The GAB returns back to where it all started – 90th Anniversary Celebration in Savannah
On Tuesday, July 30, the GAB brought its 90th Anniversary celebration to the place where it all started, the DeSoto Hotel in Savannah. The event celebrated not only the milestone for the association, but the broadcasting excellence that has, and continues to serve Savannah and its surrounding communities.
Emcee’d by WSAV’s Tina Tyus-Shaw and Rock 106.1’s John Marshall, the event honored the history, impact, and future of broadcasting in Georgia.
WJCL’s Shannon Royster reported live from the event and brought awareness to the event’s donation recipient, P.A.C.K. or People of Action Caring for Kids. P.A.C.K. packs and delivers more than 10,000 meal bags a month to children in Chatham County and surrounding areas.
View WSAV’s photo gallery from the event.
NAB announces Marconi Radio Award finalists
On Thursday, August 1, the National Association of Broadcasters announced the 2024 NAB Marconi Radio Award Finalists. Four Georgia stations were among the finalists, in the running to receive up to five awards. These awards are:
LEGENDARY RADIO MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Timothy P. Davies, WHTA-FM, Urban One, Inc., Atlanta, Ga.
AC STATION OF THE YEAR
WSB-FM Atlanta, Ga.
COLLEGE RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR
WOLF Radio, University of West Georgia, Carrollton, Ga.
NEWS/TALK STATION OF THE YEAR
WSB-AM, Atlanta, Ga.
URBAN STATION OF THE YEAR
WPZE-FM, Atlanta, Ga.
Winners will be named at the annual NAB Show New York on October 9, 2024.
For more information and to register and purchase tickets for the event(s) visit: https://www.nab.org/sites/2024marconis/default.asp
Atlanta Press Club announces 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees
On Thursday, August 1, the Atlanta Press Club announced its Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
During a ceremony on Monday, October 28, at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, four distinguished journalists will be welcomed to the organization’s Hall of Fame. The journalists that have been selected for induction are:
Valerie Boyd, Posthumous Induction
“Valerie Boyd was the Charlayne Hunter-Gault professor of journalism at the University of Georgia, where she founded and directed the low-residency MFA Program in Narrative Nonfiction, opening doors for women and people of color and establishing a literary community that continues to flourish.”
Clark Howard
“Clark Howard is a renowned consumer advocate and financial expert sharing practical advice to help people save more and spend less for more than 30 years.”
Tony Light
“Tony Light is Chief Photographer at WSB-TV in Atlanta, Georgia. With over four decades of experience, Tony is a vital part of the station’s news team, capturing compelling visuals that bring stories to life.”
Maria Saporta
“Maria Saporta, founder and executive editor of the SaportaReport, is a longtime Atlanta business, civic and urban affairs journalist. SaportaReport, founded in 2009, provides a forum for local journalists, guest columnists, and local features.”
Congratulations to these well-deserved journalists!
Fact Sheet issued on FCC AI Political Ad regulation proposal
On Wednesday, July 31, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel’s office released a FACT SHEET outlining the recent FCC proposal that would require broadcasters to identify the use of AI-generated content in political ads.
The Fact Sheet provides an overview of the contents, benefits and legalities of the proposed rule, which is currently in its 30-day comment period. Points outlined in the sheet bring clarity to concerns that have been raised since its advancement, including how the proposal will affect the 2024 November election and whether the FCC possesses the authority.
AM for Every Vehicle Acts gains further conservative support
Radio Ink reports that a Conservative think tank, The American Principles Project, led by Terry Schilling, is the most recent organization to back the AM for Every Vehicle Act.
In a letter sent to the Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, also addressing House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, and Majority Whip Tom Emmer, the group expressed unanimous support of AM radio. The letter was signed by “a coalition of leaders from various conservative groups and media outlets, including Salem Media Group.”
As it stands, the AM for Every Vehicle Act has faced postponements, remaining in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
GABCON 2024
Registration for GABCON 2024 is officially OPEN!
GABCON is the largest gathering of radio and television broadcasters in the state of Georgia. Every year producers, managers, engineers, on-air talent, reporters AND MORE, from across the station attend the convention. GABCON offers these broadcasters and opportunity to learn, network and celebrate their accomplishments at the annual GABBYS Award Ceremony.
For more information and to register, visit the link below.
AND Don’t forget to book your hotel, take advantage of our discounted room block rates TODAY
Find out who your 2024 Gabby Finalists are HERE
NEW AM Radio spots from the NAB
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.”
2024 Class of Georgia Radio Legends
Friends of Georgia Radio have officially announced the 2024 Class of Georgia Legends!
This year’s inductees are:
Steve Craig
Bobby Ellerbee
Bob Helbush
Brady McGraw
Pete Spriggs
Howard Toole
Wendy Williams
The 2024 class will be honored at FoGR’s 3rd annual Radio Celebration & Legends Induction on August, 24, at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE.
Legislation updates
H.R. 8449 AM for Every Vehicle Act of 2024
Headed by Reps. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL).
Committees:
House Energy and Commerce
House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce
House Transportation and Infrastructure
House Homeland Security
House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security
H.R.8072 – Broadcast VOICES Act
Broadcast Varied Ownership Incentives for Community Expanded Service Act
10 Cosponsors
S.4158 Broadcast VOICES Act
Broadcast Varied Ownership Incentives for Community Expanded Service Act
7 Cosponsors
H.R. 3414 AM for Every Vehicle Act of 2023
256 Cosponsors
S.1669 AM for Every Vehicle Act of 2023
61 Cosponsors
