Promoting and Advocating for the Broadcasters of Nevada, While Serving the Public

Nevada Broadcasters Association

Biden Administration Nominates Fifth FCC Commissioner, and Renominates Two Existing Commissioners – What Broadcast Issues Could a Full FCC Resolve?

Posted On: May 24, 2023

This week brought the news that the Biden administration has nominated Anna Gomez for the open Democratic FCC seat that Gigi Sohn was to fill until she asked that her nomination be withdrawn in March, after a prolonged debate over her confirmation.  Gomez is experienced in government circles, having worked at NTIA (a Department of... Continue Reading…

This Week in Regulation for Broadcasters:  May 15 to May 19, 2023

Posted On: May 20, 2023

Here are some of the regulatory developments of significance to broadcasters from the past week, with links to where you can go to find more information as to how these actions may affect your operations. Continue Reading…

FCC Seeks Comments on Proposed Annual Regulatory Fees – Proposal Includes a Decrease in Fees To Be Paid By Broadcasters

Posted On: May 19, 2023

This week, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking containing its proposal for the annual regulatory fees to be paid by broadcasters in September of this year.  The annual fees are paid by all entities that the FCC regulates to reimburse the government for the cost of FCC operations.  The FCC decides how much... Continue Reading…

AM For Every Vehicle Act Introduced in House and Senate to Mandate AM Radio in Cars

Posted On: May 18, 2023

The fear that AM radio will disappear from the car has been high on broadcasters’ lists of concerns in recent months as several car makers, including Ford, have suggested that receivers would be dropped from new models.  The issue was addressed last weekend in a front-page story in the Washington Post.  It has been highlighted... Continue Reading…

FCC Repeals COVID-Era Accommodation that Allowed Broadcasters to Offer Businesses Free Advertising Time Without LUC Implications

Posted On: May 16, 2023

Yesterday, the FCC’s Media Bureau released a Public Notice announcing that it was repealing the COVID related guidance released in March 2020 that allowed broadcasters, local cable operators, and other media companies subject to the requirements that political candidates be offered Lowest Unit Rates during pre-election periods, to offer free advertising time to advertisers and... Continue Reading…

This Week in Regulation for Broadcasters:  May 8 to May 12, 2023

Posted On: May 14, 2023

Here are some of the regulatory developments of significance to broadcasters from the past week, with links to where you can go to find more information as to how these actions may affect your operations. Continue Reading…

More FCC EEO News – FCC Reminds Broadcasters that EEO Mid-Term Reviews to Begin in June

Posted On: May 12, 2023

Yesterday, in our article about the recent FCC random audit of the EEO performance of over 200 radio and TV stations, we noted that the FCC also reviews the EEO performance of broadcasters in connection with complaints, license renewal applications, and at the midpoint of the license period of most TV stations and larger radio... Continue Reading…

Reminder About Broadcasters’ FCC EEO Obligations After the April’s First 2023 Audit of Station Performance

Posted On: May 11, 2023

At the end of April, we noted in our weekly summary of regulatory actions for broadcasters that the FCC had issued its first EEO audit notice for 2023 (available here), this time targeting over 200 radio and TV stations.  Those stations, and the station employment units (commonly owned stations serving the same area) with which they are associated, must... Continue Reading…

This Week in Regulation for Broadcasters: May 1 to May 5, 2023

Posted On: May 6, 2023

Here are some of the regulatory developments of significance to broadcasters from the past week, with links to where you can go to find more information as to how these actions may affect your operations.

  • The FCC continues to consider its Second Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on proposals to enhance the FCC’s requirements that each broadcaster verify that any program time sold to third parties (or any pre-produced programming received for free) does not come from a “foreign government entity,” i.e., a foreign government or one of its agents (see our articles here and here).  
  •  ... Read More

This Week in Regulation for Broadcasters: April 24 to April 28, 2023

Posted On: April 29, 2023

Here are some of the regulatory developments of significance to broadcasters from the past week, with links to where you can go to find more information as to how these actions may affect your operations. On our Broadcast Law Blog, this week we published our monthly look ahead to the regulatory dates of importance to... Continue Reading…


Year in Review and Looking Ahead

The Nevada Broadcasters Association has had an amazing 2022. I'd like to thank NVBA Chairwoman Amie Chapman and the entire Board of Directors for their incredible leadership!
 
Much of the credit goes to you! Our member stations faithfully air our PSA's (NCSA's) enabling us to distribute important public health and safety messages to all Nevadans. Your generosity helps us continue our work on behalf of the Silver State's radio and television community.  Because of your support we're able to  support the Tony and Linda Bonnici Scholarship program which has awarded 232 scholarships in 12 short years! 
 
In Congressional news, the House Judiciary Committee approved the American Music Fairness Act, which would tax local radio stations because they offer free, over-the-air music to listeners. Because we relentlessly lobbied for the Local Radio Freedom Act, (thank you Congressman Amodei!)  this bill is dead on arrival. Even so, we contacted every member of our delegation to reiterate our opposition to this  onerous tax on local radio. 
 
We also closely tracked a bill that would allow financial transactions of cannabis in states where it is legal. A significant amendment would also allow advertising by radio and television stations. This is an important effort on behalf of stations who want the ability to advertise cannabis products in Nevada, where it is now legal. 
 
Some other 2022 highlights:
  • NVBA was the second  state association in the nation to get its EAS plan approved by the FCC!
  • We revamped our Alternative Inspection Program (ABIP) which enabled us to conduct 36 inspections, a service we provide free of charge to our member stations.
  • The FCC reduced an unreasonable 13% increase in regulatory fees after we vigorously  fought that increase through our Washington DC attorney.  
 
In 2023 we will be launching our retooled First Response Broadcaster program and getting ready to lobby our state lawmakers and members of Congress on issues that matter the most to you. 
 
Speaking of state lawmakers, we are bringing back "Broadcaster's Day" in Carson City. It will take place all day on Thursday, March 9 in the legislative building. We will hear from Governor Lombardo and various state lawmakers throughout the day. I hope you can join us! 
 
Speaking of Governor Lombardo, I'm pleased to report that I have been asked to serve on the Governor's transition team. This is quite an honor and it's only because our radio and television stations are held in such high regard at the highest levels of government.
 
I hope you value your membership in our Association. Your participation and support are important to us. 
 
Thank you for being a part of what we do!
 
Mitch


Nevada Broadcasters Foundation Scholarship Fund

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