An Electronic Publication of the National Association of Broadcasters

Join the National Month of Action

At the request of the White House, NAB is asking all stations to participate in a national month of action in June. This focused push of vaccine education activity in communities across the U.S. is ensuring all Americans understand the importance of getting a COVID-19 vaccine leading up to Independence Day. By July 4, President Joe Biden has set a goal of 160 million fully vaccinated Americans, or 70% of adults 18 and older. NAB is urging all members to include vaccine education in their programming and online to urge Americans to get vaccinated.

Your vaccine education efforts can take place any time in June and stations have complete flexibility to decide what this looks like for their market.

Examples include:

• Hosting medical professionals on air to answer listener/viewer questions;
• Using online platforms, such as websites and social media, to share information about vaccines using the hashtags #WeCanDoThis and #WeAreBroadcasters;
• Hosting live phone banks to answer listener and viewer questions;
• Hosting a mobile vaccine event at the station or in the community; or
• Inoculating a station or community personality live on the air; etc.

NAB's Vaccine Toolkit has also 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. In addition, the administration has provided an overview of the national month of action, as well as social media tools and a list of frequently asked questions that they are hearing nationwide. A list of national medical experts are available on the vaccine toolkit, along with the option of requesting a local voice. The Ad Council and the COVID Collaborative have also partnered with CVS, Walgreens and Walmart to make pharmacists available to participate in on-air vaccination segments.

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.

Share this:

Local Radio Freedom Act Continues to Gain 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 138 members of the House and 18 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.

NAB Supports Diversity in Government Relations Coalition Pledge

NAB is proud to be one of four early adopters of the Diversity in Government Relations (DGR) pledge, along with America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), Signal Group and Women's Global Impact Initiative. We continue to build a workforce that reflects the communities our members serve, including within our Government Relations department, which advocates for our broadcasters on Capitol Hill and at the White House, and our goal to support diversity aligns with the Diversity in Government Relations (DGR) Coalition Industry pledge, the first of its kind in the Government Relations industry.

Copyright Royalty Board Releases Decision on Radio Streaming Rates

The Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) announced its ruling in the Web V proceeding last Friday evening, slightly raising the current rate to $0.21 per stream for ad-supported non-interactive services (e.g., radio stations), and $.0026 per stream for subscription non-interactive services. NAB is very pleased that the CRB did not adopt SoundExchange's aggressive and deeply flawed proposal to dramatically raise rates on radio stations. SoundExchange had sought $.0028 per stream for ad-supported services, and $.0031 per stream for subscription services. Unfortunately, the CRB judges did not accept NAB's request to grant additional relief to radio stations who merely simulcast their terrestrial content. NAB is waiting for the public release of the CRB's 300-plus-page decision. Once it is available for review, NAB will determine what our next steps might be as we continue to advocate for radio stations.

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.

Spotlighting How Broadcasters Bring Critical News and Information to Their Communities

NAB regularly shares with members of Congress examples of how local broadcasters have been at their best during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing fact-based journalism, breaking news, vaccine education and supporting local businesses. Last month, the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) announced the regional winners of the 2021 Edward R. Murrow Awards, recognizing outstanding journalism from hundreds of local television and radio stations across the country during an unprecedented year. 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 Voices From the Field: Judy Hsu

Judy Hsu, anchor, ABC 7 Chicago, joins Voices from the Field to talk about her journey into broadcasting, what inspires her, how the role of women in the newsroom has evolved and advice for budding journalists.

NAB Show Returns to Vegas with the Radio Show and SMTE

After more than two years apart, it's time to reconnect and reengage with your community at the most significant in-person media and entertainment event of 2021. This October, come together to gain unparalleled access to innovative strategies, inspiration and solutions. If you're seeking to create superior audio and visual experiences that attract listeners and viewers in large numbers for greater reach, NAB Show is for you.

Start preparing now for a celebration like no other as we host three of our most significant industry events in one city: NAB Show, Radio Show and the Sales and Management Television Exchange (SMTE) in Las Vegas, October 8-14.

All NAB Show and co-located event registrants receive access to the NAB Show floor, open October 10-13, as well as all-access NAB Show Main Stage sessions and special events. Maximize your conference experience and get a taste of two or more of these events with a registration bundle offer. Register today for your free Exhibits Pass using code EM10.

Just announced! NPR's "All Things Considered" to be inducted into NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame

Enter the SMTE Money Makers Competition and Win Big in Las Vegas

SMTE attendees could win big bucks in Las Vegas this fall by entering NAB's annual Money Makers Competition during SMTE on October 8-9 at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

Submit your television station's best original ad sales promotion ideas to compete against other TV stations in designated market areas 40-210 to win money, prizes and top recognition for your station during SMTE 2021. Early deadline: June 18.

Please contact Tobi Hall with any questions.

2021 Engineering Achievement and Digital Leadership Awards to be Presented at NAB Amplify Event

NAB will host a special event June 17 at 2 p.m. EDT on NAB Amplify to announce and celebrate the 2021 recipients of the NAB Engineering Achievement Awards and Digital Leadership Award.

The special session titled "The Future of Media and NAB Technology Awards" kicks off with a keynote conversation with Mike Chapman, a partner and Americas Media Lead at Kearney, a management consulting firm specializing in corporate and growth strategy and business transformation. Chapman will discuss the future of media, including trends to watch, with Sam Matheny, executive vice president and chief technology officer, NAB.

Register now for NAB Amplify to access this session.

PILOT Opens Application Window for 2021 Innovation Challenge

PILOT, NAB's technology innovation initiative, is now accepting submissions for the PILOT Innovation Challenge through 5 p.m. ET on July 9. The program will provide mentorship and promotion to winning proposals, along with an opportunity to demonstrate their products at NAB Show in Las Vegas, October 9-13, 2021.

This year's challenge is seeking startups and growing companies providing solutions to some of the key challenges and opportunities facing broadcasters over the next two to three years.

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.

New on the NAB Podcast: Inside In-Store Audio Advertising

On the latest NAB Podcast Paul Brenner, president of Audio Out of Home and chief strategy officer, Vibenomics, details how his new company works directly with consumer brands to help them reach audiences right before the point-of-purchase and discusses the logical business tie-ins for broadcasters.

Register now for NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists' Student Conference

NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists recently announced their inaugural Student Conference. This virtual gathering will take place from June 25-26 and will feature opportunities for students to learn from industry experts, connect with fellow student journalists and explore the intersections of the media world and LGBTQ identities. Sessions will feature discussions on topics such as self-expression in the workplace, the history of LGBTQ journalism and how to start one's own publication. Students will have the opportunity to connect with recruiters from top news organizations at the Internship and Career Fair. Registration is available here and is free for NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists student members and $25 for non-members.

New Course Available: Online Public Inspection File

Created to meet the information needs of radio and television broadcast professionals, this course defines OPIF and what it must contain for stations to be in full compliance with all Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filing rules and policies. Discounted NAB member rate: $29.99

Radio Rules: A Guide to FCC Regulations for Radio Stations

The newest edition of Radio Rules is now available. This must-have resource contains the latest critical information and guidelines to help you better understand Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations and avoid costly litigation or fines. Includes an online scenario-based training and a PDF guide. Discounted NAB member rate: $29.99

Stay Connected with NABPAC

This Wednesday, June 16 at 3:30 p.m. ET, NABPAC's Connect to Congress town hall will feature special guest and former broadcaster Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27). These townhalls are complimentary for our NABPAC community. Click here to learn more and to find out how you can receive these invites. If you have additional questions, please reach out to Jenn Flemming at jflemming@nab.org.

Lin-Manuel Miranda to Receive NAB Leadership Foundation Service to America Leadership Award

Award-winning artist Lin-Manuel Miranda will receive the 2021 Service to America Leadership Award from the NAB Leadership Foundation for his advocacy and support for the Latino community and the arts. Miranda will receive the honor during the 2021 Celebration of Service to America Awards, premiering on July 10, 2021.

The Service to America Leadership Award recognizes individuals and organizations responsible for improving the lives of others through extraordinary public service. It is the Leadership Foundation's highest individual honor.