Michigan Association of Broadcasters

On April 24th, the FCC's Media Bureau released an updated version of "The Public and Broadcasting". The FCC rules require that all broadcast stations keep in their public inspection files, at all times, a copy of the most recent version of "The Public and Broadcasting." In addition, licensees must provide a copy of the publication to any member of the public who requests one.

Each licensee must replace the existing copy in its station public inspection file with the updated version. Read the FCC news release here.

Download the pdf version of the revised publication here.

ABIP 2008 Windows Announced

The MAB is now opening sign-up windows for 2008 inspections as part of the Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program (ABIP). This program is a no-risk way to check your station's FCC compliance.

With budgets tight this year, the MAB is holding to its 2007 pricing; plus offering two "early bird" discounts for stations that register and pay in full by May 15th. The savings can add up and keep you free from routine FCC inspections for three years.

More on the Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program here.

TV Member Advisory:

If you were unable to attend our DTV Technical Workgroup with NCTA & MCTA last week

in East Lansing – the NCTA and MSTV are hosting a series of web-based discussions regarding

steps you should be taking to ensure a smooth transition, especially in dealing with cable

operators in the state.

As a manager, engineer or someone who is involved in making the digital transition happen, you might find these discussions helpful and informative.

The webinars will cover these topics:

Web and a chat interface will allow you to ask any questions. If you do not have speakers on

your computer, you may also dial into the conference at 1-800-308-9694 and use passcode 736004.

If you have any questions about the webinars, you may contact:

David Donovan with MSTV at 202-966-1956 or ddonovan@mstv.org

GLBC: "60 in 60" - Energizing Your Digital Efforts

At this year's GLBC, Fred Jacobs and Tim Davis of Jacobs Media - along with Chris Brunt of Greater Media/Detroit attracted a near-capacity crowd for a presentation of website ideas designed to generate visitors, enhance revenue and add new dimensions to on-air programming.

By popular demand, we've made the Power Point from this session available for download in the Members Only section HERE.

MAB Newsletter Now On The Web!

The Michigan Association of Broadcasters official Newsletter The Michigan Broadcaster is now being produced in an electronic format. Read the April, 2008 issue HERE.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted the Digital Television (DTV) Consumer Education Plan proposed by NAB. See/download the report and order here. For a more concise summary of the Consumer Education requirements, click here.

The FCC has released a Public Notice announcing that the effective date of their rules was this past Monday, March 31. Stations should have filed their first quarterly report (FCC Form 388) on April 10. Details and form downloads via the NAB here.

DTV: NTIA Converter Box Coupon Stats.

As of May 2, 2008 - the NTIA reports that 571,8 converter box coupons have been ordered from consumers in the State of Michigan. See the latest statistics by state, 3-digit and 5-digit zip codes here.

Just in time for the political season, MAB's Washington Legal Hotline Attorney David Oxenford of Davis Wright Tremaine has prepared both a political time request form and political guide to keep you legal. Both are available for PDF download in the Members Only section.

The MAB Political Webinar with David Oxenford of Davis Wright Tremaine and Bobby Baker of the Federal Communications Commission informed more than 500 broadcasters from 15 states. If you'd like to see it again, click HERE and use your login ID from the original webcast. MAB Members also can view the archive in the Members Only section.

MAB Members Only: David Oxenford is our Washington Legal Hotline Attorney and is available to answer questions free of charge about political advertising, federal regulations and other matters. Call the MAB for details.

DTV Station Checklist

Help your station prepare for the upcoming digital television transition with this checklist from the National Association of Broadcasters. See suggestions for organizing both internal and external station activities to prepare for the pending change. This document is available to Members Only.

DTV Transition Resources

The MAB and its DTV Team has updated the Michigan DTV For Me website to assist consumers with the transition process. Visit the site HERE.

The MAB DTV Transition Plan is available for review by its members HERE.

Additional Closed Captioning Requirements in Effect.

Beginning January 1, 2008 television stations are required to close caption 75 percent of your pre-rule programming. There are different requirements for Spanish-language programming and some exemptions. Click HERE for an advisory from Dick Zaragoza at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman.

MAB Recommends All Michigan Broadcasters Register with FCC Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS)

Through the redesigned Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS), the FCC is asking communications companies, including broadcast, to voluntarily provide information about disruptions during a crisis. The agency will then share the company’s specific information only with the Homeland Security Department for situational awareness purposes. The individual company’s information will not be publicly released or shared. The MAB fully supports the efforts of the FCC's DIRS and recommends that every Michigan broadcaster participate. Click HERE to register.

MAB Requests Declaratory Ruling from FCC on Bidding Programs' Effect on Lowest Unit Rate

The MAB has joined dozens of other state associations in a request to the Federal Communications Commission for a ruling on whether participation in any of several airtime sales programs will affect a station's calculation of its Lowest Unit Rate (LUR) for political advertising purposes. Click HERE to read the 8-page filing. Broadcasters are asking for a quick ruling because of the fast-approaching political campaigns and the need for clear guidance from the FCC before candidates start purchasing advertising time.

FCC Issues Report, Order, NPRM on EAS Changes

Tthe Federal Communications Commission issued its Second Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) on the "Next Generation Emergency Alert System". Click HERE for a copy of the 75-page document. Click HERE for a brief summary prepared by MAB staff. We will be filing comments when the comment period begins.

Michigan TV Viewing "Strong as Ever" : MAB Releases TV Research Results

A survey of 500 Michigan citizens reveals that an overwhelming majority of viewers say television remains as a dominant entertainment medium, and that local news and weather are vitally important. The research project, conducted by the William Donohue Group, took a detailed look at viewing habits and the use of emerging media by citizens from all parts of the state. Click HERE for the news release.

Each Friday, Governor Granholm makes a radio address available to members of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. Click here for access to the mp3 file for exclusive use. This radio address is available to all media on the Monday following the address.

The FCC has recently fined stations for failure to comply with EEO Rules. MAB legal counsel David Oxenford of Davis Wright Tremaine has provided a thorough guide to the FCC EEO rules, how they are applied, and how you can comply. This document is available to Members Only.

MAB provides excellent legal counsel through three Hotlines. David Oxenford offers guidance on federal regulatory (FCC) issues; John Ronayne is your resource for questions about Michigan law, Freedom of Information or access to public records; Terry Kasiborski will help you with employment law questions and problems. This valuable service is available to MAB Members at no charge. Click here for Legal Hotline access.