Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will deliver her third State of the State Address on Wednesday, January 27. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the State of the State address will be held virtually, in compliance with CDC and the State of Michigan’s best practices. Under normal circumstances, Governor Whitmer would request the House Chambers to deliver… read more
A coalition of news organizations on Thursday (1/14) sent a letter to federal law enforcement agencies calling for greater transparency and timely, vital information about the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol Building and the possibility of further violence, including at the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. “The… read more
Editors note: On January 21 at 2 p.m. Eastern, David Oxenford will present a free webinar to MAB members ““What Can Broadcasters Expect in 2021?” On January 20, we will be inaugurating a new President. With a new administration, there will be changes throughout the government, including at the FCC. The day after the inauguration, join… read more
Both of Michigan’s U.S. Senate members could end up chairing committees soon with a razor-thin majority in the chamber once Georgia’s runoff elections that were held Tuesday are certified as the two Democratic candidates there are projected as winners, according to a report in Gongwer. U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Township) is the ranking member of… read more
By: David Oxenford, Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP Here we are, in a new and hopefully more “normal” year – wondering what will be ahead. Each year, at about this time, we put together a look at the regulatory dates ahead for broadcasters – or at least the primary ones that we already know. This year is… read more
By: Gordon H. Smith, President and CEO, National Association of Broadcasters Yesterday (1/6), was a new day of infamy in the chronicle of American history. I never imagined that the United States Capitol Building, a place that I honor and cherish as the secular temple of our democracy, could be desecrated by a domestic mob…. read more
According to a Thursday report in InsideRadio, an early test for a new Democrat-controlled Federal Communications Commission on how it will treat radio regulations may come not over a hot-button issue like radio ownership, but rather the arcane Radio Duplication Rule. That is because the decision to abolish the rule limiting station simulcasts was made… read more
January 4, 2021 Michigan Broadcasters: We’re starting to get a more clear picture of how Michigan radio and TV stations will benefit from the new COVID relief bill signed into law last week by President Trump. The opportunity for Michigan broadcasters is VERY NOTABLE in two ways: 1) More Michigan broadcasters will be eligible for a FIRST… read more
Research released by the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association on Tuesday revealed many hospitality businesses fear they will have to close within the year because of the economic impacts of COVID-19, according to a report in Gongwer. At least 5,600 restaurant operators say it is unlikely they will still be in business in six months…. read more
The Federal Communications Commission’s Enforcement Bureau has begun targeting property owners and managers that tolerate pirate broadcasting on their properties. The commission has issued an announcement that it is exercising its new authority under the recently enacted PIRATE Act. “Parties that knowingly facilitate illegal broadcasting on their property are liable for fines of up to… read more