Weekly Industry News Roundup 10/16/24 – 10/21/24 – Georgia Association of Broadcasters

IMPORTANT REGULATORY DEADLINES EXTENDED

In light of the recent natural disaster that struck the Southeastern United States, the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau has extended the deadline for the ETRS Form One from to October 18 to provide recovering broadcasters ample time to submit.

The previous deadline was October 4.

All EAS participants are now required to submit their ETRS Form One for calendar year 2024 in the ETRS by October 18, EAS participants that have already submitted their form do not need to take further action.

FCC Quarterly Issues/Programs Lists

In response to the ongoing recovery efforts of Southeastern broadcasters from the effects of Hurricane Helene, and the anticipated effects of Hurricane Milton, the FCC has extended the deadline for Q3 Issues and Programs Lists.

Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee will now have until November 10, 2024 to place their third quarter issues/programs lists into their Online Public Inspection File. The deadline for all other states remains as October 10, 2024.

The FCC does urge that while the deadline is extended, licensees are encouraged to file these items as soon as is practicable.

Atlanta radio legend, Wanda Smith, passes away

The Georgia Association of Broadcasters joins V-103 and Audacy as it mourns the loss of a beloved Atlanta radio host and comedian, Wanda Smith.

Smith reportedly passed away on Saturday, October 12.

Smith became a part of the V-103 family in the late 90’s as an intern, before landing her big break on the “Frank and Wanda in the Morning” show in 1998 alongside Frank Ski. From 2012 to 2014 Smith spent a brief stint away from the station, before returning to co-host alongside Ryan Cameron. In 2018, she re-joined Ski in the mornings.

In addition to her career as a radio host, Smith was a popular Atlanta comedian and appeared in a number of films.

Smith is remembered for her generosity.

“In her role at V103, Wanda Smith brought so much joy and care servicing the Atlanta community. Wanda’s impact touched lives beyond making us laugh. Many times she championed efforts behind the scenes to Make a Difference in the lives of those who were without,” said V-103 Vice President and Market Manager, Rick Caffey, in a statement.

The Atlanta radio community and beyond will deeply miss Wanda’s impact and spirit.

35th annual Marconi Awards hosted at NAB Show New York

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) hosted its 35th annual Marconi Awards on Wednesday, October 9, at the Javits Center in New York City. The award show was part of the NAB’s ‘NAB Show New York,’ which kicked off on Tuesday, October 8, and commenced on Thursday, October 10.

The Marconi Awards, named for the inventor and Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi. Local stations from across the country are recognized with the highest honors in radio.

Among the finalists at this year’s Marconi Awards was the University of West Georgia’s (UWG) radio station ‘WOLF Radio.’ WOLF is the first college radio station in Georgia to receive this recognition. Other Georgia station finalists include: Tim Davies of WHTA-FM, Urban One, Inc. for Legendary Station Manager of the Year; WSB-FM, WSB Radio for AC Station of the Year; WSB-AM, WSB Radio for News/Talk Station of the Year; WPZE-FM, Praise 102.5 for Urban Station of the Year.

Congratulations to the 2024 Marconi Award Winners from across the country!

2024 Edward R. Murrow Awards Gala

On October 14, 2024, the Edward R. Murrow Awards Gala took place at Gotham Hall in New York City.

Atlanta stations took home eight awards:

Network TV

Hard News
Railroaded
InvestigateTV and ProPublica
Atlanta, GA

Large Market TV

Digital
WANF Atlanta News First
WANF Atlanta News First
Atlanta, GA
Hard News
Shoot the Hostage
WANF Atlanta News First
Atlanta, GA
Investigative Reporting
In Plane Sight
WANF Atlanta News First
Atlanta, GA

Large Market Radio

News Series
Investigation: Fulton’s Property Tax Collection Ensnares Black Families’ Homes and Wealth
WABE News – Public Broadcasting Atlanta
Atlanta, GA
Newscast
Atlanta’s Morning News
WSB Radio
Atlanta, GA

Small Market TV

Excellence in Innovation
More than a Number: Giving a Face to the Victim and a Voice to the Family
13WMAZ-TV
Macon, GA
Overall Excellence
WRDW-TV News 12
WRDW-TV
Augusta, GA

Brad Hargrove named general manager of WFXG Augusta

In the aftermath of navigating Hurricane Helene, Hargrove continues to settle into his new role.

“The employees at WFXG and our parent company Lockwood have all been extremely welcoming and great, great people to work with. From that standpoint, it’s been really exciting,” Hargrove says.

Hargrove’s plans for the station include digging deeper into the Augusta community than ever before.

“Lockwood hasn’t owned the station for too-terribly long. We have a lot we can bring to Augusta and want to be a part of a growth solution and a positive image solution for the community,” says Hargrove.

The GAB welcomes Brad and his family to Georgia, and is excited to further its relationship with Augusta and WFXG.

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Scammer poses as Columbus radio station

WTVM Columbus reports that a new phone scam in Columbus claims to be local radio station, Foxie 105, with an opportunity for free advertising in order to swindle local businesses out of money.

Vice President of Davis Broadcasting, Geniece Granville, spoke with WTVM, stating, “We don’t do business in that way. Davis Broadcasting prides ourselves in being a business that does things properly in our community. We do have a sales team we’d love to help businesses reach their goals but we do it in a professional way.’’

As a caution to all broadcasters and their listeners, please be wary of this potential phone scam affecting your viewers.

Atlanta News First showcases FEMA’s monitor and response to Hurricane Milton

Just weeks after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on the Southeast, Hurricane Milton posed a major threat to Floridia. FEMA operated from its Regional Response Coordination Center in Atlanta in anticipation of Hurricane Milton, Atlanta News First reports.

As the storm grew closer, Georgia rallied in support of its Florida neighbors opening destinations, such as the Atlanta Motor Speedway, up for evacuees. It was cautioned to be considerate of areas that were still in the recovery phases of Hurricane Helene, such as Augusta, GA.

Hurricane Milton made landfall on October 9, 2024, near Siesta Key, Florida, bringing storm surges to the coast and tornadoes across the state.