NJBA Weekly Newsletter Friday, December 5, 2008

Manahan Tapped to Head New Jersey Network

Kent Manahan was sworn in today by New Jersey Secretary of State Nina Wells as the new interim Executive Director of NJN, taking up the reigns of New Jersey's only state-wide television station in Trenton. Ms. Manahan replaces, at least temporarily, Elizabeth Christopherson, who stepped down from her post as NJN's Executive Director on Monday after a long and illustrious career at NJN. The former nightly news anchor of New Jersey’s only statewide newscast has been covering the Garden State for more than two decades. The five-time Emmy Award-winning journalist has reported on issues of statewide importance, including politics, homeland security, education, domestic violence and the elderly. All of us at the NJBA extend our warmest wishes for success and good luck to MS. Manahan as she takes over this important position. 

HD Radio Campaign Launched

HD Digital Radio Alliance marketing campaign for the 2008 holiday season will focus on the benefits of HD Radio and span print, broadcast radio, mobile texting, online ads, and giveaways. The Alliance’s efforts will focus on radio ads, with on-air time worth $57 million. But look for their ad in today’s USA Today touting the value and benefits of HD Radio. To round out the campaign, online banners and the $57 million radio blitz in the top 100 markets across America hope to drive traffic to HDRadio.com.

Our Thoughts and Prayers…

Vince "Thomas" Toscano former Operations Manager for Clear Channel Radio Tri-State and Program Director/Air Personality for WSUS 102.3FM passed away Wednesday (12/3) morning after a 2 year battle with cancer.  He was 37 years old.  He is survived by his wife Liz and their four children. Vince started with WNNJ about 14 years ago and about 10 years ago moved to WSUS where he became PD.  When Clear Channel took over the stations, Vince was named Operations Manager for the property.  WSUS & WNNJ have posted a tribute page on their websites www.wsus1023.com and www.wnnj.com.

New Jersey to Participate in 12/17 National DTV Soft-Test

The FCC has requested that all New Jersey television stations participate in the national DTV Soft Test, which will be held on December 17^th, 2008, at 7:30 PM. All T.V. station managers are encouraged to visit the FCC’s website to learn more about the testing protocol.  

PPM Numbers Out Late: Check Tomorrow!

Arbitron disclosed this week that their PPM files transposed data classifications for households “with” and “without” children in their October and November population estimates. This means that the November numbers, which were supposed to be ready this past Wednesday, were re-configured to correct this error and will now be available for Arbitron customers on Friday. This will most likely result in changes in market audience estimates. 

New Telemarketing Rules in Effect

Effective immediately, any telemarketing call that delivers a prerecorded message must include a quick and easy way to opt-out of receiving future calls. The opt-out must work both for consumers who answer these calls in person and for those whose answering machines or voicemail services receive the calls.

New Jersey Will Pick Up the Tab for Gas

Governor Corzine announced a new incentive for Garden State residents to save money and help the environment this week. Under the state’s DOT “Carpooling Makes Sense” Program rolled out his week by the Gov, Gas Cards worth up to $200 will be issued to newly formed carpools with two or more participants in an effort to expand his green initiatives. Might be a good time to start a car pool!