NAB Pulse

An Electronic Publication of the National Association of Broadcasters

November 16, 2020

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TOP STORY

Looking Ahead to a New Administration and Congress

In a statement issued last week, NAB President and CEO Gordon H. Smith congratulated Joe Biden on becoming president-elect of the United States of America. NAB also congratulates Kamala Harris, vice president-elect, on her historic election.

In a video message to NAB members regarding the election, Smith thanked local stations for doing a remarkable job of educating their listeners and viewers about the issues, candidates and how to cast their ballots. Smith noted voters turned out in record numbers, and he expressed his gratitude to those stations that aired NAB's voter education spots.

NAB will work closely with our broadcast members to ensure new legislators and administration officials understand the power and importance of local radio and television to every community across the nation. We will work to educate them on what makes broadcasting unique and how we are innovating to better serve our audiences.

It is not too early to introduce yourself to new legislators. Visit nab.org/SpeakUp for tools to help you communicate with policymakers, and utilize the spots, message points and resources at WeAreBroadcasters.com/Resources to help lawmakers understand the critical role local broadcasters play in every community.


FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION NEWS

Covering the Coronavirus Pandemic

Assignment and Transfer of Control Applications Must be Filed in LMS Starting November 18

On November 3, the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Media Bureau announced further steps in the transition of broadcast applications from the Consolidated Database System (CDBS) to the Licensing and Management System (LMS). Starting this Wednesday, November 18, all broadcast license assignment and transfer of control applications must be filed in the LMS system and can no longer be filed using CDBS.

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FCC Lifting Freezes on Filing Certain TV Station Applications and Petitions as of November 27

On October 29, the FCC's Media Bureau announced the lifting of its long-term freezes on filing certain full-power and Class A TV station minor modification applications and full-power TV station rulemaking petitions to amend the DTV Table of Allotments. With the completion of the DTV transition in 2009 and the post-incentive auction transition period in July 2020, the Media Bureau found these freezes no longer necessary, and they will be lifted effective November 27.

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ADVOCACY NEWS

Tips and Tools for Defeating a State or Local Ad Tax

Many states, including West Virginia, Illinois, Louisiana, Connecticut, Oklahoma, Maryland, New York, as well as Washington, D.C., have attempted to impose various forms of an ad tax that would be devastating to broadcasters and local economies. NAB and state broadcast associations, along with broader advertising coalitions, have successfully defeated these harmful tax initiatives, but similar and even repeated attempts can be expected across the country.

A tax on advertising would hurt local radio and television stations, newspapers and other small businesses at a time when they are already struggling to keep their doors open. Cities and municipalities across the country that are hurting for revenue could follow suit and take similar actions to tax advertising.

To help prepare for this possibility, NAB has developed a toolkit for members only to suggest and help guide local campaigns to defeat ad taxes, should they be necessary.

ACCESS TOOLKIT »   

NAB NEWS

NAB to Unveil New Member Platform This Week to Better Serve Your Needs

NAB is evolving to provide our members with the information and tools to help you best serve your communities, strengthen your businesses, develop your careers and seize new opportunities. To that end, this week NAB is launching My NAB, a platform designed to create a more personalized and enhanced experience for our members to interact with NAB, access members-only content and easily register for programs and awards. This platform will also offer a secure and simplified way for members to manage their own accounts and personalize their preferences. Stay tuned for more information on the launch of My NAB!

NAB Names New Chief Financial Officer

NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith has announced that Téa Gennaro will assume the role of executive vice president and chief financial officer at NAB starting November 23. Most recently, Gennaro served as chief financial officer of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC National) in Washington, D.C.

"After an extensive search, it became clear that Téa was an exceptional fit for the NAB CFO position," said Smith. "NAB and our members will be well-served by her leadership, vision and financial expertise as she fills this vital role."

Read NAB's full statement here.

NAB Blog: Local TV Sees Audience Boost, Reaching Younger and More Diverse Audiences

The latest NAB Blog post highlights key findings of the October 2020 Nielsen Local Watch Report that reveals an interesting snapshot of viewers - that of a growing, younger and diverse demographic.

NAB Crystal Radio Awards - Get Ready to Enter

Gather your 2020 community service efforts and get ready to submit your NAB Crystal Radio Award entry. Ten NAB member stations will receive national recognition and be honored with this prestigious award. The entry window opens on January 1. Information is available here.

2020 Sales and Management Television Exchange (SMTE) Now Available On-Demand

SMTE 2020 is now available for on-demand viewing. This year's SMTE is designed specifically to help television sales and management teams break through the current barriers facing the industry. Attendees will gain the tools and knowledge needed to manage business operations and develop innovative strategies that will generate revenue in this new normal. Learn more here.

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Radio Show's Radio Week is Now On-Demand

Radio Week 2020 may be over, but you can still access all the great content. All sessions are now available for on-demand viewing.

Celebrate radio, media and all things audio with the best of the best in content, networking opportunities and technology presentations, including exclusive keynotes from Byron Allen, Dave Ramsey, Rishad Tobaccowala and thought leaders shaping the future of media and advertising.

Visit RadioShowWeb.com to view on-demand. NAB members can use code NABMEM to receive $25 off the $50 registration rate to access the on-demand content.

REGISTER NOW »   

Access NAB Show New York On Demand

The silver lining of NAB Show New York moving to a digital event: you have on-demand access to the content and products. Tune back in and discover more insights, tech and tricks that are moving media and entertainment forward. Access to on demand content requires a Marketplace Pass. Get yours for FREE with code WATCH.



COVERING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Covering the Coronavirus Pandemic

Helping Stations Navigate the Pandemic

While broadcasters have been on the front lines keeping our communities connected and informed, NAB has been working around the clock to provide vital resources and support your needs. Our team is fighting for congressional and regulatory relief and providing tools to help your station continue to serve your local communities.

Click here to see how NAB is actively working to support your station and the resources available to you.

Last month, the House of Representatives passed The Heroes Act, which includes provisions to expand eligibility for U.S. Small Business Administration loan access to struggling local newspapers and radio and television stations. Read NAB's full statement here. Similar legislation - the Heroes Small Business Lifeline Act - was introduced in the Senate to expand PPP loan eligibility for broadcasters. It remains to be seen whether Congress can agree on a pandemic relief package during the lame duck session of Congress.

NAB will continue to fight for station relief in any COVID-19 relief legislation that is considered. If you have not yet done so, please reach out to your legislators to reinforce the need for additional congressional action here.

On-Demand: Beltway Briefing - COVID-19 Broadcaster Relief

Learn more about NAB's efforts to advocate for additional COVID-19 broadcaster relief, so you can speak to your legislators about this important issue when they are in their home districts. Gain strategies for effectively communicating the importance of local broadcasting even when you cannot meet with policymakers face-to-face. This webcast is now available to watch on-demand, free for NAB members.

REGISTER NOW »   


WE ARE BROADCASTERS

Covering the Coronavirus Pandemic

Broadcasters Nationwide Produce Award-Winning Investigative Journalism

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 how local stations across the country are producing award-winning investigative journalism and provided critical election coverage. Please tag your stories of service with #WeAreBroadcasters or reach out to WeAreBroadcasters@nab.org so we can honor your station's work.


NAB EDUCATION

Latest NAB Podcast Examines Broadcast TV's Unique Value Propositions

On our current podcast, Stacey Lynn Schulman, principal, Hi: Human Insight, shares recent media engagement data and reveals broadcast televisions key differentiators heading into the holiday season and beyond. This conversation is a follow-up to Schulman's NAB Sales and Management television Exchange session.

LISTEN NOW »   

NABPAC

Stay Connected with NABPAC

ICYMI - NABPAC produces flash briefings and policy and political updates for broadcasters exclusively for our NABPAC community. Episodes 20 and 21 discussed insights from the 2020 election, answered NAB member's questions directly and addressed what the new Congress means for our advocacy. We will be back with episode 22 this Friday!

Gain access to our archives and subscribe to complimentary weekly flash briefings on these issues and more here.


NAB LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION

NAB Leadership Foundation Welcomes New Members to its Board

The NAB Leadership Foundation is pleased to welcome seven new members to its board of directors: Katz Media Group's Artie Altman, Gray Television's Jan Goldstein, The E.W. Scripps Company's Brian Lawlor, Viacom CBS's DeDe Lea, ABC Television's Wendy McMahon, Quincy Media's Ralph Oakley and iHeartMedia's Gayle Troberman. Read NAB's statement here.

Build your Broadcast Career Here

Connect what you know with who you know. Broadcast Career Link gives you access to hundreds of broadcast jobs within the industry. Whether you've been in the industry for years or you're just getting started, this career center has the tools and resources you need to stay ahead of the competition and land your dream job.

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