Legislative Update
AM Radio Listeners Enjoy Rich Mix of Music and News on Thousands of Broadcast Stations Across America
“The goal of our station survey was three-fold. First, we wanted to confirm AM radio’s diverse landscape of formats, languages, and ownership. Second, we wanted to quantify AM radio’s crucial part in the nation’s Emergency Alert System. And third, we wanted feedback that will guide our state association response going forward”
Read MoreProtect AM Radio in Vehicles
Recently headlines have come out about auto manufacturers considering removing AM radio from vehicles. On behalf of more than 230 radio stations in the state, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters is working to identify ways to preserve radio in cars and make lawmakers and car manufacturers aware of how dangerous removing terrestrial radio from vehicles will be for public safety.
Read MoreBroadcasters Beware – April Fools Day Can Trigger FCC Concerns
Every year at about this time, we worry that radio stations may be tempted to run some big April Fools’ Day stunt. But, with the country seemingly on edge because of natural and human emergencies in the news almost every day, a prank that may seem funny to some could trigger concerns with others.
Read MoreMarch Madness and Advertising: Use of NCAA Trademarks (2023 Update – Parts 1 & 2)
With Selection Sunday this (past) weekend, the 2023 NCAA Collegiate Basketball Tournament is about to begin. As faithful readers of this blog know, broadcasters, publishers and other businesses need to be wary about potential claims arising from their use of terms and logos associated with the tournament.
Read MoreKelley-Cawthorne Announces Merger
MAB’s Lansing-based lobbyist firm Kelley Cawthorne has announced its merger with Ohio-based Pappas & Associates. In a press release, the company writes: “With this merger, we will be able to provide our clients with an even higher level of service than we can offer today.
Read MoreMAB’s Klemet Meets with SPJ/Detroit on FOIA Issues
On February 15, MAB President/CEO Sam Klemet joined the Society of Professionals Journalists Detroit Chapter in a discussion about the importance of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and what can be done in Michigan to improve transparency.
Read MoreRegulatory Bits and Pieces – ETRS Form One and Delayed Public File Uploads Due by February 28, Updated EAS Handbook Required for All Stations
There are normally a host of regulatory obligations at the beginning of February, but because of technical issues with the FCC’s online public file and LMS systems, many February 1 dates, as well as some January regulatory deadlines, have been extended to late February.
Read MoreNAB Hails Introduction of Resolution Opposing New Performance Fee on Local Radio
Sponsors of the resolution include Michigan Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-6), Bill Huizenga (R-4), John Moolenaar (R-2) and Tim Walberg (R-5).
Read MoreFebruary Regulatory Dates for Broadcasters – Renewal Applications, EEO Reports, Quarterly Issues Programs Lists, Children’s Programming Reports, Copyright Fees for Webcasters, ETRS Form One, and More
There are normally a host of regulatory obligations at the beginning of February, but because of technical issues with the FCC’s online public file and LMS systems, many February 1 dates, as well as some January regulatory deadlines, have been extended to late February.
Read MoreFCC Media Bureau Announces Further Extension of Filing Deadlines
On January 27, The FCC’s Media Bureau issued a Public Notice announcing that it is extending through February 28, 2023 the deadline for licensees to: (1) upload any documents into the Online Public Inspection File (OPIF) system that were due beginning on January 1, 2023 (e.g., Issues Programs Reports for 4Q 2022); (2) upload the annual children’s programming report;
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