Issue #236 | January 8, 2021 |  View online
Highlights In This Issue:
More news below!

#MABshow
'UN-CONVENTIONAL' 50% Registration Discount will Expire January31
It's 'UN-CONVENTIONAL': The MAB's annual Great Lakes Media Show will take place virtually from March 8-11. Members may use the promo code MABSHOW50 to register for a discounted rate of $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.

Boyd Huppert Will Have You 'Making Chicken Salad out of Chicken $#@&.
All reporters would like to be handed the perfect assignment every day. When does that ever happen? That's why the 'UN-CONVENTIONAL' #MABshow will welcome back KARE-TV (Minneapolis) "Land of 10,000 Stories" reporter Boy Huppert to present "Making Chicken Salad Out of Chicken &#@&." This session is an exercise in making lemonade from lemons. You'll learn coping strategies for days when everything goes wrong, as you develop a winning attitude, even on loser assignments. See the full list of 2021 speakers and register to attend at MABshow.com.

Learn 3 Strategies for 'How to Sell in the New Economy' with L'areal Lipkins 
Our selling environment has changed and is here to stay. You're probably frustrated trying to get a hold of prospects (who were easy to reach before) and find yourself trying to convince them to make a buying decision ... which hasn't worked. People buy differently when there's uncertainty so you must adjust your approach. L'areal Lipkins will teach you three strategies that you can use immediately to get in front of new prospects, create urgency despite our economic climate, and then properly position advertising as the solution during the 'UN-CONVENTIONAL' #MABshow.  See the full list of 2021 speakers 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
A Message from Senator Smith: Broadcasters Shine a Light on Democracy
Yesterday (1/6), was a new day of infamy in the chronicle of American history. I never imagined that the United States Capitol Building, a place that I honor and cherish as the secular temple of our democracy, could be desecrated by a domestic mob. I am at once both heartsick and resolved. Resolved to do my part to restore light and meaning to the promises and blessings of American liberty and law. Read More 

Radio Simulcast Fight Could Provide Hint at New FCC Majority's Plans
According to a Thursday report in InsideRadio, an early test for a new Democrat-controlled Federal Communications Commission on how it will treat radio regulations may come not over a hot-button issue like radio ownership, but rather the arcane Radio Duplication Rule. That is because the decision to abolish the rule limiting station simulcasts was made along party-lines, and there is now a pending petition before the FCC to reverse course. Read More

Michigan's U.S. Senators Could Chair Committees With Dem Majority
Both of Michigan's U.S. Senate members could end up chairing committees soon with a razor-thin majority in the chamber once Georgia's runoff elections that were held Tuesday are certified as the two Democratic candidates there are projected as winners, according to a report in Gongwer. Read More 

A Broadcaster's 2021 Regulatory Calendar - Looking at Some of the Important Dates for the Year Ahead
By: David Oxenford,
Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP

Here we are, in a new and hopefully more "normal" year - wondering what will be ahead.  Each year, at about this time, we put together a look at the regulatory dates ahead for broadcasters - or at least the primary ones that we already know.  This year is no different - and we offer for your review our Broadcaster's Regulatory Calendar for 2021. Read More

ENGINEERING & EAS
Detroit SMPTE Presents 'Adventures in Channel Combining'
The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) Detroit Section will host a free virtual meeting open to all members, guests and non-members on Tuesday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m. The topic will be "Adventures in Channel Combining." Read More

AWARDS
The 2020 BEA Entry Deadline is January 20
2020 has definitely given us some interesting content, and we can't wait to see and hear what you've been able to produce over the past year! Learn more at BroadcastExcellenceAwards.com.

Student Awards Entry Deadline is January 19 
The Michigan Student Broadcast Awards was extended to Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 3:00 pm EST following the November MDHHS "Pause to Save Lives" Emergency Order that mandated that high schools and universities move to virtual learning. Entries must have been created and produced from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Learn more at StudentBroadcastAwards.com

Become a Judge for the 2021 Michigan Student Broadcast Awards
We are looking for talented professionals from across Michigan to help judge this year's Michigan Student Broadcast Awards contest. Online judging takes place in December and January. This is a great way to help build the future of broadcast excellence! Interested? Contact Rachel Krause at krause@michmab.com.



IN THE NEWS
Rigid Copper Line Stolen from WBKB Transmitter Site
WBKB-TV (Alpena) reports that the station's transmitter site was broken into New Year's week and 400 pounds of rigid copper coaxial transmission line was stolen from the site.  In reporting the theft in a newscast, the station suspects the burglars likely are selling the copper at salvage for money. The station asks that anyone with information on the theft contact them at (989) 356-3434.
Bridges Named VP of Programming of Macdonald-Garber
Robby Bridges has been named VP of Programming/South at Macdonald-Garber Broadcasting. Bridges will oversee programming for the company's Traverse City and Cadillac MI clusters including country WLXV-FM and adult hits WZTC-FM, with day to day responsibility for heritage CHR WKHQ. He will continue to host "Robby and Rochelle" mornings on the station as well. Read More

Anne Carlini Joins WLLZ For Mornings
iHeartMedia has announced that longtime market veteran Anne Carlini has joined its classic rock WLLZ-FM (Detroit) as Morning Show host. Carlini spent 30 years cross town at roker WRIF-FM (Detroit).  She most recently was midday host at Black Diamond Broadcasting's WGFM/WGFE (Traverse City). Read More

MHSAA's John Johnson Retires
After 33 years serving the Michigan High School Athletic Association in a variety of roles including as its first communications director and most recently director of broadcast properties, John Johnson has retired. His final day was December 18. Read More

WLHT Host Connie Kellie Dies Following Battle With Cancer
Longtime radio personality Connie Kellie, host of the "Connie & Fish" morning show on WLHT-FM (Grand Rapids) died Monday, January 4, 2021 following a short battle with liver cancer. She joined the station in 2012, and was the driving force behind such causes as Connie & Fish's Christmas Kids and the station's efforts to support the Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk. Read More

Former UP, Northern Michigan GM Dies at 79
The MAB is sad to pass along news that former Jerry Moore passed away December 3 at age 79 in Jackson, Tenn. In 1970, he returned to WSOC-TV, where he had a series of senior management positions with the company before leaving in 1988 to become a partner with Tom Scanlan in stations in Traverse City (WGTU/WGTQ), Alpena (WBKB), Calumet (WBKP-TV) and Marquette/Ishpeming, Michigan (WBUP-TV). Read More

Veteran Radio Newsman Grant Hudson Dead A t 76
Art Vuolo, Jr. reports that Jim Reese, the radio personality, newsman, and station owner best known under the air name Grant Hudson died December 16 at age 76.  For years he was one of the colorful "20/20 News" anchors at CKLW-AM (Windsor-Detroit). Read More

Former WLEN Salesperson, Air Personality Lori Sallows Passes
The MAB has learned that Lori Sallows, a former WLEN-FM (Adrian) sales executive and on air personality passed away December 17 at age 56.  Sallows was longtime co-host on the 'Mornings with Lori and Steve.'  Also serving as the WLENs promotion director, Sallows raised thousands of dollars for the community through fundraising efforts on the station. Read More

Townsquare Media Adds Two New Local Morning Shows In Flint
Townsquare Media/Flint has announced the arrival of two new morning shows. Clay Church will take over mornings on the cluster's AC WCRZ (Cars 108), joined by Cars 108 current afternoon drive host Lisa Marie. Brandan "B-Ray" Jamison will handle morning duties on the Rhythmic CHR WRCL (Club 93.7). Both local shows started on the air January 4. Read More

Buck 92 Debuts In Mt. Pleasant
Following a weekend of stunting, this past Monday morning (1/4), Latitude Media flipped the AM/FM Translator combo WMMI (Mt. Pleasant) to a new classic country format. The station, known as Buck 92.3 FM and AM 830 and features country classics from the 70s, 80s and 90s, as well as some selections from the early 2000s. Read More

Entercom, Detroit Lions Announce New Broadcast Partnership
Just before Christmas, Entercom and the Detroit Lions announced a multiyear broadcast partnership, making 97.1 The Ticket (WXYT-FM) the flagship station for Lions football beginning in 2021. Read More

The New Year Brings Classic Hits K107.3 to Flint
Cumulus Media has launched a new Classic Hits outlet in Flint, with the January 1 debut of "K107.3," now airing on a new FM translator W297CG at 107.3 FM and on WWCK-AM 1570. WWCK-AM moves to Classic Hits programming from its previous News/Talk format. K107.3 made the format flip as the clock struck midnight, heralding New Year's Day 2021 with the station's first song, Stevie Wonder's "I Wish." K107.3 features classic hits of the 70s, 80s and 90s, as well as Michigan State Basketball. Read More 

MAB FOUNDATION 
Get Free Money for College with MABF Scholarships, Application Deadline is Jan. 22
Each year the MABF awards nearly $30,000 in scholarships to college and high school students pursuing a career in broadcast media. Friday, January 22, 2021 is the application deadline for most scholarships. Learn more at MichMAB.com/MABF/Scholarships.


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.

TRAINING & EDUCATION
FREE WEBINAR: "What Can Broadcasters Expect in 2021" 
with David Oxenford, Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP

January 21, 2021 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
 
On January 20, we will be inaugurating a new President. With a new administration, there will be changes throughout the government, including at the FCC. The day after the inauguration, join David Oxenford of Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP for a preview of the broadcast regulation likely to be on the agenda of the FCC, Congress and others in Washington in this time of change.


FREE WEBINAR: "Providing Broadcast and Digital Magic in Today's Disenchanted World" 
with Gary Moore, LBS President

January 12, 2021 | 12:00 p.m. (noon)
 
Your clients and prospects are looking ahead and hoping for days where business gets back to normal... whatever "normal" is and will be. As broadcast sellers, we have never had an opportunity like this one to lead and influence the rebuilding of LOCAL business owners' professional lives!  


What Is Your Strategy?
In response to a broadcast seller's question about what to do amidst coronavirus-caused ad cancellations, LBS President, Gary Moore and multiple other LBS Broadcast Selling Experts provide LOTS of recommendations for you and your clients to consider.

DIGITAL / SOCIAL / WEB
The Greatest Hits: Digital Tips for Radio Broadcasters Navigating the Pandemic
By: Seth Resler,
Jacobs Media Strategies

Radio broadcasters spent much of 2020 learning to adapt to new working conditions. Over time, we gradually got the hang of it. But as we head into 2021, we're looking at more of the same - at least for the next several months. So, just in case you missed it, here are some of last year's best digital tips for radio stations riding out the remainder of the pandemic: Read More

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.
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CALENDAR
January 10
4th Quarter Issues and Programs List due in online public inspection file

January 12 | 12 p.m.
FREE LBS Webinar: "Providing Broadcast and Digital Magic in Today's Disenchanted World" with Gary Moore (Register Now)

January 19
Entry Deadline: Student Broadcast Awards 

January 20
Entry Deadline: Broadcast Excellence Awards

January 21 | 2 p.m.
FREE Webinar: "What Brodcasters Can Expect in 2020" with David Oxenford
(Register Now)

January 22
MABF Scholarship Deadlines (Learn More)

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

CAREERS

General Manager
WKHM AM/FM, WIBM, WCSR AM/FM (Jackson)
Posted: January 6, 2021

Account Executive
WYBR, WWBR. WWBR-HD2 REWIND 99.1, WBRN (Big Rapids) 
Posted: December 31, 2020

Reporter/MMJ
WNEM-TV (Saginaw)
Posted: December 31, 2020

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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
Follow the MAB Foundation on Social Media!

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