NJBA Weekly Newsletter Friday, March 20, 2009

Performance Tax Fight is Top Priority of NJBA’s DC Delegation

Last week, the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on H.R. 848, the bill to levy a performance tax on local radio stations for the benefit of big, internationally-owned record labels. Be advised that certain members of the Committee are fiercely committed to levying this tax on local radio stations, even though it means money is transferred out of local communities and into the pockets of the international record labels Some alleged that the radio industry is essentially “stealing” music from the record labels and artists, which is not only ridiculous but insulting. It is imperative that we set the record straight with these members of Congress. The NJBA will be heading to Washington to voice our strong opposition to H.R. 848 and S. 379 that would levy a performance tax on local radio. Additionally, we will be supporting Rep. Mike Pense’s (R-IN) Broadcast Freedom Act opposing the new performance tax, which has over 150 sponsors as of today. Congressman Pense cautions broadcasters that the “fight is long from over.” Check out the new publication entitled “Don’t Touch that Dial “ a primer for Congress, now available on the NJBA web site.

 FCC and NJBA Work to Improve EAS 

The FCC’s 2007 decision to mandate that the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) publication of its adoption of a common messaging protocol based on Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) standards will trigger a 180-day period for EAS participants (including broadcasters) to develop the ability to accept a message using CAP.  The FCC has not yet decided a time frame for when broadcasters must be able to submit or deliver an alert using CAP.  The NJBA and NAB, along with other interested parties, intend to submit comments asking the FCC to inject some flexibility and reality into the 180-day period deadline.  We will explain to the FCC that the current 180-day trigger point will not allow enough time for broadcasters to work through the timeline of tasks needed to comply with the mandate; for example, it could very well take all or most of 180 days just for the manufacturers to run their equipment through the required testing procedure.  We will also assert our position that New Jersey needs federal funds to repair and upgrade our EAS and establish a NJ Presidential Primary Entry Point.

 

NJBA Board Members Nominated for National Awards

At the RAB this week in Orlando, NJBA past Chairman Dan Finn of Greater Media was a finalist for the 2009 Radio Wayne Award for Best Market Manager. Dan joins current NJBA Chairman Andy Santoro and Eric Johnson from Millennium Radio in receiving national recognition this year for outstanding radio. Other finalist’s from New Jersey include Greater Media's Nancy McKinley for best General Manager and Michelle Viera for best “Street Fighter”.  Over the years, New Jersey Broadcasters have been recognized for outstanding radio and nominated for in several categories for excellence in broadcasting, making all NJBA members proud. Congratulations and good luck to all of our New Jersey nominees! 

Mobile Phone Carriers Add FM to New Cell Phones

Two new mobile phone models from Verizon and AT&T will include FM capabilities. Verizon Wireless' Samsung Omnia and AT&T's LG Incite will become the latest to add a broadcast radio function. An NAB-Fastroad study shows that over 13 million in-use cellular phones include FM radio..

Gov. Corzine Picks Robert Corrales as Press Secretary

Robert Corrales has been promoted by his boss to be his new press secretary, succeeding Sean Darcy. Corrales had been the governor's deputy press secretary since August of 2008.  The NJBA wishes Mr. Corrales good luck in his new and most challenging position.

 

New Advertisers Emerge for NJ Radio

While traditional radio sponsorships have slipped, fresh industries are looking at radio for enhanced visibility in this new economy. Over 30% of NJ Real Estate brokers say that they are interested in producing new radio advertising spots. Take a look at Real Estate Today, a 2 hour turnkey real estate talk show produced in concert with the National Association of Realtors, which offers industry specific sponsorship opportunities for new real estate advertisers. In addition, new automobile model release and cell phone companies offer matching co-op dollars to dealers to advertise the brand’s new models (See Toyota with one new model this fall and Motorola with 6 new Smartphones in the second half of this year alone!) Remember to shift from persuading to understanding your client’s needs!

Arbitron to Release RADAR 100

Radio reaches more than 234 million persons age 12+ over the course of a typical week, according to the RADAR 100 National Radio Listening Report, which Arbitron will release on March 23. Arbitron reported additional findings (that will be reflected in the full report), which will show that in a typical week: Radio reaches 89% of teens ages 12-17; Network radio reaches 84% of adults 18-34; 92% of both Black non-Hispanic persons and Hispanic persons age 12+ tune in; 93% of both Black non-Hispanics and Hispanics age 18-49 tune in; Radio reaches more than 94% of college graduates ages 25-54, and 95% of adults 25-54 with a college degree and an annual income of $50,000 or more; Network affiliated stations reach nearly 85% of college graduates ages 18-49 with a household income of $75,000 or more. All radio stations reach 95% of this age group. Senate Hispanic Task Force co-chair Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) says Arbitron's promised PPM improvements are merely the “legal minimum” standard. Menendez is pressing executives to go further and says it’s the only way PPM won’t have a negative impact on minority broadcasters.

 5^th District Assembly Seat Up for Grabs

Assemblywoman Nilsa Cruz-Perez, the first Hispanic woman elected to the Legislature, announced she will not seek re-election after 14 years in Trenton.  Cruz-Perez, a resident of Barrington who serves the residents of the 5^th District, said her decision was based on a desire to give someone else a chance.

Michael “Spyder” McGuire passes away

It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of WJRZ’s (Greater Media) Afternoon Drive Personality, Michael “Spyder” McGuire.  After a long, courageous battle with cancer, Spyder passed away, Sunday, March 15^th.  A graduate of William Paterson University, Spyder spent 20years entertaining the Atlantic City Radio Market including, WAYV, before joining WJRZ in 1999.  Spyder’s love of radio showed through everything he did, on-air, in the community and with his loyal listeners and fans.  He will be greatly missed by everyone.

 Keep Your NJBA Alternate Broadcast Inspection Up To Date!  Contact the NJBA 1-888-657-2346 for more information. 

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