NAB Completes Merger with MSTV
NAB is pleased to announce that the merger of the Association for Maximum Service Television (MSTV) and NAB is now complete. Merging MSTV and NAB centralizes the functions of technology and lobbying, which is critical at a time when broadcasters are under more pressure than ever before to prove our technological efficiency and effectiveness. This merger benefits our industry and association and will help to build a strong future for all broadcasters – both radio and television.
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Kevin Gage Joins NAB as EVP, Chief Technology Officer
Kevin Gage, a 20-year veteran with experience developing digital platforms in television and music, has been selected as the new executive vice president and chief technology officer for the association. Gage, 49, will lead NAB's technology efforts, including oversight of the current staff that represents NAB on a variety of standard-setting organizations, and which serves as the liaison to the engineering and technology community.
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FCC Seeks Comment on EAS Rules
Last week, the FCC released a long-anticipated Notice seeking comment on how it should revise its Emergency Alert System (EAS) rules in advance of the upcoming transition of EAS to a digital-based common alerting protocol (CAP) format.
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NAB to Copyright Office: Eliminate Distant MVPD Licenses; Retain Local Licenses
In Reply Comments filed May 25, NAB refuted MVPD claims that if statutory licenses enabling them to retransmit broadcast signals were eliminated, retransmission consent and program exclusivity rules would have to be eliminated as well.
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FCC Announces Freeze on Digital Channel Substitution Petitions
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) last week announced an immediate freeze on the filing of rulemaking petitions by TV stations seeking to change digital channels. The move comes as the FCC is continuing its effort, first launched with last year's National Broadband Plan, to reallocate some TV broadcast spectrum for wireless broadband use.
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New License Renewal Cycle Started June 1, 2011
DC, MD, NC, SC, VA and WV Radio Stations On-Air Announcements
Radio stations in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia must have filed their license renewal applications by June 1, 2011. These stations must air post-filing on-air announcements on June 16, July 1 and 16, and August 1 and 16.
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Government Relations Update
The House Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held a hearing on Wednesday, June 1, titled "Promoting Broadband, Jobs and Economic Growth Through Commercial Spectrum Auctions." NAB asked the committee for two broadcaster witnesses instead of one and were granted two slots. Todd Schurz, president and CEO of Schurz Communications, testified on behalf of NAB.
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2011 Radio Show Features New Leadership Breakfast
NAB and the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) have announced that the 2011 Radio Show will debut a new program sponsored by Dickstein Shapiro LLP titled "Leadership Breakfast: A Discussion about Radio's Future," which will be held Thursday, September 15, from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Chicago (and will include a breakfast co-sponsored by Media Services Group).
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PSAs from Members of Congress Ready for Broadcast Later This Month
Last month, nearly 200 members of Congress and their family members participated in taping localized public service announcements (PSAs) on a variety of important health and social topics as part of NAB's Congressional PSA Campaign. These PSAs will be ready for broadcast later this month.
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NAB Executive Development Seminar – Develop Your Managers to Maximize Their Strengths and Enhance Their Productivity
NAB's Executive Development Seminar for Radio and Television Broadcasters (EDS) gives your managers the knowledge to become better team leaders and enhances their leadership skills.
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FEMA Roundtable on Emergency Warning
On June 9, 2011, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) will host a Virtual Roundtable event with industry, state and local government leaders in the emergency alert and warning field.
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Broadcast Leadership Training Program Applications Due June 15
The NAB Education Foundation's (NABEF) Broadcast Leadership Training (BLT) program will launch its 12th program cycle in September. The program has been heralded as the "MBA of Broadcasting" by many in the industry.
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The 2011 NAB Legal Calendar is available here.