Good News for NJBA ABIP Participants

One of the most important things any station owner or GM can do is to make sure their station(s) are in complete compliance with FCC rules and regulations. One of the most important benefits of belonging to the NJBA is participation in our championship quality ABIP program, and NJBA members enjoy significant discounts to take advantage of this valuable program. This can save tens of thousands of dollars in unnecessary fines. With that said, the NJBA has some good news to report. Over a period of a year or so, we have supported a NASBA initiative with the FCC Enforcement and Media Bureaus to try to convince them to adopt a new policy with respect to the enforcement of public inspection file violations that were first uncovered as a result of ABIP Inspections and then disclosed to the FCC in response to a certification in the FCC's renewal application form. In a recent decision (which was sent to all of our members yesterday) the Media Bureau's Audio Division, would appear to hold as follows: in the context of a radio station license renewal application, where the licensee makes the FCC aware of a public inspection file violation, the Audio Division will treat a licensee's successful, voluntary participation in State Broadcasters Association's ABIP Program as a "good faith" effort to comply with the FCC's rules, "warranting a downward adjustment pursuant to Section 1.80 of our Rules."  This “downward departure” in meting out penalties for violations that have cost stations tens of thousands of dollars in fines, is further evidence of the prudent value offered through our NJBA ABIP program and is a tremendous member benefit for all stations and station groups. (And NJBA members receive a substantial discount in ABIP fees.) In the case at hand, the FCC reduced a proposed fine from $9,000 to $1,000 due, in part, to the station's successful participation in Virginia Association of Broadcasters' ABIP Program. Special thanks to our NASBA Counsel, Dick Zaragoza and our talented NASBA Executive committee, NJBA Board and Staff for spearheading this effort. With much more yet to be done, we will continue to be you advocate as we meet the challenges facing our industry, and keep New Jersey broadcasters strong.  Smart GMs and owners should call Mary at the Broadcast House to make an ABIP Appointment today. 

NJBA In DC

This week, NJBA Chairman Bob McAllan and President Paul Rotella were in Washington talking with our legislators about several NJBA initiatives to help NJBA broadcasters and the audiences they serve. Paul also met with several state legislators in Trenton, as well. Next week, the State Leadership Conference begins with State broadcaster leaders from around the country gathering in DC to promote our important industry and discuss key issues affecting our livelihood with our federal legislators. Rotella will also be attending the National EAS Summit and NASBA Winter Meetings, which will be held concurrently with the SLC meetings. Look for details of these important meetings in upcoming editions of QuickNews!

Enough is Enough: No More Taxes!

Despite pleas from local radio stations, listeners, and civil rights leaders, there are still 3 New Jersey Congressmen who have refused to step up to the plate to support New Jersey listeners in their quest to keep local NJ radio free! The radio industry cannot survive a Performance Tax. We have to stop Congress from “levying” a new fee on local radio stations for the music they have aired for free to their loyal audiences for decades. The NJBA appreciates the efforts of Congressmen Garrett, LoBiondo, Pascrell, Frelinghuysen, Pallone, Adler, Lance, Andrews, and Sires, all of whom are all solid friends of free-over-the-air-radio for all New Jersey residents, and are also part of the 256 members who have co-sponsored H. Con. Res. 49, the “Local Radio Freedom Act”. Thank you gentlemen!

Unfortunately, Congressmen Holt, Payne and Rothman are currently in favor of the Performance Tax and the NJBA is working with them to help them understand the devastating issues facing all NJ residents if this Tax is imposed on Radio stations. You can help by calling them while they are home on recess this week. Here are their numbers: Steven Rothman (D-9^th) 202-225-5061; and 201-646-0808; and 201-798-1366; Donald Payne (D-10^th) 202-225-3436; and 908-629-0222; and 201-369-0392; Rush Holt (D-12^th) 202-225-5801; and 609-750-9365. These Congressmen are in favor of the Performance Tax and don’t seem to understand that putting the interests of a few foreign owned record company execs and celebrities, over those of the citizens of New Jersey, is not why they were sent to Washington. Ask them: “How many record label fat cats live in their districts?” Ask them “Why do they want to destroy New Jersey Radio and hurt the EAS?” Tell them “Please join the fight against the Performance tax today and keep New Jersey radio free!” They really need to need to hear from all of us loud and clear! Call them today to make your important opinion known. You can learn more at www.noperformancetax.org. 

The Trenton Report from The Marcus Group

As if there was not enough to do in Trenton with the state budget crisis, some legislators are headed down the slippery slope of dictating broadcast media content. Senate Joint Resolution urges the Attorney General to set up an Amber Alert type system to compel broadcasters to report on hit and run accidents involving a fatality. The sponsors stated rationale is that electronic media could alert other drivers to beware of the fleeing vehicle and to report its location, if spotted. A second bill would require the Attorney General to issue uniform guidelines regarding the release of arrest information to the media. One can easily imagine the potential for investigations of members of the broadcast media who receive and report information received outside the guidelines. The NJBA is always on guard to oppose legislation that would threaten your ability to gather and disseminate the news to your listenership. We will be closely monitoring these proposals as they unfold.

WOR’s Gambling Set to Host BFA Golden Mike Awards

The Broadcasters Foundation of America has tapped long time NJBA pal John R. Gambling, WOR Radio morning host, to be master of ceremonies for its black-tie "Golden Mike" gala in honor of New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg on Monday, March 8, 2010 beginning at 6 pm at the Plaza Hotel, Central Park South at Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. NJBA Treasure and Board Member Joe Bilotta of the Buckley Group, (which owns WOR) told QuickNews that “John is host of "The John R. Gambling Show" weekday mornings on radio's WOR News/Talk 710 AM.  Mayor Bloomberg is a regular guest on Gambling's program, appearing Fridays, 8 am to 9 am.”  Gambling will be joined on stage by jazz legend John Pizzarelli, internationally known guitarist, vocalist and bandleader, who will entertain. The New York Mayor will receive the Foundation's "Golden Mike" award for his contributions to the broadcast industry.  John R. Gambling's family has been in radio since 1925, when his grandfather launched "Rambling with Gambling" on WOR in New York.  BFA President Jim Thompson applauded  the mayor’s efforts in broadcast journalism saying “Mayor Bloomberg exemplifies the mission of the Broadcasters Foundation of America:  To improve the quality of life and maintain the personal dignity of men and women in the radio and television broadcast profession who find themselves in acute need.” The Foundation reaches out across the country to identify and provide an anonymous safety net in cases of critical illness, advanced age, death of a spouse, accident, and other serious misfortune. "When tragedy strikes, the Broadcasters Foundation of America has been there to help their colleagues get back on their feet, and they should be commended for the work they have done to help hundreds of people across the nation," Mayor Bloomberg said. Indeed the Broadcasters Foundation of America has provided millions of dollars in aid to colleagues who lost their livelihood through a catastrophic event, debilitating disease, or unforeseen family tragedy.  Individual membership is only $150 a year.  Donations also can be made to the Guardian Fund, and corporate contributions are accepted through the Angel Initiative. Call 212-373-8250 or email info@thebfoa.org for reservations.  Hope to see you there! 

NJ Chamber’s Cool New Way to Increase Sales

The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and Tomorrow Only, Inc. have launched New Jersey's newest website www.TomorrowOnly.com.  This is a free site that will host all the local unadvertised and last minute specials. You will be able to find your favorite shops, restaurants, salons and more.  Since it is free, the merchants will be able to pass the savings onto the consumers. Tomorrow Only is debuting in Central Jersey but will gradually expand into Northern and Southern New Jersey.  Visit the site today and become a Preferred Customer.  You will receive special offers and automatically be eligible for free gift certificates from participating merchants.  For more information contact: info@tomorrowonly.com. New Jersey Broadcasters are encouraged to check this site out and perhaps consider making advertisement specials available on this site for special promotions or events that your station may be promoting.

Radio Heard Here…and Everywhere!

The updated Radio Heard Here website provides tools to make it easier for you to "sell" the good news about radio - to advertisers, audiences and even educate fellow insiders. First unveiled in 2008, these tools provide concise and compelling facts about radio that demonstrate its progress, vitality and value. The updated 2009 version of the Insider's Guide is available, along with an accompanying PowerPoint presentation to help tell radio's story. These tools include the latest research to help you communicate the value of radio to clients and listeners. Click here to download an electronic version or contact us at support@radioheardhere.com if you would like some printed copies. You can also show your support for the love of radio by showcasing the Radio Heard Here campaign on your Web site. If you haven't already done so, put a Radio Heard Here logo or banner ad on your Web site with a link to the Radio Heard Here Web site (www.radioheardhere.com). We must continue to tell radio's story. Spread the word: Radio is heard here and everywhere!

FCC Looks at State of Broadcast News at Workshop 

As part of its Future of Media project, the FCC has set a workshop on "Serving the Public Interest in the Digital Era" for March 4^th. The topics up for discussion: an overview of FCC public interest requirements for commercial broadcasters, the state of local commercial broadcast TV and radio news and information, and the impact of media convergence and the emergence of the Internet, mobile, and digital on FCC policy. The workshop will focus on commercial media, but the commission says there will "likely" be another workshop scheduled to look at noncommercial broadcasters.

Curtis Sliwa Makes His Mark on The Apple

NJBA pal Curtis Sliwa is doing great at AM 970 THE APPLE where he has been hosting their new morning show (5am-9AM) since January 11th. Curtis is a long-time popular morning drive Talk Show Host in New York/New Jersey Metro. Curtis Sliwa really needs no introduction.  Curtis started The Guardian Angels which almost single handedly made the New York Subways safer.  This international organization has empowered people all over the world to keep their neighborhoods safer.  Curtis was a talk show host for the last 18 years on WABC before leaving to join AM 970 The Apple. The Apple can be found on the web at www.am970theapple.com . Congratulations to Curtis on his continued success.

Apple Introduces New Radio iPhone App

Speaking of Apple: A new iPhone app from Juicy Development is now available for talk radio listeners who travel, using the cell phone’s GPS and its own algorithm to list the local radio stations and airtimes. Juicy says the newest version of its Talk Radio app (version 2.3.1) tracks Rush Limbaugh, Dr. Laura, Sean Hannity, Alan Colmes, Glenn Beck and other hosts, and it keeps adding personalities, with input from users. The app will cost $2.99 and will augment the ever increasing use of cell phones and hand-helds to listen to broadcast radio.  

Vineland Station Goes the Distance in the Storm

Not to be out done by the "large stations" during the recent storms, Carl Hemple, Sr., GM /CEO of Clear Communications, Inc., reported to QuickNews that his station, WVLT in Vineland, received up dated reports every two hours from the OEM on local and state conditions during the blizzard.  Reporting more that school Closings, business and store closings WVLT continued its long standing practice of providing local coverage, broadcasting remotely from 7 different locations in the tri-county listening area. Regular WVLT listeners called in with traffic and weather condition updates all day.  WVLT got their listeners involved....and they loved it. WVLT/WMIZ stayed live on the air for over 24 hours and, for the two day storm event and kept listeners informed. Carl told QuickNews that “Pizza and subs were the daily diet for the jocks and staff”. This is what broadcasters do. Way to go guys!

QuickNews Wants to Know!

If you have a story to tell about your station’s efforts during the recent blizzard, or have any other important New Jersey broadcaster news to relate to our readers, contact the NJBA so we can include your story in ours!

QuickNews is provided for general information purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal or tax advice pertaining to any specific factual situation. Legal and tax related decisions should be made only after proper consultation with a legal professional of your choosing.

Broadcast House, 348 Applegarth Road, Monroe Twp., NJ  08831 (888) 657-2346 FAX: (888) 652-2329, njba@njba.com