Legislative Update
Michigan’s U.S. Senators Could Chair Committees With Dem Majority
Both of Michigan’s U.S. Senate members could end up chairing committees soon with a razor-thin majority in the chamber once Georgia’s runoff elections that were held Tuesday are certified as the two Democratic candidates there are projected as winners, according to a report in Gongwer. U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Township) is the ranking member of…
Read MoreA Message from Senator Smith: Broadcasters Shine a Light on Democracy
By: Gordon H. Smith, President and CEO, National Association of Broadcasters Yesterday (1/6), was a new day of infamy in the chronicle of American history. I never imagined that the United States Capitol Building, a place that I honor and cherish as the secular temple of our democracy, could be desecrated by a domestic mob.…
Read MoreRadio Simulcast Fight Could Provide Hint at New FCC Majority’s Plans
According to a Thursday report in InsideRadio, an early test for a new Democrat-controlled Federal Communications Commission on how it will treat radio regulations may come not over a hot-button issue like radio ownership, but rather the arcane Radio Duplication Rule. That is because the decision to abolish the rule limiting station simulcasts was made…
Read MoreA Third Of Michigan Restaurants Fear They May Close In Six Months
Research released by the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association on Tuesday revealed many hospitality businesses fear they will have to close within the year because of the economic impacts of COVID-19, according to a report in Gongwer. At least 5,600 restaurant operators say it is unlikely they will still be in business in six months.…
Read MoreFCC Targeting Property Owners in Pirate Radio Enforcement
The Federal Communications Commission’s Enforcement Bureau has begun targeting property owners and managers that tolerate pirate broadcasting on their properties. The commission has issued an announcement that it is exercising its new authority under the recently enacted PIRATE Act. “Parties that knowingly facilitate illegal broadcasting on their property are liable for fines of up to…
Read MoreOnline Sports Betting/Casino Gaming to Launch Early 2021 in Michigan
While many have hoped for a launch before the end of the year, it now appears online gaming won’t happen for about six weeks, MGCB executive director Richard Kalm told MLive Friday (12/4). On December 1, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR), a bipartisan group of lawmakers from both the Michigan Senate and House…
Read MoreMORE Act Passes House – But Don’t Rush to Run Marijuana Ads on Your Broadcast Station
By: David Oxenford, Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP Last week, there was much written in the press about the MORE Act passing in the House of Representatives, taking actions to decriminalize marijuana under federal law. This would include removing marijuana from Schedule I, which is the list of drugs whose use for almost all purposes is prohibited in the United…
Read MoreFCC Updates Rules Promoting Broadcast Internet
The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday (12/10 ) issued a Report and Order updating its rules to promote the introduction of ATSC 3.0-enabled innovative ancillary and supplementary broadcast services, otherwise known as Broadcast Internet. The advances in spectrum efficiency provided by ATSC 3.0 means that broadcasters will continue to provide high-quality, free, over-the-air digital television…
Read MoreMDHHS Extends Epidemic Order 12 days (to 12/20/20) to Ensure COVID-19 Surge is Stabilizing
December 7, 2020 – Press Release from State Police Emergency Operations Center Indoor and outdoor gatherings to remain limited, department to closely monitor hospital beds with COVID patients, rate of case growth, positivity rate prior to re-engagement LANSING, MICH. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has extended by 12 days the epidemic order that restricts…
Read MoreDHS Site Access Letter Addendum Available
In March and again in June, the MAB distributed letters to stations from the Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber-Security and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The letters are a precaution with the current COVID-19 emergency and grants broadcasters access to studio and transmitter facilities in the event of a shelter-in-place order or road closures. It was…
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