On July 17, Radio Ink Magazine released its 2023 list of the “40 Most Powerful People in Radio,” and joining the ranks of the elite this year is Midwest Communications President/CEO (and former MAB Chair) Peter Tanz. A 38-year company veteran, Tanz was appointed to his current role in January, 2023 following the unfortunate passing of founder Duke Wright.
FEMA and the FCC announced August 3 that this year’s Nationwide EAS Test is scheduled for October 4, 2023 (with a back-up date of October 11). FEMA issued this Release about the test. The FCC issued a Public Notice which includes a list of recommended steps that broadcasters should take to prepare for the alert.
PBS has announced the appointment of former WKAR Public Media Director of Broadcasting and General Manager Susi Elkins as Senior Vice President, Station Services. As head of Station Services, Elkins will oversee the department that serves as a central communication point for member stations.
Liggett Communication’s WHLS (Port Huron)(Rock 105.5) has announced that it will partner for the second straight year with the Blue Water Area Humane Society and several local businesses for Rockin’ the Rescue, a day-long fundraising and awareness event to take place at the International Flag Plaza Plaza in Port Huron.
This past Monday (7/31), the FCC’s Media Bureau announced the rules for the filing window for new LPFM stations that is to open on November 1, 2023.
The most important click on your website (and app): LISTEN LIVE. You’d be shocked at how hard that is to find on many radio sites. Same goes for your app.
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has revealed the finalists for the 2023 NAB Marconi Radio Awards. This year, Debbie Kenyon, SVP/Market Manager at Audacy’s Detroit cluster is a finalist in the Legendary Radio Manager of the Year category. Kenyon was the recipient of MAB’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.
Gray Television’s WNEM-TV (Bay City-Saginaw) has announced that Diane Phillips has joined the station’s First Alert Weather Team as their new meteorologist. Phillips comes to WNEM after spending two years at WTOL-TV (Toledo, OH).
“NAB applauds Senate Commerce Committee passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. This legislation will ensure that the tens of millions of AM radio listeners across the country retain access to local news, diverse community programming and emergency information. Moreover, this legislation enables AM radio’s continued role as the backbone of the nation’s Emergency Alert System.”
Stories about “deepfakes,” “synthetic media,” and other forms of artificial intelligence being used in political campaigns, including in advertising messages, have abounded in recent weeks.