A New Century Brings New Challenges; New Opportunities
The Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) continues a year-long celebration of 60 years of service to Michigan broadcasting. To commemorate this milestone, we've been highlighting each decade in our association's history; and this month we conclude with a look at the present decade: 2000 through 2009.

Our celebration will culminate with a celebration during our Annual Meeting and Leadership Retreat at the Grand Hotel in July. Last month, we focused on the 90s (see here); this month, we move into the first decade a new century.

We want to hear from you as well! Tell us about your memories from the past through our new interactive option.

Highlights in MAB History: 2000 through 2009

Members along with MAB continue to monitor the infamous Y2K bug.

MAB battles Low Power FM in Washington DC while encouraging Michigan’s delegates to support HR 3439.

MAB joins other state broadcast associations to contest the FCC’s action of establishing EEO requirements. This initiative continues throughout the first decade of the new century.

Amber Alert program is first launched in June 2001. MAB works with various organizations for a number of years to improve this program for Michigan and even battles copycat programs.

In an effort to help Michigan stations save in energy costs, MAB launches the Energy Choice Program.

2000 Michigan Census enlists Michigan stations for assistance through the MAB’s NCSA program.

To assist members with the new EEO rules, MAB and MAB Foundation begin to offer EEO-friendly programs such a career fairs, judging the student awards and cross-training.

MAB begins the Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program (ABIP).

Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) initiative joins the NCSA program. This campaign included a license plate program as well as the “kids pins”.

In the State Legislature, MAB and its members, battle issues with Casino Gaming.

April 2001 – MAB pledges $100,000 to the James H. and Mary B. Quello Center for Telecommunications Management and Law at Michigan State University.

June 2001 – MAB members complete a survey and strategic plan that helps create a new mission for the MAB.

Michigan stations take action after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In addition, the Michigan Army National Guard campaign as part of the MAB’s NCSA program becomes even more important.

December 2001 - To better serve the engineering and technical needs of its members, MAB creates a new Director of Technology position and hires Larry Estlack.

May 2002 – MAB adds new Engineering Hotline to list of member services.

After the 2000 census, the Michigan reapportions its Congressional Districts leaving Michigan citizens with one less seat.

NAB and MAB announced that Michigan broadcasters provided $328 million in community service in 2001. MAB publishes an official publication to share this news with lawmakers and supporters of Michigan broadcasting.

July 2002 - MAB receives a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for EAS improvements.

FCC begins review of Broadcast Ownership Rules.

Fall 2002 – Broadcasters and Educators meet for the first-ever Broadcaster/Educator Summit.

January 2003 – MAB and broadcasters battle Advertising Tax in Lansing.

January 2003 – MAB introduces a new format for the MAB newsletter.

January 1, 2003 – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm is sworn in as Michigan’s 47th Governor. MAB and Michigan stations coordinated to offer live coverage of the inauguration.

March 2004 – MAB partners with MAPB to kick off the “Michigan DTV for Me” campaign to prepare Michigan broadcasters and citizens for the impending transition to Digital Television.

Michigan stations combat “Localism Hearings” and, with the help of MAB, set-out to prove that Michigan broadcasters are local and serve their communities.

MAB and NAB announce that Michigan stations provided $308 million in community service throughout 2003.

March 2005 – MAB launches Radio Research Project to test consumer attitudes toward local radio and newer competing audio services. The project results were very favorable to over-the-air radio broadcasters.

July 2005 – MAB launches the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Political Action Committee (MABPAC).

September 2005 – MAB and Michigan stations join Governor Granholm with the Michigan Cares, Michigan Gives public service campaign to aid victims of the recent hurricanes.

2005 – TV stations deal with mandated and changing deadlines for the transition to digital television which, became a costly venture for most stations. Radio stations deal with HR998 the Local Emergency Radio Service Preservation Act of 2005.

September 2006 – NAB and MAB announce that Michigan stations provided $330 million in community service throughout 2005.

November 2007 – MAB launches “Countdown to 2-17-09 The Digital Transition” campaign. This campaign was designed to educate member stations so they might better serve their communities on the transition.

January 2008 - MAB introduces the new electronic form of the MAB newsletter.

February 20, 2008 – MAB holds Digital Day at the State Capitol to educate Michigan legislators on the pending transition to Digital Television deadline on February 17, 2009. Digital Day included a news conference, educational training session, reception and a visit from the NAB’s DTV Road Show truck. Hall of Fame sportscaster Ernie Harwell joined the effort as the PSA spokesperson.

March 2008 – GLBC is moved to the DeVos Place in Grand Rapids for the first-time. The two-year run ends in March 2010 when the show will return to Lansing’s Lansing Center.

Spring 2008 – White spaces becomes a bigger issue in DC as well as LPTV and Localism.

January 2009 – In his first few weeks of office, President Barack Obama pushes Congress to extend the Digital Transition date from February 17, 2009 to June 12, 2009, which passes. This change puts financial strain on Michigan stations who had budgeted to end analog signals and sell unused equipment after the 17th.

Spring 2009 – Radio stations battle a proposed Performance Tax that could costs Michigan stations millions.

Past Chairmen from 2000-2009 include: 99-00 Edward E. Essick; 00-01 Judy D. Kenney; 01-02 Curtis W. Smith; 02-03 Susan E. Goldsen; 03 Eduardo Fernandez (partial term); 04 Jeffrey J. Scarpelli (partial term); 04-05 Joseph Berwanger; 05-06 Julie Koehn; 06-07 Mario Iacobelli; 07-08 Bart Brandmiller; 08-09 Diane Kniowski.

Photo Gallery:

MAB President 1956 Carl Lee (right) and his wife Winnie during the 2000 Annual Meeting and Management Restreat at Crystal Mountain.	Judy Kenney, MAB Chairman 2001, presents the gavel plaque to outgoing Chairman Skip Essick, MAB Chairman 2000 at Crystal Mountain Resort in 2001.	(l-r) Bob Ottaway, MAB President 1992, Karole White and Skip Essick, MAB Chairman 2000.
(r-l) MAB Chairman 2002 Curt Smith presents the 2002 Lifetime Achievement Award to Joe Blake.	MAB celebrates the success of the Amber Alert Program in 2004 during a news conference at the capitol. At the podium is MAB Chairman 2004 Jeff Scarpelli along with Sue Goldsen, MAB Chairman 2003.	Presenting the ceremonial check in September 2004 of $308 million in community service to Michigan citizens are (r-l) Karole White and MAB Chairman 2003 Joe Berwanger. Receiving the check on behalf of Michigan citizens are (l-r) Senator Liz Brater (D-18th) and Representative Patricia Birkholz (R-24th).
During Call on Congress 2005 (l-r) Judy Kenney, MAB Chairman 2001; Ken MacDonald; Congressman Mike Rogers (R-8th); Mike King; Rob David and Bruce Goldsen, MAB Chairman 1998.	During Call on Congress 2005 (l-r) Peter Tanz; Chris Monk; Julie Koehn, MAB Chairman 2006; Ross Biederman, MAB Chairman 1983; Senator Debbie Stabenow; Sue Goldsen, MAB Chairman 2003; Bill Wertz and Karole White.	MAB and member stations partner with the Governor's office in September 2005 for the "Michigan Cares, Michigan Gives" campaign aiding victims of the summer hurricanes.
(back row, l-r) Julie Brinks; Matt Kreiner; Tom Bryson, MAB President 1990; and Al Blinke. (front row, l-r) Marlene Kreiner, Mary Bryson and Ann MacDonald during the 2006 annual conference at Boyne Mountain Resort.	(l-r) Bart Brandmiller, MAB Chairman 2008 and Karole L. White present a ceremonial check to Representative Mike Nofs (R-62nd); and Representative Andy Dillon (D-17th) on behalf of Michigan citizens to represent the more than $330 million Michigan Broadcasters donated in community service in 2005.	Members meet with Governor Jennifer Granholm during a special reception at the Governor's residence. Pictured (l-r) are Al Blinke; Scott Meier and Governor Granholm.
The 2006 Gubernatorial Debates between Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Richard DeVos involved many MAB members.	Karole White, Jim Lutton and Senator Cameron Brown (R-16th) during the 2009 Legislative Reception held February 11 at the Radisson Hotel.	During a 2006 visit to Washington DC, MAB members (l-r) Janet Mason, Stephen Trivers, MAB President 1996; Bart Brandmiller, MAB Chairman 2008; Peter Tanz and Bill Wertz meet with Congressman Vern Ehlers (R-3rd).
DTV Day at the Capitol kicked off a year-long MAB campaign to better prepare Michigan stations and citizens for the transition to Digital Television. Pictured speaking during the February 20, 2008 news conference is Bart Brandmiller, MAB Chairman 2008.	Karole White addresses Detroit community members during a DTV presentation at the Detroit Public Library in late 2008.	The State Leadership Conference, presented by the NAB, welcomes MAB board members to Washington DC. Pictured at the 2003 event are (l-r) Tom Scanlan, MAB President 1995; Karole White; Sue Goldsen, MAB Chairman 2003; Eddie Fritts, NAB President/CEO; Ed Fernandez, MAB Chairman 2004; and Stephen Trivers, MAB President 1996.
MAB Members Gary Blievernicht, WKAR; Al Blinke, WNEM; Mike King, WILX and Karole White testify before the 2008 House Energy and Technology Committee.	Keynoting the 2007 Great Lakes Broadcasting Conference & Expo (GLBC) was nationally recognized author Tom Peters who challenged attendees to "Re-imagine".	MAB forms the MABPAC in 2005. Pictured are the "Leaders of the PAC" (ie: Bruce Goldsen, MAB Chairman 1998 and Judy Kenney, MAB Chairman 2001).

MAB Memories From Curt Smith
MAB Chairman 2001

Of course my best memories are of the people involved with the MAB and the future of broadcasting at that time. We have been blessed over the years with some of the finest people in the broadcast industry, not only because of their expertise, but also because of the quality of their character. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served nine years at that time with some fantastic people.

As for that time frame? It was the arrival of the digital era that we had to come to grips with and prepare for. For many it was concern that free, over-the-air radio and TV were in jeopardy. The atmosphere created some fear among many folks in the industry, that our livelihood was in trouble. I remember very well the message from some of the seminars the MAB held for us that addressed these concerns. The message I heard loudest was: These are going to be challenging times for us, but for those who accept the challenge and prepare now, the opportunities will be great. It would appear by the way we have as an industry, and as a state association, prepared for that challenge, many are taking advantage of the opportunities today.

Free, over-the-air broadcasting seems to be alive and well, thanks in large part to the leadership of Karole and the MAB who keep us out in front of the issues and opportunities.


Read A Special Note from Bob McBride Here
MAB President 1980


Sue Goldsen: Broadcasters Ready For Change
MAB Chairman 2003

During the early 2000s, broadcasters once again were ready for change in the state of Michigan with a new governor coming in to lead our state. Governor Granholm entered office at a time when the great state of Michigan was undergoing enormous change. We were a state very dependent on automotive and manufacturing and the future ahead was challenging.

At the Michigan Association of Broadcasters we did a Community Service Survey. We knew the dedication that broadcasters had to their local community but when the numbers were tallied and we saw that broadcasters donated over $328 million in community service we were very proud!

Jeff Scarpelli: MAB Comments and Recollections
MAB Chairman 2004

My year as MAB President was a blur. There were meetings, reports, more meetings, and more reports. All of this is not too unusual for MAB Chairmen. There are many things going on all of the time. The issues were complex and seemed never-ending. However, a moment stands out in my mind, above all others.

Early in my tenure, I attended a press conference, held with the Michigan State Police in the Rotunda at the Michigan Capitol building. We were extolling the benefits of the Amber Alert program. In attendance were MAB members, officers, association employees, Michigan State Police personnel, some elected officials, the press and one family. The Hart family were in attendance because their daughter was abducted and found unharmed, by law enforcement. The Michigan Amber Alert program played a significant roll in finding the child. The parents were beyond thankful. I could only imagine, standing there, listening to Mr. Hart speak, the fear the parents felt and the relief once the situation came to a successful conclusion.

As an owner and manager of a local small market cluster of radio stations, seeing firsthand the positive results generated by our stations occur all of the time. There are crowds who come out to station events and live broadcasts and promotions. We generate traffic and donations for various causes regularly. Yet, this event was much more poignant. Here was a family whose lives were changed because of the Michigan Amber Alert program. I will never forget this moment. I am proud to be a member of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.

Edward "Skip" Essick: Remembering the Early 2000s
MAB Chairman 2000

I've been asked to impart a few words as MAB celebrates 60 years serving the broadcasters of Michigan. It's hard to believe that it was 10 years ago that I assumed the chair of MAB at one of my favorite places on earth - The Grand Hotel.

At that time, deregulation of our industry was in high gear. Legislation enacted in 1996 paved the way for massive changes in our industry. Specific to radio, in many markets, the mega-clusters emerged and I was right in the middle of it as Clear Channel's Market Manager in Grand Rapids. By 2000, I managed seven radio stations. In the past 10 years we've seen a lot of change. Technology certainly has forced the hand of change and the emergence of new media is rapidly changing the landscape. Will our industry survive? Of course it will. Broadcasters that embrace new ideas, new technologies, and new applications, have always navigated through rough waters. Local content, local personalities, local marketing solutions for local advertisers have been and will continue to be the foundation of successful operations.

Congratulations MAB on your 60th Anniversary.

The Other Shoe
By: Karole L. White, MAB President/CEO

Well, the other shoe has dropped. It was the official announcement that we all knew was coming - the bankruptcy filing by General Motors and the announcement that they will revoke contracts with numerous dealerships.

So, if you weren't trying to replace that auto advertising money with new and different categories already, you really are in a pickle. Sales people are going to have to dig there heels in and really hunt for new advertisers and it will take a lot more of them to fill the void of an auto dealer. This, however, to a certain extent, may be temporary as the plight of dealers is influx. Yes there will be fewer auto dealers but they will have to reach more people. MORE people means more ads and “more” is what we do best. When you combine our “people-reach” with our other off-air products like the web, broadcasters are holding all the cards.

A recent national independent report indicates that radio and television usage is actually up. In this economy don't you think we will be growing even more as people abandon their paid services for the value of free over-the-air radio and television? I think so. What else can you get in the world for free that offers such a huge value, that keeps you up-to-date on news, entertains you, updates you on the talk of the day and local events and even tells you when severe weather is coming to your neighborhood, not across the United States.

I'm still high on radio and television and think that if we play this economic turn down correctly, we'll end up with more marbles than when we started.

That's just my opinion and my glass is always full to mostly full even on a bad day.