As Savannah and coastal Georgia communities continue to recover from the impact of Tropical Storm Debby, local stations provide support. In times of emergency, local broadcast stations show up for their communities in a multitude of ways.
From the first moment that Tropical Storm Debby posed a threat to their community, Savannah broadcasters jumped into action. GEMA tropical storm briefings were on the air, viewers were consistently updated (in the midst of Olympic coverage no less) and stations rushed to organize ways to give back in the aftermath.
The GAB is thankful to represent and support broadcasters that so fervently serve their communities.
Cox Media Group has officially promoted longtime radio host ‘Dyron Ducati’ Walker to Assistant Program Director at WALR KISS 104.1.
Ducati’s career in broadcasting began in New Orleans in 2004, before making the move to Atlanta in 2009. Ducati joined WALR in 2018 on a part-time basis, before graduating to the role of midday host.
According to a press release on August 6, 2024, “In his new role, he will be assisting with day-to-day programming duties including music curation, imaging, and community outreach.”
Congratulations, Dyron!
First coming on the 11Alive airwaves in December of 1988, longtime reporter, Jerry Carnes, officially retired on August 9, 2024 after 35 years with the station. In a career that spanned more than four decades, Carnes served Georgians through triumphs and tragedies.
The UGA alum even had the privilege of covering back-to-back Georgia Bulldogs National Championship titles.
As Jerry closes the door on his career, the GAB sends well wishes in the next chapter.
In the organization’s second quarter earnings, Gray Television reported a significant boost in political ad spending compared to the same time during the last presidential election.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that in its second quarter earnings, Gray Television’s political advertising revenue ended at $47 million, up $12 million in comparison to the $29 million reported in the same quarter of 2020.
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!
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
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).
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
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
