The Nevada Broadcaster (Newsletter) Archives
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| Apr 05, 2010 |
| The Perfect Storm: NAB's New CEO to Meet with Nevada's Broadcasters |
| These days as broadcasters, it sometimes seems hard to separate our issues -- and then know if what we are hearing and watching and reading is fact or fiction. The flow of information never stops and sometimes we don't really know who to believe and what to believe. The NAB which comes to Las Vegas at the end of this week -- at one time seemed almost to be invincible when it came to fighting back anti-broadcaster legislation. Some could argue that recently, the NAB no longer has that same reputation. All of that being said, the NBA Executive Committee returned from State Leadership in Washington, D.C. excited and enthused by the new NAB leadership.
Nevada's broadcasters -- like all of America's broadcasters, seem to be entering into a "Perfect Storm". Broadcasters have every right to be concerned. We are facing live or die issues. Our President, the FCC Chairman, the FCC Commission and Congress all seem to now have an agenda that appears to be dangerously anti-broadcaster. |
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| Apr 12, 2010 |
| NAB CEO Smith Outlines His Three Top Priorities |
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Two days ago -- prior to the opening of the NAB Convention in Las Vegas, NAB CEO Senator Gordon Smith attended a small luncheon meeting with a cross section of Nevada's broadcasters. In attendance this past Saturday, April 10, 2010, were general managers (and station owners) representing Las Vegas television and radio; Reno television and radio; and rural radio. There was strong representation from Hispanic television and radio. Senator Smith also brought along his wife and several key NAB staff members. The meeting was held in the board room of the Nevada Broadcasters Association. |
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| Apr 12, 2010 |
| Senator Reid: No Performance Tax |
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Yesterday, the NAB held a small, private event with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Tony Bonnici, Bob Fisher and Adam Sandler represented the Nevada Broadcasters Association at this event. In what was an emotional moment, Senator Reid thanked Senator Smith for their work together on the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act, which President George W. Bush signed into law in 2004. $82 million was set aside for suicide prevention and awareness programs in colleges. Senator Smith's son Garrett committed suicide six and a half years ago when he was 21. Senator Reid's father also committed suicide when he was a young man. |
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| Apr 05, 2010 |
| Society of Broadcast Engineers |
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On Thursday, March 18, 2010, SBE Chapter 128, met in the NBA Board Room. The purpose of the Las Vegas meeting was to reorganize, rebuild and to move the chapter forward. There was much discussion around the table as to what direction the chapter would go in. In the current atmosphere where "less is more" and broadcast engineers have more responsibilities with fewer support staff, the challenge of finding the time required to run an SBE chapter is challenging. There were many excellent thoughts expressed and the outcome produced a successful election of officers. |
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| Apr 05, 2010 |
| New Nevada Broadcasters Association Website |
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On behalf of Andrew Hall and AMI Studios; and on behalf of Adam, Earlene, Monique, Gary, Adrienne and myself, we would like to welcome you to our newly reconstructed NBA web site. You will find a more professional look, and easier to navigate links. At the bottom of the Home Page you will find the Site Map and the six major categories. We encourage your comments and suggestions. |
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| Apr 19, 2010 |
| Capture the Moment |
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CAPTURE THE MOMENT |
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| Apr 26, 2010 |
| NBA and Bob Fisher to be Honored This Saturday Night |
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NBA AND BOB FISHER TO BE HONORED THIS SATURDAY NIGHT |
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| Apr 26, 2010 |
| End of an Era? |
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End of an Era? |
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| Apr 28, 2010 |
| Alert: FCC Releases Public Notice Regarding Closed Captioning |
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| May 03, 2009 |
| NBA to Offer Complimentary Webcast: Navigating the FCC's EEO Rules with Brendan Holland of Davis, Wright, Tremaine LLP |
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NBA TO OFFER COMPLIMENTARY WEBCAST
Navigating the FCC's EEO Rules
Brendan Holland, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
10 AM - 12 Noon
The FCC's current Equal Employment Opportunity rules have been in place for nearly seven years, but now is not the time for broadcasters to coast on auto-pilot. With annual EEO public file reports due for stations in Nevada and the next broadcast station license renewal cycle just around the corner, stations need to make sure that they are familiar with the FCC's EEO rules and are taking all the steps necessary to ensure that they stay out of trouble. EEO continues to be a hot issue for the FCC, and one that draws many fines from the Commission, both at license renewal time and in connection with the ongoing random EEO audits that the FCC conducts several times a year.
With the changes in ownership, personnel, and hiring efforts that inevitably occur at Nevada stations over time, it is important that station owners, managers, and hiring personnel are on top of the FCC's rules. We have accepted an invitation from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters who will provide a primer on the FCC's Equal Employment Opportunity rules. The NBA will fully subsidize this webcast. Among the highlights of the two hour session will be: (1) outreach required for the opening of jobs at the stations; (2) the non-vacancy related activities that stations should be engaging in; (3) and the record keeping requirements to make sure you keep all the necessary documents to support what the station did. The goal of the session is to refresh your understanding of the rules, provide insight into the FCC's enforcement, guidance in the past few years, and highlight some common pitfalls.
About The Speaker:
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| May 03, 2010 |
| Record Number of Stations to Participate in 2010 FCC-Sanctioned Nevada ABIP |
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Adrienne Abbott, the highly respected, well-liked and competent consultant engineer of the Nevada Broadcasters Association has begun a series of ABIP inspections that will continue throughout the year. She has indicated that we will have a record number of Nevada stations inspected this year.
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| May 06, 2010 |
| Charities Face Doomsday With Loss of Tax-exempt Status |
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CHARITIES FACE DOOMSDAY WITH LOSS OF TAX-EXEMPT STATUS |
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| May 17, 2010 |
| Community Oriented News Packages |
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COMMUNITY ORIENTED NEWS PACKAGES
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| May 17, 2010 |
| Jim Rogers to be Honored with NBA Lifetime Achievement Award |
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JIM ROGERS TO BE HONORED WITH
NBA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD |
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| May 19, 2010 |
| NBA in Strong Support of Television Industry's Retransmission Consent Rights |
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FCC PLEADING FILED LAST NIGHT
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| Jun 16, 2009 |
| Board of Directors to Meet as Debate Plans Move Forward |
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Last winter in Washington, D.C., the Executive Committee met together and voted to (1) endorse an NBA sponsored Governor Debate; (2) endorse an NBA sponsored Senator Debate; and (3) approved the expenditure of NBA budget funds to cover the entire cost of these two debates. These debates will be provided at no cost to participating television and radio stations. Immediate Spanish translation and closed captioning will also be provided.
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| Jun 16, 2009 |
| Questions Remain with Political Ads |
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The National Association of Broadcasters provides their political forms and election guide to the NBA. We are happy to make them available to our member stations by request. Contact Adam Sandler at 702 794-4994 to receive the material at no charge.
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| Jun 16, 2009 |
| Nevada Crime Commission to Hold First Meeting This Afternoon |
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Governor Jim Gibbons signed an executive order establishing the Nevada Crime Commission on June 3, 2010. Today, at 2 PM the first meeting of this new commission will be held simultaneously at the Nevada State Capitol in Carson City and the Governor's Office in Las Vegas. The Commission will be tasked with examining existing and emerging crime problems statewide and seeking innovative methods and solutions to combat those crimes.
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| Jun 16, 2009 |
| Nevada Homeland Security Commission Brings RCC Hearing to Eureka County |
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A hearing of the Rural Communities Committee to the Nevada Commission on Homeland Security will be held in Eureka, Nevada at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, June 22, 2010. The meeting -- which will be held at the historic Eureka Opera House, will be led by Bob Fisher, Chairman of the Rural Communities Committee.
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| Jun 16, 2009 |
| Rural School Emergency Planning Summit: The Best Lesson to be Learned is how to be Prepared |
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At the invitation of Aaron Kenneston, Washoe County Emergency Manager, Bob Fisher will represent the Nevada Homeland Security Commission at a task force planning summit next week in Eureka, Nevada. Bob will be joined by Larry Casey, Commission staff member and Glade Myler, Senior Deputy Attorney General -- who oversees the Commission. The summit will be held at the Eureka Opera House and will be held from 10 AM - 4 PM on Tuesday, June 22, 2010. As of this morning, school districts in nine Nevada counties will be represented at the summit as well as representation from the Duckwater Shoshone Tribe. Nevada's Broadcasters remain the Voice of Homeland Security and the Voice of Community.
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| Jun 16, 2009 |
| NBA Scholarship Committee |
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Tony and Linda Bonnici met together with Bob Fisher and Adam Sandler to begin the process of establishing the policies and procedures foundation for the NBA Scholarship Committee. The Bonnici's want a diverse group of community leaders and broadcasters to sit on what will be an important "working" committee. Their desire is for the allocation of several significant scholarships to a few deserving students, rather than allocate a nominal scholarship to many. Their thought is to follow-through the college career of these students, and perhaps allocate another scholarship every year until they have graduated. They are looking for students who are graduating from a Nevada high school and who will attend a Nevada university, college or community college. The committee will need to formulate criteria including whether financial assistance will be based on merit or need. Tony and Linda would like to see personal interviews to determine if a student has a deep passion for broadcasting. Linda has agreed to serve as chairman. Bob and Adam will coordinate setting up internships at television and radio stations for these scholarship students.
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| Jun 16, 2009 |
| Will the Broadcasters Cup Make a Comeback in 2011? |
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One half of the annual NBA Gala program has been missing for the past nine years. After September 11, 2001, the NBA Board of Directors voted unanimously to end what had been a very successful six year NBA sponsored golf tournament. Nicknamed "The Broadcasters Cup", the reason for the decision was based upon the uncertainty of the economy following 9-11. The board felt that by not sponsoring a golf tournament, stations would be better able to provide stronger financial support for the Hall of Fame Dinner through the sale of ads and sponsorships; and stronger attendance through table sales. The yearly tournament was always popular, attracting 80 golfers --broadcasters and advertising agencies from throughout the state; as well as elected officials and community leaders. Who will ever forget the tournament when then Nevada Secretary of State Dean Heller shot a drive ending less than six inches from the hole and missing what would have been the first hole-in-one in tournament history. There is a photo on display in the NBA office of the late entertainer Danny Gans, whose foursome ended as one of the top three teams the year he played. An awards luncheon immediately followed each tournament; later that evening, the Hall of Fame Dinner was held. The first four years, "The Broadcasters Cup" was played on the storied Desert Inn golf course; the final two years were played on the new Revere golf course.
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| Aug 17, 2010 |
| NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTER |
| STRATEGIC PLANNING MEETING IN LAS VEGAS
The Nevada Broadcasters Association is extremely honored to welcome Christopher Ornelas to Las Vegas next week. Chris serves as executive vice president and chief strategy officer for the National Association of Broadcasters. He is flying to Nevada from Washington, D.C. to lead a critical strategic planning meeting for our Executive Committee, our Board of Directors and statewide radio and television general managers. |
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| Aug 20, 2010 |
| Broadcaster Alert |
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BROADCASTER ALERT
The Nevada Broadcasters Association began negotiations with the campaign staffs of Sharron Angle and Senator Harry Reid immediately following the June 8 Primary Election. |
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| Aug 24, 2009 |
| Budget, Foundation, Scholarship, ABIP, Debates, Strategic Planning and Gala Highlight August 2010 |
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BUDGET, FOUNDATION, SCHOLARSHIP, ABIP, DEBATES, STRATEGIC PLANNING AND GALA
HIGHLIGHT AUGUST 2010 |
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| Sep 13, 2010 |
| Governor Debate Moves Forward |
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GOVERNOR DEBATE MOVES FORWARD
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| Sep 16, 2010 |
| Passing of a Legend |
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PASSING OF A LEGEND
INDUCTED IN THE NBA |
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| Sep 21, 2010 |
| Goal of NBA Debates: Informed Nevadans Who Will Vote |
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| Sep 27, 2010 |
| Paul Gardner |
| The son of pioneer broadcasters, and himself a broadcaster -- Paul Gardner has always been Nevada's strongest advocate for rural radio. During the eleven years that he served on the NBA board -- whether meeting in Las Vegas, Reno, Carson City or Washington, D.C., he was never afraid to voice his opinions and to ensure that attention was paid to the dedication, commitment and just plain hard work of our rural radio broadcasters. In 2002, Tony Bonnici -- then Chairman of the NBA Board, drove with Bob Fisher to visit stations in Ely, Elko, Winnemucca and Fallon. While in Elko, Tony and Bob attended Paul Gardner's installation as President of the Elko Area Chamber of Commerce. It was a trip that Tony still talks about today.
In 2004, Paul was elected NAB District 22 Representative -- not only enabling him to visit and work with broadcasters in Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona, but to also have a national platform to advocate for America's rural broadcasters. Currently Paul is serving his third, two year term on the NAB Radio Board. The board advocates on behalf of the Radio and Television industry in Congress, the FCC, and courts across the country. |
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| Oct 07, 2010 |
| Governor Debate This Thursday |
| GOVERNOR DEBATE
THIS THURSDAY
The Nevada Broadcasters Association 2010 Gubernatorial Debate is scheduled for this Thursday evening, October 7, beginning at 6:00 PM. Nearly 50 Nevada television and radio stations have indicated that they will carry the debate. Democrat Rory Reid and Republican Brian Sandoval will face each other, with long-time Vegas PBS (and NBA Hall of Fame broadcaster) Mitch Fox serving as debate moderator. Mitch was unanimously chosen by the NBA Board of Directors, as well as Vegas PBS unanimously chosen to serve as the debate production house.
Vegas PBS has produced over 40 TV debates in the last two decades. The NBA Gubernatorial Debate -- like all Vegas PBS debates -- will be in English with Spanish translation on SAP. Additionally, closed captioning in both languages will be provided so most citizens can participate in viewing or listening to the candidates regardless of language or disability. The engineers of all participating stations will be doing scheduled tests this week leading up to the debate. If engineers have any questions, concerns or problems, they are asked to please speak directly with Adrienne Abbott at nevadaeas@charter.net 775-750-5987.
The format will include an opening, welcome, introduction of the candidates and an explanation of the debate rules. Questions were submitted to the NBA by television and radio news directors, viewers and listeners. The topics receiving the highest number of submissions, will be the topics covered in this debate. The formulation of the questions is the sole responsibility of Mitch, NBA President Bob Fisher and NBA Vice-President Adam Sandler. Questions will not be shared in advance.
The debate will conclude with each candidate offering their closing statement. As per the recommendations made by the NBA Executive Committee, the debate is expected to move quickly, that questions will be answered with specific solutions rather than attacking an opponent and that the debate will be fair, unbiased and professional in its presentation.
NBA Board Chairman, Thom Porterfield has stated time and time again that our NBA debates go far beyond "Public Service." Scores of television and radio stations are collectively donating hundreds of thousands of dollars of their air time because each one feels the obligation, responsibility and privilege -- for doing our part to have knowledgeable and engaged voters.
WHAT IT MEANS TO NEVADA:
TOO SOON?
FEMA has made the long-anticipated announcement that it has adopted Common Alerting Protocol or CAP as the new standard for public warning. CAP allows emergency managers to issue emergency information through a variety of platforms, saving time and ensuring that the public gets the same message whether it's from broadcasters, cell phone texts, emails or highway signs. The CAP format also allows emergency managers to embed audio files, scripts, pictures, maps and graphics within their messages creating a data-rich product that is suited to both television and radio as well as the Internet. The FEMA news release can be found here: http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=52880
The assumption is being made that the FCC's 180-day clock is ticking, even though the FCC hasn't made an official announcement. The NAB and organizations like the Society of Broadcast Engineers and the National Alliance of State Broadcasters Associations including the NBA, are considering plans to ask the FCC to delay the deadline for an additional 180 days, giving manufacturers a chance to make sure their next generation EAS equipment meets CAP standards. CAP EAS equipment has been on the market for more than a year and has been installed in some radio and TV stations as well as emergency management offices around the country. FEMA has been conducting compliance tests at their conformance lab set up especially for this project.
But you may want to wait before you pick up the phone and order your new equipment. A lot could change in the near future. In addition to the possible extension of the 180-day deadline, the FCC is expected to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to rewrite EAS regulations. There could be pressure from FEMA on state officials to purchase CAP equipment and that will affect what you end up buying. Questions have been raised about possible incompatibility issues between manufacturers, issues that could result in delays in broadcasting emergency messages.
And even where state and local officials decline to buy new EAS equipment -- and that is a strong possibility in cash-strapped Nevada, there may still be an opportunity for broadcasters to agree on a single product and then seek a group discount from the manufacturer. NBA members who are interested in such a discount should contact SECC Chair Adrienne Abbott for more information. We will be surveying stations to determine your EAS needs and interests.
Adrienne Abbott |
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| Oct 21, 2010 |
| NBA Filed Petition Today |
| NBA FILED PETITION TODAY
Earlier today, the Nevada Broadcasters Association, along with 45 other State Broadcasters Associations, the National Association of Broadcasters, National Cable and Telecommunications Association, Society of Broadcast Engineers, American Cable Association, Association for Maximum Service Television, National Public Radio, Association of Public Television Stations and Public Broadcasting Service, urged the FCC to extend the current March 29, 2011 CAP-compliance deadline to at least September 30, 2011 or later, as well as to consider holding the deadline in abeyance until the FCC has completed its own CAP-related equipment certification process and has resolved its anticipated rulemaking proceeding concerning modifications to Part 11 of its EAS rules and regulations. |
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| Nov 01, 2010 |
| Congresswoman Shelley Berkley |
| Congresswoman Shelley Berkley
Personal e-mail invitations were sent out last Thursday, inviting all southern Nevada television and radio general managers (only) to attend a private luncheon being held at the NBA office this Wednesday Noon, November 3.
Our very special guest speaker will be our longtime friend and advocate in Washington, D.C., Congresswoman Shelley Berkley. Shelley is expected to talk candidly about the impact of the 2010 Mid-Term Elections results. She will speculate on what the changes in Nevada and in Congress will mean.
GM's are asked to please RSVP no later than this afternoon.
NBA Broadcasters Day |
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| Dec 03, 2010 |
| Passing of Mike Culotta |
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| Jan 06, 2011 |
| Nevada Will be Nevada Again |
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| Jan 13, 2011 |
| Nevada Remembers |
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Throughout today, communities across the state of Nevada and all across America -- will observe National AMBER Alert Awareness Day – a day to recognize the collaborative efforts and successes of the AMBER Alert program to assist in the recovery of abducted children whose lives are thought to be in danger.
The AMBER Alert Program, created after the 1996 abduction and murder of 9-year-old Amber Hagerman, is a voluntary partnership between law-enforcement agencies, broadcasters, and transportation agencies. Here in Nevada, an alert is initiated by a local law enforcement agency. The agency activates an urgent bulletin -- sent out through the Emergency Alert System and aired over local radio, television and cable. The alert then expands through message road signs, the internet, (AMBER Alert websites and the new technology of social media.)
Here in Nevada, AMBER Alert is not overused. We have a strict criteria for activation. And some of the toughest laws in the country if someone lies to local law enforcement resulting in a false activation. To do so is a felony. With so few alerts in a year -- Nevadan's know then when there is an activation, the situation is serious. At stake is the life of an abducted child, |
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| Jan 18, 2011 |
| All Eyes and Ears on Carson City |
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| Jan 24, 2011 |
| Shared Sacrifice |
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| Jan 25, 2011 |
| 2011 Nevada Broadcasters Day |
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| Feb 09, 2011 |
| Pre-Broadcaster's Day Dinner Tonight Features Treasurer Kate Marshall |
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| Mar 23, 2011 |
| NAB CEO TO ADDRESS NBA |
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NAB CEO TO ADDRESS NBA
Gordon Smith -- two-term United States Senator (R-OR), a successful businessman with deep roots in rural Oregon and currently the President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters, has scheduled an important breakfast meeting with Nevada television and radio general managers. The meeting is scheduled for Friday, April 8, 2011, from 9 AM - 10:30 AM. The meeting will be held in the board room of the Nevada Broadcasters Association, 1050 East Flamingo Road, Suite 102 -- in Las Vegas.
Thirteen members of the NBA Board of Directors recently went to Washington, D.C. to participate in the annual NAB State Leadership Conference. Meetings were held with Senators Reid and Ensign; and with Congressmen Berkley, Heller and Heck. A critical meeting was also held at the FCC with Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski.
With both the future of television and radio in peril as a Spectrum Auction is looming in the distance and a defeated Performance Tax may result in "an attack of a thousand cuts" -- the NBA together with the Board of Directors continues to be vigilant and aggressive in protecting the voice of every Nevada broadcaster. On a scale of one to ten, the upcoming meeting with Gordon Smith is a ten. Each and every Nevada television and radio station should be represented at this meeting.
For northern and rural broadcasters who are unable to be in Las Vegas on April 8, the meeting will be carried on a statewide conference call. For further information including the dial-in number and pass code, contact Adam Sandler at the NBA office.
TELEVISION FCC WEBINAR
Tuesday, April 5, 2011,
10 am
Nevada television management are asked to join FCC Media Bureau Chief Bill Lake and Rebecca Hanson, Senior Advisor, Broadcast Spectrum, in a live webinar that will describe the financial opportunities offered by voluntary incentive auctions, as proposed in the FCC’s National Broadband Plan. According to the FCC: "Incentive auctions for TV spectrum seek to offer broadcasters new business model options involving their voluntary contribution of some or all of their licensed spectrum, including options that allow broadcasters to participate and continue to broadcast." This webinar will give an overview of those opportunities and will provide an opportunity for the FCC representatives to respond to questions, including questions about the need to repack the remaining television channels following the auction.
THE NBA AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS TAKEN A STRONG POSITION IN LINE WITH THE NAB -- THAT (1) BEFORE AN AUCTION CAN BE CONSIDERED, THERE NEEDS TO BE AN AUDIT OF THE SPECTRUM TO SEE IF SUCH AN AUCTION IS EVEN NEEDED; AND (2) THE VOLUNTARY AUCTION MUST REMAIN VOLUNTARY. Among the topics to be discussed: How would an incentive auction work? Broadcaster Opportunities, channel-sharing, and VHF; and Repacking Implications
The NBA wants to monitor the station registration for this webinar. For further information about registration please contact either Bob Fisher or Adam Sandler.
FIRST RESPONDER TRAINING |
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| Mar 24, 2011 |
| ATTN NEWS DIRECTORS |
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ATTENTION NEWS DIRECTORS
Earlene Lefler, NBA Executive Assistant has been calling all statewide television and radio general managers regarding the upcoming breakfast meeting with NAB President and CEO Senator Gordon Smith at the NBA office. Within the first 24 hours, we have received participation confirmation from 20 general managers. |
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| Mar 28, 2011 |
| Attention General Managers |
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| Mar 30, 2011 |
| Application Process Begins on April 1 |
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| Apr 05, 2011 |
| As We Enter 2nd Quarter |
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AS WE ENTER 2nd QUARTER
As we move forward into the 2nd Quarter, there is great momentum on so many different levels. For the group of 14 who traveled to Washington, D.C., last month to attend the NAB State Leadership Conference and participate in meetings with each of our congressional delegation -- it is reassuring to know that our three Nevada House members have signed on to co-sponsor H. Con. Res. 21 (the Local Radio Freedom Act / anti-performance tax resolution). If you have not taken the time to write Shelley Berkley, Dean Heller and Joe Heck to thank them for their support, we ask you to please do so. They would love to hear from you.
Through the outstanding work of the Tony and Linda Bonnici Broadcasting Scholarship Committee, assisted by our Foundation executive director Adam Sandler -- our first application (Fall, 2011) is available and we are asking for support from all of our stations.
The foundation's scholarship is directed towards Nevada residents who will or are attending a Nevada college or university. The scholarship will provide significant financial support for broadcasting students who show great passion and potential by paying afull year of tuition directly to their Nevada college or university.
Finalists will be interviewed by members of the Scholarship Committee and local broadcasters, The award(s) will be announced on June 30, 2011. To view the application, please click here. For more information, please contact Adam at the NBA office.
GORDON SMITH
FINAL REMINDER
Prior to this Friday's Breakfast Meeting / Statewide General Managers Conference Call, Senator Smith has agreed to arrive at the NBA office thirty minutes prior to the start of the meeting in order to do interviews with our television and radio news stations. We encourage Las Vegas affiliates to coordinate together with their Reno counterparts, in order to spread Senator Smith's message throughout the state.
NEWS INTERVIEWS WITH SENATOR GORDON SMITH AT THE NBA OFFICE, 8:30 am - 9:00 am |
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| Apr 29, 2011 |
| World Authority on Digital Hate and the Internet Coming to Las Vegas |
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WORLD AUTHORITY ON DIGITAL HATE AND THE INTERNET
COMING TO LAS VEGAS TO DELIVER IMPORTANT BRIEFINGS
NOT TO BE MISSED
We are very fortunate to have Rabbi Abraham Cooper, Dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center-Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, coming to Las Vegas for Holocaust Memorial Day on Sunday and to do two important briefings on Monday. Rabbi Cooper is widely recognized as a pioneer and international authority on issues related to digital hate and the Internet. He has been a longtime activist for human rights causes on five continents.
Rabbi Cooper has recently written and released the Wiesenthal Center’s new report on Digital Terrorism and Hate Crimes; a growing menace and concern in our society. Rabbi Cooper has agreed to conduct two special briefings this Monday. The first will be for law enforcement officials hosted by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department at their Fusion Center. The second special briefing will be for representatives of our community’s media. This special briefing will be Monday, May 2 at 10:00 A.M. at the offices of the Greenspun Media Group at 2360 Corporate Circle in Henderson, third floor conference room.
It is our great hope that law enforcement, emergency managers, first-responders and broadcasters will be able to join us for Rabbi Cooper’s presentations. Additionally, we enthusiastically encourage everyone to invite other members of your staff for whom this subject is of interest and importance. We ask that you let the NBA know in advance who will be attending so we can ensure that appropriate arrangements will be made. |
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| Apr 29, 2011 |
| Governor to Address State on Tuesday Evening |
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THE SPEECH WILL BEGIN AT 6:01 PM.
THE SPEECH WILL BE 15 MINUTES IN LENGTH. |
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| May 02, 2011 |
| KEEP US SAFE FROM HARM |
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| May 03, 2011 |
| LIVE FROM THE PEOPLE'S HOUSE |
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| May 04, 2011 |
| AN IMPORTANT SCHOLARSHIP MESSAGE FROM TONY AND LINDA BONNICI |
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| May 11, 2011 |
| Adrienne Abbott Editorial: Part 1 |
| What do you need to know before buying new EAS equipment? EAS State Chair Adrienne Abbott takes a look at how the decisions being made by the FCC and FEMA affect your decisions in Part 1 of her two-part series on CAP-Compliant EAS Equipment.
DEADLINES, FINES AND OLD MOVIES
As the clock ticks down on the FCC deadline for CAP-compliant EAS equipment some of you already have the new equipment courtesy of your corporate offices. Some of you are looking over the products on the market with one eye on the price tag and the other on your budget. And some of you are wondering if there's any way out of this unfunded federal mandate. Here are some things to consider before you write the check. |
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| May 12, 2011 |
| Adrienne Abbott Editorial: Part 2 |
| The decision on what kind of new EAS equipment to buy could have an even bigger impact on your bottom line than you thought. EAS State Chair Adrienne Abbott explains why in Part 2 of her new article on CAP Compliant EAS Equipment.
MONEY, CARS AND EAS TESTS
There's no getting around the fact that technology costs money. And if money is the prime consideration in your selection of new EAS equipment, there are some things to consider before you buy one of those CAP to EAS Converter boxes. |
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| May 16, 2011 |
| THE EAGLE SOARS |
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| May 17, 2011 |
| NBA TO HONOR JERRY LEWIS |
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| May 19, 2011 |
| GALA 16 UPDATE #1 |
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| May 23, 2011 |
| WE GET ER DONE! |
| The above quote and the following paragraph was sent out by e mail just a few hours ago by my colleague and my friend -- Don Hicks. Don is the President and CEO of the Missouri Broadcasters Association. He is one of the best.
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| May 26, 2011 |
| GALA 16 UPDATE #2 |
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| May 31, 2011 |
| FUNDING COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS |
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FUNDING COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
On Saturday evening May 14th, Bob Fisher served as the auctioneer for the University of Southern Nevada's Gala. He was one of their honorees at last year's event. In his thank you letter from Barbara Wood, Director of University Relations, she wrote: "You broke all records in Live Auction bids. Everyone loved the way you kept bringing home the whole purpose of the Gala, funding college scholarships for the students.
Work has now begun on our own Nevada Broadcasters' Gala, scheduled for August 20, 2011. We are asking and will continue to ask for the support from each and every Nevada television and radio station. Why ? To bring home the whole purpose of the Gala -- to celebrate, to honor, to thank and to raise funds for the Tony and Linda Bonnici Broadcaster Scholarship. We go into this year's Gala with $50,000 in our scholarship fund -- raised through the Silent and Live Auctions over the past two years. We have high goals for this year's auctions. We are working to raise an additional $25,000. Will you help lend your support through the donation of auction items -- both Silent and Live. For further information please contact either Bob Fisher or Adam Sandler at the NBA office.
THANK YOU EMILY
The United Way of Southern Nevada honored its community supporters at a celebratory 2011 Campaign Finale luncheon one week ago today, Wednesday, May 25. During the event, Campaign Chair Emily Neilson, General Manager of KLAS-TV unveiled its 2010-2011 fundraising results totaling$12.4 million, an increase of $300,000 in new dollars from the previous year. Emily, together with Cass Palmer, President and CEO of United Way of Southern Nevada gave credit to their corporate partners and dedicated volunteers who supported the fundraising efforts. The monies raised "will be used to create viable solutions to affect long-term positive change within the community." This year's achievements allow the organization to continue to improve lives in Southern Nevada by providing assistance with education, health and income.
Among the eight Community Campaign Award recipients was "Employee Campaign Coordinators" honoree Matt Medcalf, Community Promotions Coordinator, 8 News Now. The 8 News Now Morning News Team of Brian Loftus, Sherry Swensk, Dayna Roselli and Dave McCann served as the emcees of the event.
Thank you Emily for your leadership and commitment to make a difference!
ELKO OUTREACH
Bob Fisher is completing his second day doing outreach in Elko, Nevada. Yesterday, Bob attended a luncheon meeting of the Lions Club held at Great Basin College. He then met with Don Newman, Executive Director of the Elko Convention and Visitors Authority. The ECVA has been and continues to be one of our longtime NCSA sponsors. Don serves as the President of the Elko Lions Club.
This morning Bob is visiting the Elko television and radio stations. At Noon, he is attending a luncheon meeting of the Rotary Club held at the Stockmens Hotel. At lunch, he will present a banner from the Las Vegas Rotary Club. (Tom Axtell, General Manager of Vegas PBS is completing his year serving as President of the Las Vegas Rotary Club).
At 1:30 PM he is schedule to address the Elko Board of County Commissioners. The agenda item reads:
"Discussion and consideration of a request to assist local radio and television stations in the cost of implementing the new federally mandated Emergency Alert System that requires new equipment be placed in every broadcasting facility in Elko County and all other matters related, thereto."
Bob is one of the last two original members of the Nevada Homeland Security Commission and serves as the Chairman of two committees: Rural Communities and Legislative / By-laws.
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| Jun 07, 2011 |
| HOMELAND SECURITY COMMISSION MEETING |
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| Jun 20, 2011 |
| Driving the EAS Cadillac: NBA Sponsors Critical Program |
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DRIVING THE EAS CADILLAC:
NBA SPONSORS CRITICAL PROGRAM |
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| Jul 11, 2011 |
| Your Life Will Never Be The Same Again |
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"YOUR LIFE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN"
This past Friday afternoon the Scholarship Committee of the Nevada Broadcasters Foundation had the honor and the privilege of personally announcing to / and congratulating each -- of our inaugural group of scholarship recipients. Each meeting (held in the board room at KLAS-TV in Las Vegas) was filled with surprise and excitement, emotion and profound appreciation. In addressing each recipient, Tony and Linda Bonnici suggested that "as a result of your receiving this prestigious scholarship -- doors will open and opportunities will be presented; your life as a broadcaster will never be the same again."
Congratulations to the following four women who each have set the bar high and raised the standard for those future recipients who will come after them. Everyone will have the opportunity to meet this fabulous group of future broadcasters who have expressed such passion in their desire to achieve their career goal. Each will introduce themselves as part of the program at the upcoming NBA Hall of Fame Gala on August 20.
ALEXANDRIA CANNITO
Will be a Freshman working towards Broadcast Journalism at the University of Nevada Reno. Will be provided with full tuition during her Freshman year with the potential to receive full tuition for an additional three years. Will also be provided with an in-station paid internship. "I hope to work at a local news station either behind the scenes or on camera. My dream job would be to work as a host on Good Morning America."
RACHEL JOHNSON
Will be a Senior working towards Broadcast Journalism and Film at UNLV. Will be provided with full tuition during her Senior year. Will be directly working with the UNLV TV program in a Fall '11 semester internship, "to produce shows and provide story content." "My ultimate dream job would be to work as a technical director of a late-night news talk show such as Conan O'Brien or Stephen Colbert. I feel that these shows breathe a whole new life into news and gives them a fresh spin for a younger demographic."
SEDINAM KAKRADA
Will be a Graduate student working towards Journalism and Media Studies at UNLV. Will be provided with full tuition during her Graduate year. Will also be provided with an in-station paid internship. "I hope to become a television field reporter when I graduate and to work my way to become a television news anchor. My dream job is to become a television news anchor for a major news network like CNN or BBC."
ADRIENNE LEFEBVRE
Will be a Senior working towards News and Media Studies at UNLV. Will be provided with full tuition during her Senior year. Will also be provided with an in-station paid internship. "I hope to find work in radio production. I feel this would give me an education and experience well past the academics of broadcast media studies. I hope to host a talk TV or radio news show. I would like to utilize new technologies to create interactive media facilitating community awareness and involvement."
For further information how you can get involved in the Linda and Tony Bonnici Scholarship Program, please contact Adam Sandler, Executive Director of the Nevada Broadcasters Foundation at (702) 794-4994.
HALL OF FAME GALA UPDATE
Promotional Gala posters are currently on display in almost every Nevada television and radio station. Trish Williamson, NBA Gala Publicist has reported that last week the NBA received extensive coverage in newspapers, web sites and social media through her first media release. According to Trish, "wire services are buzzing about the honoring of Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Jerry Lewis, and for the first time in 16 years, all of our honorees including The Class of 2011 will enter the Red Rock Ballroom on a legendary red carpet."
Earlene Lefler, Hall of Fame Coordinator reports that nominations for The Class of 2011 continues to grow with the registration deadline of August 1 fast approaching. Trish Williamson together with Bob Cummings, NBA Gala Marketing Director will be sending out their major sponsorship package release later today that includes Event Sponsorship, Congratulatory Ad in the Tribute or Program Journal and the donation of Live or Silent Auction items. As reported in today's NEVADA Broadcaster, the Nevada Broadcasters Foundation has released the names of our inaugural scholarship recipients.
Finally, Kassi Belz, APR, Vice-President of Corporate Communications for MassMedia has announced that 1,000 Gala invitations will be mailed out this Friday. The invitations were designed by Bob Cummings. MassMedia will once again design and create our Gala Tribute and Program Journals.
HALL OF FAME GALA PROGRAM
First Announcement: As of July 11, 2011
THEME: Where Eagles Soar - The Miracle Of Broadcast
An Evening of Honor and Tribute
5:30 PM
Cocktails, Hors d'oeuvres and Entertainment
Registration and Scholarship Silent Auction
6:30 PM
Emcees: Lori Gilbert and Tricia Kean
Remembering Those We Have Lost
Mike Culotta and Scott O'Neil
The evening is dedicated to the memory of Ted Quillin
Saluting Our Veterans
Presentation of Colors
Star Spangled Banner
The Nevada Army National Guard
NBA Community Achievement Award Recipient
President's Farewell: Thom Porterfield
Installation of the 2011-2012 NBA Board of Directors
R&R Partners (accepted by Billy Vassiliadis)
NBA Pinnacle Achievement Award Recipient
Scholarship Live Auction
Introduction of NBA Scholarship Recipients
Linda and Tony Bonnici
7:30 PM
Dinner
8:30 PM
The King of Comedy: Jerry Lewis
NBA Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Induction of the Class of 2011
Bob Fisher and Adam Sandler
9:30 PM
Dessert
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| Jul 20, 2011 |
| Death of a Giant: Remembering the Architect of the NBA |
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| Aug 02, 2011 |
| Shelley Berkley, Joe Heck, Brian Sandoval and Kate Marshall Added to Gala Program |
| SHELLEY BERKLEY, JOE HECK, BRIAN SANDOVAL AND KATE MARSHALL ADDED TO GALA PROGRAM
Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, Congressman Joe Heck, Governor Brian Sandoval and Kate Marshall have all been added to the impressive programming lineup for the upcoming NBA Hall of Fame Gala. Congresswoman Berkley, Congressman Heck and Governor Sandoval will participate in the Gala segment: "SALUTING OUR VETERANS" |
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| Aug 03, 2011 |
| NBA Joins with 49 Other States |
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NBA JOINS WITH 49 OTHER STATES
FROM INSIDE RADIO |
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| Aug 15, 2011 |
| CONTENT |
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| Aug 17, 2011 |
| Nevada EAS SECC Meeting |
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| Aug 18, 2011 |
| Brandy Newman Elected Board Chair |
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BRANDY NEWMAN ELECTED BOARD CHAIR
Brandy Newman, head of Clear Channel Radio in Las Vegas has been elected as the new Chairwoman of the NBA Board of Directors. Unanimously slated by the Executive Committee, she was unanimously approved by 70 NBA member television and radio stations. She will serve a two year term beginning this Saturday evening at the NBA Gala.
The current NBA Board was returned for a two year term. Paul Gardner, Elko Broadcasting, will return to the board to represent Rural Radio. A previous longtime member of the NBA Board, he just completed serving his two terms on the Radio Board of the National Association of Broadcasters.
Brandy's first act as new NBA Chairwoman will be to present the Inaugural NBA Pinnacle Award to R&R Partners on Saturday night.
400 GUESTS WILL CELEBRATE THE MIRACLE OF BROADCAST
400 guests are expected to celebrate together at the 16th Annual NBA Hall of Fame Gala beginning at 5:30 PM this Saturday evening at Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa. For the second time in 16 years, there will be national press coverage of this event. It is also expected that all Las Vegas television news stations will be covering the Gala.
We are grateful for the support of Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, Congressman Joe Heck, Governor Brian Sandoval, State Treasurer Kate Marshall, Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman and former Mayor Oscar Goodman for their participation in this year's evening program.
We are grateful to be able to honor Jerry Lewis, the Nevada Army National Guard and R&R Partners.
And we are grateful for this year's sponsors: the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau (16 years), South Point, Bank of America, Southern Wine and Spirits and Caesars Entertainment.
This year's extraordinary Silent and Live Auctions is once again under the leadership of Eric Bonnici. For the third year, Fund Raising is under the leadership of Trish Williamson and Bob Cummings. And a special thank you goes out to our partners -- Global Flowers, Mass Media, CopyCat Printing and Boulevard Trophy (16 years).
Most exciting of all, the Nevada Broadcasters Foundation will have the opportunity to introduce our four inaugural recipients of the Tony and Linda Bonnici Broadcast Scholarship.
FINAL MEETING REMINDERS
Three important meetings are scheduled for this Gala weekend.
Jane Mago (National Association of Broadcasters), Dennis Lyle (Illinois Broadcasters Association), Art Brooks (Arizona Broadcasters Association) and Dale Zabriskie (Utah Broadcasters Association) will be meeting together with:
Radio Broadcasters, Friday, August 19, 7:30 AM at Clear Channel Radio. Breakfast will be served.
Television Broadcasters, Friday, August 19, 12 Noon at KTNV-TV. Lunch will be served.
These two meetings will be carried by conference call into northern and rural Nevada.
In addition, on Sunday, August 21, 10 AM at Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa in Veranda D, Adrienne Abbott will lead a Nevada SECC Meeting for broadcast engineers, the NWS and emergency managers. The agenda includes the upcoming National EAS Test and CAP compliance issues. Breakfast will be served.
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| Aug 24, 2011 |
| Bob Fisher to Address Nevada Earthquake Safety Council Meeting in Reno |
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BOB FISHER TO ADDRESS TODAY'S
NEVADA EARTHQUAKE SAFETY
COUNCIL MEETING IN RENO
Bob Fisher, President and CEO of the Nevada Broadcasters Association will address today's Nevada Earthquake Safety Council Meeting. The all-day meeting will be held at NV Energy in Reno.
Bob will address the following questions:
(1) As an expert in media in Nevada, how do we reach more Nevadans and influence them to take appropriate actions for earthquakes?
(2) What media vehicle(s) works best?
(3) Is there a form of message that works better than others?
(4) Is there a difference in reaching rural Nevadans versus urban Nevadans that we should be paying attention to? For example, we have learned that a well respected individual is a good way to go in rural communities.
(5) How can we become more effective with our earthquake safety messages? What are the obstacles and pitfalls?
Paul Rotella, Esq., the President and CEO of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association wrote this report this morning, which Bob will share at today's meeting:
The East Coast earthquake serves up some lessons.
First, lessons in emergency preparedness and backups - the basic stuff. Also lessons (says the NAB) about not relying quite so much on wireless, and keeping broadcasting in the policy picture. And lessons, perhaps, for news organizations. The ones who were ready yesterday jumped into action. No doubt the weekly PPM's for the Hubbard all-news WTOP, Washington (103.5 and related signals) will be pointing skyward. Maybe the same for Clear Channel’s rhythmic “Hot 99.5” WIHT, which delayed leaving the building when ordered to evacuate by the fire department. That’s another lesson – you don’t have to be an all-news station to provide relevant and potentially life-saving information. You just need to be listening to the audience and willing to stay on the air. As the Tuesday afternoon TRI Extra headlines pointed out, a 5.8-Richter scale earthquake isn’t fun, but Hurricane Irene could pose a much larger risk to life and property along the East coast – the next reason why radio should be ready for emergencies. |
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| Aug 29, 2011 |
| The Power of Free, Over-the-Air Television and Radio |
| THE POWER OF FREE, OVER-THE-AIR TELEVISION AND RADIO
Last week's earthquake in the Washington, D.C. area -- coupled with Hurricane Irene's march up the East Coast over the weekend, has re-ignited a debate on the value of free, over-the-air broadcasting's "one-to-everyone" signal versus the "one-to-one" architecture of the cell phone network.
Nevada's message to Congress and the FCC could not be more straightforward and simple: Cell phone networks will clog again, just as they did after last week's earthquake and this past week-end's hurricane. The result will be leaving millions of callers stranded without a signal. Yet the broadcast signal up and down the East Coast was robust and reliable, providing lifeline service that local TV and radio listeners have come to expect from broadcasters.
So how will the cell phone industry will respond now? Predictable, using their massive system failure as a call for more broadcast spectrum.
The fundamental flaw in their argument is this: that in an emergency situation when tens of thousands of people are trying to call simultaneously, the cell phone network as it is currently designed is destined to fail. As constructed now, all the spectrum on the planet won't prevent cell phone network disruptions in a crisis situation.
What follows are quotes from the Federal Emergency Management Association Administrator Craig Fugate. Mr. Fugate leaves little doubt that the government's top official charged with protecting lives of Americans during emergencies still believes in the importance of local broadcasting.
"A lot of people look to FEMA for the answers. These answers - about what impacts you could have - and what you need to do in your communities - are going to come from your local officials. And that's why it's really important with your local broadcasters - that they are going to have, often times, the most detailed information about what's happening in your community" (CNN)
"You know were going to go back to what I think people that got so enamored with their smart phones forget, that it's your local TV and radio stations. Those local broadcasters are going to be giving you the best information, real time, from those local officials out of those press conferences. So make sure you got your television and radio … and again cell phones get congested, but we did have some success with people text messaging or using social media … but remember cell phones themselves in heavy congestion may not be able to get through. And stay off the phones if it is not an emergency, because other people may be trying to call 911. Use text messaging, use land lines, but again local TV and radio are going to probably be one of the best sources of information from those local officials during the crunch time of evacuation." (CNN)
MEETING OF THE EAS SECC
The annual meeting of the Nevada State Emergency Communications Committee was called to order at 10:05 AM on Sunday August 21, in the Veranda D room of the Red Rock Hotel Convention Center. Those present included FCC-appointed Chair Adrienne Abbott; Vice-Chairs Steve Scott of Sinclair Broadcasting Group and Bill Croghan of Lotus Broadcasting. Also present were Robert Fisher, President and CEO of the Nevada Broadcasters Association; Adam Sandler, Vice President of the Nevada Broadcasters Association; Ray Fodge of Beasley Broadcast Group and current president of the Las Vegas Chapter of the Society of Broadcast Engineers; Lamar Smith, Chief Engineer for newly designated Primary Entry Point station KDWN; Paul Gardner, owner of Elko Broadcasting and KELK, the Local Primary 2 station for the Elko area; Larry Fuss, owner of South Seas Broadcasting, our invited guest speaker; Joe Sands, owner of Desert Sands Broadcast Engineering whose clients include both the Las Vegas Local Primary 2 station, KNPR and KDWN, the new Primary Entry Point station; George Molnar, Vice President, Vegas PBS; Barry Garrett, Chief Engineer, KTUD; Heng Choong, Headend Technician, Cox Cable; Irene Navis, Clark County Emergency Management; and Carolyn Levering, Las Vegas Emergency Manager. Dan Mason, Program Director of KKOH, the Local Primary 1 station and Primary Entry Point station for the Reno area arrived shortly after the meeting began due to his flight from Reno.
The minutes of the 2010 meeting were distributed and the meeting began with a buffet breakfast, provided by the Nevada Broadcasters Association. Over breakfast, Larry Fuss described the events surrounding the magnitude 8.1 earthquake that shook American Samoa on Sept. 29th, 2009 and the decision by KKHJ-FM General Manager Joey Cummings to issue an EAS activation for a tsunami warning when local emergency officials failed to take action following the earthquake. KKHJ-FM is the Local Primary station for Pago Pago so the warning was picked up by other stations on the island, including a religious station operated by a church in a remote village. After receiving the activation, the minister rang the church bells and the villagers ran to higher ground, and out of the path of the tsunami that destroyed their homes. While no one in that village was killed, ultimately, 119 people died as a result of the tidal wave that was more than 40 feet high when it swept over the archipelago. Larry talked about the inadequate response from emergency officials and the extent of damage around the island, including his station. He told us how the station managed to stay on the air and continue broadcasting in the aftermath of the tragedy. Adrienne thanked him for his story and recommended that everyone keep the lessons learned from Pago Pago in mind as the committee rewrites the Nevada EAS Plan.
Adrienne then asked Dan Mason to discuss the non-weather EAS activations that had been issued this year by KKOH. Dan described the AMBER Alerts issued early in the year as well as two activations for major telephone outages that were issued late in 2010. He noted that there were few problems but that the biggest obstacle was still a lack of understanding and training on the part of emergency officials. George Molnar asked about the numerous recent weather-related activations. Adrienne advised that the National Weather Service has strict criteria for activations and those criteria often lead to repeat activations as storm systems move through an area. Dan and Barry Garrett both commented on the number of apparent repeat activations for remote, unpopulated areas and Adrienne noted that stations can program their EAS equipment to filter out activations for areas they don't serve.
Adrienne also noted that the upcoming addition of CAP or Common Alerting Protocol to EAS will eliminate some of the current problems. She noted that a recent survey of stations showed that most radio stations were adding Sage equipment while TV stations were adding DASDEC equipment. She added that the state Division of Emergency Management had indicated a willingness to take on a more active role in EAS by acquiring a CAP server that would be made available to city and county public safety officials. Irene Navis and Carolyn Levering expressed concern about the speed at which the state was acting and raised questions about possible time limits on the grant funds that would be used to acquire the CAP equipment.
Along with the addition of new CAP equipment, Adrienne noted that the FCC had finished the comment and reply period on the revisions to the Part 11 rules that govern EAS. While the revised Part 11 hasn't been published yet, Adrienne told the group that it was time to start the process of rewriting the Nevada EAS plan. She distributed an outline of the process to re-write the plan and asked everyone to go through it and add their own comments and suggestions. She added that the process would include meetings on line through the NBA's "GoToMeeting" subscription.
Adrienne discussed the upcoming National EAS Test and distributed an FCC News Release on the test. She noted that it would not involve CAP and the new EAS equipment, but was designed for the "legacy" EAS equipment to establish a baseline of whether the system that had been in place for more than 50 years could do what it was designed to do. In addition, she said that stations would be required to "self-report" the results of the test back to the FCC. With that in mind, she announced that FEMA had completed connections on KDWN to make them the PEP station for Las Vegas and unserved areas of the southwest. She added that Manny Centeno of the FEMA IPAWS office would conduct a "mini-National EAS Test" in Nevada, on a date in September that would be announced when Manny returned from Puerto Rico. The test would be launched from FEMA to KKOH in Reno and KDWN in Las Vegas and propagate from there to other stations in the Nevada EAS Operational Area. She would track some of the results through a conference call with station engineers and report the results to the NBA. Irene asked for a copy of the News Release to share with other emergency managers at an upcoming state conference. Carolyn recommended that Adrienne contact Michelle Candee at DEM to make a presentation on CAP and the National Test at the state conference.
Adrienne brought up the subject of a Western States EAS Summit at next year's NAB. While successful, the national EAS Summits which had been sponsored by the National Alliance of State Broadcaster Associations and the National Association of Broadcasters had been discontinued in favor of a series of Internet webinars due mainly to financial concerns. Bob Fisher noted that the first time all the players involved in EAS had ever been in a room together occurred at the first National EAS summits and that significant progress had been made in the field of Public Warning as a result. He explained that it would easy for the NBA to request assistance from NASBA and NAB in setting up a conference. Irene and Carolyn commented that most emergencies in Nevada involved either California or Arizona so the idea of a regional conference with an emphasis on Public Warning appealed to them. Everyone agreed that there was value in conducting another Western States EAS Summit and that we should proceed.
With the goals for 2012 set at rewriting the state plan and holding another Western States EAS Summit, no one had any further suggestions and the meeting was adjourned at approximately 12:20 PM.
(submitted by Adrienne Abbott)
SBE ELECTS NEW BOARD, CHOOSES SNELSON AS VP
The Society of Broadcast Engineers on Friday announced the results of the 2011 election for the national board of directors. Joe Snelson, CPBE, 8-VSB, vice president of engineering at Meredith Corporation in Las Vegas was elected Vice-President.
Joe has been actively involved in television broadcasting for over 40 years. His career began even before graduating with honors from Los Angeles City College with an Associate in Arts degree in Broadcasting Technology. For a year he was an interim electronics technician for the broadcasting department maintaining equipment.
In 1971, Joe joined the staff of KHOF-TV in the Los Angeles area where he advanced to the position of Assistant Chief Engineer. In 1977 Joe moved to Kansas City as the first Chief Engineer for KYFC-TV where he was responsible for the construction of the studio/transmitter facilities and signed the station on the air. Three years later Joe joined KCTV, formerly KCMO-TV, owned by Meredith Corporation. Meredith owns twelve television stations in various top 100 markets across the country and an AM radio station. For over fifteen years Joe was the Director of Engineering at KCTV with split corporate engineering responsibilities for Meredith's group of stations.
Joe is currently Vice President of Engineering for the Meredith Local Media Group. He has been a member of the Maximum Service Television (MSTV) Engineering Committee and actively participated as a member of the technical committee for the model digital television station (WHD-DT) in Washington, DC during the birth of digital broadcast television in the United States. Congratulations to Meredith Corporation and to Joe.
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| Sep 06, 2011 |
| The 60 Year Test: What to Expect |
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On Wednesday, November 9th, radio and TV audiences will feel like they're part of an iconic 1950's sci-fi movie when the government tests the Emergency Alert System. While you're car won't stop in traffic, elevators will continue to run and ice makers will still drop chilly cubes in your glass, for about three minutes, the government will take over your airwaves and interrupt normal programming on all broadcast radio and TV stations as well as satellite radio, satellite and cable TV and many other subscription entertainment services for a top-down test of the country's major public warning service.
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| Sep 12, 2011 |
| The Day the World Stands Still Part II |
| THE DAY THE WORLD STANDS STILL PART II
So what do an iconic 1950's sci fi movie and a child's toy have in common? If you're preparing for the National EAS test, the answer is "A lot". As we learned from engineers Watt Hairston and Al Kenyon during FEMA's most recent webinar on preparations for the National EAS test, a hula hoop may be just what you need to improve your AM radio reception. Google the term "AM Loop Antenna+hula hoop" and the results include the instructions showing you how to be the first on your block to build a low-cost loop antenna from a hula hoop that will significantly (at least according to Watt and Al) improve your AM signal reception. It's one of the steps that are critical to a successful National Test because most Primary Entry Point stations in the country as well as at least one of the Local Primary stations in most Operational Areas are AM radio stations. If your station is going to spend three minutes of valuable program time on an EAS activation that everyone will carry, you want to be sure that your station has the best audio quality. |
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| Sep 14, 2011 |
| The Day the World Stands Still Part II REVISED |
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THE DAY THE WORLD STANDS STILL PART II - REVISED |
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| Sep 21, 2011 |
| Nevada Broadcasters Association to Conduct Statewide, mini-National EAS Test on Monday, September 16, 2011 |
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Nevada Broadcasters Association to Conduct State-Wide “mini-National EAS Test” on Monday, September 26, 2011 |
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| Oct 03, 2011 |
| Lessons Learned from the Nevada Historical Mini-National EAS Test |
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If a test is a measurement of knowledge, then you will need something bigger than a yardstick to measure the results of Nevada's mini-National Emergency Alert System Test conducted last Monday, Sept. 26th. In terms of pure mechanics the test was a rousing success...an EAS activation with the Event Code RMT (Required Monthly Test) was sent from FEMA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. directly to Nevada's two Primary Entry Point stations, KKOH in Reno and KDWN in Las Vegas. This was the first time that FEMA had ever sent such a message to specific stations in the continental US. |
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| Oct 04, 2011 |
| Editorial: We are Part of the Story |
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EDITORIAL
WE ARE PART OF THE STORY
Just as there is a significant difference between giving a party or attending a party -- there is a significant difference between reporting a story or being part of the story. When it comes to all of the diverse Anti-Bullying efforts currently taking place throughout almost every community here in Nevada, television and radio stations are on the front line of fighting for our children's dignity and self-respect. It is an outstanding example of how we use our Spectrum.
Long before the term "Anti-Bullying" ever surfaced, as an association we devoted a Hall of Fame Gala to talking about Columbine High School, with the keynote address of the evening coming from young Craig Scott who survived the massacre in the school library (but lost his sister Rachel who was the first student to be murdered). Today, "Rachel's Challenge" is one of the most successful Anti-Bullying programs taught throughout this country.
As an association, our NBA produced OBSERVATIONS radio and television shows have devoted numerous public awareness Anti-Bullying programming for well over a decade.
And just six weeks ago the NBA presented our Pinnacle Award to R&R Partners for their ongoing commitment to Anti-Bullying awareness and education through their Flip the Script campaign. Within one week following our first meeting with R&R Partners, the NBA had received a one-year commitment from 105 Nevada radio and television stations to air Flip the Script PSA's. The donated time -- worth tens of millions of dollars. Another outstanding example of how we use our Spectrum.
NEVADA'S BROADCASTERS: REACHING OUT TO THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND.
PLEASE LET US KNOW HOW YOUR STATION IS DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE ANTI-BULLYING CAMPAIGNS IN YOUR COMMUNITY. THIS IS IMPORTANT INFORMATION WE WILL SHARE.
Robert David Fisher
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| Oct 13, 2011 |
| NAB and CTIA Issue Joint Spectrum Fee Letter |
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NAB & CTIA are joined by three others in a letter to the Congressional Super Committee charged with reducing the federal deficit, asking it to reject a provision in the jobs bill that would empower the FCC to impose more than $4 billion in new spectrum user fees over 10 years.
By Harry A. Jessell
TVNewsCheck
Broadcasters and wireless operators may be at odds over spectrum auctions, but they are allies in their opposition to spectrum fees.
In a joint letter to the Super Committee that is looking to trim $1.5 trillion from the federal deficit through cost cutting and revenue raising, the leading lobbies for the two industries — the NAB and CTIA - The Wireless Association — along with three other trade groups yesterday asked the panel not to adopt a provision of the President Obama's jobs bill that would empower the FCC to impose more than $4 billion in new spectrum user fees over 10 years. |
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| Oct 17, 2011 |
| Editorial: The Highest of Highs, the Lowest of Lows |
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| Oct 20, 2011 |
| Electronic Media Awards |
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ELECTRONIC MEDIA AWARDS
This Friday evening, October 21, 2011, the 23rd Annual Electronic Media Awards ceremony will be held at the Eastside Cannery Hotel and Casino on Boulder Highway in Las Vegas. The event begins at 6:00 PM in Club One-Six, which is located on the 16th floor and can be reached by private elevator. A full dinner will be served.
The EMA is produced by an extraordinary volunteer committee who are committed to raising the profile of the annual event which recognizes outstanding achievement in local Radio, Television, and Website. For the past two years, EMA is hosted in conjunction with the Nevada Broadcasters Association.
Proceeds from our event are distributed by The Nevada Broadcasters Foundation under The Electronic Media Awards Scholarship program. $3,000.00 of our proceeds will go to The DeAnne Sheehan Merit Scholarship, and $1,000.00 is given in the name of Mike Geary. Based upon the funds raised, the remainder will go to the Nevada Broadcasters Foundation's Tony and Linda Bonnici Broadcasters Scholarship Fund and awarded in the name of The Electronic Media Awards. |
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| Oct 26, 2011 |
| National EAS Test: FCC Online Reporting System and Test Handbook Now Available |
| National EAS Test: FCC Online Reporting System & Test Handbook Now Available
By: Paul A. Cicelski (CommLawCenter)
The FCC has been creating an online reporting system for EAS Participants to use to report their results in connection with the first ever nationwide EAS test, which is set to take place on November 9, 2011. In addition, the FCC has been preparing a new EAS Handbook that is designed to be used during the nationwide EAS test in place of the old Handbook. The FCC has now completed both tasks and issued a Public Notice today announcing the activation of the online reporting system and the release of the Handbook. The reporting system and the Handbook can be accessed on the FCC's Public Safety & Homeland Security Bureau's EAS Nationwide Test Landing Page.
With respect to the reporting system, the FCC is asking that EAS Participants populate the database in advance of the test with items like station call letters, license identification numbers, geographic coordinates, EAS assignments (i.e., LP or NP status, etc.), EAS monitoring assignments, and the emergency contact representative of the EAS Participant. The FCC is also requesting that EAS Participants input immediate test results, (e.g., was the EAN received and was it passed on) on the day of the test. While the FCC is encouraging rapid online reporting of each Participant's test results, it ismandatory that the information be submitted to the FCC within 45 days following the test (either online or on paper). |
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