Category: Front Page

New Legislation to Impose Sound Recording Performance Royalty on Over-the-Air Radio – What Does It Provide and What Would the Royalty Cost?

July 2nd, 2021 Posted in: July 2021, Legislative Update, Front Page

By: David Oxenford, Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP Last week, Congressmen Ted Deutch (D-FL) and Darrell Issa (R-CA) introduced the American Music Fairness Act (see their Press Release for more details) which would impose a new music royalty on over-the-air radio stations.  The royalty would be payable to SoundExchange for the public performance of sound recordings.  This means… read more

WXYT-AM Becomes “1270 The Bet”

July 2nd, 2021 Posted in: July 2021, Broadcasting Industry News, Front Page

Previously airing on three Audacy-owned stations around the country, the company has expanded its Sports Betting “BetQL Network” to seven additional stations, including WXYT-AM in Detroit.  The network debuted on June 21. The company will also plan to distribute the network via affiliate opportunities with additional network providers. Details to be announced in the coming… read more

Casey Jones named WOOD-TV Community Affairs Director

June 25th, 2021 Posted in: June 2021, Broadcasting Industry News, Front Page

WOOD-TV (Grand Rapids) morning news anchor, Casey Jones, has been announced as WOOD-TV’s Community Affairs Director after six years anchoring West Michigan’s leading morning news program. “I truly cannot think of anyone more enthusiastic, passionate and with a heart for serving our community than Casey. His amazing and humanistic approach to storytelling stands out in… read more

Fire Destroys WOOD-FM Transmitter

June 25th, 2021 Posted in: June 2021, Broadcasting Industry News, Front Page

iHeartMedia’s WOOD-FM (Muskegon/Grand Rapids) was knocked off the air temporarily due to a fire at the station’s transmitter site on June 20.  This occurred during a weather system that brought two lines of severe thunderstorms to Michigan that resulting in a tornado sighting, downed trees and structural damage.  The fire was reportedly set by the… read more

House Members Target Local Radio Stations with Bill to Impose Performance Royalties

June 25th, 2021 Posted in: June 2021, Legislative Update, Front Page

Supporters of a performance right on radio airplay moved to change federal copyright law with the newly proposed American Music Freedom Act, which was introduced Thursday (6/24) by U.S. Reps Tef Deytch (D-FL) and Darrell Issa (R-CA). Details of the bill were still forthcoming, according to a report in InsideRadio, but like a previous attempt… read more

FCC Releases New EAS Handbook

June 25th, 2021 Posted in: June 2021, EAS and Amber Alerts, Front Page

The 2021 version of the FCC’s Emergency Alert System Operating Handbook is now available, replacing the 2017 version. FCC rules require that a copy of the Handbook be maintained by stations and be immediately available to staff responsible for authenticating messages and initiating actions. As part of the preparations for the upcoming August nationwide EAS… read more

Regional Emmy Winners Announced

June 25th, 2021 Posted in: June 2021, Awards, Broadcasting Industry News, Front Page

On June 19, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS)/Michigan presented the 43rd Annual Regional EMMY® Awards. The ceremonies were held virtually. Public stations winning in various categories include WCMU-TV, WKAR-TV and WTVS-TV.  Commercial stations receiving awards in various categories include WDIV-TV, WEYI-TV, WJBK-TV, WJRT-TV, WNEM-TV, WOOD-TV, WWTV/WWUP-TV, WXMI-TV, WXYZ-TV and WZZM-TV. Three… read more