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The Commission adopts a Report and Order modernizing and simplifying the written and on-air public notices broadcasters must provide upon the filing of certain applications

New Rules Make It Easier for Consumers to Access Information

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The Commission adopts a Report and Order implementing Section 1003 of the Television Viewer Protection Act of 2019 relating to Good Faith Negotiation of Retransmission Consent

“We are not just dealing with a crisis, but also a catalyst.”

So says Sam Matheny, CTO and executive vice president at the National Association of Broadcasters, opening the online version of the Broadcasting Engineering and IT Conference Wednesday. It was part of the two-day NAB Show Express event.

“Things are changing rapidly, and in ways people may have never thought possible,” Matheny said, according to the text of his prepared remarks as provided by NAB. “Companies have adopted remote production, cloud technologies, distributed master control and so much more.”

[Read RW’s interview with Engineering Achievement Award recipient Jeff Welton]

Matheny said such change would typically take a long time — “years to convince people of, and still years more to deploy.” But the pandemic is prompting rapid change. “It unleashed your talents and genius as you were tasked with adapting and thriving in a new operating environment.”

Matheny said he has had numerous CEO conversations about the value of technology and engineering right now, enabling stations to stay on the air.

“They’ve said, ‘You know, if you had asked me eight weeks ago was this possible, I would have told you no. But, it has actually worked quite well.’ And they weren’t describing minor changes. They were describing 75% of the workforce being displaced from the office. They were describing massive change. And you, you are your company heroes of this pandemic. Thank you for all you are doing to keep our communities and nation informed and safe, and also entertained.”

[Read RW’s interview in March with Sam Matheny about the coronavirus response]

A number of the sessions planned for the BEITC conference migrated to the NAB Show Express website and are accessible there either live or on-demand. For radio, they include presentations about hybrid radio and digital radio from the likes of Audi, Radio DNS and Xperi.

The site also features presentations and acceptance remarks for the NAB’s Engineering Achievement Awards including the radio award to Jeff Welton of Nautel and the Digital Leadership Award to J.D. Crowley of Entercom.

 

The post Matheny Thanks Engineers: “You Are Your Company Heroes” appeared first on Radio World.

The Federal Communications Commission believes a rule change adopted Wednesday will simplify the process by which broadcasters post certain notices. One commissioner said the change brings the disclosure process into the digital age.

Under the rules in place until now, when a broadcaster filed certain types of applications such as license renewals or transfers of control, it was required to let their communities know of the pending change. Specifically, it required certain applicants to provide written notice in the print edition of a local newspaper or, for radio and TV, to broadcast the filing of an application on-air.

[Read: FCC Looking to Modernize Local Public Notice Rule]

As a result of varying notice requirements imposed over the years, the FCC said, the rule had become “increasingly complex, creating compliance difficulties.” And such notices, it said, “do not easily facilitate public participation in the licensing process because they do not provide direct access to applications.”

Now, instead of publishing the news in a local paper, broadcasters can post the news online on a publicly accessible website that includes a link to the application. For radio, the newspaper publication is replaced by an on-air broadcast of the notice. This must direct listeners to the commission’s online databases where they can view and comment on the application.

It’s about time, according to one commissioner.

“Instead of taking up print space in competing local newspapers — to the extent that such papers even still exist — the new rules will simply require publication on a station website, or an alternative website in certain cases,” said Commissioner Michael O’Rielly in a statement.

The text of the order can be downloaded here.

The order also standardizes public notice requirements for on-air announcements, eliminates prefiling announcements and clarifies the local public notice obligations of international broadcast stations and low-power FM stations.

O’Rielly did question several issues that were included in the draft and raised during the comment process, such as requiring broadcasters to include the notice in a station’s online app. But all in all, the order provides greater flexibility for digital disclosures, he said.

The National Association of Broadcasters expressed satisfaction with the change. “Today’s vote will help bring the licensing process for local radio and TV stations into the modern age,” said NAB Senior Vice President of Communications Ann Marie Cumming. “Local broadcasters appreciate the efforts of Chairman Pai and the FCC to modernize archaic rules and ease outdated regulatory burdens.”

 

The post FCC Revises Public Notice Application Rules appeared first on Radio World.

The National Association of Broadcasters announced the 10 recipients of its 33rd annual NAB Crystal Radio Awards.

The winners were chosen from 50 finalists and were honored during NAB Show Express:

• KRMG-FM Tulsa, Okla.
• KUBL-FM Salt Lake City, Ut.
• WDNS-FM Bowling Green, Ky.
• WKRQ-FM Cincinnati, Ohio
• WSGW-AM Saginaw, Mich.
• KRWM-FM Seattle, Wa.
• KVTY-FM Lewiston, Idaho
• WHUR-FM Washington, D.C.
• WREW-FM Cincinnati, Ohio
• WSUN-FM Tampa Bay, Fla.

Five-time NAB Crystal Radio Award winning station KCVM-FM also received the Crystal Heritage Award.

Since 1987, the NAB Crystal Radio Awards have recognized radio stations for their outstanding year-round commitment to community service.

Finalists were chosen by a panel of judges representing broadcasting, community service organizations and public relations firms. Finalist were honored and winners announced during NAB Show Express, with the broadcast available on demand as of March 14 at nabshowexpress.com.

The post Crystal Radio Awards Winners Announced appeared first on Radio World.

Acknowledging the “pain” and “very difficult decisions” radio and TV stations have been making, NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith hailed broadcasters for their work during the pandemic.

Smith opened the online iteration of the NAB Show today with his traditional state of the industry address. “Broadcasters endure,” Smith said. “Right now, you are in the darkest valley, but know that for most Americans, you are their beacon of light and hope. You are on the front lines of this battle, and I want you to know that NAB stands together shoulder to shoulder with you.”

[Read the NAB Show Daily]

On the regulatory front, Smith said the FCC “heard our concerns and has announced multiple extensions of deadlines, clarifications and exceptions to existing policies.” (Read his full remarks at the bottom of this story.)

Smith hailed the work and role of radio and TV broadcasters in challenging times.

He hailed stations for their journalism and support for local businesses, schools and charities; and thanked them for airing NAB’s spots to help stop the spread of COVID-19. “You are not simply helping your communities stay healthy, you are offering them hope. You are giving them a literal lifeline.”

In a subsequent conversation with FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, Smith said that the radio industry has been “doubly damaged” by the nation’s advertising downturn.

Pai said that he too had heard from broadcasters that it’s “very hard for small-town radio to keep the lights on,” and said the commission has been exploring regulatory relief including fee structures. He encouraged stations to tell the FCC how it can advocate. Pai said he wants to see the broadcast industry stay vibrant and “not shrivel.”

And there was a bit of byplay to amuse watchers of the political scene.

Pai described Smith, the former U.S. senator and fellow Republican, as a mentor. Smith asked Pai what will come next for him personally after he eventually departs the FCC, adding with a smile that Pai should move on to the White House. Pai demurred to talk about his next role, saying he was amused by speculation he’s heard about his future. But Smith concluded the interview, again with a smile, saying, “I’d be happy to be your vice president.”

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Here is the text of Gordon Smith’s opening remarks:

I’d like to thank all of you for joining us for NAB Show Express. This is a new format and new experience for all of us. And while we can’t wait to be together again in Las Vegas next year, we plan to share many new digital show offerings with you in the future.

I particularly want to take a moment and thank the companies that support the broadcasting business — our exhibitors. Without you, our show would not be what it is. We are particularly grieved not to have in-person exhibits this year. We are all enduring this hardship together, and we appreciate those of you who have been, and will continue to be, NAB Show partners.

This current health crisis is an unprecedented time for our business … for our country… and even our world. Most of us have never lived through a global pandemic of this nature. It is impacting literally everything we do — from our families, to our friends and of course our businesses and our livelihoods.

NAB honored Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets, with its Distinguished Service Award. Kermit the Frog made a virtual appearance with Smith and Henson Co. Chairman Brian Henson.

I have talked to many of our broadcaster members during the past two months, and I have felt their pain and empathized with the very difficult decisions they are making. Some have had to take out loans to make payroll. Some have had to let go of trusted and capable staff. And some… I am very sorry to say, have had to close their doors entirely.

We don’t know how long this pandemic will last, or what the lasting effects of it might be on our economy. But there is one thing I do know… broadcasters endure. Right now, you are in the darkest valley, but know that for most Americans, you are their beacon of light and hope. You are on the front lines of this battle, and I want you to know that NAB stands together shoulder to shoulder with you.

It is a bit ironic, or maybe fortuitous, that this year, we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of broadcasting, and the story of our great industry is one rooted in keeping our communities safe, informed and connected. It is interesting to note that during the time of the first commercial radio broadcast from KDKA in Pittsburgh in 1920, America was just coming out of another pandemic — the 1918 Spanish flu.

Throughout the last century, America’s local radio and television broadcasters have been there to provide a reassuring voice and a sense of community during our nation’s most harrowing days.

Now, as the world faces an uncertain situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, your work is more important than ever.

Whether it’s providing the trusted journalism that is keeping our communities informed or providing access to our nation’s leaders and medical experts to help us better understand the crisis, you are protecting lives.

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai spoke with Smith during the opening. One of the chairman’s children was heard hollering in the background.

Broadcasters feel the suffering of their communities and have stepped up like never before to support small businesses and local restaurants, raise funds for those who have lost their jobs and help feed the hungry.

You’re also partnering with schools to allow teachers to assist children who have had their lives turned upside down and now must transition to virtual classrooms in the home.

The response from broadcasters — who themselves are fighting for their lives and livelihoods — has been nothing short of phenomenal.

We are incredibly grateful to all the stations who are airing NAB’s spots to help stop the spread of COVID-19, donating nearly $100 million worth of airtime so far.

But your commitment goes far beyond airing public service announcements. You are not simply helping your communities stay healthy, you are offering them hope. You are giving them a literal lifeline. You are a connection when Americans are desperately seeking ways to stay connected. And this is what broadcasters have done for 100 years.

We know this is likely the most challenging time local stations have ever encountered. This pandemic has crippled our nation’s economy and our industry has not been spared. Broadcasters are confronting plummeting advertising sales and enormous operational challenges. And yet, stations are doing what they do best: delivering the trusted and lifesaving information your communities need.

We know you cannot rest, and we won’t either.

NAB is working around the clock to deliver meaningful relief for the industry. And, we have appreciated the hard work and support of our state broadcast associations in our advocacy efforts. This includes urging legislators to allow local stations to apply for forgivable loans and to ensure the money the federal government is spending to advertise its programs is directed to local media. We have broad bipartisan support across Congress on these initiatives.

We are working closely with regulators as well, addressing areas of need for radio and TV stations, allowing you to focus on your role as first informers.

I am pleased that the FCC heard our concerns and has announced multiple extensions of deadlines, clarifications and exceptions to existing policies.

We won’t stop fighting for you and the relief you need to stay on the air.

Our great industry has endured for the past 100 years because of the indispensable and irreplaceable role broadcasters play in every town and city across the nation. And we will endure for at least 100 more, because you are the backbone of our country. You are truly what makes America great. And we are in this together.

I am reminded of a quote by American poet Theodore Roethke, “In a dark time, the eye begins to see.”

Though much remains uncertain, of this I can surely see: America’s broadcasters will always be there for their communities to lead them out of darkness during times of crisis… to connect us to our friends, family and community and to provide comfort and hope. This is true now, and it will be true when this crisis is over.

I am grateful for your strength, courage and conviction that will help us get through this together…and I am thankful for the reminder your stations provide each day… that we are not alone.

 

The post Smith Salutes Broadcasters: “Right Now, You Are in the Darkest Valley” appeared first on Radio World.

A group of unions under the AFL/CIO umbrella has issued a call to protect news teams during the pandemic and the process of reopening.

[Read: FCC Waives an EEO Requirement for Rehires]

News workers are considered an essential group of individuals and thus must be protected, according to the Department of Professional Employees, a coalition of 24 unions. As radio and TV broadcasters continue their jobs during the pandemic, DPE issued a set of guidelines calling on employers to ensure that:

• Basic safety guidelines are followed when an individual needs to be in the newsroom, control room, studio or in the field. This includes following government guidelines on social distance and protective measures, with workers supplied adequate personal protective equipment;
• Work that can be done from home should continue to be completed there, with proper tech support for the worker;
• Professional cleaning crews sufficiently disinfect all worksites and field vehicles;
• Employers adopt strict contact tracing plans to self-isolate those who may have been exposed to the coronavirus;
• Layoffs, furloughs and reductions in employee hours should be considered only after all other options have been exhausted.

“News workers have helped tell the story of this pandemic, its heroes and its ramifications,” said DPE in a statement. “At the same time, thousands more in the industry have lost jobs along with millions of other Americans. News is essential, perhaps like never before. As parts of our society and economy begin to reopen, we want to do everything we can to make sure media workers have safe and fair workplaces.”

Among the unions endorsing the statement are SAG-AFTRA, the Directors Guild of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Broadcasting jobs have been hit hard by the pandemic with companies such as Urban One, Cumulus Media and Beasley Media Group cutting or furloughing employees, reducing salaries and taking other steps in the face of the business downturn.

As media companies begin the process of reopening radio properties in some states, employers must continue to be vigilant to protect news workers’ safety, the unions say.

 

The post Unions Call on Broadcasters to Protect News Workers appeared first on Radio World.

We ask the FCC’s Al Shuldiner about interference complaints, the transition to LMS and the planned move of FCC headquarters. (Oh, and about the health crisis.) Also: Radio engineers talk about business continuity; Radio Marti begins shortwave DRM transmissions; the commission changes the LPFM technical rules; and Buyer’s Guide checks in on tools for visual radio.

Read it online here.

Prefer to do your reading offline? No problem! Simply click on the digital edition, go to the left corner and choose the download button to get a PDF version.

The post Inside the May 13 Issue of Radio World appeared first on Radio World.

In this document, the Commission seeks comment on whether to modify the Commission's rules governing the use of distributed transmission system (DTS) technologies by broadcast television stations. Specifically, the Commission seek comment on amending section 73.626 of its rules to permit, within certain limits, DTS signals to spill over beyond a station's authorized service area by more than the ``minimal amount'' currently allowed; how DTS signals extending beyond their current service areas should be treated for interference purposes if such spillover is allowed; potential impacts to other spectrum users, such as TV translators and LPTV stations, including whether there are alternatives to the proposed rule changes that could accomplish the intended objectives; whether to modify the DTS rules as they relate to Class A and LPTV licensees; and whether and to what extent the proposed changes are also appropriate for stations broadcasting in ATSC 1.0.

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Three businesses related to the familiar Orban brand announced the settlement of a years-long legal dispute.

According to the announcement, Orban Labs Inc., Circuit Research Labs Inc. and Orban Europe GmbH settled issues stemming from DaySequerra’s purchase of Orban in 2016. The announcement also lays out the future roles of several executives familiar to Orban customers.

The companies said ownership of Orban Europe GmbH and all other worldwide Orban assets are being transferred to Orban Labs today, May 12.

[Read: Orban Offers AM Processor]

As part of the settlement, Orban Labs President David Day said, “We are streamlining our sales order processing and inventory management by combining our businesses worldwide into one operation. We are making these changes to better serve Orban’s loyal customers and dealers.” He said production will continue in Germany and that Orban products will continue to carry five-year warranties.

Day also announced the promotion of Peter Lee to senior vice president, global sales. Roger Sales continues as managing director of Orban Europe GmbH.

The statement quoted Lee: “I welcome the opportunity to provide the best customer sales and technical support in the industry working with our U.S., German and Netherlands staff.” He said all Orban processors continue to be designed and engineered by Bob Orban and his design team.

Orban Labs also appointed CRLI, operated by Jay Brentlinger, as a U.S. dealer for Orban radio products. CRLI will also provide parts, service and support for older, legacy Orban products from the Optimod 8400 and earlier. Day noted that some Orban products from the 1970s are still in service.

 

The post Legal Settlement Is Reached in Orban Business Dispute appeared first on Radio World.