David Martin, Media Arts & Sciences LLC, met with over 30 members of public broadcasting at WKAR on May 19. David provided a 4 hour workshop on social media. The workshop provided invaluable knowledge required to understand, develop and implement social media strategy.

WKAR says Farewell to Don Pash
Former WKAR classical music producer, Don Pash, passed away on April 15 in Florida at the age of 87. Don came to MSU as a full-time faculty member in 1953 and became the fine arts producer at WKAR-TV when the station went on the air in 1954 – a position he held for nearly 40 years. He produced over 1,000 programs with MSU music students and faculty as well as many unknown professional musicians, just starting to be noticed. Following his retirement in 1987, Pash returned to Chicago to immerse himself in music, especially at Orchestra Hall with his beloved Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Special Call-In Show on CMU Public Radio Discusses Alternative Energy
CMU Public Radio News Director David Nicholas held a special call-in program on May 5 to discuss Alternative Energy and its impact on Michigan citizens. Guest panelists included Peter Sinclair, renewable energy advocate; and Representative Joel Sheltrown (D-West Branch). The discussion centered on the extent of the use of coal, as steps are taken to ensure a more environmentally-friendly Michigan.

WTVS Hosts CYBERCHASE Wind-O-Rama at the Cranbrook Institute
of Science
In honor of National Kite Month, Detroit Public Television (WTVS) hosted CYBERCHASE Wind-O-Rama on April 18, a celebration of all things weather- and wind-related. This event included a screening of CYBERCHASE Weather Watchers episodes plus activities such as kite-making and flying and making and using wind gauges. Episode screenings were followed by an informative Q&A session with real meteorologists as well as an appearance by Digit.

WIOG/Flint Cares for Kids
Citadel Broadcasting's WIOG-FM recently held its Cares for Kids Radiothon April 23-25th to benefit Hurley Medical Center and the Children's Miracle Network.

A total of $65,384 was raised for the medical center during the event.

WOOD TV8 and Spartan Stores team up in an effort to collect 25 tons of dry goods for local families in need.
WOOD TV8, Spartan Stores, and local businesses around West Michigan are hauling out Christmas trees for a new season of giving this May. WOOD TV8 and Spartan Stores have partnered in a community-wide initiative to help struggling families make ends meet during these challenging economic times. “Your Money. Your Neighbor. Christmas in May.” is a new program designed to supply West Michigan families with everyday items that aren’t always available at food pantries and can’t be purchased with food stamps. Each Christmas tree will be covered with gift tags that include a list of suggested donations. Community members are encouraged to purchase any of the items listed, and return those items with the gift tag to any participating location.

WDZZ/WWCK/Flint Participate in Movers for Moms
WDZZ, WWCK/Flint collected food to benefit the homeless, in conjunction with Two Men and a Truck and “Movers For Moms." Cumulus Broadcasting of Flint wanted to make sure homeless mothers and their families in Flint have something to eat, wear and help them feel good about themselves on Mother’s Day. Other local businesses including Two Men and a Truck, supplied a box truck to store the food gathered. The stations took donations of clothing, non-perishable food items and personal hygiene items.

Checking in…MABF Internship Program Offers Student EAS Experience
"I'm excited about the opportunity to intern for the MAB and work on the new Emergency Alert System. I've learned a great deal already. It feels good to be a part of something that can have a direct impact on my own community. I'm looking forward to the coming weeks." -Brett King, Michigan State University Student intern, MAB (pictured right)

“From his first day, Brett has been very focused on thoroughly learning Michigan’s complex Emergency Alert System. His responsibility will be in one of our major task areas--- to train our EAS Primary Stations and over 40 Emergency Managers to use Michigan’s new satellite and internet EAS delivery system. We’re very pleased to have Brett’s help in this important project that will benefit the entire state.” -Larry Estlack, Director of Technology, MAB

Looking for a Tax Write-Off? Donate to the MAB Foundation and Help your 2009 Taxes!
The MAB Foundation is looking for fun and exciting items to be auctioned as part of the Online Auction. Do you have tickets for sporting events, the theater or movies that you can donate? How about overnight stays, vacation packages, golf or skiing?

We can help you by providing promotion for your donation including a link to your web site and a letter indicating your donation that you can use for tax purposes. Proceeds from the Online Auction go to support scholarships, internships and education in Michigan…It’s a win-win situation!

Contact Julie Sochay to donate today!

Reminder: BCS Monthly Training
Broadcast Compliance Services (BCS) assists MAB member stations in meeting EEO outreach requirements through its broad outreach program enabling broadcasters to post and list job openings with thousands of contacts nationwide.

As part of this service, BCS offers monthly conference call training on a weekly basis. Click here for participant information and a schedule as well as complete information on this MAB member service. For more information on other valuable MAB Member Services, visit the member services section of the MAB web site here.

MAB Legal Hotlines Save Members TIME and MONEY!
Are you taking advantage of your MAB Legal Hotlines? One of the nation's leading communication attorneys, David Oxenford, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, can help you with your FCC and regulatory questions. It's FREE to you because MAB has a special arrangement and we pay for all members to get their questions answered.

Say your corporate office has an attorney and you use them for advice and counsel. That's great, but you can sound a lot smarter when you call them by getting to understand the issue better by speaking with David first.

Save your money, call the MAB FCC attorney first and cut down on those lengthy EXPENSIVE calls to your attorney.

MAB also offers a free Michigan Legal Hotline for your FOIA, libel and Michigan questions with John Ronayne of Bernardi, Ronayne & Glusac, PC; and the Human Resource Law Hotline with Terry Kasiborski of Butzel Long.

You know you have questions and the price is right!