An Electronic Publication of the National Association of Broadcasters

Local Radio Freedom Act Garners Bipartisan Support in Congress

Congress is once again standing up for local radio listeners. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Steve Womack (AR-3) and Sens. Martin Heinrich (NM) and John Barrasso (WY) have introduced bipartisan legislation opposing a performance tax on local radio stations - the Local Radio Freedom Act. This resolution opposes "any new performance fee, tax or other charge" on local radio and is supported by a growing list, currently at 112 members of the House and 14 senators. These legislators are sending a strong message that an attempt to pass a new performance fee on radio would be a losing battle.

Please take action today and thank your members of Congress who are supporting this legislation or encourage them to cosponsor if they are not already. NAB's online tool will guide you as to whether your legislators are currently supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act.

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New Study: Broadcasters Disadvantaged by Technology Platforms' Market Power

A new study released by BIA Advisory Services found that each year broadcasters lose nearly $2 billion in value that they generate for two of the largest technology platforms through publication of their valuable content - particularly local news.

Commissioned by NAB, the study, "Economic Impact of Big Tech Platforms on the Viability of Local Broadcast News," found that broadcasters do not receive fair compensation for their valuable local news content because of the substantial market power exercised by large technology platforms. These platforms leverage their market power to advance their own growth to the detriment of local broadcasters, putting a severe strain on the economics and viability of local news.

Read more about the study's findings here, and see what NAB is doing to advocate for your stations here. Click below to tell your representatives to stand up for listeners and viewers by supporting the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act.

Broadcasters Gather Virtually for 2021 State Leadership Conference

Broadcasters from around the country met virtually last week as part of the 2021 State Leadership Conference (SLC), an annual gathering of 500 radio and TV station representatives from across the country, held online for the first time in NAB history. The conference helps educate the broadcast industry to advocate on relevant legislative and regulatory issues. Then broadcasters meet with their members of Congress and FCC representatives to ensure they understand how policy issues may impact local stations, as well as their listeners and viewers.

Attendees heard from NAB President and CEO Gordon H. Smith, Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (WA) and FCC Acting Chair Jessica Rosenworcel.

NAB Show Premiere On Demand

Catch Up, Rewatch and Start the Countdown

NAB Show Premiere is your first glimpse at what to look forward to at NAB Show this October. We're excited about reuniting the industry and we hope these recorded sessions spark some inspiration, enthusiasm and anticipation for what's to come later this year.

Participants must have an NAB Amplify account to access NAB Show Premiere videos on-demand.

Marconi Radio Awards Now Accepting Nominations

NAB is now accepting nominations for the 2021 NAB Marconi Radio Awards and will be accepting submissions until May 31. All nominations must be submitted through My NAB. The complete list of categories, entry rules and qualifications can be found here. Contact Tobi Hall with questions regarding the Marconi Radio Awards, nomination process or station eligibility.

Voices From the Field: Diedra Rodriguez

Diedra Rodriguez, digital content creator with WTVT FOX 13 News Tampa, Florida shares her personal journey in broadcasting, discusses how digital content is conceived and crafted and the myriad ways it serves local communities.

Become an NAB Broadcast Ambassador

NAB recently launched the Broadcast Ambassador Program, a new volunteer initiative designed to enhance communication between NAB and our member stations' employees at all levels to ensure stations are taking full advantage of the benefits that come with NAB membership.

Nationwide EAS Test Scheduled for August 11, 2021

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has informed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that it plans to conduct the next nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on August 11, 2021. They also plan to conduct a nationwide Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) test simultaneously. FEMA added that, in the event the test may interfere with actual alerting needs on August 11, the backup date for the test will be August 25, 2021. The test scheduled for 2020 was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so the upcoming test is expected to be similar to the test that occurred in 2019. Broadcasters should watch for further instructions from the FCC in the coming weeks about the test reports that EAS Participants will be required to submit before and after the national test is conducted. That information helps the government determine whether problems are linked to specific types of equipment or if certain geographic areas do not have adequate alerting coverage.

Educate Your Audience About the Emergency Broadband Benefit

Do your listeners and viewers know that they may be eligible for a new discount of up to $50 per month on broadband service (up to $75 per month for qualifying households on qualifying tribal lands)? Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from participating providers.

This new government benefit is designed to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) needs our help to get the word out.

This month, the FCC launched the Emergency Broadband Benefit, a new temporary benefit program designed to help low-income households and others impacted by the pandemic maintain access to broadband services. The Commission has asked for radio and TV stations to help make listeners and viewers aware of this benefit. You can access the FCC's Emergency Broadband Benefit Outreach Toolkit as well as radio PSAs they have provided on the NAB Spot Center.

Is Your Community Getting Vaccinated?

While new vaccines and their deployment are giving Americans hope of brighter days ahead, broadcasters continue to serve as a lifeline to communities during the pandemic. Most critically, broadcasters are helping to answer listener and viewer questions about vaccines and spread the word about vaccination sites.

NAB's Vaccine Toolkit has recently added a list of vaccine hesitant communities provided to us by the White House and the Ad Council. You can access that list here. If you have a station in one of these communities, please consider additional vaccine education efforts.

In addition, the administration has provided a list of frequently asked questions that they are hearing nationwide, as well as media-trained physicians who are available for interviews. A list of national medical experts are available on the vaccine toolkit, along with the option of requesting a local voice, should you need that.

The toolkit is designed to share information and resources to help you create news reports, access public service announcements and other efforts to promote vaccination. It is free to all newsrooms and available in English and Spanish.

Spotlighting How Broadcasters Bring Critical News and Information to Their Communities

NAB regularly shares with members of Congress examples of how local broadcasters are providing their communities with the critical news and information they need most. America's broadcasters are working educate their viewers and listeners about the recent surge in hate crimes against Asian Americans. Read more here.

To help us continue to educate Congress on the important work of broadcasters, please air NAB's We Are Broadcasters spots, which showcase stations' important role in delivering critical news and information to your communities. Air them as often as possible and keep posting stories of your public service on social media to send a strong message to policymakers.

Don't forget to tag your social media posts with #WeAreBroadcasters or reach out to WeAreBroadcasters@nab.org so we can help amplify your station's work.

New on the NAB Podcast: Putting Recent Violence Against AAPI People in Context

In the wake of the recent Atlanta shootings, stations across America have begun to reexamine how they cover Asian American and Pacific Islander-centric stories. Niala Boodhoo, host, Axios Today and past Asian American Journalist Association (AAJA) vice president and board member, details the history of AAPI hate crimes in America and discusses steps stations can take to accurately, fairly and safely cover these stories. Niala also talks about building bridges within the AAPI community and highlights several Asian reporters doing stalwart work in the field today.

Digital Solutions Forum for Radio Stations

Join the NAB Small and Medium Market Radio Committee on Thursday, May 20 from 3-4 p.m. ET for an interactive conversation via Zoom, where you and your colleagues can discuss digital products, workflows and solutions that deliver tangible results in your stations. You will also hear from Marketron as they discuss the success of their NXT Digital product and how it benefits radio companies. Then Target Digital Solutions will share their latest case-study research and digital product offerings, all followed by a live Q-and-A session.

Stay Connected with NABPAC

This month's Connect to Congress event will be held in partnership with NAB's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team. Next Monday, May 24 at 1 p.m. ET, special guest U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (IL), member of the Senate Commerce Committee, will speak with ABC7 Chicago news anchor Judy Hsu in a conversation co-hosted by NAB Chief Diversity Officer Michelle Duke. This event is open to all NAB members. RSVP now and be sure to join us for this important dialogue.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Jenn Flemming at jflemming@nab.org.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resource Center

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resource Center provides the organizations, consultants, resources, and toolkits you need to create conversation, elicit change, and seek personal and professional growth opportunities. Whether you are looking for professional training or help from professional organizations and experts, this center will help you build a diverse and inclusive workplace.