“Radio is a triumph of accessibility, immediacy and intimacy, and there’s a strong public-interest case for protecting it and our access to it,” UNESCO states in a proclamation released on Feb. 13, 2024. The date also marks the celebration of World Radio Day.
UNESCO calls for “government, regulatory bodies, the technology and automotive industries, and all members of the global radio community,” to continue to safeguard the accessibility of radio.
More on 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.
WTOC11, the Southeast News Leader, celebrated 70 years broadcasting to the Savannah, GA community on Feb. 14, 2024. The station, whose call letters stand for “Welcome to Our City,” has become the most watched television station in the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry.
In celebration of the milestone the station reflected on its history through a number of specials. These specials include, “Celebrating 70 Years of WTOC,” “WTOC history in Craig Harney’s Words” and “What Makes Us WTOC.”
In a move to “enhance inclusivity,” the FCC seeks to add an additional 13 non-English languages to the Emergency Alert System (EAS).
Radio Ink reports, “The FCC says this leaves the more than 26 million US residents who report limited or no English proficiency at a disadvantage during critical times.”
Stations would be required to
This recommendation comes in the midst of the battle to secure the requirement of a.m. radio in commercial vehicles. The A.M. for Every Vehicle Act is currently being debated in Congress, with strong bi-partisan support. Radio has proven itself as a strong resource of connectivity in communities during times of prosperity, and a vital resource during times of emergency through the free EAS system.
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There are concerns from broadcasters that this change will add to the list of federal mandates with little to no funding.
Nathan Reed has been appointed as the Director of Operations and the Director of Branding and Programming for B98.5 (WSB-FM) and 97.1 The River (WSRV). Formerly, the position was held by Emily Bolden, who stepped down from her roles with CMG at the end of 2023.
“Joining CMG Atlanta’s outstanding team and award-winning brands is an honor. I’m grateful to Jaleigh Long, Chris Eagan, and Rob Babin for the opportunity to create more success with the nation’s leading multi-media company,” Reed commented.
Dick Broadcasting has promoted Nathan James to Operations Manager for its six-station cluster in the Savannah/Hilton Head market.
In addition to taking on this new role, James will continue to act as Program Director/Afternoon Drive on-air duties for Country WUBB-FM (Bob 106.9) and add Program Director duties for CHR/Mainstream WGCO-FM (Hot 98.3), which James has been handling on an interim basis since last June.
James has served in markets across the country and has been with DBC since 2022.
In celebration of Black History Month and the station continues to celebrate 70 years of reporting “Straight from the Heart,” 13WMAZ is reviewing its own history.
Angel Irving was the station’s first black woman to appear on-air in 1972 at 25 years old. When the station began to expand its diversity, they sought out Irving to join the staff.
“Irving’s excellence in her role opened the door for many more to follow in her footsteps,” the station shares in the special.
“The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) today announced the finalists for the 2024 NAB Crystal Radio Awards, which has honored radio stations’ outstanding community service efforts since 1987. Winners will be announced during the We Are Broadcasters ceremony that takes place on the Main Stage at NAB Show, April 16 at 9:30 a.m. PST,” the NAB shared in a statement on Feb. 15, 2024.
WSB-FM, 95.5, is among the finalists. WSB’s community involvement has the made the station more than worthy for consideration of this honor.
This past weekend the city of Savannah hosted its annual “Savannah Book Festival,” welcoming more than 30 authors to the city.
John Berendt was among those who attended. The author of “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” helped put the “hostess city on the map,” and WJCL sat down to talk with the author.
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GAB now accepting GABBY Award Entries
The GAB is now accepting entry nominations for the 2024 GABBY Awards, hosted this fall at Jekyll Island during GABCON 2024.
Submission deadline is March 25, 2024.
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.
