Issue No. 260 | June 25, 2021 | View Online
Michigan ABIP Inspections
begin week of July 12!

It's not too late to sign up for your Alternative Broadcast Inspection. APPOINTMENTS ARE BEING MADE NOW! Rest better knowing your station could pass the rigors of an FCC inspection. With files online it's easier than ever to get a random inspection.

Call Ann Walters at the MAB: 517.484.7444 to schedule your ABIP today. Learn More
Upcoming Events

July 10
Deadline for uploading 2nd Quarter Issues and Programs Lists to Online Public Inspection File,

July 15 | 2:00 p.m.
Free Webinar: "The Art of Storytelling: The Art of Sales. One and the Same"
with Pat Bryson (Register Now)

August 10 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
SAVE THE DATE: MAB Annual Business Meeting & Advocacy Conference (Virtual).

August 19 | 1:00 p.m.
Free Webinar: "Copyright" with David Oxenford. Full description to come. (Register Now)
LEGISLATIVE / REGULATORY UPDATES
House Pushes Bill to Prohibit FOIA-Avoiding Messaging Apps
Gongwer reports that the Department of Technology, Management and Budget would have to issue a directive to all agencies not to use any app, software or other technology on an electronic device that prevents the preservation of a public record under a new bill unanimously passed in the state House on Wednesday (6/23). DTMB has indicated support for the bill. Read More
House Members Target Local Radio Stations with Bill to Impose Performance Royalties
Supporters of a performance right on radio airplay moved to change federal copyright law with the newly proposed American Music Freedom Act, which was introduced Thursday (6/24) by U.S. Reps Tef Deytch (D-FL) and Darrell Issa (R-CA). Read More
State Associations Ask FCC to Reconsider Regulatory Fees and Late Payment Penalties
Three state broadcast associations are fighting against proposed increases in annual regulatory fees on stations. The associations are also pushing the Federal Communications Commission to rework the process for deciding whether an outlet qualifies for a financial hardship waiver. Read More
ENGINEERING AND EAS
FCC Releases New EAS Handbook
The 2021 version of the FCC’s Emergency Alert System Operating Handbook is now available, replacing the 2017 version. FCC rules require that a copy of the Handbook be maintained by stations and be immediately available to staff responsible for authenticating messages and initiating actions. Read More
IN THE NEWS
WDIV's Marla Drutz to Retire After 4 Decades in Detroit
WDIV-TV (Detroit) and Graham Media Group has announced the retirement of Marla Drutz, Vice President and General Manager of the station, after more than 13 years of distinguished service, effective in the upcoming months once a replacement is hired and transitioned into the job. Read More
Regional Emmy Winners Announced
On June 19, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS)/Michigan presented the 43rd Annual Regional EMMY® Awards. The ceremonies were held virtually. Three stations, WDIV-TV, WJBK-TV and WXYZ-TV, won an award together for "The Governor's COVID Town Hall."  Read More
WILX Teams With Red Cross for Telethon
On June 23, WILX-TV (Lansing) partnered with The America Red Cross to make it easy for people to sign up for a blood donation appointment. The Give Blood Telethon was held at the station's studios from 4:30 - 9 a.m. and again 4 - 8 p.m. Read More
WKAR Welcomes Megan Schellong As New Morning Edition Host
WKAR-AM/FM in East Lansing has announced that Megan Schellong has been promoted as the station's new local host for NPR's Morning Edition. Schellong joins the station from WLNS-TV (Lansing),where she spent the last one and a half years as a digital producer.
Fire Destroys WOOD-FM Transmitter
iHeartMedia's WOOD-FM (Muskegon/Grand Rapids) was knocked off the air temporarily due to a fire at the station's transmitter site on June 20. This occurred during a weather system that brought two lines of severe thunderstorms to Michigan. Read More
Casey Jones named WOOD-TV Community Affairs Director
WOOD-TV (Grand Rapids) morning news anchor, Casey Jones, has been announced as WOOD-TV’s Community Affairs Director after six years anchoring West Michigan’s leading morning news program.
TRAINING & EDUCATION
FREE WEBINAR:The Art of Storytelling: The Art of Sales. One and the Same?
with Pat Bryson, Bryson Broadcasting International

Thursday, July 15, 2021 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Eastern
The best salespeople educate their clients, and the best way to educate is through telling stories. In this session we will: *Explore why stories should be the basis for our sales process. *Learn how people retain information through stories. *What elements make a good story. *What types of stories we need to move our prospects through the marketing channel. *Develop strategies for creating our own bank of stories to use with clients. The best storytellers are the best salespeople. Come and learn how!
Ask LBS

It is common to run into difficult selling situations in the field.  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!
The BEST Program

The BEST Program is designed for sellers who are new to broadcast. Each weekday for 5 weeks, you will receive a special email containing 3 videos. In less than 30 minutes per day, your new sellers will have built up a solid foundation for a career in selling broadcast!
Sales Ideas

Sometimes we just need a creative boost or an idea to take to a prospect tomorrow – or even today! The list contains 99 of the hundreds you can find on the site! Need a creative boost or some fresh ideas? This section of LBS is loaded with them!
DIGITAL / SOCIAL / WEB
An Introduction to WordPress Custom Post Types for Radio Broadcasters
By: Seth Resler, Jacobs Media Strategies
Broadcasters sometimes tell me that they are looking for a WordPress theme for their station's website that was specifically designed with radio in mind. I'm never quite sure what they mean by this. Read More