WZZM Hires Brooks Blanton as News Director
Tegna’s WZZM-TV (Grand Rapids) has announced the hiring of market veteran Brooks Blanton as its new News Director. Blanton previously served as News Director of crosstown WXMI-TV from 2013-2021. “Brooks knows West Michigan so well which is such a benefit. He knows what’s important and relevant to our audience,” said WZZM-TV President and General Manager, Dan…
Read MoreWNEM-TV Revisits 1993 Local Radio in Flint/Saginaw/Bay City
On June 9, WNEM-TV (Flint/Saginaw/Bay City) opened its vault and took viewers back in time to 1993 local radio with a look at WMAX-AM’s “Max Air-One.” piloted by “Captain” Kevin Hawley. Hawley was the market’s “eye in the sky” with daily morning and afternoon traffic reports on the station… not with a helicopter, but with…
Read MoreVox Examines the TikTok-to-Spotify Pipeline
By: Seth Resler Jacobs Media Strategies I spent Memorial Day Weekend at Podfest Expo in Orlando, and while it was a fantastic conference, it was also the moment when Covid finally caught up with me, so I’m out sick today. But I didn’t want to leave you empty-handed, so please watch this excellent new video…
Read MoreWEMU Announces Two New Staffers in Newsroom
Eastern Michigan University’s WEMU-FM has announced the hiring of two new staff members. Cathy Shafran has joined the station as News Anchor/Reporter. Shafran brings nearly 40 years of broadcast experience to the station, having worked as an anchor/reporter at WMAX-AM (Grand Rapids) from 1978-1980 and at WJRT-TV (Flint) as a reporter from 1980-2011. Among her…
Read MoreFCC Proposes 13% Hike in 2022 Regulatory Fees
MAB Washington Counsel David Oxenford shares news that the FCC, in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, has proposed a 13% increase in the annual fees paid by radio stations. NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt issued a statement saying, “The FCC’s regulatory fee proposal subjects local radio broadcasters to a staggering 13% fee increase from last…
Read MoreMSU Announces ComArtSci Leadership Transition
Prabu David, dean of Michigan State University’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences has announced that he has accepted the position of associate provost for faculty and academic staff development at MSU, effective July 1, 2022. He will stay on as ComArtSci dean until a new dean is appointed. A search will begin in the…
Read MoreWOOD-TV Highlights Mental Health Awareness Month
On May 30, Nexstar Media’s WOOD-TV (Grand Rapids) wrapped up Mental Health Awareness month with a special broadcast focusing on programs in West Michigan working to support mental health. The 30-minute special, hosted by anchors Teresa Weakley and Donovan Long, spoke with doctors, therapists and pastors about their mental health work, plus students who are…
Read MoreBroadcasters Invited to Auto Tech Conference
AutoTech: Detroit and the WardsAuto Interiors & UX Conference bring together the full automotive tech industry to immerse attendees in the future of automotive, by showcasing the newest tech and the latest vehicles. We gather the automotive and technology communities like no other event. The event will take place next week, June 8-9 at the…
Read MoreMario Iacobelli: 1938-2022
The MAB is mourning the loss of former board chairman and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Mario Iacobelli. The owner of Heritage Broadcasting (WWTV-WWUP-TV/Cadillac) passed away May 25 at the age of 83. “Mario was a titan in the broadcasting industry and his reach extends far beyond the work he did in Michigan,” said MAB President…
Read MoreJune Regulatory Dates for Broadcasters: TV Renewals, EEO Public File Reports, Comments on Zonecasting, Start of Channel 6 FM Rulemaking and More
By: David Oxenford, Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP With the traditional beginning of summer upon us, there is no vacation from the regulatory actions of importance to broadcasters. Let’s start with the routine actions for the upcoming month. With the radio license renewal cycle having ended with the filing of the last set of renewal applications…
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