Industry News Roundup 03/13/24 – 03/19/24

2024 NAB State Leadership Conference

As the GAB is constantly working to secure to protect the rights of broadcasters, particularly in Georgia, the NAB works on a national level.

Major interests of broadcasters and broadcast organizations in the 118th Congress include the AM for Every Vehicle Act; the Local Radio Freedom Act; protecting broadcasters from the threats of major corporations; and concerns posed by the ever-progressing Artificial Intelligence technology.

This week the NAB hosts its annual State Leadership Conference, hosting broadcasters from across the country to meet with their representatives and urge them to protect broadcasting. The GAB is accompanied by broadcasters from across Georgia to sit down with members of Congress and discuss key topics.

The 2024 conference proved to be extremely fruitful to the interests of broadcasters. March 5 and 6, broadcasters worked day in and day out planning, organizing and meeting with legislators.

In the time immediately following broadcasters’ time spent at the capitol, the AM for Every Vehicle Act passed through the House of Representatives. A major milestone in the progress to ensure that AM radio, a lifesaving medium, stays present in newly manufactured commercial vehicles.

In recognition of the GAB’s 90th anniversary, the organization was recognized in the Congressional Record by Sen. Raphael Warnock as the country’s oldest broadcasting organization.

Additionally, the 2024 SLC marked President of the GAB, Bob Houghton’s final SLC with the GAB. 2024 marks the conclusion of Houghton’s more than 50 year career in broadcasting. In honor of Houghton’s tireless efforts dedicated to the industry, the NAB honored Houghton’s retirement during the event.

Houghton was recognized for his service to broadcasting on the House floor by Rep. Buddy Carter of Georgia’s 1st congressional district. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZWfBE-a3xE

View photos from the event! https://enphoto.passgallery.com/-nabslc2024/gallery

Updated co-sponsors:

• AM for Every Vehicle Act: House – 236 // Senate – 47
• Local Radio Freedom Act: House – 229  // Senate – 27

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Related:

H.R. 3413 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3413/cosponsors

S. 1669 https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1669

H.Con.Res.33 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-concurrent-resolution/33

S.Con.Res.9 https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-concurrent-resolution/9

Cumulus Media Savannah raise more than $100K for St. Jude

In support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Cumulus Media Savannah’s stations Magic 103.9/WTYB-FM (Urban AC), I-95 Rock of Savannah/WIXV-FM (Classic Rock), and KIX96/WJCL-FM (Country) joined forces to raise more than $100 thousand.

Each year Cumulus Media Savannah stations host “Cumulus Savannah Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon,” the event takes place over a two-day period and encompasses on-air and online special programming and promotions.

The press release reports, “All funds raised during the event go directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will support St. Jude patients and families who never receive a bill from St. Jude for the cost of treatment, travel, housing, or food. At St. Jude, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion, or a family’s ability to pay. Since St. Jude opened its doors in 1962, the survival rate for childhood cancer has risen from 20% to more than 80% today.”

The GAB commends Cumulus Media Savannah’s stations in their pursuits to give back to their communities.

Nielsen reports radio is America’s number one mass reach medium

Nielsen has reported that radio has gained an additional 3% advantage over television as America’s “number one mass reach medium.”

In a report by Radio Ink, the organization observes that television’s appeal has continued to decline in the 18-49 age group. Additionally, the report finds that despite common beliefs that drive time acts as the primary engagement factor, the midday hours attract the most listeners.

“Nielsen’s Q3 2023 Total Audience Report confirms over-the-air radio remains the most widespread media in America, surpassing social media, online video, TV/internet-connected devices, and traditional TV among adults 18 and older.”

As technology continues to advance, radio proves itself time and time as a necessary medium.

680 The Fan continues relationship with Georgia Tech Athletics

680/93.7 The Fan and Georgia Tech Athletics have announced an extension to their partnership after reaching a five-year agreement, maintaining the AM/FM station as the Yellow Jacket’s flagship station. This agreement extends the more than three decade long relationship between the station and Georgia Tech Sports Network.

In addition to the broadcast of Georgia Tech’s football and men’s basketball games, the partnership includes the collaboration of the station and athletics department on curating coach’s shows and podcasts, Yellow-jackets focused content and “the continuation of ‘The Good Word.'”

Fans can tune into the Jackets’ football and men’s basketball broadcasts on the station or at “the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, 680 The Fan and Tune-In Radio apps and at ramblinwreck.com, and across Georgia on the statewide Georgia Tech Sports Network.”

This announcement comes from Tech athletics and Dickey Broadcasting Company.

WCLK Jazz 91.9 FM to be honored at Atlanta’s Jazz Festival

This May, the Atlanta Jazz Festival will honor WCLK Jazz 91.9 FM’s 50th anniversary.

WCLK Jazz 91.9 FM first came on the air on April 10, 1974 and has spent the last 50 years broadcasting from Clark Atlanta University’s campus.

WCLK at 50: Featuring Lil John Roberts with an Atlanta All-Star Band at Symphony Hall will take place on May 24 and honor the non-profit stations commitment to serving its community for five decades.

WCLK shares: “The exhilarating 90-minute musical journey will highlight some of the most endearing jazz music from the 1930s through today. Classic songs like ‘Maiden Voyage,’ ‘I Got Rhythm,’ ‘So What,’ and ‘Take 5’ will be juxtaposed by modern compositions ‘Watermelon Man,’ ‘Everybody Loves The Sunshine,’ ‘Dominoes,’ and ‘Rise.'”

Reserve your tickets to the event here https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0E00605D81C42A52!

As election season ramps up, top candidates invest in radio advertising

The Biden and Trump campaigns are set to spend high dollars targeting minority voters in key election states through radio advertisements.

In an article by Radio Ink, it is reported that both campaigns have begun to aim towards political ad investments in radio. Additionally, it is highlighted that the campaigns are intending to engage Black and Hispanic voters, who have previously turned towards radio for political engagement.

In a discussion with Radio Ink, Audacy SVP of Research and Insights Idil Cakim said, “This is the one medium that not only brings them information, but a discussion forum and makes them feel like they’re part of the community. That’s how radio can effectively mobilize these audiences that may not feel well-served through other channels.”

Audacy’s Juandolyn Stokes and Dr. Maria Boynton honored at Georgia state capitol during Women’s History Month

Thursday, March 7, 2024, the Georgia State Capitol hosted its Celebration of Women & Radio during Women’s History Month and just a day shy from International Women’s Day.

At the event, Audacy’s Juandolyn Stokes and GAB Hall of Famer, Dr. Maria Boynton were recognized for their contributions to the industry.

Stokes hosts “On Point with Juandolyn Stokes” on 1380 WAOK Radio, a weekday talk show that has been rated No. 1. In addition to her daily present on Atlanta airwaves, Stokes has embarked on a new journey with WAOK’s “Woman 2 Woman” series.

In 2023, Stokes was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in the category of “Best Talk Radio Show Personality.”

Boynton hosts “Atlanta Up Close with Dr. Maria Boynton,” and is featured on True Crime Series and Real Murders of Atlanta on the Oxygen & Peacock Networks. The Peabody Award winning journalist has a career that has spanned more than four decades. In 2021, Boynton joined the ranks of the GAB Hall of Fame.

Watch the pair’s Woman 2 Woman Episode: WAOK Woman 2 Woman series: Conversations with Juandolyn Stokes |Featuring Dr. Maria Boynton

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