NJBA Weekly Newsletter Friday, May 18, 2007

State Puts Sweepstakes Out Of Business

The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General is working on a piece of legislation that would virtually prohibit contest sweepstakes as we know them today. The medium that would suffer most would be radio. The amounts of disclaimers the bill would require would take more time then a minute spot. The Promotion Marketing Association has been meeting with the Attorney General’s office; however, they have not been successful at changing the language. The bill would require that all sweepstakes be a bono fide game of skill. Now, most sweepstakes are games of chance. NJBA’s Board of Directors will meet in early June to consider what the association should do, if anything, about this piece of legislation. The NJBA had no knowledge that this legislation was being considered and will take appropriate action after Board discussion. Reading the legislation, one can conclude that this applies to direct mail only; however, we must be absolutely sure that is the case, and NJBA is working to get that assurance.  

Decision From Treasury Expected Soon

NJBA is waiting to hear from the Treasury Department concerning the status of an Arbitron tax. NJBA took immediate action when it was discovered that the new sales tax law contained a provision calling for a 7% tax on research. It is the NJBA belief that customized research, such as Arbitron is not covered by the bill. We made our case to Treasury and the Governor’s office several weeks ago and were promised a decision by early next week. At the same time, we discussed with Treasury and the Division of Purchase and Property the requirement that all contracts for advertising issued by the state of New Jersey carry a requirement that all bidders prove their ability to buy New Jersey radio and TV first. They can do that by submitting several past buys showing the preponderance of using New Jersey radio stations. Results should be available for next weeks QuickNews. 

Register Now!!!

Now is the time to register for the Mid-Atlantic States Conference being held at Caesars in Atlantic City. Registering is easy. Just go to www.njbroadcasters.org and then click on the register now link. Enter your log in and your password and fill out the form. That’s all there is to it.  More importantly, you will have reserved your seat to the always sold out “Best of The Best” luncheon. The opening reception will be at “Game-On” on Caesars’ pier, with two hours of networking, great drinks, tasty finger foods and super good times. You will be able to pick up your badges at registration on Monday night, just outside of the entrance to “Game On”. Please make your Hotel reservation today. Call 1-800-345-7253 and tell the reservation agent you are with the NJBA and the rate should be $120.00 per night per room. But hurry, our room block expires today at 5:00pm and the Hotel will be charging more for rooms after today.

Help! We Need Prizes

The Convention Committee wants as many prize winners as possible. So please donate prizes to the association to be given away at the Conference. Call Debbie and tell her what you’ll be donating. Thanks, in advance.

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

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