WDIV-TV (Detroit) and Graham Media Group has announced the retirement of Marla Drutz, Vice President and General Manager of the station, after more than 13 years of distinguished service, effective in the upcoming months once a replacement is hired and transitioned into the job. Drutz is a broadcast industry legend with more than 35 years… read more
Three state broadcast associations are fighting against proposed increases in annual regulatory fees on stations. The associations representing broadcasters in Colorado, Florida, and Puerto Rico are also pushing the Federal Communications Commission to rework the process for deciding whether an outlet qualifies for a financial hardship waiver. And, in a separate filing, 50 state broadcast… read more
Gongwer reports that the Department of Technology, Management and Budget would have to issue a directive to all agencies not to use any app, software or other technology on an electronic device that prevents the preservation of a public record under a new bill unanimously passed in the state House on Wednesday (6/23). DTMB has… read more
Six Southeast Michigan artists have been selected by a jury of artists and journalists to demonstrate their art, heritage and culture through an innovative program, The Artist Next Door, hosted by WDET-FM (Detroit) and made possible by a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA). The artists representing mixed media, painting,… read more
Special via David Oxenford, Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP Last week, the FCC issued a Public Notice announcing an August 11, 2021 nationwide EAS test, with a backup date of August 25 if there are conditions that prevent the test from occurring on the initial date. The test is scheduled for 2:20 PM EDT. For broadcasters, this test will… read more
Townsquare Media Inc. announced June 15 that Mary Fork has been appointed as Market President/Chief Revenue Officer for Southwest Michigan, leading its “Digital First” strategy and driving strategic multi-platform sales and content initiatives across the region, which includes Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. Mary spent nearly the last decade leading teams for Comcast/Effective throughout Southeast Michigan…. read more
On June 15, the Independent Broadcasters Association (IBA) announced a new partnership with Keego Harbor-based Summit Technology Group, making them the exclusive provider of broadcast engineering solutions to the over 1500 member stations that make up the IBA. Effective June 16th, all association members will have direct access to the national team of broadcast, electrical… read more
Michigan Radio reporter Sarah Cwiek has been selected as a winner of the 2021 Wade H. McCree Advancement of Justice Awards, sponsored by the Michigan Press Association Foundation. Cwiek was recognized for her investigation “Tax foreclosure lawsuit asks: How much can government take from property owners?” The story shows how citizens, especially those at risk… read more
Dan Boers has been hired as News Director at WXMI-TV/FOX 17 (Grand Rapids), effective June 23, 2021. He comes to the station after nearly a 20-year career at WOOD/WOTV/WXSP in Grand Rapids, where he was most recently news director for the past 6+ years. “Dan has a record of leading a high-performing news team and… read more
By: David Oxenford, Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP The Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) on Friday (6/11) released the rates and terms for webcasting royalties for 2021-2025, and the rates are going up. While the full decision explaining the reasoning for the rate increases will not be released to the public until the parties to the case have… read more