GLBC 2010: Lansing March 2 & 3! |
 Outstanding Speakers Featured at the 2010 Great Lakes Broadcasting Conference
(GLBC)
The 2010 GLBC session and speaker line-up is being finalized and already boasts some industry superstars and outstanding educational programs. GLBC is an affordable one-day conference that showcases national caliber speakers at a regional price. Make the investment in yourself and your career and attend March 2 & 3, 2010 in Lansing.
Speakers booked so far include:
 Gary Berkowitz has been in radio for over 30 years and owns Berkowitz Consulting based in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Gary has consulted for America's biggest and best stations including market leaders such as WMJX, Boston, WNIC, Detroit, WWFS (Fresh 102.7), New York, KEZK, St Louis, WLIF, Baltimore, KYXY, San Diego; and many others.
Today, Gary works with large and small broadcasters across the US to improve their programming, marketing and ratings.
 Doug Harris is President of Creative Animal International. With a creative legacy that spans 25 years in marketing and a host of broadcast clients around the world, Doug has earned a reputation as the world's premiere broadcast marketing consultant. A former Billboard Magazine Promotion Director of the Year, and the recipient of dozens of industry accolades, he has made a practice of out-thinking, rather than out-spending his competitors in ratings and revenue battles, and has demonstrated a unique ability to blend the needs of programming with those of sales.
 Steve Julin has been editing, directing and producing video for over 20 years. He was a principal partner in developing Media Power and is an Apple Certified Instructor, Boris FX Certified Instructor, as well as Michigan's first Avid Certified Instructor. Steve has edited and provided training for such companies as Ford Motor Company, Kmart, Comcast, The Discovery Channel, CBS, PBS and NBC. In 2000, he received a Golden Eagle Award for documentary editing and was nominated for an Emmy in 2001. Steve also served as Senior Avid Editor at Grace & Wild HD Studios and published his first book, “Avid Xpress Pro: Power” in March 2004.
 Jim Mathis is an International Certified Speaking Professional, Corporate Reinvention Strategist and author. He has been speaking, leading conferences and consulting for over 28 years. He helps business leaders who want to reinvent their businesses in challenging economies. Founding a business in one year and quadrupling its income the next, Jim has much to share about business marketing strategy. He is president of The Mathis Group based in Atlanta, Georgia, a member of the National Speakers Association, the Global Speakers Federation, the International Coach Federation and author of: “Reaching Beyond Excellence.”
 Richard Strickland founded RF Safety Solutions in 2002 after 10 years as Director of Business Development for Narda Safety Test Solutions, the world’s leading supplier of RF safety measurement and monitoring products. As director of the RF safety business at Narda, Richard determined which products were developed and their performance characteristics. He frequently functioned as program manager, as he did with the Nardalert XT RF personal monitor, deciding on every aspect of that unit’s features and design. He initiated the development of RF radiation training courses at Narda and has since conducted courses ranging from basic employee awareness seminars to in-depth application specific courses.
Audiences have included environmental health and safety professionals, engineers, technicians, attorneys, communications industry professional consulting engineers (PEs), and senior managers of major corporations, government organizations and professional groups. Richard has taught more than 200 public and private seminars on RF radiation safety.
 Michele Yamazaki is the VP of Marketing & Web Development Czarina for Toolfarm.com, a value added reseller of plug-ins and software. At Toolfarm, she juggles many roles, including developing content and training and answering support questions. She has demoed plug-ins for Apple, Boris FX, Red Giant, Digieffects and other companies at multiple trade shows, conferences and user groups. Michele was previously a visual effects/motion graphics artist at Postworks and a contributing author of ‘After Effects @ Work’, published by Focal Press in 2006. She just wrapped up a four year stint teaching After Effects at Kendall College of Art and Design.
More sessions and speakers are being added as they are confirmed, so check the GLBC site often for the most current information. Registration is open, so reserve your seat now!
 GLBC Session and Speaker Preview:
Losers or Leaders: The Indisputable Truths
By Jim Mathis, CSP
What Separates the Losers from the Leaders?
 download pdf
Attention Engineers: RF Safety Course Just added to GLBC Line-up
Richard Strickland of RF Safety Solutions will be presenting his RF Safety course at GLBC on Wednesday, March 3. For some situations, like group technical meetings, there is nothing that can equal in-person instruction from an industry expert. Richard’s experience in both commercial and military environments allows him to relate to his audience. So whether the group maintains high-power military radar systems, very high-power satellite systems in classified environments, or wireless or broadcast systems, Richard will prepare and deliver an effective, focused training class that is both educational and entertaining.
Read one of Richard’s articles here and then register for GLBC.
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| Broadcast Excellence Awards |
 Shine Like the Star You Are!
2009 Broadcast Excellence Awards Underway
Like a shooting star, the entry deadline for the 2009 Broadcast Excellence Awards is fast approaching. All entries are due Tuesday, January 12, 2010 by 4:00pm. Don’t miss out on your chance to shine, not to mention, bragging rights for a whole year! Award information and entry forms are available online here.
ATTENTION: Division 4 Television, small TV market, has returned for the 2009 awards competition. Make sure to read all of the 2009 BEA information to give your station the best chance at winning!
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| Chairman's Article |
 By Tom Mogush, Chairman, Michigan Association of Broadcasters and President/Owner, WMQT-FM/WZAM-AM, Marquette
The World Cup Short Track Speed Skating Championships were just held in Marquette; 34 countries featured 350 athletes, coaches and related staff. They were competing in the final of four World Cups to earn spots in the Vancouver Olympic Games in February. Apolo Anton Ohno is the biggest star of his sport, plus he won the Dancing With The Stars competition on ABC to go along with his five Olympic medals. As Apolo competed over four days of races and three days of practice I was able to watch closely. My station covered the final two days live and I was part of the broadcast so I needed to prepare. I watched practice, I spoke to the skaters to pick their brains on strategy and I studied Apolo. When he is off the ice on dry land and training he is methodically moving and stretching his body in the exact skating motion, paying close attention to proper form and technique. It is a slow motion, perfect skating posture movement. Every step calculated. When he is on the ice warming up it’s the same slow motion, perfect skating posture movement. Every stride is measured and purposeful. That’s the physical part of it.
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Apolo Anton Ohno (center front) at the recent ISU World Cup in Marquette |
The mental preparation Apolo goes through is on a whole new level. Short Track is a dangerous, high speed sport so concentration is paramount. I watched several of his races in the first row near a corner. The thing that stood out to me were his eyes. He studies his opponents, knows their weaknesses and looks for opportunity. In longer races Apolo will often start the race in the rear of the pack as he studies the other racers, conserves energy and looks for his chance to move up. I asked him what he’s looking for and he told me he watches every stride of the skaters in front of him and sees if their technique changes as they fatigue and looks for an opening to pass. As he moves up in the pack he needs to be aware of who is behind him so he has studied his opponents skate boots and knows what each pair looks like so he sneaks a peak by looking down between his legs of under his arm to see who is coming up. The skaters are bunched in tight packs, the ice gets nicked up and they are traveling 30 mph. Crashes happen when skaters make desperate moves or stop concentrating on what’s going on around them.
In your life today, are you causing crashes by making desperate moves and not concentrating? Do you know your opponents weaknesses? Have you practiced slowly and methodically in every step you need to take?
Training is available from the MAB, take advantage of it! Click here for more information.
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| PLAN AHEAD - Budgeting for 2010 |
Plan Ahead for 2010 and SAVE with your MAB Membership
 Did you know that your MAB membership helps to offset the cost of many of our member programs? MAB invests in these programs to serve you, our member, for the lowest cost possible.
To assist you in budgeting for the coming year, below are the member costs for MAB programs in 2010, as well as the savings your membership provides.
Broadcast Excellence Awards
BEA Entry $35 per entry (a savings of $20 off the actual cost)
Awards Banquet $35 per person (a savings of $105 off the actual cost)
Great Lakes Broadcasting Conference & Expo
Full Conference (early registration) $149 per person (a savings of $125 off the actual cost)
Full Conference (late registration) $179 per person (a savings of $95 off the actual cost)
Lansing Center Parking $5 per day, per entry
Radisson Hotel-standard room $118 (plus 13% room tax and 6% sales tax)
Lexington Hotel-standard room $104 (plus 6% room tax and 6% sales tax)
Chairman’s Banquet & Lifetime Achievement/Hall of Fame Awards (summer event)
 Banquet/Awards (early registration) $60 per person (a savings of $129 off actual cost)
Banquet/Awards (late registration) $100 per person (a savings of $89 off actual cost)
The Inn at St. John's - Deluxe room $119 (plus $12.50 tax)
MABF Golf Scramble
Entry Fee $150 per person
Summer Sales Seminar & Webcast
Registration per person/logon FREE for members (a savings of $400 off the actual cost)
PLUS! EEO-Friendly Programs to Build UP Your EEO File
Career and Networking Fairs $250 per booth
Internship Program $600 per intern
Station Scholarship Program $1,250 per scholarship
Student Conference Sponsorships $250 - $800
Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program (ABIP)
Starting at $475 for radio, $675 for Television; plus travel and administrative fees |
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| Legislative Update |
 State Budget Completed
Governor Jennifer Granholm signed the final six state budget bills on October 29, some 30 days into the new fiscal year. However, the controversy over the budget remains, as the Governor continues her push for increased revenues to restore some of the cuts.
The cuts amount to more than $1.87 billion, resulting in 300 state worker layoffs and substantial cuts to Medicaid, K-12 spending, the Promise Grant college scholarship and heavy reductions in state revenue sharing payments.
Throughout the budget debate, Granholm had threatened her veto. After signing the remaining bills, she explained without the legislatively approved revenue increases, a veto would hurt more citizens than necessary.
MAB's NCSA contract with the Department of Community Health remains seriously threatened beyond the current two month funding decline. The MAB Board of Directors considered this at their last meeting, and has planned cuts to accommodate any further decline in revenue.
"We have over 1.5 years in operating budget reserves and MDCH isn't our only NCSA client," said MAB President Karole White. "We will do what you do: find new clients and cut expenses."
Since taking office in 2003, Governor Granholm has overseen more than $10 billion in state spending reductions and 11,000 state employee jobs have been eliminated.
Work will immediately begin on the 2010-11 budget, as state budget experts predict the General Fund for next year is already $800 million in the red. The state balanced the books this year with considerable help from Washington. About $1 billion in stimulus cash was used in the general fund, and $450 million in recovery money helped balance the school aid fund. Next year the state will have only $410 million in stimulus support for the general fund and $184 million for school aid.
Bill to Ban Non-Competes Likely to be Resurrected
Last year, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) was successful halting an eleventh-hour move in the 110th Legislature to ban non-compete clauses. Last week, the MAB caught wind of a plan to revisit the effort in the 111th Legislature.
Although no bill has been introduced to date, the dialogue MAB has had with a potential bill sponsor has revealed the bill specifically targets broadcasters to eliminate their ability to incorporate non-compete clauses into personal service contracts for on-air talent. Based on conversations with lawmakers, MAB believes re-introduction of the measure is likely. As was the case last year, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) is backing the issue. MAB remains vigilant and continues to work with legislative members to thwart introduction and, if necessary, ensure the bill does not gain traction.
The MAB has sent select members a survey on the use of non-competes at their respective stations. All members are encouraged to submit the complete survey, as the information collected will go a long way in helping to build our case before the legislature.
 Help Support MABPAC
The 2009 Election season has ended and the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Political Action Committee (MABPAC) coffers are depleted. It is important that the MAB PAC support candidates and incumbent lawmakers that stand with us on issues.
In the era of term-limits, MAB is working hard to forge strong relationships with lawmakers early in their term. A strong PAC is a vital tool that will go along way in helping MAB and its members do this important work.
The role broadcasters play in this state has a huge impact on Michigan’s public safety and economic health. Vital roles such as these should never go unnoticed by our elected officials as they conduct the public’s business. A strong and effective PAC affords the MAB and its members the exposure and consideration they deserve when the implications of policy decisions are being discussed.
MABPAC competes daily with hundreds of other political action committees operated by special interest groups all over the state, each vying for the attention of lawmakers. MAB repeatedly maintains an advantage due to the outstanding reputations of its membership and their dedication to the common good and to the public.
We ask that you make a personal donation to the MABPAC today. This will help to ensure that broadcasters will have a seat at the table when policy decisions are being made. A donation form can be downloaded here.
Thank you for your support and dedication to advancing the cause of Michigan Broadcasters.
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. |
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| Federal and Regulatory Update |
MAB Meets With Congressman Pete Hoekstra (R-2nd)
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MAB thanks Congressman Pete Hoekstra (R-2nd) for his leadership during the transition to digital television. (Front: Left to Right) Gene Shanahan (WLNS-TV, Lansing), Janet Mason (WZZM-TV, Grand Rapids), Congressman Hoekstra, Karole White (MAB), Tim Feagan (Clear Channel West Michigan), (Back: Left to Right) Peter Tanz (Midwest Communications, Inc.), Matt Hanlon (Citadel Communications), Jim Lutton (WWMT-TV, Kalamazoo & WLAJ-TV, Lansing) and
David Jessup (MAB) |
The MAB recently met with Congressman and gubernatorial candidate Pete Hoekstra (R-2nd). MAB President and CEO Karole White, along with Government Relations Manager David Jessup, were joined by a group of radio and television broadcast members to discuss a multitude of broadcast issues currently before Congress and to hear Congressman Hoekstra’s vision for Michigan, if elected Governor.
The meeting was a great success. Congressman Hoekstra reaffirmed his opposition to the Performance Tax and received an update on the status of the reauthorization of the Satellite Home Viewer Act. MAB members utilized this unique opportunity to outline the policy goals and objectives of Michigan's Broadcasters at the State Capitol as well.
Additionally, the MAB presented a certificate of appreciation to the Congressman for his leadership and support during the transition to digital television.
Efforts to secure additional congressional meetings are on-going. With all of the issues that have the potential to affect our industry, MAB has made it a priority to provide members an audience with congressional delegates.
 NAB Article
By Julie Koehn, WLEN-FM (Adrian) and Michigan Representative to NAB
It gives me great pleasure to introduce Gordon Smith, the next President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters.
“Gordon H. Smith, of Covington & Burling LLP, is a former two-term U.S. Senator from Oregon and successful entrepreneur. Gordon has experience running companies, meeting payrolls and experience on the hill. He served in the U.S. Senate from 1996 to 2008, where his committee assignments included the Senate Commerce Committee, the panel that oversees all broadcast-related legislation, the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
download pdf
 Senate Panel Moves Performance Tax Bill
On November 5, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed legislation that would establish a Performance Tax on local radio broadcasters. If made law, the bill would require broadcasters to pay negotiated royalties to the record labels for playing their music on the air.
Similar to a version approved by the House Judiciary Committee early this year, the measure was amended to include a tiered financial scale that is intended to accommodate smaller broadcasters. The amending language allows stations making less than $50,000 a year to elect a $100 flat fee to play all the music they want. Mid-sized stations also would have flat-fee royalty options on a tiered basis. The bill also includes language to set the same general royalty rates across different broadcast platforms, a particular concern for Internet radio.
While the committee vote marks the furthest congressional progress yet for the measure, it is still far from becoming law. Broadcasters have successfully garnered support for S. Con. Res. 14 which currently maintains 26 Senate co-sponsors. On the House side, H. Con. Res. 49, the Local Radio Freedom Act has reached a super-majority of 251 signatures. Michigan delegates who have co-sponsored the measure are: Fred Upton, Bart Stupak, Pete Hoekstra, Candice Miller, Dale Kildee, Vern Ehlers and Mike Rogers. Thus far, neither Senator Levin nor Stabenow have agreed to co-sponsor S. Con. Res. 14.
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MAB Monthly Poll:
Has the current economic climate affected your holiday plans?
Click here to answer
October poll results: The question "Who do you root for on Saturdays?"
83% MSU
17% UofM |
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| Political Broadcasting Webcast Recap |
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(L-R) Bobby Baker, David Oxenford |
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MAB Holds Webcast on Political Broadcasting
More than 20 broadcasters joined MAB on the campus of MSU to be the “live studio audience” for MAB’s Political Broadcasting Webcast featuring Bobby Baker, FCC, and MAB Washington attorney David Oxenford, Davis Wright Tremaine, on November 10th.
In addition to our “live studio audience”, over 700 viewers registered to log on from 15 different states, including Michigan, to watch the webcast from their stations and email in questions.
Baker and Oxenford presented the rules and regulations that stations need to know to avoid FCC fines during the political broadcasting season. The webcast is archived and available for viewing in the MAB Members Only section.
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| Industry Articles & Editorials |
 Facebook, Twitter and Texting…oh my!
By Jamie McKibbin, WKHM-AM/FM & WIBM-AM (Jackson)
The broadcasting industry has more opportunities today than ever before, and if you are feeling old, out of the loop, or just haven’t had time to embrace…the time is now!
Facebook, Twitter, texting, cell phone applications, streaming, etc…are all invading our world right now and successful stations are embracing these social mediums and looking at them as a way to interact with listeners and viewers and as a way to turn them into dollars.
download pdf
 Hobby or Business?
By Peter H. Smyth,
Greater Media, Inc.
I recently had an interesting conversation with my good friend Jeff Smulyan, CEO of Emmis Communications, regarding the importance of our industry embracing today's interactive technology. Greater Media recently signed on as a partner with Emmis Interactive to enhance our stations’ websites and related Internet efforts. During my discussion with Jeff, we talked about the strategic role of some of the latest social platforms and other interactive initiatives at our stations, and how we can use them to better serve our listeners and our advertisers. The most important question that emerged from the discussion was this: is it a business or a hobby?
download pdf
Editor's note: MAB Washington legal counsel David Oxenford will be presenting two webinars addressing your questions about social media and the potential legal liability that station owners may have for the actions of their employees on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and other similar sites. These FREE webinars will be on December 9 and 15. To register, click here. For more information on the webinars, email CassandraWiday@dwt.com.
 “All Things Christmas” Programming Checklist
by Gary Berkowitz, Berkowitz Consulting Group
With Christmas right around the corner, here’s a 10-point programming check list to make sure your station sounds great this holiday season...
download pdf
Get Back to Creative Visual Storytelling
 By Bob Gould, School of Journalism, Michigan State University
Two weeks after watching a helium-filled, saucer-shaped balloon glide above the Colorado terrain, I wanted to spend some time talking about the whole fiasco in my college journalism ethics class. Shortly after bringing up the term “Balloon Boy,” a couple students looked puzzled. “What are you talking about?” asked one. “I’ve no idea what he’s referring to,” remarked another. To my astonishment I asked what cave they had been hiding in for the past 14 days. After these students received some good-natured ribbing from the rest of the class, I couldn’t help but wonder how this was possible.
download pdf
 Congress and President Barack Obama Expand FMLA Coverage
for Military Families
By Benjamin K. Steffans, Butzel Long
On October 28, 2009 President Barack Obama signed the Fiscal Year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act (“Act”) which expands the coverage for the Family and Medical Leave Act, as it relates to military families, in two important respects, both of which are effective immediately.
First, the Act extends exigency leave benefits to include family members of active duty service members, not just reservists, who are deployed to a foreign country. Prior to the Act’s passage, exigency leave was limited to family members of National Guard and reservists who were deployed to a foreign country, but now it will be extended to family members of active duty service members who are also deployed.
download pdf
 Not Getting Appointments? Your Shallowness May be More
Than Skin-Deep
By Paul Weyland, Paul Weyland Communication Strategies
Local business owners have become jaded by the dozens of media reps trying to get their attention each week. It’s no wonder as this is what they hear on their answering machines and see in emails from stations. “Hello, my name is___ and I wanted to let you know that we have a new talk station that would be a good fit for your business...”
read more from RBR.com here
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| In The News |
 WOOD-TV Names News Director
Grand Rapids' WOOD-TV has announced that Rebecca Sapakie has accepted a position as the News Director of 24 Hour News 8. Sapakie joined the station on October 19, 2009. WOOD-TV general manager Diane Kniowski commented: "We are confident that Rebecca will continue to lead WOOD TV8’s commitment to news excellence and content development."
Sapakie comes to WOOD-TV from WDAF in Kansas City. She spent three years at WDAF implementing and directing the interactive department. Prior to her work in Kansas City, Sapakie spent seven years at WOOD-TV where she held positions that included the weekend morning show producer and assistant news director.
“I’m thrilled to be back in West Michigan and at WOOD TV8,” said Sapakie. “This station has an unparalleled commitment for going that extra mile to provide our viewers with the information they need 24 hours a day. I’m proud to be part of such a talented and driven group of people.”
Sapakie replaces former News Director Patti McGettigan who accepted a position with sister-station WISH-TV in Indianapolis earlier this year.
 Changes at WWTV/WWUP-TV and WFQX/WFUP-TV
Bill Kring, general manager of the Cadillac/Traverse City based stations announced several changes within the cluster's sales department. Ann Montie has recently joined Heritage Broadcasting as research and sales assistant. She will be support to both Lisa Froning in her new role as director of planning and research, and Mark Mageau in his expanded role as regional sales manager for both WWTV-TV and WFQX-TV. The team will report to Karl Brockmiller, national sales manager.
 MIARNG Welcomes Coleman
The Michigan Army National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Command announced the acquisition of a new contractor joining their Education Team. Veola Shanae Coleman of East Lansing will be responsible for marketing a variety of educational and career assistance programs to secondary schools through an umbrella program called “Partners In Education”. This no-cost program provides teaching tools that include hands-on experience, print materials and motivational presentations for the classroom setting. Along with topics that discuss preparing for life after high school and career exploration, the program offers an extensive variety of lesson plans for at-risk youth that teach life skills and drug prevention.
Born and raised in Madison, Wis., Coleman graduated in 2005 from Alabama State University with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications & Public Relations. This combined with her Master’s of Education degree in Secondary English brings a multitude of assets to the National Guard. Coleman is a certified teacher and public speaker.
To contact Shanae Coleman for more information on the Partners In Education Program, please call 517-481-7746.
Unger Joins WXMI-TV
Lauren Unger has been hired by WXMI-TV/Grand Rapids as a general assignment reporter. Prior to joining the station, Unger was a reporter and morning anchor in Baton Rouge, LA, where she covered hurricanes Ike and Gustav as well as Louisiana's first significant snowfall in several years. She also worked as a reporter and fill-in anchor in Trenton, NJ.
Unger grew up in Reading, PA and graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pittsburgh.
 RIP: WKNR's Jim Jeffries
The MAB is sad to report the passing of Jim Jeffries, a former air talent from the legendary WKNR-AM "Keener 13" in Detroit back in the 1960s. Jeffries passed away of a heart attack on November 17. Jeffries had a long radio career at WKNR and later in Atlanta, GA at WQXI-AM. He was also national promotion director for Epic Records and later served as vice-president for promotion at Mercury Records. He is survived by his wife, Debbie. A full tribute to Jeffries has been posted at www.keener13.com. Photo courtesy of www.keener13.com.
News Director Survey
The MAB is working with Victoria Bemker, a university student who is trying to ascertain when and how public opinion surveying is used in news today. Click here to answer this brief survey and we will share the results with you. Thank you!
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The Michigan Broadcaster
Editor-Karole L. White
Communications Mgr-Julie Sochay
Newsletter/Web/IT Mgr-Dan Kelley
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