Georgia broadcasters guide community through Winter Snowstorm
Last week’s winter storm saw broadcasters jumping into action to keep their communities updated and safe. From school closures to safety precautions, broadcasters provided Georgians with the information they needed to get prepared and stay safe for the inclement weather.
While broadcasters first prioritized the safety of their communities, they were also there to share the joy the snow brought to North Georgians.
And in the aftermath, FOX 5 reflected the essential role that Georgia agencies played in keeping the state safe and recovering from the winter storm.
As California broadcasters continue to inform and support their communities through coverage of the devastating wildfires, support and relief for broadcasters can be found at https://broadcastersfoundation.org/2025californiawildfires/
NAB Crystal Award entries are now being accepted through January 25, 2025.
Each year, 10 NAB member radio stations are recognized for excellence in year-round community service. This year’s Crystal Award recipients will be honored at the 2025 NAB State Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.
Gray Media announces the airing of ten Braves Spring training games as part of its partnership with the Braves.
Beginning with the February 27 game against the Washington Nationals, the games will air across Gray Media stations in the Southeast, including Peachtree TV Atlanta’s CW and Peachtree Sports Network.
Columbus radio station WLTC-HD2 is officially SportsVisions 92.1 FM an all-sports radio format as of Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
The PMB Broadcasting station features graduate of Columubus’ Carver High School and University of Georgia alum, Daryll ‘D.J.’ Jones.
Jones sat down with WRBL’s Chuck Williams to discuss the new venture. Jones calls the all-sports talk radio station in Columbus a “dream come true.”
Cox Media Group’s Abby Jessen has been selected as a member of Radio Ink Magazine’s “30 and Under Superstars,” featured in the organization’s December issue.
Jessen is an Assistant Program Director and Midday On-Air Host at WSB-AM, hosting the live midday show for B98.5 and voicetracking shows in San Antonio, TX, Tulsa, OK and Athens, GA.
Jessen is a 2017 graduate of the University of Georgia, studying digital and broadcast journalism, in addition to business administration. Jessen was a member of the class of 2015 GAB Radio Talent Institute.
Congratulations Abby on your achievement!
WSB-TV Channel 2’s Jorge Estevez has been recognized with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of more than 4,000 hours of service in their lifetime.
“Throughout his more than 25 year career, Jorge has had the unique opportunity to work hundreds of hours alongside community members who worked tirelessly to make a difference.”
Over the course of his career, Estevez has donated his time to hosting and participating in fundraiser walks and runs; acting as master of ceremony for galas, award shows and banquets; volunteering at river clean ups, Habitat for Humanity and collecting school supplies. In addition to the donation of his time, Estevez has engaged with future journalists, acting as a mentor to dozens of journalism students.
“Part of what we get to do as broadcasters is give back and I have to say thanks to the GAB. I get to see the impact that has first hand. What this organization does to improve communication between businesses, nurture relationships with the community and give back to the young journalists in Georgia is truly admirable. Here is to many more years of service,” say Estevez.
The NAB highlights the value of broadcasters providing factual, timely information in the wake of Meta’s decision to remove fact-checkers from their platforms.
“As the heartbeat of our communities, local stations deliver reliable, vetted information. These stations don’t just report the news – they uphold democracy, foster civic engagement and strengthen the resilience of our communities,” says Alex Siciliano, Senior Vice President of Communications at NAB, in a blog post.
Siciliano provides the around-the-clock coverage provided during the Southeastern snow storm that took place last week as an example of this impact.
Grady College’s DiGamma Kappa will honor Robin Hommel as its special guest to speak at the organization’s annual luncheon.
According to Hommel’s 2023 Grady Fellowship Induction profile, “Hommel is a three-time Emmy Award-winning producer and showrunner whose career spans network news, daytime talk and primetime programming.”
The University of West Georgia spotlights alumni Jared Yamamoto, who got his start in radio at the student station, WOLF Radio.
In its “Amplifying Voices” series, UWG documents Yamamoto’s journey from the student station; finding his first role in radio outside of the college; and making his way to Atlanta’s WSB Radio.
For the past 12 years, Yamamoto has been with the CMG station and now acts as lead researcher and content producer for The Von Haessler Doctrine, while hosting his own evening show, The Nightcap with Jared Yamamoto.
Don’t forget to stay up to date on regulatory deadlines for the month and year!
Coming up this month:
- January 30 – Children’s Television Program Reports. Annual Children’s Television Programming Report (Form 2100, Schedule H) must be filed by January 30 using the FCC’s Licensing and Management System (LMS). This report should cover the period from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024.
- January 30 – Children’s Television Commercial Limitations Certification. Annual certification of compliance with the commercial limits in children’s TV programming must be uploaded by all commercial full-power and Class A TV stations to their online public inspection files by January 30. This certification should cover the period from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024.
- January 31 – SoundExchange Minimum Fees. Webcasters, including broadcasters who simulcast their signals on the Internet or through a mobile app, must pay their minimum annual fees by January 31. These fees are now $1,000 per stream for commercial and noncommercial streams not affiliated with a school or CPB. Noncommercial educational webcasters (affiliated with a school or college), not affiliated with NPR and CPB, must make elections about recordkeeping requirements that will apply to their streaming operations by January 31
UGA’s Terry College continued its Economic Outlook Series in Augusta (1/7), Savannah (1/8) and Jekyll Island (1/13). The visits provided communities 2025 projections for each city, in addition to the state.
If you are interested in attending one of the remaining events in Macon (1/17), Athens (1/22), Albany (1/29) or Columbus (1/30), please contact our office admin@gab.org
