Previously H.R. 3413, the revised bill H.R. 8449, also known as the AM for Every Vehicle Act of 2024, has advanced to receive a voice vote in a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee.
The bill, which was first introduced in 2023 as S.1669, by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) in 2023, and gained major bi-partisan support. Recently, gaining the supermajority in the Senate and House simple majority.
The revised bill, H.R. 8449, will be headed by Reps. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL). Despite oppositions from auto-manufacturer lobbyists, the bill continues to gain traction.
Co-sponsors of the bill are adamant in pointing out the lifesaving qualities of preserving AM radio access in newly manufactured vehicles. Not only does AM radio act as a consistently reliable medium of communication for the emergency alert system (EAS), but connects communities through wide reach and local coverage.
The AJC reflects on Atlanta radio legend Cathy Hughes’ impact on the industry.
Hughes purchased her first radio station in 1980, WOL-AM, in Washington, D.C. WOL-AM was among the first of Radio One stations, the parent company Hughes founded that would go on the operate 57 stations across the country.
It wasn’t until 15 years later that Hughes would make the first Atlanta radio station (WHTA-FM, Hot 97.5) addition to the broadcasting conglomerate now known as Urban One. Hot 97.5 was Atlanta’s first hip-hop station, and where Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges and LaLa Anthony would find their start as interns.
Radio One would go on to add Majic 107.5, Praise 102.5, and Classix 102.9, to its Atlanta radio repertoire.
In 1997, Hughes stepped down as CEO of Radio One, but remains steadfast in her commitment to creating opportunities for Black communities across the country.
A.I. technology continues to make dramatic advances in its believability, raising concerns of misinforming voters ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
FCC chair Jessica Rosenworcel has introduced a proposal that would require disclosure to audiences when political advertisements aired on television and radio were created using A.I. technologies.
“Left for commissioners to discuss are several details of the proposal, including whether broadcasters would have to disclose AI-generated content in an on-air message or only in the TV or radio station’s political files, which are public,” WSB-TV reports.
The FCC faces pushback for a proposal that would mandate filing reports to the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) during emergencies.
This proposal stems from a concern of the FCC that smaller and medium sized broadcast stations abstaining from DIRS reporting is leaving a gap in the data that could harmfully effect emergency response.
Broadcasters are highly concerned that mandating DIRS reporting as emergency unfold could hinder their capabilities to fully serve their communities. Mandating the reporting will redirect station resources from community based reporting and services to filing paperwork.
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) believes that should the FCC move forward with the proposal, the system should, at the very least, be simplified.
The FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau has announced a voluntary DIRS exercise taking place June 10 – 12, 2024. In its announcement, the FCC outlines the purposes of the system, “Communications providers can use DIRS to quickly and efficiently report the operational status of their service and infrastructure to the FCC, as well as to request assistance.”
For more information on how to participate in the exercise: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-24-495A1.pdf – interested participants should provide their information by June 3.
All registered DIRS participants will receive an activation letter on June 10 for the exercise.
Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV) and Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), introduce the Broadcast VOICES Act, H.R. 8072 and S.4158. This passage of this legislation would reintroduce tax incentives for the purpose of expanding diversity of ownership in the broadcasting industry.
The previously instated Minority Tax Certificate program incentivized investing in and selling broadcast station ownership to women and people of color. H.R. 8072 and S.4158 would direct the FCC to reinstate this program.
The NAB firmly supports the passage of these bills. NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt states, “A tax incentive program is a proven solution that significantly diversified the ranks of broadcast owners over its nearly two decades of existence. Broadcasters thank Sen. Peters and Rep. Horsford for introducing legislation that would reinstate the program and we urge swift passage of this important bill.”
Beginning on Tuesday, May 28, Friends of Georgia Radio are now accepting nominations for the Georgia Radio Legends Class of 2024. Nominations are due Sunday, June 30 and the Class of 2024 selection announcement will take place on Friday, July 5.
Nexstar Media Charitable Foundation and WRBL-TV announced Wednesday, May 22, the Foundation will make a $2,500 donation to Valley Rescue Mission.
Valley Rescue Mission provides second chances to those facing addiction, homelessness and those stuck in the cycle of poverty in the Columbus community.
Mike Gaymon, President and CEO of Valley Rescue Mission shares that the Foundation’s donation will help to feed about a thousand people.
Andrew Davis makes return to WSAV News 3, joining Tina-Tyus Shaw on the anchor desk for WSAV News 3 at 4:00. Davis will also act as WSAV’s Lowcountry Bureau Chief.
Davis’ return comes after a term as Director of Public Information for the Town of Hilton Head Island. Before filling this role, Davis had been with WSAV for almost 15 years.
Welcome back to the anchor desk, Andrew!
On Friday, May 24, 2024, WCLK celebrated a major milestone at the Atlanta Jazz Festival.
“WCLK at 50” was presented at Atlanta Symphony Hall by the Atlanta Jazz Festival on Friday evening.
The musical celebration of WCLK’s 50 year history was under the musical direction of Grammy award-winning drummer Lil John Roberts, featuring the Senators.
Read more on the event and WCLK history below:
