NJBA Weekly Newsletter Friday, January 12, 2007

State Leadership Conference Scheduled

The Annual meeting between members of NJBA and Congress, both House and Senate takes place on February 27 through March 1 in Washington, DC. All members of the NJBA are invited to attend. NJBA will pay transportation and Hotel costs. Attendees are expected to attend the seminars given by the NAB, to refresh the issues on the legislative plate by our new congress. It’s vitally important that both our members of Congress and our Senators hear from their constituents the issues that affect every Radio and TV Station in the state. If you have an interest in attending, please let us know. If you have any questions, please call Mary at 1-888-NJBA-Fone toll free. 

NAB Hires Digital Education Group

To smooth the way for viewers in 2009, the shutdown date of analog TV, the NAB has hired a team of 4 people to jump-start the transition to digital. Interestingly, all have political backgrounds. They intend to run their office like a political campaign, as they get ready for the Feb 2009 switchover. Jonathan Collegio heads the office. The official name of the group is the DTV Educational Group and they will educate all sectors, both public and private, so that DTV is a household name by 2009.  

Web Site Revenues

Revenues reported to accounting firms keep showing NTR revenue growing by double digits at some stations. A closer look at the figures shows that the bulk of the income is from a stations web site. More and more stations are tasking personnel to become Internet site sellers, in addition to their regular job of selling airtime. Some stations have gone as far as appointing web site only sellers. Stations package airtime with ad on line, while others sell the on line with a dedicated sales team. 

Receiver Sales For Satellite Way Down

Sirius and XM Satellite Radio sales combined were down a whopping average 39% for October and November with electronic stores reporting retail demand for receivers were weak in December.  The figures were way below the low end of what both companies predicted, with Sirius fairing slightly better then XM. Meanwhile, sales of HD Radios continues to grow as the public becomes more aware of HD Radio, and realizes that in addition to listening to an HD transmission, they must have an HD receiver. More and more manufacturers are putting HD receivers on the market. These same manufacturers are all hoping to lower the price point to just under $100 dollars. Listeners are simply not use to paying big bucks for an HD Receiver, when a walk around radio receiver cost less then $20.00. 

Best of the Best Awards Deadline

The 2006 Best of the Best Awards Entry forms will be mailed Friday, January 12, 2007. The awards celebrate the Best in New Jersey Radio and TV in the following categories -- News, Public Affairs, Promotion and Commercials.  Entries must be received at the NJBA office Thursday, April 5, 2007.   

Reminder…the RAB Meeting, Dallas, February 8. 

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