by Diane Kniowski, Chairman, Michigan Association of Broadcasters and President/General Manager, WOOD-TV/WOTV-TV, Grand Rapids.

2008-2009 will be a big year for Michigan broadcasters. The digital transition, our 60th anniversary and setting a strategic plan for the future are all big issues for the year.

We will all continue to move toward the digital transition date. I have every confidence that we will address any problems in our industry as they arise and make the digital transition as seamless as possible for our viewers and listeners.

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Broadcasters Continue to Prepare Public for Transition

MAB has hosted several public presentations over the past month regarding the DTV transition.  The first event was held at the Detroit Public Library where a news conference and public seminar proved to be much appreciated information to the more than 100 people in attendance. Local broadcasters and MAB staff were pleased at the turn out and were able to put to rest the multitude of questions that were posed to the DTV Team.

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Marla Drutz Named V.P., General Manager of WDIV Detroit - Marla Drutz has been named Vice President and General Manager of WDIV. The announcement was made by Alan Frank, President/CEO of WDIV's parent company, Post-Newsweek Stations, Inc.

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Tracy Forner back in Grand Rapids on WXMI-TV
After a six-year anchor stint with a television station in Indianapolis, Tracy Forner is glad to be back." Indianapolis was an opportunity, but West Michigan is home," said Forner, who will be back on the air in Michigan . He joins Sara Brodhead and Jon Shaner on the WXMI-TV (Channel 17) morning crew.

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WOOD-TV will add meteorologist
Another meteorologist is coming on board at WOOD-TV (Channel 8). Kyle Underwood arrives Aug. 20 from ABC affiliate WDIO-TV in Duluth, Minn., where he is the chief meteorologist.

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Handling Market Volatility
By John Gingas, QPA, Financial Technology, Inc

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Format Update: Adult Contemporary
By Gary Berkowitz, Berkowitz Broadcast Consulting

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Incumbents Struggle in August Primary
Jim Slezak on Tuesday defeated first-term State Representative Ted Hammon (D-Burton). The 54 to 46 percent victory marks the first upset of its kind in 6 years. The 41-year-old vice president of Photo Factory USA ran as a conservative democrat, making issue of Rep. Hammon's support of last fall's vote to increase taxes.

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Remember to File Biennial Ownership Reports, Seek FCC Approval before Control Transfer
This week the FCC handed down fines for violation of ownership rules. Disregarding the FCC Form 323 Biennial Ownership Report was cause for the FCC to issue the penalties.

These cases serve as a reminder that the rules require broadcasters to report ownership once every two years.

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WKCQ Hosts "Drive to End Hunger"
WKCQ of Saginaw presented their 5th Annual Golf Outing for the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. To increase chances to meet their goal, WKCQ's Jim Kramer pledged to play 54 holes of golf, three rounds, starting at 6 a.m. and concluding with the final 18 of the Golf Outing.

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WDFN's Stoney & Wojo host 11th Annual Radiothon
Sports WDFN AM 1130 afternoon hosts Mike Stone and Bob Wojnowski, Stoney and Wojo, hosted their 11th Annual Radiothon to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

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NPR Convention Coverage On CMU Public Radio
CMU Public Radio brings you National Public Radio's convention coverage, hosted by Andrea Seabrook. Democratic Convention coverage airs from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. on Monday August 25 through Thursday, August 28. Republican Convention coverage airs Monday, September 1 through Thursday, September 4 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

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WGVU co-hosts KidsDay at the Zoo
WGVU and Option 1 Credit Union co-hosted this year's KidsDay at the Zoo! The event featured activities from the YMCA and the Grand Rapids Children's Museum, with magic by Great Scott! The Guy That Does Magic and a performance of Cinderella by Master Arts Theatre. All of the exhibits were open, including the new Lions of Lake Manyara, and kids can even meet PBS Kids GO! character WordGirl and Miffy, of Miffy and Friends!

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BCBC Offers Something Unique

Fresh New Look Updated Web Site Same Great Conference!
The 2008 Broadcasting Career Builder Conference (BCBC), presented by the MAB Foundation, will take place Saturday, November 8 in Lansing.

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MABF Fall Career Fairs Enter the VIRTUAL WORLD!! Gain EEO credit and enter into a virtual world to meet future employees at the same time during the MABF's 2008 Regional and Virtual Broadcasting Career Fairs!

DATES & LOCATIONS

NEW! Virtual Career Fair -
active from Monday, September 29 to
Saturday, November 8.

Wednesday, October 1 Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo - 11:00am-3:00pm - Directions

Tuesday, October 7 Central Michigan University
Mt. Pleasant - 4:00pm-7:00pm -Directions

Thursday, October 16 Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts
Southfield - 4:00pm-7:00pm - Directions

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Associate Member utilizes MAB member services for new campaign
The Michigan Council of Local Governments (MCOLG) comprised of the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC), Michigan Association of Regions (MAR), Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB), Michigan Municipal League (MML) and the Michigan Townships Assocation (MTA) begins Public Service Announcement distribution for "Your Michigan - Live, Learn, Work, Play" campaign.

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