NJBA Weekly Newsletter Friday, March 23, 2007

Wal-Mart To Sell HD Radio

Wal-Mart has begun selling its first HD Radio receiver in almost 2000 of its 3300 U.S. stores. The radio is a JVC in dash HD car stereo and is slightly more than the table model being sold at Radio Shack. The HD Radio Alliance is marking the occasion with a series of radio ads promoting the sale on HD Stations across the country. This is a major break through for HD Radio. It won’t be long until you will be able to buy HD Radios in most electronic stores in the country.  

Smyth Sez, No To Monopoly

At a hearing in the House of Representatives, Peter Smyth, President and CEO of Greater Media, stated, that a merger of Sirius and XM radio would create a government sanctioned monopoly and is not in the public interest. Smyth pointed out to the committee both satellite companies have very poor track records when it comes to their intentions. He told the committee that in Michigan, one of the company’s had a ground station 60 miles away from its licensed location. Further, both companies have a history of not following the rules, misrepresenting their intentions and failing to correct past transgressions. They simply are not good citizens. 

Acting Surgeon General Wants Less Alcohol Ads

Citing Alcohol as the substance most abused by young people, the acting surgeon general, in a new report, is calling on marketing departments to voluntarily scale back outdoor ads and eliminate any college newspapers marketing and sponsorships, but stops short of asking for new regulations. No mention of radio and TV yet.  

FCC To Crack Down On Station Inspections

The New York City office of the FCC has been asking a very large number of questions concerning the Alternate Inspection Program of the NJBA.  Among other things, the FCC wants to know how many stations have active inspection certificates, how many stations are waiting for inspections and how many stations have not had any inspections. If your inspection certificate has expired, we recommend that your station sign a contract for a new inspection immediately with NJBA. Once you sign, you are protected from a random inspection for 120 days, while your inspection is taking place. Once your facility has passed inspection, you will be issued a certificate of compliance that is good for three years. The inspection will be scheduled at your convenience by Dale Gehman who has been conducting the NJBA Alternate Inspections since the program began. Call Mary at NJBA 1-888-NJBA FONE toll free for a contract and all the information about rates.

More Club Boombox Details:

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is waiting for you to soak up the sun on a 9 day Royal Caribbean Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean.  Did we forget to mention, it’s oceanview.  Play games of chance to win HDTV, Nintendo Wii, HD Radio’s, Ipod’s, DVD players and overnight stays at Caesars Atlantic City.   Save the date June 4^th & 5^th at Caesars in Atlantic City. 

Best of the Best Deadline: Thursday, April 5, 2007.

Nominations for the Howard L. Green Humanitarian Award Deadline: Friday, May 11, 2007.

Reminders: Keep your FCC inspection up to date.  It’s the cheapest insurance you can get.

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