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

Nevada Broadcasters Association

This Week in Regulation for Broadcasters: September 18-September 22, 2023

Posted On: September 24, 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…

Broadcaster’s Legal Considerations for Early Season Political Ads

Posted On: September 22, 2023

With the 2024 election looming, broadcasters are already receiving requests for political advertising time, from PACs and other issue groups, and from both established candidates and newcomers eager to make an early splash to enhance their public standing.  Some of these potential buyers advance unique policy positions and, sometimes, unusual ad buying strategies.  How are... Continue Reading…

This Week in Regulation for Broadcasters: September 11-September 15, 2023

Posted On: September 17, 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. This coming week, Annual Regulatory Fees must be paid by commercial broadcast stations through the FCC’s CORES database by 11:59... Continue Reading…

Reminder: September 15 Deadline for Updating ETRS Form One in Preparation for Nationwide EAS Test, and an FCC Notice on the Accessibility of EAS Messages

Posted On: September 11, 2023

On the anniversary of September 11, it seems appropriate to highlight the upcoming October 4 Nationwide Test of the EAS system.  While EAS was not activated during the September 11 emergency, the events of that date have provided much impetus for federal emergency authorities to strengthen the EAS system.  Part of that effort has been... Continue Reading…

This Week in Regulation for Broadcasters: August 28 to September 8, 2023

Posted On: September 10, 2023

Here are some of the regulatory developments of significance to broadcasters from the past two weeks (including events that occurred during our hiatus for the Labor Day holiday), with links to where you can go to find more information as to how these actions may affect your operations. Continue Reading…

And Then There Were Five – Senate Approves Anna Gomez as Fifth FCC Commissioner – What Broadcast Issues Could a Full FCC Consider? 

Posted On: September 8, 2023

The Senate this week approved Anna Gomez for the open Democratic FCC seat that has been vacant since the start of the Biden Administration.  As we wrote in May when the President first nominated her, Gomez is experienced in government circles, having worked at NTIA (a Department of Commerce agency dealing with federal spectrum use... Continue Reading…

Nevada On The Air with Dina Titus

Posted On: September 5, 2023

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FCC Annual Regulatory Fees are Due September 20 – Flurry of FCC Notices and Fact Sheets Detailing Payment Procedures

Posted On: August 29, 2023

The FCC issued its Public Notice announcing that Annual Regulatory Fees must be paid by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on September 20, 2023.  As we noted two weeks ago, the FCC earlier this month released its Report and Order setting the amount of the annual regulatory fees that broadcasters must pay, but the Commission had not, until yesterday,... Continue Reading…

September Regulatory Dates for Broadcasters – Regulatory Fees, HD Radio Power Increase Comments, EAS Filings, and Preparation for Many October Deadlines  

Posted On: August 28, 2023

On the surface, September appears to have few scheduled regulatory filing dates and deadlines.  But it is period in which many broadcasters will be busy with deadlines that occur in early October and into the rest of the Fall.  TV stations should be finishing their decision-making on must-carry/retransmission consent elections, which need to be in... Continue Reading…

This Week in Regulation for Broadcasters: August 21 to August 25, 2023

Posted On: August 27, 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. With the Labor Day holiday next week, unless the FCC is very active, we will not publish this update next... 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

NVBA Member Outreach