FCC Releases EEO Audit List

The Federal Communications Commission released the first list of stations subject to their 5% EEO audit annually. In New Jersey, the only station subject to the random audit was Nassau Broadcastings WPST-FM.  This is the first list of stations for 2007. WPST-FM is a member of EEO1Source and it should have no trouble at all verifying its EEO compliance.  EEO1Source keeps track of all information that a station is required to report to the FCC and, at the push of a button, prints the information so that the information can be transferred to the official FCC forms. All members of NJBA are eligible to participate in EEO1Source which is a free member benefit. The only cost is for the faxes sent by the stations as part of its broad outreach. 

Are You FCC Inspection Proof?

The NJBA Alternate Inspection Program is currently the subject of several inquiries from the FCC. The FCC wants to know how many stations have certificates of compliance, and how many stations have signed contracts with NJBA for the Alternate Inspection, but have not had their inspection yet. Of all the stations in New Jersey, only 15 stations are protected from FCC inspections and are holding a valid certificate from NJBA. The inspections are the cheapest insurance you can buy to protect against an FCC unannounced inspection. If your certificate is more the 3 years old, you need a new one. Contact Mary toll free at 1-888-njba-fone to arrange for your inspection.  It’s smarter to be safe than sorry. 

NAB To Make HD Radio A Crusade

David K. Rehr, President and CEO, National Association Broadcasters called on the entire radio industry to join the NAB in making the adoption and promotion of HD Radio a crusade. In a stirring address before the RAB meeting luncheon last week in Dallas, Rehr called upon all broadcasters to promote the roll out of HD Radio. He called it an NAB top priority. Further, he said that broadcasters need to guard against any push by the record industry and its trade association, RIAA, for a new royalty payment because music is being broadcast on the air digitally.   

GM Calls For More Involvement By Stations

Recognizing radios unique ability to connect with its listeners, Betsy Lazar, head of all media for General Motors, told radio broadcasters last week that it was important for radio to understand that GM, one of America’s largest advertisers was looking for involvement with stations and their listeners and not just 60 or 30 second spots.  She cited the promotion that GM ran with Sean Hannity on his syndicated program, giving away one GM car a week for 6 weeks. She said that promotion was one of GM’s most successful. She is looking for radio stations to come to GM with unique audience promotion ideas. Meanwhile, industry sources said that GM cut its advertising spending by $600 million dollars. The cut is more than most advertising budgets.

Best of the Best deadline, Thursday, April 5, 2007!

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