The NAB Pulse June 15, 2009

NAB.org | Industry Areas | News Room

Nationwide Switch to Digital TV Proves Successful
America successfully completed its historic transition to all-digital television (DTV) broadcasting on June 12 as the final wave of 971 full-power television stations in 195 markets shut off their analog signals for good. "Millions of households across the country are now enjoying dramatically better pictures and sound in digital compared to what they were able to see and hear on their TV sets for the past several decades," said NAB Vice President for Digital Television Jonathan Collegio.
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Fifteen More Lawmakers Now Oppose Performance Tax
Twelve more House members and three additional Senators oppose a record industry-backed efforts to levy a performance tax on local radio stations for music aired free to listeners. Currently, a bipartisan group of 232 House lawmakers and 16 U.S. Senators have signed on as cosponsors to the Local Radio Freedom Act.
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Caroline Beasley Testifies before House Communications Subcommittee
Last Thursday NAB Radio Board First Vice Chair and Executive Vice President and CFO of Beasley Broadcast Group Caroline Beasley testified on behalf of NAB before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet. This hearing reviewed testimony on several issues, including low-power FM (LPFM).
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Members Save $100 on the NAB Radio Show Until June 15 >

"Don't Tax That Dial" Creative Spot Competition >

Complementary Radio Webcast - "Digital Dollars: Where and How to Find Them" >

FCC Clarifies Post-Transition Call Sign Procedures
During the DTV transition, stations have been operating with two call signs: a -TV suffix call sign for their analog transmissions and a -DT suffix call sign for their digital transmission. In a public notice issued last week, the FCC clarified that stations may elect to use either a -TV or -DT call sign (or a four letter call sign if it does not require a suffix because it is not in use by any other station) after the DTV transition has been completed.
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Reminder: Post-June 12 DTV Consumer Education for Phased-Transition Stations
For the majority of full-power stations, their on-air consumer obligations will terminate on June 12, 2009. However, stations that have not completed construction of their full authorized post-transition digital facility must continue complying with the Consumer Education requirements after they terminate their analog service until they complete construction and commence operation of their full authorized post-transition digital facility.
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NAB Small Market Television Exchange >

In Brief

NAB Elects New Joint Board Chairman, Executive Committee
During its meeting last week, the NAB Board of Directors elected Commonwealth Broadcasting President and CEO Steve Newberry to the position of NAB joint board chairman and confirmed Janet McGregor as acting president and CEO.
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FCC Suspends Biennial Report Filing Deadline until November 2009
On May 29, the FCC issued an Order suspending the filing requirement for biennial ownership reports that would otherwise be filed prior to the new November 1 filing requirement deadline. The Order relieves licensees from the burden of filing multiple times this year (on the anniversary of their license renewal and again on November 1).
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FCC Alters and Expands Ownership Report Requirements
In a Report and Order released by last month, the FCC made significant changes to its ownership data collection process for commercial broadcasters. The FCC will now require full-power stations operated by individuals or by partnerships between "natural persons" to file ownership reports. Also, operators of low-power television (LPTV) and Class A television stations must also file ownership reports. The FCC is expanding the ownership report requirements in large part to improve its data regarding minority and female ownership of broadcast properties.
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Broadcast Executive Development Seminar - Surpass Ordinary; Become Extraordinary
Equip yourself to meet the challenges of today's ever-evolving broadcast business environment. Appreciate more fully how the big picture and corporate numbers affect the individual station budget process. Gain the necessary tools to become a stronger manager and a better employee to your organization. Join NAB's Broadcast Executive Development Seminar and become a leader.
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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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AXIS PRO Libel and First Amendment Insurance Plan
AXIS PRO, long known as an industry leader in media coverage under the Media/Professional Insurance brand, now offers no annual aggregate limit on NAB policies. Policies are also available with optional indecency coverage. Discounted rates are available exclusively to NAB members. AXIS PRO representatives are available to discuss your specific needs and to ensure you are properly insured. For more information, call AXIS PRO at 1-866-282-0565.
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The 2009 NAB Legal Calendar is available here.