Groovin’ into the 70s
The Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) continues a year-long celebration of 60 years of service to Michigan broadcasting. To commemorate this milestone, we are introducing a new logo. From now until June, we will highlight each decade culminating with a celebration during our Annual Meeting and Leadership Retreat at the Grand Hotel in July. Last month, we focused on the 60s (see here); this month, we move into the 70s.

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

A Look Back at the MAB: The Third Decade

Michigan’s own James H. Quello begins his first term of four terms as an FCC Commissioner.

TV Advertising Takes a Hit - In the 1960s, warning labels started appearing on cigarette packs and in cigarette advertising. The cigarette companies and the government came to an accommodation in 1970, which called for the voluntary withdrawal from television and radio, effective January 2, 1971. Cigarette advertising accounted for a "double digit" share of television ad revenues. TV advertising suffered its first down year ever without revenues from one of its oldest and best customers, but television revenues turned up quickly and grew steadily throughout the rest of the 1970s. (by: Bob Doll)

Beginning in the 1970 season, ABC stations began carrying pro-football in prime time with the introduction of "Monday Night Football." In 1971, CBS viewers got their first view of "reality" in Norman Lear's situation comedy "All In the Family." After the first program aired, the network experienced a deluge of criticism, so extra telephone operators were brought in to handle the calls. Less than three dozen such calls came in. The series prospered and TV drama changed forever. "Maude," another reality situation comedy, followed in 1972. (by: Bob Doll)

America's First Black-Owned TV Station - Channel 62 came on the air in Detroit in September 1975. The owners were a black fraternal organization, The International Free and Accepted Modern Masons. It carried programs targeting the black community that its limited financial assets allowed. Much to the amazement of most television people, the Masons operated it for three decades. It later was sold and renamed WWJ-TV. (by: Bob Doll)

In the early 1970's, WXYZ-TV, Detroit, made a bold move into early morning programming with its "Morning Show." That program did so well, that when the ABC network decided to go into what would later be called "Good Morning America," it sent network program people to Detroit to study the WXYZ-TV program. Once the early morning network got underway, the "Morning Show" was moved to 9 a.m. where it was known by several names during its long run; for most of its time as "Kelly and Company," hosted by John Kelly and his wife Marilyn Turner. In Grand Rapids, WOOD-TV followed the "Today Show" with an hour long conversation and variety show hosted by the station's weatherman and, at the time West Michigan's most popular local TV personality, Buck Matthews. (by: Bob Doll)

FM radio had been on the air in Detroit since 1941. There were 11 FM radio stations there by 1970. WOOD-FM, Grand Rapids, was the number one radio station in its market (AM or FM), but Lansing would be the standout Michigan market in FM, as the band steadily gained audience and by 1978 passed the listening audience of the AM band. (by: Bob Doll)

Tom Cleary oversees MAB operations (1969-1985)

January 14, 1970 - Specs Howard officially opens Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts.

MAB Annual Meeting (circa 60s/70s):

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MAB Call on Congress (circa 1975-1976) – MAB members meet with Congressional Delegates in the Dolley Madison Room at the Madison Hotel in Washington DC. How many faces do you recognize?

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(L-R) MAB board member Todd Holmes, WNEM (Saginaw) (MAB Past President 1982) talks with MAB President Joe Buys, WVIC (Lansing) before a board meeting - circa 1980. MAB Annual Convention circa 1979-1980

MAB in the 1970s - as remembered by Joe Buys:

"The 1970s at the MAB were quite different than today. We really only had two functions. One was as a lobby for the industry. The Executive Director Tom Cleary was a lobbyist by trade. No fancy building, just Tom’s office served the organization. One of our two functions during the year was a congressional dinner in Washington where Michigan broadcasters broke bread with the Michigan Congressional delegation and an occassional FCC Commisioner. The second function of the organization, like today, was as a networking group for fellow broadcasters. We had one convention, in the summer, where the primary activity was golf. Some things never change."

"The biggest difference in 30 plus years was the fact that the MAB of the 70’s was totally supported by member dues. A majority of both the Executive Director and President’s time was spent trying to convince members that their dues were well spent and trying to recruit new members. It was agony trying to raise dues to increase services. People are always talking about “The Good Old Days”. As much fun as we had, I doubt anyone would want to return to the way things were done in those days. The MAB of 2009 is a dynamic, vibrant organization that services its members and the broadcast industry in countless ways. It is an example of the very best in what a trade organization should be."

Joe Buys is a former MAB Board Member and Chairman (1981). He is currently an Associate Member and partner in Crystal Clear Concepts, a management consulting firm in St. Clair Shores, Michigan.

Celebrate with us! Share photos, audio clips, video clips and other memories from the past 60 years. Let us know here.

Adapting To Change
by Diane Kniowski, Chairman, Michigan Association of Broadcasters and President/General Manager, WOOD-TV/WOTV-TV, Grand Rapids
Just two weeks ago, more than 900 people attended the 24th annual Great Lakes Broadcasting Conference & Expo (GLBC) in Grand Rapids. Many came with a realization that the industry that we all knew is quickly changing…many left GLBC with information on how to adapt and thrive.

This year’s GLBC speakers discussed relevant topics including how to relate to the new generations, how to market your station in this challenging economy and how to better prepare yourself for a secure career in the years ahead. All great sessions, all addressing the very needs we in Michigan currently deal with.

If you were able to attend this year’s GLBC, thank you and I hope you walked away with valuable information. If you were unable to attend, make a note to attend next year’s conference March 2 & 3 back in Lansing…it could be the very thing that helps you, your station or your company best adapt to whatever changes our industry and our state has in store.

Countdown to New June 12 Deadline
As Michigan television broadcasters continue to work toward the new June 12 DTV transition deadline, your Michigan Association of Broadcasters continues to keep stations in the state informed on new last minute FCC requirements that have been introduced since the deadline extension.

Members are also reminded of the MAB Washington Legal Hotline. David Oxenford at Davis Wright Tremaine is available to answer questions about FCC transition requirements. His contact information is available on the Members Only section of the MAB website.

The FCC has issued a list of stations that intend to transition before the June 12 date. Download here. A second list contains the call letters of stations that will transition on June 12. Download here.

The MAB Michigan DTV Helpline (1-888-MI-DTV-09), sponsored by Don-Lors Electronics, will remain in operation through the June 12 DTV deadline. The MAB's Michigan DTV website continues to be a valuable consumer resource too!

Greater Media Detroit's Cyburt Wins Radio Wayne Award
Marcy Cyburt, General Sales Manager of Greater Media's WMGC-FM, has been named as recipient of Radio Ink Magazine's 2009 Radio Wayne "General Sales Manager of Year" Award. The official ceremony took place on March 18 during a special breakfast ceremony at the 2009 Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) Conference in Orlando, Florida.

The finalists were chosen by a panel of respected industry judges, honoring the top managers and sales people in radio. Cyburt join Greater Media Detroit in January of 2000. Prior to that, she served as the Director of Sales at Clear Channel/Detroit.

WOOD-AM/Grand Rapids Talent Rick Beckett Dies
Rick Beckett, a fixture of West Michigan radio and the co-host of WOOD-AM's "The Rick and Scott Show", passed away on February 26, after suffering a heart attack. Beckett joined WOOD-AM more than five years ago, and often discussed his ongoing health issues on the air with his co-host Scott Winters.

WOOD-AM Program Director Angie Vuyst said that Beckett was in his early 50s and was "doing better." "This took a lot of us by surprise," Vuyst said.

Beckett and Scott worked together for nearly 15 years in the Grand Rapids market, together at WGRD-FM and WKLQ-FM before joining WOOD-AM together.

A "Thumbs Down" From Idol Becomes A "Thumbs Up" From WKHM/Jackson
Jessika Baier got more than a rejection from American Idol's Simon Cowell earlier this year. As a result of her audition, the Jackson County, Michigan singer got a job on the morning show for Jackson Radio Works' WKHM-FM. Station Manager/Morning Host Jamie McKibbin had been looking for a new co-host to assist him with the morning show when Baier came to the studio to be interviewed on-air about her TV experience.

McKibbin already knew Baier from karaoke contests the station sponsors at the Jackson County Fair and made the fun, local singer "an offer she couldn't refuse".

WJXQ's Mojo Announces "I Have MS" - and Joins Battle Against Disease
Mid-Michigan Radio/WJXQ-FM personality Mojo stunned listeners on March 10 with the news that he's been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Rather than sit back and contemplate the future, he's decided to utilize his platform to bring awareness to the public. He'll be working with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter, on various projects this year.

The WJXQ Imaging Director and afternoon-drive personality has been involved in many charity promotions and fundraisers during his 12-year career. He stated "I am anxious to do all I can to create awareness about multiple sclerosis. Lots of people have heard of MS, but few are familiar with its effects and I look forward to helping educate them."

Brian Figula Joins WGER/Saginaw as Program Director
Flint native Brian Figula has been hired as the new program director for NextMedia's WGER-FM. Figula joins the station from WDVD-FM and WDRQ-FM in Detroit, where he was the Creative Services/Imaging Director. Figula, known to most as simply "Fig", said "I'm thrilled to work with the brilliant NextMedia family of Jeff Dinetz, Shannone Dunlap, Dave Maurer, Scott (Seipel) Shannon and consultant Steve Davis."

His prior experience includes a stint as assistant program director and afternoon personality at WQAL/Cleveland, program director and personality at WWCK/Flint and WDBR/Springfield, Illinois.
Photo credit: Deborah Besanson - Hilton Photography.

WLEN/Adrian Wins NAB Education Foundation Service To America Award
Lenawee Broadcasting's WLEN-FM is winner of the 2009 radio "Service To Children" award, to be presented at the Celebration of Service to America Awards dinner on Monday, June 8 in Washington, D.C. The station was honored for serving children of all ages in their community, sponsoring a number of events and initiatives for children, including public service campaigns produced by youth groups and student interns.

The station was also recognized for broadcasts highlighting the "Student of the Day" and "Athlete of the Week." The station also involves the youth in their community in helping others. In the station's "Mission Possible" campaign, youth groups helped raise money to provide shelter for homeless men in the community.

Three New Staff Members at Ann Arbor Radio
Ann Arbor Radio-Cumulus Media has announced the hiring of three new account executives. Dean Erskine, a 35-year radio veteran joins the station; Ira Weintraub joins the station with over 14 years of professional experience, most recently in the Washington, D.C. area; and Marcie Van Black, a 2001 graduate of Eastern Michigan University who has had her own business for the past ten years.

Fear Is Contagious
by Roy H. Williams, Wizard of Ads, www.wizardacademy.org
I am reminded of what Michel Eyquem De Montaigne said with tongue in cheek during the French
Renaissance 450 years ago, “My life has been filled with terrible misfortune; most of which never
happened.”

As expected, we received a firestorm of email two weeks ago as a result of the Monday Morning Memo of March 2 in which I said I had chosen not to be fearful about the future. It seems that a lot of people take pleasure in fretting and they want me to get on board.
download pdf

U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Broadens Possible Employee Retaliation Claims
by Terry Kasiborski, Butzel Long
It has been well established that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 forbids retaliation by employers against employees who report illegal workplace discrimination to the employer.

In Crawford v Metropolitan Government of Nashville, the United States Supreme Court ruled that Title VII’s anti-retaliation protection also extends to employees who do not initiate complaints of discrimination, but who merely report workplace discrimination in response to the employer’s internal investigation.
download pdf

New State Tax Remedy Gaining Attention
Since its inception, both business and political leaders have taken issue with the Michigan Business Tax (MBT). In the two years it has been on the books, many argue that the MBT has proven to be a worse tax system than the Single Business Tax (SBT) it replaced.

Only a few months into the 95th Legislature, a number of calls for Michigan to rethink its overall tax system have been sounded. An expansion of the State Sales Tax to services has been among the many alternatives discussed to replace lost state revenue. However, no major proposals to revamp the tax system have gained any traction to date. In recent weeks a proposal to scrap the Michigan Business Tax completely and replace it with a graduated income tax has caught the attention of legislators in Lansing.

Proponents of the income tax argue an income tax based system would help attract new businesses to the state. Eliminating the MBT would give Michigan a competitive advantage over other states by not saddling job providers with an explicit tax on business activity.

Such a proposal is currently prohibited by Article IX, Section 7 of the Michigan Constitution, meaning a 2/3 vote by the legislature or a petition drive would be needed to place the question on the ballot. Voters would then have to approve its repeal for a tax on income to become a reality.

Get the latest legal updates by reading the MAB Legislative & Legal Monitor!
The MAB Legislative & Legal Monitor is published as necessary with the latest information important to broadcasters. Not receiving the monitor? Please email Dave Jessup at jessup@michmab.com to sign up TODAY! Past issues are available in the Members Only section of the MAB website. Click here to view the latest Legislative & Legal Monitors.

NAB/SoundExchange Reach Streaming Agreement
Recently, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and SoundExchange struck a deal on rates and terms for the streaming of music over the Internet. Simulcasts or Internet channels operated by local radio stations have been reduced by 16 percent for 2009 and 2010 under the agreement. Rates will then increase incrementally through 2015 from $0.0015 to $0.0025 per stream.

The agreement is an alternative option to the rate structure set by the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB). Broadcasters may choose either option if they are currently streaming music or plan to do so in the future. The settlement was recently published in the Federal Register, and is therefore now available for broadcasters to adopt.

Broadcasters who would like to adopt the settlement agreement and are currently streaming music via the Internet, must do so by April 2, 2009. A notice of intent to rely on this settlement must be filed with SoundExchange by the April deadline. Broadcasters who currently do not stream music, but plan to do so in the future, must file the election notice within 30 days of the intended start of their streaming. Otherwise, they will be bound by the rates established by the CRB.

Congress Moves Silver Alert Bill
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed legislation that will create a national alert system to help local law enforcement locate missing seniors. The National Silver Alert Bill, H.R. 632, sponsored by Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), authorizes a voluntary national system similar to the existing Amber Alert program.

Specifically, the bill will create the position of a Silver Alert Coordinator, who will oversee the implementation of the Silver Alert system. The Coordinator will have the power to set voluntary guidelines and monitor state Silver Alert programs. The Silver Alert Coordinator will consult with agencies such as the Federal Communication Commission (FCC), the Department of Transportation and the Administration on Aging to develop best practices for Silver Alert programs.
House Resolution 632 currently awaits action in the United States Senate Committee on Judiciary. Silver Alerts are not mandatory for broadcasters.