Issue #172 |  November 8, 2019   |   View online
Highlights In This Issue:
More news below!
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Senate Floats Bare Bones Renewal of STELAR, Michigan Broadcasters Urge Senator Peters to Voice Opposition
Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee introduced a straight forward bill to renew STELAR this week.  In response, MAB television members have flooded Michigan Sen. Gary Peters office with letters in opposition Read More

Twitter Bans Political Ads - Doing What Broadcasters are Forbidden to Do
By: David Oxenford
Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP 

It seems like every other week, there is a story about an online media giant making changes in their rules that govern political advertising on their platform - and being either praised or condemned for doing so.  Read More

ENGINEERING
Updated: Required IPAWS Security Updates for EAS Units
This is an update to our article published last week in MAB News Briefs, to include information from another manufacturer as well as an FCC release on the required update.  Read More

Nominations are Open for the 2020
Carl E. Lee Engineering Excellence Award
Broadcast engineers work diligently to ensure the integrity of our airwaves. For those who have exercised their skills and innovations for the advancement of technology, this is our opportunity to say "you're outstanding." The Carl E. Lee Award is presented annually at the Great Lakes Media Show. Click here to learn more and make your nomination.

ABIP 11Reserve Your 2020 ABIP Inspection Now
Scheduling has begun for the 2020 Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program (ABIP). The MAB conducts these alternative inspections regionally from April to October.  Learn More



IN THE NEWS
WOOD-TV's Bill Steffen Celebrates 45 Years
On Tuesday, WOOD-TV (Grand Rapids) Chief Meteorologist Bill Steffen celebrated 45 years of tracking weather in West Michigan. Steffen came to West Michigan in 1974, joining the staff of WZZM-TV (Grand Rapids).  Read More

WJBK's Ken Krato Passes
Former WJBK-TV (Detroit) Editor/Journalist Ken Krato passed away at age 77 on October 31.  Krato, who retired from the station in 2015 after nearly five decades, was the recipient of numerous awards during his career, including at least two prestigious Edward R. Murrow Honors.  Read More

George Beasley to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award from the Broadcasters Foundation of America
George Beasley, Founder and Chairman of Beasley Media Group, will be honored with the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Broadcasters Foundation of America's Golden Mike Award dinner. The gala, which is an annual fundraising event for the Broadcasters Foundation's mission of helping broadcasters in need, will be held on Wednesday, March 4 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.  Read More

PBS and WKAR Unveil New Look on Eve of PBS 50th Anniversary
PBS announced this week an update to its iconic brand, including a refreshed logo, bold color palette, custom typeface and illustration style. The new identity will roll out throughout 2020 as PBS celebrates its 50th anniversary. With the new PBS look, WKAR Public Media at Michigan State University has also made updates to its logo.  Read More

WYCD Hosts Fox Theatre Benefit for Military Families
On November 6, Entercom's WYCD-FM (Detroit) hosted "Stars and Strings," a benefit for military families with an artist lineup that would look impressive on a major festival bill, let alone performing together in the relatively intimate environment of a theater:  Read More

WRIF Launches Station History Podcast
Beasley Media Group's WRIF-FM (Detroit) has announced unveiling of The History Of WRIF podcast.  101 WRIF-FM, originally launched in 1971, has been on the air in Detroit for over 48 years and is considered one of the longest running "active rock" stations in the United States Read More

Cromwell Group Expands into Michigan
Nashville, Tenn.-based group owner Cromwell Group, which operates 31 stations in Tennessee, Illinois and Kentucky is moving into Michigan with purchase of WABJ-AM/WQTE-FM (Adrian) from Friends Communications of Michigan.  The sale was filed with the FCC on November 1.  Read More

It's Beginning to Sound Like Christmas in Detroit and Grand Rapids
'Tis the season!  This past week, several stations in Detroit and Grand Rapids made the flip to full-time holiday music, to air through Christmas Day.  Read More

YOUR MAB
MAB Has a New Headquarters Building
At their last meeting, the MAB Board voted to purchase an existing building at 222 N. Chestnut St. rather than build a new building from the ground up. Read More


You Can NOW Submit Your BEA Entries!

The 2019 Broadcast Excellence Awards contest has begun. And even though the deadline to enter is noon on Thursday, January 9, 2020, you don't want to wait until the last minute. It will be here before you know it. Get your entries in before the holidays and contact the MAB with any questions at [email protected] or 517-484-7444.

Helpful Hint
Always check that your links work after you copy and paste it into the BNC program. Make sure you exclude the https:// and begin your link with www.
Links that do not work will be disqualified.  


In 2020, Michigan will judge the Wisconsin Awards ... Interested in being a judge?
Contact Jackie Timm at [email protected]



 
There are lots of options to choose from! Check out the schedule-at-a-glance, speakers, sponsors and MORE at MABshow.com   

The Exhibit Hall is filling up! We have a feeling this is going to be the best show yet! Reserve your space today and reach the 1200+ attendees at the show!

Join the list of Exhibitors for the 2020 #MABshow!

Advanced Lighting & Sound
Bohn Broadcast Services
Bonneville Distribution
Broadcast Electronics/Elenos Group
Flow Video
Gatesair
LiveU
Nautel
RCS Sound Software
RTS/Bosch Communications
Summit Technology Group
Vela Research
Wedel Software

MAB FOUNDATION 
#BCBC19 is today at Lansing Community College's West Campus... and it's going to be HOT! Literally...our attendance number is through the roof! Over 300 participants will attend #BCBC19 at Lansing Community College today. Sessions include: Speed Networking, The Secrets News Directors want you to know, Sales is your Gateway and MORE!
Stay tuned for highlights from the event!

Become a Judge for the 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 Sarah Decker at [email protected].

TRAINING & EDUCATION


November 21, 2019 | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
"Preparing for the 2020 Elections"
with David Oxenford, Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP
& Bobby Baker, FCC
2020 is bound to be a very active year for political broadcasting. Who do you have to sell advertising time to? How much can you charge? What paperwork do you need to retain? Who is watching what you do, and what issues are likely to arise in the coming election? 
The MAB has partnered up with other State Associations and The Poytner Institute to bring you two BONUS webinars in 2019! "Covering the Elections" Learn how to dig deeper and find answers that your viewers want and need to know.
 
Course Description:  You have 60 seconds to sell your product or service. How do you make the most of it? That's what this course is all about. An elevator pitch is a short, memorable description of what you sell and its benefits. It comes from the idea of succinctly presenting your product or service on an elevator ride, thereby enticing your audience, or fellow passengers. The goal isn't to sell right away, but to gain interest. In this video, we'll talk about both writing and delivering your elevator pitch.   Click here to log in and watch this course.
 
Support: For questions, support or additional information please contact our amazing support team by email at
[email protected] or by phone at (888) 944-9377.

Don't miss out on your opportunity for free, online training as an MAB member! More information here.

DIGITAL / SOCIAL / WEB
A Radio Station's Guide to Launching a Blog
By: Seth Resler
Jacobs Media Strategies

Creating online content is a key component of a radio station's online marketing strategy. It starts with a blog - a section of your station's website where new content can continually be published. For some broadcasters, the idea of launching a blog can feel intimidating. In this short video, Seth Resler breaks down the basics of blogging to make it easier.  Read More



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MAB News Briefs
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CALENDAR
November 21
Webinar: "Preparing for the 2020 Elections" (Learn More)

December 3
Poynter Webinar: "Covering the 2020 Elections" (Learn More)

December 10
Poynter Webinar: "Covering the 2020 Elections" (Learn More)

January 9
BEA Entry Deadline (Noon)

CAREERS

Account Executive
WJMN-TV
(Marquette)
Posted: October 29, 2019

News Director
WFRV-TV
(Green Bay)
Posted: October 28, 2019

Studio Technician
(Part-Time)
WOOD-TV
(Grand Rapids)
Posted: October 18, 2019

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
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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Thanks for the Support of Our Associate Members!











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Michigan Association of Broadcasters | 517-484-7444 | [email protected] | MichMAB.com
820 N. Capitol Ave. |  Lansing, MI 48906