The FCC has recently released a report based on the nationwide EAS test completed by the commission in October 2023.
As broadcasters continue their fight for AM radio, the report provides positive evidence of AM/FM radio being the most reliable re-transmitter of the EAS. 13,631 radio broadcasters participated in the test. Of the more than 13,000 radio broadcaster participants, 97% successfully received the alert and 94.7% were successful in retransmission of the alert. Proving the medium as the most reliable re-transmitter.
Radio Ink points out, “Given the considerably higher number of radio stations involved, this data shows a clear advantage for radio in the event of a catastrophic national emergency.”
WXIA 11Alive Atlanta has named Denisha Thomas as news director. Thomas will begin her new role on July 22.
Thomas will be departing from her current role as news director at ABC24 WATN in Memphis, TN, a TEGNA station.
Previously, Thomas lived and worked in Atlanta as a news intern at FOX 5 Atlanta. A graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, Thomas brings 15 years of experience to her new role.
In a post shared to LinkedIn, Thomas says, “Thank you, Carol Fowler, Kristie Gonzales, and Ellen Crooke for this wonderful opportunity. I can’t wait to join the amazing hashtag#11Alive team.”
Welcome back to Atlanta, Denisha!
On June 27, 2024, broadcasters gathered at Columbus Public Library for the 3rd annual Radio Legends of Georgia event, hosted by Senator Ed Harbison. The event took place during African American Music Appreciation Month and recognizes “select black radio on-air personalities for their dedication to black music and culture across Georgia.”
Among those recognized at the 2024 event was Sen Harbison’s grandson, Jaylan King.
“If I can again, just amplify stories that might not be covered, that is my why. Just showcasing what else is going on here besides what is normally shown,” says King. “Those give me a drive to kind of get out there and continue to talk every day.”
The 2024 African American Radio Broadcasting Legends honorees are:
- Felicia Hamilton
- Gilberto Drummonds Jr.
- Jared McGriff
- Jaylan King
- Kenya White
- Wane Hailes
Longtime WALB anchor, Jim Wallace, signed off the air on Wednesday, June 26.
First joining the station in November of 1976, Wallace has been a cornerstone of Albany, GA broadcasting for 47 years. The broadcaster began his career as a sports anchor and reporter before assuming the role of sport broadcaster.
After 25 years as a sports broadcaster, Wallace sought a more structured routine to be more present in the lives of his wife and children. In 2001, Wallace made the move to news, and in 2016 became the lead anchor of evening shows.
The GAB wishes Wallace well as he enters his well-deserved retirement.
Beginning in July, WABE’s new programming schedule, aimed to better serve its Atlanta community, will take effect.
Effective July 1, WABE-TV will feature “a mix of acclaimed PBS shows alongside more local productions on PBS-30 or streaming on wabe.org, WABE Mobile App, Hulu + Live, YouTube TV and other streamers.” WABE will continue to produce original, locally oriented programs to fill the programming gaps.
On July 29, WABE will be adding 10 new programs to its station WABE 90.1 FM.
For more information on WABE’s new scheduling and featured programs, visit https://www.wabe.org/wabe-amplifies-atlanta-voices-with-original-tv-shows-partial-pbs-model-and-revamped-radio-schedule/
The station is also in the process of developing 25 shows for the WABE/NPR Podcast Network.
On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, the GAB announced its 2024 GABBY Finalists. This year’s awards will be presented on Saturday, September 7th at the GAB’s Annual Convention, GABCON. The finalists listed below will either receive a GABBY or Merit award for broadcasting excellence in various categories.
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On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, the GAB came to Gainesville, GA to celebrate its 90th anniversary with North Georgia broadcasters as part of its 90 Anniversary Road Show.
The event celebrated local broadcasters, emergency responders and legends of the North Georgia broadcasting community. The “GAB Spirit Award” recognizes broadcasters that go above-and-beyond to serve their community and the broadcasting industry. Michael Wofford from WGTJ-FM was honored with the award at the event.
Other broadcasters recognized at the event include:
- Lee Burger – WBHF-AM
- John Foster – WCON
- Art Sutton – Georgia Carolina Broadcasting
- Tug Carter – Georgia Carolina Broadcasting
- Howard Toole – Rome Radio Partners
- Randy Quick – Rome Radio Partners
- Bill West – Tri-State Communications
- Jeff Batten – Batten Communications
- Jay Jacobs – WDUN
- Bill Maine – WDUN
- Dean Dyer – WRWH
As part of its ongoing advocacy of adopting the AM for Every Vehicle Act, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has released new spots.
The NAB’s AM Radio Toolkit provides stations with access to necessary promotional tools urging congress to act now on adopting the bill and ensuring the public’s access to AM radio in newly manufactured vehicles.
According to the NAB, the new spots, “ask listeners to contact their member of Congress by texting AM to 52886, urging them to support legislation that ensures AM radio remains in cars.”
H.R. 8449 AM for Every Vehicle Act of 2024
Headed by Reps. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL).
H.R.8072 – Broadcast VOICES Act
Broadcast Varied Ownership Incentives for Community Expanded Service Act
9 Cosponsors
Broadcast Varied Ownership Incentives for Community Expanded Service Act
7 Cosponsors
H.R. 3414 AM for Every Vehicle Act of 2023
253 Cosponsors
S.1669 AM for Every Vehicle Act of 2023
61 Cosponsors
