January 2026
FCC Waivers Needed for EAS Equipment that Is Not Operational But Not Defective
In the last three weeks, we have noted three cases where the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau granted waivers to broadcast stations to temporarily disconnect their EAS equipment while changing tower sites.
Read MoreFCC Issues Urgent Cyber-Security Alert to Broadcasters
Last Friday (1/30), the FCC issued a Public Notice strongly urging broadcasters to implement immediate cybersecurity protections after a rise in ransomware attacks on small and mid-size communications companies. This is not a routine advisory. The FCC is making clear that stations are expected to follow recognized cybersecurity best practices and that certain incidents may trigger mandatory reporting to federal authorities.
Read MoreWWJ’s 23rd Annual Winter Survival Radiothon for THAW raises $276,774!
This past Thursday (1/29), Audacy’s WWJ-AM (Detroit) held is 23rd Annual Radiothon for THAW, The Heat and Warmth Fund. This year the effort raised $276,774 to bring warmth for Michigan families in need.
Read MoreWXYZ & WMYD General Manager Mike Murri Named Board Chair for Visit Detroit
“I am honored to serve as the Chair of the Visit Detroit Board of Directors,” said Murri. “Momentum has never been higher in the Detroit region, and we have a window of opportunity to capitalize even more. I want to thank Claude Molinari, his team, and the entire Board for entrusting me with this leadership role. I can’t wait to get started.”
Read MoreMBC to Open Nominations for 2026 Radio Hall Of Fame This Sunday
The Museum of Broadcast Communications announces that the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee will accept suggestions for 2026 nominees beginning Sunday, February 1, 2026, through Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST.
Read MoreFebruary 2026 Regulatory Dates for Broadcasters – EEO Reports; ATSC 3.0 and Earth Station Rulemaking Comment Deadlines; Class A, LPTV, and TV Translator Rules Effective Dates; Political Windows; and More (If the Government Does Not Shut Down)
While most of the country is currently frozen, February promises to heat up with several regulatory dates and deadlines broadcasters need to be aware of. But the possibility of another federal government shutdown looms.
Read MoreFCC Issues Public Notice on Equal Opportunities for Appearances on Non-News Programs
FCC Washington Counsel David Oxenford reports that the FCC Media Bureau has issued a Public Notice to provide “guidance” on the application of the political broadcasting “equal opportunity” rule – in particular, the application of the “bona fide news” exemption to late night and daytime talk shows. Although the rule applies equally to radio and television stations, the PN focuses on television programming.
Read MoreMichigan Public Names Kate Furby PhD as Senior Environment Reporter
Michigan Public (Ann Arbor) News Director Vincent Duffy has announced that Kate Furby, PhD has joined the station as the Senior Environment Reporter, covering science and the environment for the state’s largest public radio station.
Read MoreWTCM’s Ron Jolly & Colleen Wares McClelland Announce Retirement
WTCM-AM (Traverse City) morning personalities Ron Jolly and Colleen Wares McClelland, hosts of the Ron Jolly Show have announced that they are retiring from the station after their last show on April 10.
Read MoreDetroit PBS Names Community, Academic and Business Leaders to Board of Trustees
Detroit PBS has elected three new members to its Board of Trustees: Richard Glover, enterprise risk professional at Kelly Services; Fatima Salman, ENGAGE program manager at the University of Michigan School of Social Work; and Megan Spanitz, chief operating officer and chief strategy officer of the Detroit Regional Chamber.
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