Issue #238 | January 22, 2021 |  View online
Highlights In This Issue:
More news below!

Michigan Broadcasters Currently Assigned to Vaccine Priority Group '1C'
At this time within Michigan, vaccines are being given to individuals in prioritized group "1B."  MAB President/CEO Karole L. White has been in communication with MDHHS, this group includes frontline essential workers who are continuously working closely with large numbers of the public on a daily basis. Read More

#MABshow

Register for Live and On-Demand #MABshow Access for Half Price Through January 31 
The clock is ticking on this money-saving offer ... Use the promo code MABSHOW50 to register for just $50 through January 31. Sessions from some of the industry's top minds in sales, management, news and engineering will also be made available on-demand for registered participants following the live event. Learn More and Register at MABshow.com.

Get the Scoop on Timely, Local Investigative Reporting with  Lee Zurik, Jamie Grey 
In television markets big and small, investigative journalism is so important. Who better to tell those stories than YOU! Local journalism doesn't have to take months to investigate. Gray Television's Investigate Unit's Lee Zurik and Jamie Grey are coming to the 2021 'UN-CONVENTIONAL' #MABshow to show you to start turning out investigative stories now. In this session you learn how to turn a daily story in to an investigative story. They will give you 15 story ideas you can do in your market NOW and share question-asking tips that can turn an ordinary interview in to a more investigative one. Learn more and register to attend at MABshow.com.

Wayne Pecena Brings IP Networking & Cybersecurity to the Virtual #MABShow
IP networks are an integral component of the broadcast technical plant. Integration with the legacy broadcast infrastructure can range from minimal system control functions to an end-to-end IP based content transport facility. Regardless of the integration level or complexity, IP network security cannot be ignored. This is why Texas A&M University's Wayne Pecena will present his "Fundamentals to Structured Security Implementation" at the 2021 'UN-CONVENTIONAL' #MABshow.This tutorial will provide an understanding of IP network fundamentals and how to implement network security provision best practices in the design and support of a broadcast IP network. Learn more and register to attend at MABshow.com.

Do you want to connect with industry leaders at the 2021 Great Lakes Media Show?
 Learn more about our VIRTUAL EXHIBIT HALL and SPONSORSHIP opportunities at MABshow.com

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Online Gaming, Sports Betting Begins Today
The Michigan Gaming Control Board announced Tuesday (1/19) that nine operators will be able to launch online sports betting, online gaming or both beginning on Friday (1/22), according to a report in Gongwer. Read More

Advertising Sports Betting -
What Are The Rules?
By: Karole White,
MAB President/CEO

The MAB has received several calls from members that were being told by ad agencies representing casinos and other sports betting organizations that TV and Radio stations had to be registered vendors with the state to accept sports betting ads. THIS IS NOT TRUE, according to Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) Executive Director Robert Kalm and Deputy Director/General Counsel David Murley. Read More

MAB Encourages Stations to Air Wednesday's State of the State
The MAB will offer Governor Gretchen Whitmer's State of the State Address, Wednesday, January 27 at 7:00 p.m.  2020 was a tumultuous year and 2021 has a tough challenge getting our state economy up to its previous prosperity. Governor Whitmer will address both of these subjects in her State of the State address. Your listeners and viewers will want to hear/see her message. Read More

DOJ Ends its Review of ASCAP, BMI Consent Decrees - For Now ... What Does it Mean?
By: David Oxenford,
Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP

In 2019, the Antitrust Division of the US Department of Justice began a review of the court-administered antitrust consent decrees that have bound ASCAP and BMI since the 1940s.  We wrote about the issues in their review here. The formal review of these decrees began as part of the DOJ's broader review of its antitrust consent decrees covering many different industries. The DOJ received almost a thousand comments on the questions that it asked about the ASCAP and BMI decrees. It also held public roundtables as well as private discussions with interested parties during its review. Read More

NAB Makes Statement on DOJ's Decision on ASCAP, BMI Consent Decrees
In response to the Department of Justice's decision to take no action on the consent decrees governing the performance royalty organizations ASCAP and BMI, NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith released the following statement: "NAB is very pleased that the Department of Justice will not move to make changes to the ASCAP and BMI consent decrees. We appreciate the willingness of DOJ to have an open mind and to conduct a comprehensive review of all of the possible issues raised by stakeholders concerning modifying or eliminating the decrees. DOJ's decision not to take action will ensure that ASCAP and BMI continue to fairly and efficiently license musical works in a manner that is pro-competitive. Broadcasters look forward to continuing to work with the performance rights organizations for the mutual benefit of songwriters, music licensees and listeners." 

SCOTUS Hears Broadcast Deregulation Arguments
The FCC and National Association of Broadcasters made their virtual arguments to the Supreme Court Tuesday (1/19) on why a lower court was wrong to invalidate the FCC's 2017 broadcast ownership deregulation decision, a defense that came in the waning hours of the FCC's Republican majority, which had approved the rule changes over the objections of FCC Democrats, according to a report in Broadcasting+Cable. Read More

IN THE NEWS
WCMU Hosts Virtual 'Pop-Up' Conversation on 'COVID Virus & Vaccines'
On January 19, WCMU Public Media (Mt. Pleasant) hosted a virtual conversation, "WCMU Pop-Up: COVID Virus & Vaccines," an insight on how local Michigan communities are controlling COVID-19 and keeping their communities safe. Read More

Retired WBKB GM Cher Allen Passes; Broadcast Management Scholarship Announced
Cherryl "Cher" Lynn Allen, a long-time employee of WBKB-TV (Alpena), passed away Friday, January 15 at MidMichigan Medical Center in Alpena. Allen worked for 35 years for WBKB in many roles, retiring as the general manager. Read More

Detroit SBJ Chapter Taking Award Entries, Scholarship Applications
The Detroit chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is calling for entries for the Excellence in Media awards, accepting nominations for Journalist of the Year and Young Journalist of the Year, and receiving applications for Laurain Scholarships. Read More

WKAR Goes Virtual with PBS Kids Day
WKAR Public Media is presenting another PBS Kids Day on Saturday, January 30.  With the current COVID-19 pandemic, this PBS Kids Day will be held online. Viewers can login and explore science with the Curious Crew and enjoy story time with PBS Kids favorite Daniel Tiger and WKAR's Mrs. Pizzo. Read More



MAB FOUNDATION 

A Virtual Career Fair will be held as a part of the 2021 'UN-CONVENTIONAL' Great Lakes Media Show from March 8 to 11. This is a wonderful chance for stations to earn valuable EEO credits and connect with rising broadcast stars. Sign up today to be a part of the 'UN-CONVENTIONAL' Exhibit Hall. Use the promo code CAREER to secure your discounted MABF Career Fair booth rate of $150 before January 31, 2021 ($250/Booth after Jan 31).
  Learn more and reserve your booth.

The 2021 Student Awards will be Virtual, You Can Help Make it Great!
We'll be honoring Student Broadcast Award winners with a virtual celebration in April 2021, and we want to make the experience special for them! The MAB Foundation is looking for volunteers to help present the online awards. If you're an on-air radio or television personality, we want to get you involved!  Media students from across the state will LOVE  seeing and hearing from familiar faces. If you're interested in creating a fantastic virtual experience for the award winners, let us know! We also have sponsorship opportunities for giveaways, Station of the Year presentation, and more!  Contact Rachel at krause@michmab.com or 517-484-7447 for details.
TRAINING & EDUCATION
FREE WEBINAR: "Leadership in Crisis: We Will Come Out Bitter or Better - It's Your Choice!" 
with Jim Mathis, The Reinvention PRO

February 18, 2021 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
 
The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the best educations a leader can have, if they use this time to learn.. from their priorities, their reactions and their people's dependency on them to stand up and take authority. These recent circumstances pose a golden opportunity for your staff and client to see leadership in you that builds confidence and security in uncertain times. When this is over, you will be positioned at the forefront of staff and client priorities and support in the world ahead. It will also allow more time to prioritize your "main thing" as people look to you when communities are fully back open for business..


The BEST Program
Broadcaster Essentials for Selling Today Specifically for new broadcast reps! The BEST Program is designed for sellers who are new to broadcast.  We sell in a complex world that requires a unique set of skills that is different than virtually any other industry.  That's where The BEST Program comes in!  Each weekday for five weeks, your new sellers will receive a special email from LBS containing three videos for them to watch that day.  These videos are written, designed, and delivered by actual broadcast experts who know what your new sellers need to be successful in today's complex business environment.  In less than 30 minutes per day, your new sellers will have built up a solid foundation for a career in selling broadcast!

Ask LBS
Got questions? Put our experienced team to work for you!  They've been there and done that! It is common to run into difficult selling situations in the field.  Whether it's an overzealous gatekeeper, a client who thinks that they know more about advertising than you do, or just trying to find an angle to get a new prospect's attention, we are here to help!  Let us know what we can help with and we will get your question in front of our seasoned broadcast professionals who will get you a personalized response with real strategies for your specific situation!

DIGITAL / SOCIAL / WEB
10 Pieces of Sales-Related Content That Should Be on Your Radio Station's Website
By: Seth Resler,
Jacobs Media Strategies 

When I speak to radio broadcasters about pulling all of their different digital tools together into a coherent Content Market Strategy, I am usually talking to people in the programming department who want to reach more listeners. But Content Marketing is also an effective strategy for the radio sales team looking to generate more leads. Read More

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CALENDAR
February 18 | 2 p.m.
FREE Webinar: "Leadership in Crisis: We Will Come Out Bitter or Better - It's Your Choice!" with Jim Mathis (Register Now)

February 25
Scripps Howard Foundation WXYZ-TV 7 Detroit Scholarship Application Deadline (Learn More)

March 8-11
'UN-CONVENTIONAL'
Great Lakes Media Show: MABshow.com

CAREERS

National Sales Assistant
WOOD-TV (Grand Rapids)
Posted: January 20, 2021

On-Air Host
Beasley Media Group
 (Detroit) 
Posted: January 20, 2021

On-Air Talent
WRSR-FM (Flint)
Posted: January 19, 2021

Share Your News!

We know your station is great. Now lets show all the other broadcasters across Michigan just how great you are. Send pictures, video and news releases about your station's accomplishments to be featured in the 
weekly MAB News Briefs


MAB FOUNDATION
The MAB Foundation's mission to encourage, support, and sponsor educational activities for students interested in broadcasting cannot be accomplished without supporters like you. The Foundation wouldn't exist without your continued support and interest in the mission. The Broadcasters must work together to sustain the future of this industry by encouraging the brightest, most creative and energetic students to choose broadcasting as a career. You can make a difference by MAKING A DONATION TODAY at MABFgive.com


THANK YOU 
Foundation Supporters

Kenneth Baynard
Dena Blair
Dan Boers
Julie Brinks
Kristin Burns

Scott Clow
Rob David
Detroit Radio 
Advertising Group
Marla Drutz
Susanne Elkins
Rebecca Falk
Bruce & Sue Goldsen
Colleen Grant
Tom Hahn
Wendy Hart
Bill Keith
Dan Kelley
Dick Kernen
Julie Koehn
Fred Jacobs
Paul Jacobs
Mark Libke
Jim Lutton
Pam Manor
Stephen A. Marks
Janet Mason
John E. Fetzer Memorial Trust
Christopher Meller
Dr. Peter Orlik
Robert F. Ottaway
David Oxenford
Lawrence Patrick
Jam Sardar
AnnMarie Scaramuzzino
Stephen Schram
Dirk Spillemaeckers
Jason Springer

Rick Sykes
Peter Tanz
Jacquelen Timm
Denise Weston
Karole White
Jon Whiting
Jennifer Williams
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Support the MAB Foundation, and stay in touch about upcoming events, awards programs, scholarships and more, by following the MAB Foundation on our social media pages!

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Thanks for the Support of Our Associate Members!

Michigan Association of Broadcasters | 517-484-7444 | mab@michmab.com | MichMAB.com
820 N. Capitol Ave. | Lansing, MI 48906