KBA'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 3, 2020

EAS ALERT

Many stations across the Commonwealth did not receive the Required Monthly Test (RMT), scheduled for Novemer 19, 2020, on their EAS encoder. Kentucky's Emergency Management Operations Center experienced technical difficulties in distributing the monthly test.

KBA alerted the FCC of the failed RMT. The Commission is recommending that stations add an entry in their EAS log, explaining that the November RMT was not received from the originator, at no fault of the station.

GAVEL PASSED TO A NEW BOARD CHAIR

December 1st marks the beginning of KBA's fiscal year and also the beginning of the term for Board members. KBA's outgoing Chair, Julie Schmidt, and incoming Chair, Mark Buckles, offer their thoughts on the past year and new year ahead.

As my year serving as the chair of the Kentucky Broadcasters Association comes to a close, I want to express my gratitude for the invaluable service you provide. In these uncertain times, the KBA network, of local radio and television stations, across the commonwealth, has been a lifeline for countless Kentuckians providing vital health and public safety information. You have been a vital source for trusted information, and your courage and commitment to deliver local service and inspiration each day, is greatly appreciated.

With warm wishes for a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year,

Julie H. Schmidt

KBA Chairman 2020

We celebrated Thanksgiving last week. It might have been harder to count your blessings this year considering the challenges that 2020 has provided. On election day, prior to the outcomes being known, in looking back over the year, a friend said to me “In April, I’d have taken today”. I took a moment to consider that thought. In the chaos of the early days of the pandemic, when things looked most dire, had we been able to see us in early November, we would have most likely been accepting of the circumstance. That may apply to our industry, our individual stations or even our own personal lives.

That is certainly not to say there has not been loss and sacrifice. Between the various waves of the virus, economic restrictions and the loss of life, many people have given greatly in the fight against COVID-19.

Kentucky broadcasters should be proud of the way that we have been able to serve our communities at extremely high levels during such a crucial time. We were challenged to innovate and find new ways to provide serve our markets. There will be no retreat to the “old way” of doing things but rather an embrace of the new processes and opportunities to engage our audiences.

The word engagement stands out to me as I look over the recent past and future of the Kentucky Broadcasters Association. Since joining the board in January 2016, I have been privileged to see the KBA grow in transformative ways regarding engagement. It begins with our staff and continues to our board, committees, partners, vendors and most importantly our members. It is remarkable how much energy goes into our organization to serve you at the highest level possible. While you are working hard on your operations, please know that there is a group of leaders at the KBA striving to help provide services to you in impactful ways.

As we set sail into 2021, I pledge to you that we will continue to work for you, act in your best interest and look for solutions to problems in a reactive and proactive way.

Please do not hesitate to share with me your questions or concerns about the KBA.

Christy, Taylor, Anna, Alayah and I wish for you and your family the most blessed Christmas and the best life can offer in 2021. God Bless You!

Mark Buckles

KBA Chairman 2021

KBA'S 2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

For more on KBA's Board of Directors and district map, click HERE.

LBS WEBINAR FREE TO KBA MEMBERS

ASK A GM! GET A HEAD START IN 2021

ASK A GM! GET A HEAD START IN 2021!

Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 - 12:00 PM ET

Every radio and TV seller is ready to reboot and tackle 2021, a year that we view with optimism and in which we anticipate the thrill of uncertainty. You, your station, and your advertisers deserve ongoing success and this session will provide you with the mindset to lead the way. In this webinar, we will focus on business from your station's perspective and how that can help you to serve your clients at 100%. We'll discuss the perfect AE, how to communicate with your GM, what your GM does, and how your GM can add to your success!

Mike Costa is uniquely qualified to address these issues for us. Costa currently serves as President and CEO of Costa Media Advisors. He was previously Vice President and General Manager Alabama News Network, General Manager WTVC ABC and CW in Chattanooga, General Manager WDSI Fox 61 TV, Sales Manager WPTY, and he began his career as an Account Executive at WHBQ Radio.

JEFF SCHMIDT'S SALES TIP OF THE WEEK

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR 2021?

You’re likely beginning or even in the middle of preparing your budget for 2021. With the year we’ve had the only guidance the experts we talk to have given about the actual numbers is to look at an average between 2018 and 2019 for your “comp” year because 2020 was so out of whack.

Today rather than focus on that process or the numbers, I thought it important to focus on your preparedness for 2021. The number one complaint of buyers, still today, is salespeople who are not prepared.

I always like to clarify and dig a bit deeper... not to be overly analytical but pursue greater understanding. Let’s start with a definition of preparedness from Webster:

Preparedness refers to a very concrete research- based set of actions that are taken as precautionary measures in the face of potential disasters. These actions can include both physical preparations (such as emergency supplies depots, adapting buildings to survive earthquakes and so on) and trainings for emergency action. Preparedness is an important quality in achieving goals and in avoiding and mitigating negative outcomes.

Preparedness begins as attitudes or vibes that you give off to a client, and there are three:

1. I’m happy to be here.

2. I know what I’m talking about.

3. I LOVE what I’m doing.

According to the definition, preparedness includes both physical and mental readiness to face whatever is ahead of you. The one sentence that really resonated with me from the definition is: “Preparedness is an important quality in achieving goals and avoiding and mitigating negative outcomes.” Wow, it’s that important.

The first part of preparation and arguably the most important, is attitude. Are you happy to be where you are? Do you know what you’re talking about and do you LOVE what you’re doing? If not, it’s time to evaluate the steps you need to take so that you can be prepared for whatever 2021 will bring.

Jeff Schmidt is the SVP of Professional Development at the Radio Advertising Bureau. You can also connect with him by email JSchmidt@rab.com or on Twitter and LinkedIn.

TERRY MEINERS INKS 4-YEAR EXTENSION, REFLECTS ON LAUNCH 35-YEARS AGO

That time I had to lie to the local newspaper guy,...

In 1985, my radio career was soaring. I was co-hosting the hugely successful WQMF-FM morning radio "Show With No Name." My partner Ron Clay was a shrewd, sardonic, soured-on-life hippie guy. He was brilliant and always had something clever to...

Read more
www.heyterry.com

NEWSLETTER QUICK NOTES...

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announced on Monday that he will leave the Commission on January 20, 2021. The KBA and NAB thanks Chairman Pai for his leadership and thoughtful approach to regulations, paving the way for many long overdue reforms.

The final edited version of KBA's 2020 Excellence in Broadcasting Awards show is now archived on KBA's YouTube channel. You can access the video by clicking HERE.