Annual Business Meeting

The MAB closed 2025 in line with its approved budget, supported by the continued strength of the NCSA/PEP program and the generosity of member stations that contribute unsold inventory. Financial activity during the year also reflected significant work on Michigan’s state-funded Redundant Emergency Alert System project, along with activity from the MAB’s wholly owned subsidiaries. The Association ended the year in a strong financial position and enters 2026 with a positive outlook, while the Board continues its careful oversight of revenue, operating expenses, and capital investments to ensure responsible stewardship of MAB resources.

The Michigan Association of Broadcasters has 275 individual commercial radio and television stations as members across the Great Lakes State – 240 commercial radio stations and 35 commercial television stations. MAB Members’ dues income is $46,473.55. In addition, the MAB has 71 Associate Members that result in $11,546.40 of income. Total 2026 MAB Dues income is $58,019.95.

Members pay dues required by the IRS to allow the MAB to qualify as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association. An annual 3% increase in member dues was established in 2022 to contribute towards advocacy efforts and member benefits. MAB Members' donated airtime allows the Association to provide membership benefits and maintain reasonable dues.

The MAB Foundation continues to invest in both the current and future generations of Michigan broadcasters. This year, the Foundation awarded more than $32,000 in scholarships, bringing its 30-year scholarship investment to more than $565,000, and announced a new endowed scholarship established with Lilly Broadcasting in memory of Trevor Forsythe. The Foundation also launched a new Student Loan Repayment Grant Program, which will provide six $2,000 grants to help early-career Michigan broadcasters reduce their student loan debt.

Beyond financial support, the Foundation continues to create opportunities for students to learn, connect, and build careers in broadcasting. More than 1,200 students and educators attended the Great Lakes Broadcast and Sports Media Academy at Ford Field, while the Michigan Student Broadcast Awards, career fairs, school visits, internship reimbursement program, and student involvement in the Broadcast Excellence Awards connected emerging talent directly with Michigan broadcasters. These programs are made possible by the generous support of individuals, stations, and organizations committed to developing the next generation of Michigan broadcasting.

The 2026 MAB Nominating Committee included Debbie Petersmark, Shannone Dunlap, Rob Davidek, Rick Rhoades, Chris Cornelius, and Kevin Dunaway.

The Nominating Committee reviewed Board terms expiring in 2026, open director positions, and Associate Board Member appointments.

The Nominating Committee recommends the following individuals for election to the 2026/2027 MAB Board of Directors.

The following officer slate is presented for consideration for the 2026/2027 term. Officer elections are conducted by the newly elected 2026/2027 MAB Board of Directors; only members of the incoming Board are eligible to vote.

Over the past year, the MAB has worked to strengthen Michigan broadcasting through advocacy, professional development, connection, and service. The Association fought for broadcasters in Washington and Lansing on issues including media ownership, AM radio in vehicles, emergency alert infrastructure, and government transparency, while also investing in the people who power our industry through expanded Summit Series programming, new networking opportunities, and initiatives designed to connect broadcasters with one another and their communities.

Looking ahead, the MAB is focused on building the next version of broadcasting: strengthening and expanding our advocacy, developing new revenue opportunities, investing in leaders and teams, and ensuring the Association continues to evolve alongside its members. As the MAB enters its 78th year, our focus is not simply on preserving broadcasting, but on building a stronger future for the industry and the communities it serves.