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.
A years-long investigation by WXYZ-TV (Detroit) detailing how troubled police officers were able to find new badges throughout Michigan has been honored with the duPont-Columbia Award, the highest honor in broadcast journalism. The series of reports documented how problem officers were able to find refuge in neighboring departments, frequently leaving scandal, criminal charges and lawsuits in their wake.
This past week, Wayne State University’s WDET-FM (Detroit) shared the sad news of the passing of Ismael Ahmed, the longtime host of This Island Earth and a beloved voice on the station. Ahmed passed away this last Saturday (1/31). He was 78. In a story posted on its website, the station noted that “Ismael was more than a broadcaster — he was a tireless advocate for culture, community, and justice, and his work touched generations across Detroit and beyond.”
The announcement of the coming window came by a draft Public Notice to be considered by the Commissioners at their next monthly open meeting on February 18. The Notice to be considered at the February meeting would instruct the Media Bureau to open a window for the filing of new translators in the reserved band, reserved for use by noncommercial licensees (including Low Power FM stations).
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.