Last week, another bill was introduced in both the House and the Senate with the intention of supporting local media to help offset the erosion of their advertising base by digital media. The Local Journalism Sustainability Act proposes certain benefits for local newspaper subscribers, as well as benefits to advertisers who advertise on local media – both broadcast and print. Read More

As many members already know, this Wednesday, August 11 at 2:20 p.m., the FCC and FEMA will conduct a National Period Test (NPT) of the Emergency Alert System. This test will be through the over-the-air daisy chain and will not be sent through IPAWS. Is your equipment and procedures ready for the test? Read More from the SBE Here

WCMU Public Media (Mt. Pleasant) General Manager Jim Rademaker is moving to WGVU Public Media in Grand Rapids, replacing Ken Kolbe, who is retiring. It is the second time he has succeeded Kolbe in a GM position. Kolbe was GM of WCMU, leaving for WGVU in 2019 and Rademaker was appointed interim GM for WCMU. He formally became GM of WCMU in September of last year. Read More

McKibbin Media Group's WKHM-FM (Jackson) held its second annual Charity Radiothon July 30. The on-air talent of K105.3, Jared “J-Rod” Hammond, Scott Clow and Jenny Lewis, broadcasted live from the K105.3 studio for 13 straight hours. Read More

WKAR Public Media has announced that Sarah Lehr has joined its news staff in the role of politics and civics reporter. “As a politics and civics reporter, I want to hold public institutions to account,” said Lehr. “And I want to look beyond the horse race to show how policies affect real people in their everyday lives.” Read More

Beasley Media Group has announced that WCSX-FM (Detroit) Morning Personality Big Jim O’Brien will join Motor City rock Legend Alice Cooper to unveil Alice Cooper Court on Thursday, September 23 at Eloise Asylum in Westland. Read More

Whether on-air or online, broadcasters constantly face copyright issues in their operations. Music licensing is always so confusing – who are all these organizations that want money and why should I pay them? How much will my radio station pay to make its programming available on various digital platforms? Can I use pictures or content from other sources in my newscast without getting permission from the originator? What can I put in a podcast without permission – or what can I use in a commercial without getting into trouble? How about online – can pictures on my website get me into trouble – and how about material that is posted on my website by users?

Broadcast sellers across the board are facing unusual opportunities and challenges. Being effective in the recovering economy requires us all to be even more on top of our game than we needed to be before the shutdown. Being average is no longer an option. For the serious seller, there has never been a better time to be in the broadcast and digital marketing world. Join us for a straightforward presentation about how to help your clients plan their ad budgets for the road that lies ahead. We will discuss when you should be talking with your clients, which clients to focus on, and both the internal and external advantages that are in it for you!

Pandemic or not, radio broadcasters everywhere should be experimenting with livestreaming video. For radio stations, it can provide a new way to engage with audiences. For on-air talent, it can provide a way to continue doing a show even if you find yourself “on the beach.” Read More

August 11 is almost here, and MISS DIG 811 hopes that the 8/11 date on the calendar will serve as a natural reminder for residents to call 811 prior to any digging project to have underground utility lines marked.