An Electronic Publication of the National Association of Broadcasters

Policymakers Support Local Media Eligibility for Paycheck Protection Program

In response to aggressive advocacy by NAB and the state broadcast associations, policymakers on both sides of the aisle have expressed their support for expanding U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan access to struggling local media. These messages of support include:

• A letter from the chairs of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and the co-chair of the Native American Caucus urging Senate and House leadership to include federal funding for local and ethnic media outlets in a future coronavirus relief stimulus package;
• A bipartisan letter from Reps. David Cicilline (RI-01) and Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05) is circulating on Capitol Hill recommending more broadcasters be allowed to qualify for SBA loans under the Paycheck Protection Program;
• A bipartisan letter from Reps. Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Bill Flores (TX-17), Marc Veasey (TX-33) and Fred Upton (MI-06) and over 240 lawmakers was sent to the Trump administration urging a portion of federal agency advertising dollars be directed to local news and media outlets;
• A letter from 19 senators requesting future coronavirus stimulus relief legislation include support for local journalism; and
• A bipartisan letter from four senators to Senate leadership urging support for expanding U.S. SBA loan access to struggling local newspapers and radio and television stations.

READ MORE »

Stimulus Information and Regulatory Relief for Broadcasters

On March 27, the CARES Act, a $2 trillion stimulus package, was signed into law. NAB fought for several of the key tax relief, small business and lending programs that were included in the bill. The User's Guide for Broadcasters to the CARES Act will help you know how your business is impacted, as well as provide a summary of regulatory relief that has been granted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

On the NAB Podcast, Nicole Gustafson, vice president and senior legislative counsel, Government Relations, NAB, outlines the various financial relief packages Congress has approved to help small businesses, including broadcasters, and looks ahead to what other legislation may be signed into law.

New COVID-19 Spots Now Available

NAB has produced new public service announcements (PSAs) for stations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They are available here for TV stations and here for radio stations. The PSAs focus on a mental wellness message of hope and encouragement for Americans, and direct listeners and viewers to WeAreBroadcasters.com/Hope.

At the NAB Podcast, Andrew Finlayson, executive vice president of Digital and Social Media Strategies at SmithGeiger, offers useful tips and best practices for broadcasters during this time.

Content for You

NAB Show Express is coming! Clear your schedule on May 13 and 14 to virtually attend sessions that celebrate broadcasters' commitment to delivering the local news, emergency updates and entertainment that our communities rely on each day.

• Industry address and welcome from NAB President and CEO Gordon H. Smith
• In Conversation with FCC Chairman Ajit Pai
• BEIT Express: a streaming channel featuring paper presentations from the Broadcast Engineering and IT Conference
• Presentation of Awards: Distinguished Service Award to Television Pioneer and Puppeteer Jim Henson, Television Chairman's Award to actor Terry Crews, Television Broadcasting Hall of Fame to "America's Funniest Home Videos," Radio Broadcasting Hall of Fame to John Records Landecker, NAB Crystal Heritage Award to KCVM-FM and the NAB Crystal Radio Awards
• The Small and Medium Market Radio Forum, covering the most critical topics for NAB small and medium market radio members

Celebration of Service to America Awards Now Online

The NAB Leadership Foundation team, partners and stakeholders have decided to transition the 2020 Celebration of Service to America Awards, scheduled for June 9, to a virtual event later this summer. This event will not only highlight your exceptional community service in 2019 but will also recognize the unparalleled efforts of broadcasters during the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope you join us later this summer to honor the broadcast industry.

We Are Broadcasters Campaign Highlights Lifesaving Service

During the crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic, local broadcasters across the country have stepped up to provide their communities with the news, support and comfort they need most. The We Are Broadcasters campaign is proud to highlight this service, including the vital support broadcasters provide for students across the country. Please tag your stories of service on social media with #WeAreBroadcasters or reach out to WeAreBroadcasters@nab.org so we can honor your station's work.

Radio Reaches Listeners During Moments of Crisis

In 2020, radio is celebrating its centennial year. To highlight this special anniversary, we're putting the spotlight on the enduring value of radio with #Radio100. This look back at President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's "Fireside Chats" shows how Americans have turned to radio for breaking news and emergency information during uncertain times.

Repack Resources Include Deadline Relief

Phase 9 of the FCC repack ended on Friday, May 1. At least 34 stations successfully transitioned during this phase, and NAB understands 48 stations took advantage of the FCC's agreement to allow any stations scheduled to change frequencies in Phase 9 to move to Phase 10 as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The FCC Public Notice concerning this issue can be found here.

FCC Updates Radio License Renewal Process

The FCC has announced an update to the license renewal application form for commercial radio stations. In December 2019, the FCC announced an interim procedure that instructed stations to report any violations of the FCC's multiple ownership or cross-ownership rules using the "FCC Violations during the Preceding License Term" question on Schedule 303-S, the renewal application for commercial radio stations. This form has now been amended to include a specific question asking stations to certify compliance with these ownership rules. Going forward, stations should use this new question instead of the previous interim procedure. Please refer to the FCC's Public Notice for further assistance by FCC staff.

Educational Resources for the COVID-19 Crisis

NAB is actively working to provide vital resources to support the needs of broadcasters. For a limited time, NAB has made the following tools and resources available for free to members and non-members. Use your nab.org login credentials to sign-up. For assistance, please contact Member Services at membership@nab.org or call (202) 429-5400.

COVID-19 Webcast: Guiding Your Community

NAB and research firm SmithGeiger provide timely and detailed information on how broadcasters can best operate during the coronavirus pandemic.

Remote Business Operations Resources

The Media Staffing Network has created resources to help radio and television broadcasters get the most out of working remotely.

Cyber Awareness for Broadcasters

With the surge of COVID-19 email scams from cybercriminals, NAB wants to ensure broadcasters have the necessary tools and knowledge to keep their stations safe from potential phishing scams and cyberattacks.

Short Videos with Big Insights

Explore the NAB Leadership Foundation's new #LeadershipLabs for a variety of tips, insights and reminders to help you lead and manage your team through a crisis and beyond. Featuring a range of NAB Leadership Foundation program faculty and experts, these quick two to four-minute clips cover topics including financial fundamentals, the power of listening versus hearing and so much more.