Michigan Association of Broadcasters

As of July 16, 2008 - the NTIA reports that Michigan has been issued 871,582 converter box coupons. 300,665 coupons have been redeemed in the state. See the latest statistics here.

In the Members Only section of this website, the MAB has made available a DTV Station Checklist as well as television/cable coordination reference guides.

The Michigan DTV Website offers information on the MAB's DTV Transition Plan, a review of our DTV Public Awareness efforts and extensive consumer resources.

Summer Sales Seminars Announced

The MAB is proud to present "Indispensible in a Time of Need" with Kennen Williams - at three locations in the state August 25, 26 & 27. Register before August 11th and save!

Full details on the seminars here.

Six prominent figures in Michigan broadcasting history were inducted into the Michigan Broadcasting Hall of Fame during ceremonies at the MAB Annual Meeting & Leadership Retreat at Crystal Mountain Resort.

Richard Sommerville retired in 2000 after a half-century of distinguished broadcasting excellence including his ownership of several radio stations. Dick started his career as a morning man at WTTH (now WPHM) in Port Huron. He purchased WSMA in Marine City in 1962 and subsequently purchased WCEN AM/FM in Mt. Pleasant in 1986.

Broadcaster Alert: FCC Revises "The Public and Broadcasting" - AGAIN!

With little fanfare, the FCC has again revised "The Public and Broadcasting". As MAB members will note, the FCC revised this for the first time in years back in April - and now have issued a "July 2008" version of the publication.

As before, the FCC rules require that all broadcast stations keep in their public inspection files, at all times, a copy of the most recent version of "The Public and Broadcasting." In addition, licensees must provide a copy of the publication to any member of the public who requests one.

Each licensee must replace the existing copy in its station public inspection file with the updated version.

Download the pdf version of the newly revised publication here.

FCC Proposes Fiscal Year 2008 Regulatory Fees: Prepare To Pay More

The FCC has announced its proposed annual regulatory fees for Fiscal Year 2008. While the final fees amounts and filing deadline will be announced following a comment and reply comment period, broadcasters can anticipate paying more.

As an example, commercial VHF television stations in Detroit (market #11) will see a fee increase from $46,350 to $50,850. The amount of increase in annual fees for AM and FM radio stations will be between $75 and $400, depending on the type of station involved. Annual fees for Part 74 Broadcast Auxiliaries remain at $10 per license.

A complete copy of the proposed fees can be viewed/downloaded here.

MAB Requests Declaratory Ruling from FCC on Bidding Programs' Effect on Lowest Unit Rate

The MAB has joined dozens of other state associations in a request to the Federal Communications Commission for a ruling on whether participation in any of several airtime sales programs will affect a station's calculation of its Lowest Unit Rate (LUR) for political advertising purposes. Click HERE to read the 8-page filing. Broadcasters are asking for a quick ruling because of the fast-approaching political campaigns and the need for clear guidance from the FCC before candidates start purchasing advertising time. UPDATE 6/20/08: There's been no decision on this matter yet from the FCC and none likely until after the elections. Our advice to stations is to contact their communications counsel when considering whether to hire one of the companies providing these types of services.

FCC Issues Report, Order, NPRM on EAS Changes

Tthe Federal Communications Commission issued its Second Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) on the "Next Generation Emergency Alert System". Click HERE for a copy of the 75-page document. Click HERE for a brief summary prepared by MAB staff. We will be filing comments when the comment period begins.

ABIP 2008 In Progress!

Sign-up windows have been announced for 2008 inspections as part of the Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program (ABIP).

MAB's Director of Technology Larry Estlack has begun his annual roadtrip - to continue through early autumn - visiting participating stations. This program is a no-risk way to check your station's FCC compliance.

More on the Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program- including the inspection schedule here.

MAB Member Political Resources

MAB Political Time Request Form + Political Broadcasting Guide.

Just in time for the political season, MAB's Washington Legal Hotline Attorney David Oxenford of Davis Wright Tremaine has prepared both a political time request form and political guide to keep you legal. Both are available for PDF download in the Members Only section.

The MAB Political Webinar with David Oxenford of Davis Wright Tremaine and Bobby Baker of the Federal Communications Commission informed more than 500 broadcasters from 15 states. If you'd like to see it again, click HERE and use your login ID from the original webcast. MAB Members also can view the archive in the Members Only section.

MAB Members Only: David Oxenford is our Washington Legal Hotline Attorney and is available to answer questions free of charge about political advertising, federal regulations and other matters. Call the MAB for details.

MAB Newsletter Now On The Web!

The Michigan Association of Broadcasters official Newsletter The Michigan Broadcaster is now being produced in an electronic format. Read the June, 2008 issue HERE.

MAB Recommends All Michigan Broadcasters Register with FCC Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS)

Through the redesigned Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS), the FCC is asking communications companies, including broadcast, to voluntarily provide information about disruptions during a crisis. The agency will then share the company’s specific information only with the Homeland Security Department for situational awareness purposes. The individual company’s information will not be publicly released or shared. The MAB fully supports the efforts of the FCC's DIRS and recommends that every Michigan broadcaster participate. Click HERE to register.

Michigan TV Viewing "Strong as Ever" : MAB Releases TV Research Results

A survey of 500 Michigan citizens reveals that an overwhelming majority of viewers say television remains as a dominant entertainment medium, and that local news and weather are vitally important. The research project, conducted by the William Donohue Group, took a detailed look at viewing habits and the use of emerging media by citizens from all parts of the state. Click HERE for the news release.

The FCC has recently fined stations for failure to comply with EEO Rules. MAB legal counsel David Oxenford of Davis Wright Tremaine has provided a thorough guide to the FCC EEO rules, how they are applied, and how you can comply. This document is available to Members Only.

MAB provides excellent legal counsel through three Hotlines. David Oxenford offers guidance on federal regulatory (FCC) issues; John Ronayne is your resource for questions about Michigan law, Freedom of Information or access to public records; Terry Kasiborski will help you with employment law questions and problems. This valuable service is available to MAB Members at no charge. Click here for Legal Hotline access.