifaceted campaign to help broadcasters find and grow talent for their stations. Air television and radio spots to spotlight the many career opportunities in broadcasting.

• What is it? “You Belong Here” showcases how job seekers can use their skills and find their passion in local television and radio stations in every town and city across the country. The campaign website also promotes thousands of jobs in broadcast media.
• Go deeper: In addition to TV and radio spots, visit YouBelongHere.media/toolkit for tips and tools for amplifying how working in broadcast media is a fun and rewarding way to put your skills to work and grow your career.