NJBA Weekly Newsletter, End of the Year Edition, Wednesday, December 31^st, 2008

New Year Brings New Era at NJBA

Paul R. Rotella, Esq., will officially take over the reins of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association as President and CEO January 1^st, replacing Phil Roberts, who served in that capacity since 1995. During his tenure at NJBA, Roberts moved the group from a small association to one of the most recognized in the country. He pursued a very aggressive and successful government relations and member education program and was in the forefront protecting the first amendment rights of association members. Roberts is retiring to his newly adopted state, Arizona. The NJBA will certainly miss Phil and wishes Clara and he a happy and healthy retirement.  

Commissioner Tate Leaves FCC

Republican FCC Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate was saluted by her fellow Commissioners yesterday at the FCC meeting in Washington. Her term is set to expire upon the swearing in of the new Congress in January. Tate was appointed by President Bush in 2005. Tuesday's open meeting was her last, leaving the FCC evenly split (2 Democrats/2Republicans) until the new administration assumes power.

RIAA to Stop Copyright Suits of Illegal Net Music Downloads

Ending a controversial enforcement effort, the Recording Industry Association of America announced it will stop suing consumers over illegal music downloads via the Internet. Instead of using lawsuits to stop illegal downloads and protect music copyrights, the RIAA, with the assistance of Internet Service Providers, will caution anyone who repeatedly downloads music illegally to have their Internet service first slowed down and then stopped entirely. Under the new enforcement plan, ISPs can cooperate with RIAA concerns about illegal downloads and warn customers about apparent copyright violations without revealing their identity.

FCC Needs Broadcasters Assistance with DTV transition

Special thanks to our member stations for the great job they did during the National DTV Soft Test on December 17^th! The Next National DTV Soft Test is set for January 12^th, 2009 at 7:30PM (Eastern).  (The NAB is hosting a Web Cast on Friday, January 16^th, which may be viewed on their web site.) The FCC says it should be able to handle calls about the DTV transition, but only with industry help. Specific questions from consumers may be directed to the FCC nationwide DTV help line: 1-888-CALL-FCC (888-225-5322). Our colleagues at the DVRA have scheduled a demo about the digital TV cut over at their January meeting. Bob Schroeder (NJOEM) and members of New Jersey Network will provide the hands-on demo while Dave Dombrowski from the FCC in Oxford Valley will be doing a PR talk and will hand out government brochures to those who want them. The DVRA meeting will be January 14, 2009 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in West Trenton. Time (as of this writing) will be 7:30 PM.  

NAB 2009 Crystal Radio Awards Deadline is February 3.

The NAB Crystal Radio Awards acknowledge radio stations that demonstrate year-round commitment to service to their communities. To enter, a station must submit an application describing their service to the community for the past calendar year. Entry information is available on the NAB website or by calling Chris Suever at 202-775-3511.  The Deadline for entries is February 3^rd, and finalists will be announced March 16. Winners will be announced at the NAB Radio Luncheon, which will be held Tuesday, April 21 during the 2009 NAB show in Las Vegas. Complete details are available at www.nabshow.com.

Dennis Miller’s New Home is Salem’s “Apple.”

WNYM (970 AM), the former WWDJ based in Hackensack, confirms that Dennis Miller is leaving Buckley’s WOR, (710 AM). WOR also announced the imminent departure of Bill O’Reilly from its revised afternoon/evening lineup. 

What Will the New Year Bring?

Economic challenges and more regulation for sure, and tougher enforcement of the FCC’s Pet Issues. In fact, NJ Broadcasters should be sure to keep their public files up-to-date and in full compliance with EEO requirements! For instance, WBLS (107.5) and WLIB (1190) in New York, which are minority owned, were found liable for an $8,000 Equal Employment Opportunity fine. Most of the recent enforcement actions and over $70,000 in fines were related to problems with record-keeping and oversight of the targeted station’s hiring/recruitment program. Most of them come out of the FCC’s “random audit” program, where it selects 5% of licensees each year and gives their filings much greater scrutiny. NJBA’s advice: Be prepared, don’t be scared with helpful compliance products like EEO One Source.

NJBA’s Greatest Asset is Our Members

People across the Garden State rely on New Jersey broadcasters to be local leaders, as well as to keep them informed in times of crisis or need. New Jersey broadcasters selflessly respond to this important mission every day.  You are a vital partner in homeland security, disaster management, and perhaps most importantly, the first defenders of our cherished Constitutional freedoms. During this challenging time for broadcasters across America, we at the NJBA will be working hard to explore and establish new opportunities for our membership to expand their potential by the development of special marketing initiatives highlighting the powerful benefits of radio advertising. Working together, we will strive to provide the resources and resilience necessary to keep our essential industry strong! Stay tuned for more details…and Happy New Year!