The NAB Pulse June 8, 2009

NAB.org | Industry Areas | News Room

Majority of U.S. House Opposes a Performance Tax
A majority of U.S. House members are now publicly opposed to a record label-led effort to strap radio stations with new fees for airing music free to listeners. The Local Radio Freedom Act now has 220 House cosponsors and 13 Senate cosponsors. Following the announcement that a majority of U.S. House members now publicly oppose the record label-led effort, representatives from 50 independent state broadcast associations wrote Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (CA-08) urging her to oppose any effort to bring H.R. 848 to the House floor for a vote.
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New DTV Radio Spot to Help Post-Transition Consumers Available
For consumers who did not upgrade to digital television in time for the June 12 transition, NAB has produced a new radio spot directing them to call the national hotline for assistance. The 30-second spot promotes the 1-888-CALL-FCC helpline run by the Federal Communications Commission, where live operators are standing by to answer consumer questions about upgrading to DTV.
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"Don't Tax That Dial" Creative Spot Competition
NAB has launched the "Don't Tax That Dial" creative spot competition encouraging radio stations to create and air radio spots opposing a performance tax on local radio.
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More Radio News

Members Save $100 on the NAB Radio Show Until June 15 >

NAB Prepares for Final DTV Countdown
Heading into this final week of the June 12 transition to digital television, NAB and broadcasters across America are going all out to help consumers prepare. With NAB research showing national awareness of the transition at near-universal levels, NAB has commissioned a final survey to capture a snapshot of consumer awareness and preparedness in the days preceding the switch.
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FCC No Longer Requiring Pre-Approval for "Early" June 12 Shutoff
On June 2, 2009, the FCC issued an order amending its previously ordered DTV post-transition procedures originally issued on March 13, 2009. The revised procedure allows stations the flexibility to commence authorized post-transition digital operations at any time on June 12, 2009, prior to 11:59:59 p.m. without prior FCC approval.
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More Television News

Reminder: Post-June12 DTV Consumer Education for Phased-Transition Stations >

In Brief

Broadcast Executive Development Seminar - Find the Money
In today's tough economy, it's more important than ever to invest in your key staff members. We're offering you the chance to send your managers to a three-and-a-half-day MBA-style seminar at one of the nation's leading business schools. Attendees will walk away from the class with the skills to help you and your group manage these challenges and move into the future. Don't hope for the best, invest in the best.Visit www.nab.org/execdev for more information.

Prepare Communities for Summer Weather
America's broadcasters are the first informers before, during and after emergencies, providing local communities with lifesaving relief information. Help your audience prepare for summer weather with radio and television public service announcements and live-read scripts available on Spot Center or contact NAB's Public Service Initiatives department at (202) 429-5448.

Broadcast Leadership Training Program Applications Available
The NAB Education Foundation's Broadcast Leadership Training (BLT) program will launch its 10th program cycle in September. The focus will be on expanding and furthering training opportunities for the existing alumni as well as continuing education for new participants. Returning BLT alumni will be active participants in the program. The courses will be taught by the prestigious BLT faculty which includes broadcasters, FCC staff, leading communications attorneys, members of the Wall Street and banking community and academic faculty from leading universities.
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The 2009 NAB Legal Calendar is available here.