The deepfake A.I. bill was written by Georgia Republicans to prevent deepfake imagery to be used in campaign commercials during election periods.
With bi-partisan support the bill passed 148 to 22 in the Georgia house and will now move to the Senate. Should the bill be signed into law, it would specifically restrict “people working for campaigns or political action committees.”
Holly Springs Republican Brad Thomas claims that he wrote the bill in order to protect the First Amendment write to parody and criticize political candidates.
As A.I. continues to advance, it is likely to see many more bills restricting the uses of the device to protect the rights and images of U.S. citizens and public figures.
The Hill reports that on Feb. 22 “millions” of Americans lost phone service when a widespread black out took place. In an Op-Ed published by contributing writer, Pete Gaynor, emphasizes the necessity of access to free, reliable emergency alert systems.
In support of the AM for Every Vehicle Act, Gaynor writes, “Here’s hoping Congress listens to the nation’s leading public safety experts and acts before the consequences of inaction become tragically significant.”
Currently, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, H.R. 3413 has 213 of the necessary 218 co-sponsors and S. 1669 has 47 of the necessary 51 co-sponsors needed for the bill to pass. The Georgia Association of Broadcasters strongly encourages Georgia stations to continue contacting your local representatives and urging them to sign on to the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.
Clark Atlanta University’s Jazz Station, 91.9 WCLK, is celebrating 50 years of broadcasting on April 10, 2024.
“To be at the helm of WCLK as we cross this momentous milestone is rewarding, humbling and gratifying all at the same time. Turning 50 as a nonprofit and as a Jazz radio station is no small feat. It’s an all-encompassing moment in time that we all can share. And one that we all can be proud of from our licensee Clark Atlanta University, founders, current staff and WCLK alum to our WCLK Advisory Board, members, listeners, students, Jazz musicians and friends,” says WCLK General Manager, Wendy F. Williams.
Gray Television CFO, Jim Ryan, has announced his plans for retirement in 2025. In Ryan’s place, the company has appointed Jeff Gignac to succeed him. For the remainder of his time with the company, Ryan has agreed to act as a senior adviser and assist in the “seamless transition” of his duties to Gignac.
In light of the station’s 70th anniversary, the City of Savannah has honored WTOC with a proclamation. The proclamation recognizes the station’s unrelenting efforts to serve the city of Savannah for 70 years. In 1954, the WTOC became the first to sign on the air in its market.
Leslie Fram has been deemed as one of the “Women to Watch,” by Radio Ink.
Fram acts as Senior Vice President of Music & Talent for Country Music Television and has rejoined the airwaves on the 99X Atlanta, reviving the morning show.
Fram is a strong advocate for women in radio, and any male-dominated field, and has worked tirelessly to achieve the work she has accomplished.
On Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, 11Alive’s Jennifer Bellamy hosted a fundraising benefit honoring the late John R. Lewis, congressman and civil rights activist. Hosted at Mercedes Benz Stadium, the event was themed “The Legacy Continues: Grounded in Love,” and honored seven individuals who represent Lewis’ legacy.
11Alive reports, “This year, the institute recognized ‘a distinguished group of honorees who embody the spirit of #GoodTrouble and have made significant contributions in their communities, reflecting the values and vision of Congressman Lewis.'”
Friends of Georgia Radio (FoGR) is now accepting applications for their 2024 scholarship. FoGR scholarship recipients are students studying broadcasting, full-time at an accredited university. Students who are selected to receive the scholarship will receive a $1,500 check and two tickets to the Legends of Georgia Radio induction ceremony scheduled for August 24, 2024, in Atlanta.
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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.
