February 2021
NAB to FCC: Broadcasters Can Promote Emergency Broadband Benefit
Broadcasters want to get a cut of those billions of dollars in the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) established by legislation passed last December, according to a report in Broadcasting+Cable. The bill provides for $3.2 billion in subsidies to be handed out by the FCC over a six-month period. Under a tight congressional deadline, the FCC…
Read MoreWKAR’s Elkins Elected to America’s Public Television Stations Board
America’s Public Television Stations announced February 16 that Susi Elkins, director of broadcasting and general manager of WKAR Public Media at Michigan State University has been elected to serve as professional vice chair on the board of the nonprofit organization. The mission of APTS is to ensure a strong and financially sound public television system…
Read MoreWWJ’s 18th Winter Survival Radiothon For THAW raises $416K in Heating Assistance
Entercom’s WWJ-AM (Detroit) held its 18th Annual Winter Survival Radiothon for THAW (The Heat And Warmth Fund) on February 12, raising $416,000 in Heating Assistance for Detroit area residents in need. The 14-hour radiothon raised donations to keep families safe and warm this winter by bidding on items in the Online Auction. Many have generously…
Read MoreThe Return of the Fairness Doctrine – What it Was and Why it Won’t Return
By: David Oxenford, Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP It seems like whenever Democrats are elected to serve as President and take control of Congress, there is talk about the revival of the Fairness Doctrine as some panacea for restoring balance and civility to political debate. In recent weeks, we have seen many articles blaming conservative talk…
Read MoreFormer Detroit TV Anchor Karen Hudson-Samuels Dies
The MAB has learned that former WGPR-TV (Detroit) anchor, producer and news director Karen Hudson-Samuels has passed away. The Detroit media icon was found dead at her home by her husband last Tuesday (2/9), just one day after taking the COVID-19 vaccine, but the official cause of her death is still unknown. One of Samuels’…
Read MoreLobbying Firms Kelley Cawthorne, Brown Consulting Announce Merger
Longtime MAB legislative consultant firm Kelley Cawthorne has announced a merger with Berton Brown Consulting. The combined firm will remain known as Kelley Cawthorne. The merger also launches a new initiative, Kelley Cawthorne Empower. Led by Berton Brown, the minority-owned consulting group focuses on diversity and inclusion, community engagement and traditionally under-represented entities, in addition…
Read MoreTownsquare Announces First Ever Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Townie Awards
Townsquare Kalamazoo/Battle Creek has announced its inaugural Townie Awards for 2021. In a release, the company said they are committed to standing with local businesses, and the people who bring them to life and make them special. Local businesses have always been an integral part of the fabric of their community, and supporting these businesses…
Read MoreWXSP to Air Grand Rapids Griffins’ Home Games
Nexstar’s WXSP-TV has announced that it will air all 15 Grand Rapids Griffins home games this season. Larry Figurski of sister station WOOD-TV will handle play-by-play duties while Bob Kaser, the voice of the Griffins, recovers from his recent open-heart surgery. Figurski will be joined by commentators Lou Rabaut, a longtime analyst on Griffins broadcasts,…
Read More12 Proven Strategies to Grow Ratings
By: Gary Berkowitz Berkowitz Broadcast Consulting One of the most exciting parts of my job is to work all over the US in many different markets. In this post, I will share the important points that come up most often in market after market. Identifying music is a major benefit to female listeners. When you…
Read MoreMAB To Offer FREE Sales and Leadership Helpline
Understanding how important it is to get the Michigan Economy back up to full vitality again and that many of you are working with reduced staff at least until the economy improves, MAB has hired two of the best sales and leadership consultants to help you. Mark and Holly Levy, Revenue Development Resources (RDR) are…
Read More