NJBA Weekly Newsletter Friday, December 26, 2008

New Jersey May Lose Another Congressional Seat

The Census Bureau reported this week that the Garden State could very well lose another seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, effecting the 2012 mid-term elections. This would be the third consecutive census report resulting in the loss of yet one more New Jersey congressional seat, bringing our House delegation down to 12 from 15 since 1980. This will also cost New Jersey another electoral vote, as well. According to the census bureau’s estimates, New Jersey's population stands at 8,682,661, up 3.2 percent from 2000. Despite this increase, other states grew at faster rates, which could lead to the projected loss of the additional congressional seat. 

Cell Phone Manufacturers Will Include Radio in Phones

In response to Congress’s mandate to the cell phone industry to integrate their service with the nationwide emergency alert system (EAS), radio receivers will most likely be built into cell phone devices, allowing users to access their favorite stations from their constant companion. Cell phone companies view this as increasing service benefits to their customers, making radio even more ubiquitous (if that is possible) in main stream society. The cell phone industry cited the many benefits to using the present radio EAS network to broadcast national emergency messages, and credited our radio system with the valuable ability to constantly provide updated information in times of emergency, rather than just a terse text message. Considering our proclivity to have the latest and greatest telecommunications gadget on our hips, experts say this EAS distribution mechanism could be in place by the middle of 2011, since most Americans turn over their cell phones on an average of once every 17 months. 

Thank You For All That You Do

America is a kind and giving nation dedicated to freedom and justice. Broadcasters are the backbone of our cherished freedoms and our generous charity. Especially at this time of year, we at NJBA would like to say “Thank You” for all that you do to keep our nation and our local communities, safe, strong and prosperous. We will have a lot to do in the coming years to keep our industry strong, but broadcasters have always been up to the challenge, and we will prevail.  

Sincere best wishes for a peaceful and Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a most wonderful Holiday Season from Phil, Paul, Mary, Debbie and the entire NJBA Board of Directors. May the reasons for this most wonderful of seasons be not forgotten in the midst of the hectic shopping and travel activities of our valued members and their families.  May you travel safe and enjoy the spirit of the season in good heath and happiness! And, may we all take a moment to pause and keep our magnificent troops in our thoughts and hearts as they provide the service and sacrifice vital to our freedom, here at home and around the world. Please keep them, their families and all who serve our country in our prayers this year, as well as all of those who are less fortunate than we are. May God bless you and yours as we continue the good work of our important profession.