Legislative Update
Use of EAS Tones in Promo Results in 504k Fine
The lesson: do not use EAS tones outside of actual EAS alerts. On January 23, the FCC proposed a $504,000 fine against FOX Corporation and its television subsidiaries for using the alerting tones of the Emergency Broadcast System in a promotional announcement aired on the company’s television network on November 28, 2021.
Read MoreNAB Membership Town Hall Identifies Broadcast Issues and Priorities in 2023
On January 19, The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) hosted a virtual town hall to brief NAB members on advocacy and business issues as Congress begins its 118th Session and the House of Representatives switches party control. NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt was joined by senior executives and public policy experts to offer updates on the association’s work, priorities and initiatives.
Read MoreMichigan Broadcasters Invited to Preview and Analysis Event Ahead of State of the State Speech
The Michigan Association of Broadcasters and the lobbying firm of Kelley Cawthorne are partnering to offer Michigan journalists the opportunity to get political expert insight in advance of the upcoming State of the State address.
Read MoreJacquelen Timm Joins Kelley Cawthorne
Timm, a Certified Association Executive (CAE), joins Kelley Cawthorne to lead its expanding association management practice.
Read MoreWashington Worries About AM Radio – Senator Markey and Commissioner Simington Weigh in on the Future of the Service While Overseas There are Thoughts of Ending Broadcasting Altogether
In the last few weeks, a Democratic Senator and a Republican FCC Commissioner have both expressed support for the future of AM radio. This is not a new topic, being the subject of speculation for at least the last 20 years as FM listening caught up to and surpassed the older service’s audience.
Read MoreNAB Statement on House Judiciary Committee Markup of American Music Fairness Act
“NAB thanks the members of the House Judiciary Committee who voted against the AMFA today, and the more than 250 members of Congress – including a majority of the House of Representatives – that support a resolution opposing this new performance royalty on local radio.”
Read MoreBig FTC Penalties on Google and iHeart for Deceptive Endorsements in Broadcast Commercials Mandate Care in Crafting Your Local Advertising
All media companies, including broadcasters, webcasters, podcasters and others, need to consider carefully their advertising production after the big penalties imposed on Google and iHeart for broadcast commercials where local DJs promoted the Pixel 4 phone.
Read MoreFCC Seeks Comments on HD Radio Technical Standards – Could a Power Increase for Digital FM Radio Be Coming?
Until recently, to many in the industry, HD radio seemed to be an afterthought – maybe useful in feeding analog translators, but otherwise not very accessible to the public. But there is now more and more interest in HD radio given the increased inclusion of receivers for this digital service as standard equipment in a majority of new cars.
Read MoreReminder to Noncommercial FM Stations – Operating Less Than 12 Hours a Day Can Bring Forced Time-Share Requirement
When a NCE FM station does not regularly operate for at least 12 hours per day, another noncommercial entity can file an application proposing to use the frequency during the hours that the station is not operating.
Read MoreWith (Less Than) A Week to Go Before the Midterm Elections, Watch for Last Minute Unfounded Attack Ads – The Potential Liability of Stations for False Claims in Ads from PACs, Parties and Other Noncandidate Groups
In this rush to election day, broadcasters need to be on the alert for allegations that an attack ad from a non-candidate group is false or defamatory, because in certain instances, the ad could result in a claim against the broadcaster.
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