In a recent article, TVNewsCheck reported on a panel titled “Optimizing Spot TV in a Non-Political Year.” The panel featured Sinclair, Nexstar, Marketron, Horizon Media, and JDA Media executives. As reported in TVNewsCheck: “TV stations are facing a flat to down 2023 when it comes to spot TV revenue after the nearly $9 billion mid-term election — with about half …

The New York State Broadcasters Association, along with the other state broadcast associations, recently filed comments with the FCC regarding the need to change how it calculates regulatory fees. The FCC opened a proceeding to address concerns about how it calculates regulatory fees. In the comments we noted the following: “The current fee process results in a fee schedule that …

The New York Office of Cannabis Management (NYOCM) has issued tentative rules to govern adult-use cannabis products. In re-issuing the rules, it has opened a new 45-day public comment period. We had significant concerns with the rules as initially proposed.  NYSBA filed extensive comments last August (see below).  Unfortunately, the tentative rules do not resolve our problems.  90% Placement Rule …

At the FCC’s regular monthly open meeting on November 17, the Commissioners unanimously adopted a Report and Order to update its rules to identify Nielsen’s monthly Local TV Station Information Report (“Local TV Report”) as the new publication for determining a television station’s designated market area (“DMA”) for satellite and cable carriage purposes. The FCC stated: “The Commission’s current rules …

On May 19, 2022, the Commission released the FM Broadcast Directional Antenna Performance Verification Order, which revised its broadcast radio procedures and rules. This includes allowing for FM and LPFM directional antenna pattern verification by computer modeling performed by the directional antenna’s manufacturer. By Public Notice issued last week, the Media Bureau announced that the notice of the effective date …

Last week, Radio Ink and Radio + Television Business Report hosted its Forecast 2023. The high-level conference brought together the leaders in the broadcast industry to discuss the upcoming year. NYSBA President, David Donovan, moderated a panel in the afternoon called Main Street Media: Where Local Broadcast Survives & Thrives.  The panel focused on the competitive advantages that may be …

A recent article in Inside Radio reported that economic analyst Gordon Borrell has updated its local media advertising forecast. Unfortunately, the growth appears to be in digital and not traditional broadcasting: “Thanks to fluctuations and volatility, an advertising forecast that came out last month – or even last week – may no longer be an accurate barometer. Case in point: …

New York was front and center in the National Political Debate last week. The following is a brief summary of the results, with an analysis of its impact on broadcasters. Incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul fended off a tough challenge from former NY Congressman Lee Zeldin. Gov. Hochul won by a margin of 52.9% to 47.1%. We expect Governor Hochul to …

The Broadcasters Foundation of America launches its annual year-end giving campaign this week. The appeal asks for tax-deductible donations to provide financial assistance to people in broadcasting whose lives have been shattered by debilitating illness, accident, or catastrophe. “Our grantees are your colleagues,” said Tim McCarthy, President of the Broadcasters Foundation. “They are hard-working men and women who through no …

The FCC just issued a consent decree for a New York Station that failed to comply with the Commission’s public file obligations. Most of the consent decrees for radio are a result of the FCC reviewing a station’s license renewal application. According to a recent Media Bureau decision: “In particular, the Consent Decree resolves the Bureau’s investigation of Licensee’s compliance …