Legislative Update

President Biden is moving to fill two openings at the Federal Communications Commission, nominating Jessica Rosenworcel as the commission’s chair, and former FCC staffer Gigi Sohn to a second vacant seat. Rosenworcel has been serving as the acting chair of the commission and has been on the panel since 2012. Sohn was counselor to former…

MAB incoming President and CEO Sam Klemet met with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel this week. Nessel, along with 14 other Attorneys General in the country, recently signed a letter in support of the Local Journalism Sustainability Act that would create a targeted tax credit for the hiring and retention of local journalists as well…

Former U.S. Representative Dan Benishek, who represented northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula for three terms in Congress, died last Friday (10/15) at the age of 69. Benishek was a Republican from Crystal Falls. He made veteran affairs one of his top priorities while serving. He represented Michigan’s 1st District from 2011-2017. “We are heartbroken…

By: David Oxenford, Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP A recent controversial court of appeals decision on a defamation claim brought by Congressman Devin Nunes sends a signal to broadcasters about the care they need to give to reviewing commercial messages – particularly political attack ads – when questions are raised as to the truth of the assertions made…

The Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) Media Bureau recently issued a public notice reminding commercial and noncommercial broadcasters of their obligation to file their 2021 biennial ownership reports on FCC Form 323 or 323-E, respectively. In the notice, the FCC stated that it intends to take enforcement actions against stations that fail to file timely, complete…

Michigan broadcasters shared the importance of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and access to public records with the Michigan House Oversight Committee on Thursday (10/14). “Local journalists are a conduit between government and the public and it’s essential that they have access to public records to protect the promise of transparency and accountability by…

Former Michigan Rep. Dale Kildee, who represented his hometown of Flint and the surrounding area in Congress for 36 years, died Wednesday (10/13) at 92. His death was announced by his nephew, Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI 5th District), who succeeded him after his 2012 retirement. Dale Kildee, also a Democrat, was elected to the House…

This week, MAB staff and members from stations across the state had the opportunity to meet in-person with Representatives Lisa McClain (R-MI10) and Peter Meijer (R-MI3) at their district offices as well as Representative John Moolenaar (R-MI4) virtually. Advocacy is a core mission of the MAB and as our industry evolves, it’s critical to keep…

By: Scott R. Flick, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman Editor’s note: Washington broadcast attorney Scott Flick has given us permission to reprint a recent post he shared with members of the National Alliance of State Broadcasters Association (NASBA). Here are Scott’s points: Marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, and since broadcast stations rely on federal…

By: David Oxenford, Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP We are nearing the end of September and, in many jurisdictions, we are in the heart of political season – though mostly for state and local elections. While most broadcast stations don’t think much about the FCC’s political broadcasting rules in odd-numbered years, they are required to do…