Feb. 13, 2024 is the celebration of the medium of radio, World Radio Day.
First adopted by the UN General Assemblies in 2012, World Radio Day recognizes the importance of radio in everyday life. Radio’s value is evident in it’s ability to function during emergencies, connect communities and provide exposure to up-and-coming artists.
As the GAB continues to work tirelessly with broadcasters across the nation to protect the availability of radios in newly manufactured vehicles, the association encourages broadcasters far and wide to celebrate alongside them.
Cox Media Group (CMG) and DirecTV have reached a multi-year agreement to restore all CMG stations, including Atlanta’s WSB-TV, to DirecTV, DirecTV Stream and U-Verse.
WSB reports that, “…DIRECTV and U-Verse customers can once again enjoy Channel 2 Action News and hit shows such as Entertainment Tonight, The Bachelor, ABC World News Tonight, Will Trent, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Shark Tank, 20/20, The Conners, Abbott Elementary, and more.”
The channels were restored just 90 minutes before the 2024 Super Bowl aired on television.
“This month, News 12 celebrates 70 years of being on the air, and on your side,” says weeknight anchor, Richard Rogers.
On Feb. 14, 2024, News 12 (WRDW/WAGT) celebrates 70 years of broadcasting in Augusta, GA.
In celebration of the major milestone, the station took a look into what the future of news technology holds with Chief Engineer, Joe McGee.
Follow below to enjoy the special for yourself.
In a visit to Chicago’s Nexstar talk WGN-AM (720) Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, discusses the progress of the A.M. for Every Vehicle Act with Dave Plier.
According to S.1669 and H.R. 3413 this bill would “require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule that requires all new motor vehicles to have devices that can access AM broadcast stations installed as standard equipment.”
In addition to acknowledging the strong bipartisan support of the bill, Secretary Buttigieg said, “It’s important not just for entertainment, but for information and for safety. We recognize that.”
At this time S.1669 has 45 of the required 51 sponsors from the Senate and H.R. 3413 has 206 of the required 218 sponsors from the House.
The GAB will continue to advocate for the passing of both bills to the President’s desk.
In anticipation of the 2024 presidential election, Atlanta’s Board of Education news/talk station, WABE-FM (90.1), has plans to increase political coverage on the stations channel and podcast.
Currently the station partners with the Atlanta-Journal Constitution’s (AJC) to air “AJC’s Politically Georgia,” with Bill Nigut, Patricia Murphy, Tia Mitchell and Greg Bluestein.
The station also hosts a number of podcasts including the, “Political Breakfast” podcast, which will be airing an additional episode every week, and the “Golden Dome Scramble” podcast, which will have segments featured on air.
WABE’s increase of coverage will support the Atlanta community and beyond as they navigate upcoming state, local and national elections.
Monty Jett, radio host for Rewind 107.9 Savannah’s Classic Hits, has been announced as the grand marshal of Hilton Head’s 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade will take place on March 17th on Hilton Head Island.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has deemed WSB Radio’s Mark Arum as the “unicorn in talk show radio.”
Arum, who hosts the Mark Arum Show weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon on WSB’s 95.5, has been singled out by the AJC for the lack of “hectoring, hollering or heckling,” during his shows.
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NAB launches A.I. certification program for broadcasters
The NAB has partner with Future Media Concepts (FMC) to offer online training certificates in A.I. technology. Along with the online certifications, in-person training will be available at the 2024 NAB Show in Las Vegas.
Courses cover topics such as A.I. design, video editing, legal, and broadcast tv and radio.
Learn more and get certified at: https://aicreativetraining.ai/
Univision 34 Atlanta is accepting applications for its scholarship program “Liga de Campeones” (League of Champions) through March 31, 2024.
The scholarship was founded in 2004, making this year the 20th anniversary of the scholarship benefiting young Hispanics in Georgia. Ten winners will be chosen to win a total of $2,000 and be interviewed on one of Univision 34 Atlanta’s local programs.
Friends of Georgia Radio announce new mentorship program
Friends of Georgia Radio have officially announced the creation of a new mentorship program available to college students, “Audio U Mentorship Program.” According to the Friends of Georgia Radio website, “…the Audio U Mentorship Program strives to foster the next generation of talented professionals in radio, communications, and broadcasting in the state of Georgia.”
The program pairs students registered at accredited Georgia colleges and universities with broadcasters from both member and nonmember stations.
