Posts by kelley@michmab.com
September 2026 Regulatory Dates for Broadcasters – FCC Regulatory Fees, Auction 114 Short-Form Applications and Filing Freeze, Deadline for Implementation of EAS Security Practices, LUC Window for the November Election and More
It is time for our look at September’s regulatory dates and deadlines to which broadcasters should be paying attention, and the deadline that probably is most important to all commercial broadcasters has now been announced: The deadline for the payment of annual regulatory fees, which must be made before the federal government’s October 1 start of the new fiscal year is September 24.
Read MoreMacDonald Broadcasting’s WQHH-FM Hosts 17th Annual School Backpack Giveaway
On August 20, MacDonald Broadcasting’s WQHH-FM (Dewitt/Lansing) held its 17th Annual Backpack Giveaway, handing out 1,000 backpacks to the community. Each backpack was filled with essential school supplies.
Read MoreMichigan Public’s Vince Duffy Receives Bob Priddy Award from the RTDNA
Michigan Public’s News Director Vince Duffy has been honored with The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)’s Bob Priddy Award for 2026. Priddy is one of RTDNA’s most distinguished former board members, having served for 27 years before stepping down in 2010.
Read MoreKevin Sanderson: 1956-2026
This past Monday, (8/17). Former Battle Creek/Ann Arbor/Detroit air personality Kevin Sanderson passed away at age 70, following a brief illness. He began his career at Keener 14 (WKFR-AM) in Battle Creek, and later worked for radio stations in Jackson, Ann Arbor and Detroit, Michigan.
Read MoreBeasley Media Group’s Mac Edwards Announces Retirement
Mac Edwards, best known in Michigan for his time managing Beasley Media Group’s Detroit cluster from 2016 to 2022 has announced his retirement from the company, effective September 4, 2026. He has been Vice-President/General Manager of the company’s Charlotte, NC cluster of stations.
Read More7 Michigan Stations on List: FCC Announces EEO Audit of 400 Stations; All Broadcasters Should Review the Requirements to Be Prepared for the Next EEO Review
On Friday (8/21), the FCC released its first EEO audit notice for 2026 – and the second to feature questions introduced last year to look for evidence of “invidious DEI” programs in place at broadcast stations. The FCC’s Public Notice, audit letter, and the list of the 400 radio and TV stations (both commercial and noncommercial) selected for audit is available here.
Read MoreJerome Vaughn Retires from WDET After 34 Years
Longtime WDET-FM (Detroit) News Director Jerome Vaughn has retired after 34 years with the station. Vaughn joined WDET in January 1992 and has worked as an intern, producer, reporter, Assistant News Director, Senior News Editor, Executive Producer, News/Program Director, and Interim Program Director. He was appointed News Director in 2007.
Read MoreBeasley/Detroit’s Jade Springart Named to Radio Ink’s 2026 list of “Radio’s Most Successful Program Directors”
Springart leads two iconic brands in Detroit, embracing the expanding opportunities available across audio, video, social media and other platforms. Both WRIF and WCSX remain deeply connected to their audiences through local personalities, music, sports and community-focused content. While she sees emerging technology as a creative tool, Springart believes authentic human connections remain essential.
Read MoreMichigan Public’s Doug Tribou receives Salute to Excellence Award from the NABJ
Michigan Public has announced that its Doug Tribou was recognized with a Salute to Excellence Award from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). This award recognizes the Best Feature in the category of Radio – Top 15 Markets.
Read MoreRenowned WXYZ-TV Photojournalist Johnny Sartin Dies After Cancer Battle
Born Johnny Nelson Sartin Jr., he spent 30 years at 7 News Detroit following stops in Mississippi, Oklahoma City and WDIV-TV in Detroit. He traveled the country early on in his career, covering mudslides and wild weather with WXYZ meteorologist Jerry Hodak in the 1990s, and spent weeks documenting the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 with reporters Ray Sayah and Bill Spencer.
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