Join us for "Turn Failure into Rocket Fuel," an exclusive live session with Paul Moehring on March 12th at noon EST as he shares 10 keys to mastering failure that will transform the way you approach setbacks. Discover how top achievers turn obstacles into rocket fuel for growth—and how you can do the same! Paul will reveal the powerful strategies he has learned, observed, and implemented that separate the great ones from the rest. Don’t miss this opportunity to reframe failure and take your success to new heights! This is free for NYSBA members in good standing. Click here to register. We hope to see you there!

The North American Broadcasters Association is a broadcast trade association that works on both sides of the Canadian and U.S. Border.  Despite the administration’s issues with Canada and Canada’s recent defeat by the U.S. in the Four Nations Hockey Tournament, we have been invited to attend their annual meeting in New York City on March 4th.   The meeting will include sessions on:   AI and Broadcasting: Balancing Content Creation & Audience Trust Update on C2PA Technology Development and Supply Chain Integration The Human Factor: Attracting & Retaining Critical Staff in Uncertain Times New Issues in 5G Private Networks for Live Events Spectrum Panel: An overview of spectrum issues impacting broadcasters Innovations in Flexible Production Infrastructure Forecast on Sustainability: The Current Environment in Media Production Challenges for Journalism (and Journalists) in 2025 Attendance is free.  So, if you are in New York City on March 4th (we will be in DC lobbying) you should try to take in these sessions. You can find more information about the NABA meetings and register here .

In what looks like a new focus on stations’ diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, the FCC has begun an inquiry into NBC/Universal’s DEI program.  This follows an executive order from the Trump administration seeking to end DEI programs in the government and a subsequent order seeking to end discriminatory practices and restore a merit-based opportunity in the private sector.  In a recent letter to NBC Universal, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated that he is concerned that these programs constitute a form of discrimination: “As you know, the Communications Act and Commission rules prohibit regulated entities—like Comcast and NBCUniversal—from discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, or gender. Indeed, the FCC’s longstanding Equal Employment Opportunity or EEO rules set forth specific requirements that both Comcast and NBCUniversal must adhere to. Nonetheless, I am concerned that Comcast and NBCUniversal may be promoting invidious forms of DEI in a manner that does not comply with FCC regulations.  For instance, Comcast states on its website that promoting DEI is “a core value of our business” and public reports state that Comcast has an entire “DEI infrastructure” that includes annual “DEI day[s],” “DEI training for company leaders,” and similar initiatives.  NBCUniversal has similar DEI initiatives, including executives specifically dedicated to promoting DEI across the TV and programming side of the business.” It appears that this is just the first step in a broader initiative. The letter continues: “At my direction, the FCC has already taken action to end its own promotion of DEI.  As a next step, the FCC will be taking fresh action to ensure that every entity the FCC regulates complies with the civil rights protections enshrined in the Communications Act and the agency’s EEO rules, including by shutting down any programs that promote invidious forms of DEI discrimination. I am starting this broader effort with Comcast and NBCUniversal for two reasons.  First, as noted above, there is substantial evidence that your companies are still engaging in the promotion of DEI.  Second, your companies cover a range of sectors regulated by the FCC—from cable to high-speed Internet and from broadcast TV stations to MVNO wireless offerings.  Therefore, I expect that this investigation into Comcast and its NBCUniversal operations will aid the Commission’s broader efforts to root out invidious forms of DEI discrimination across all of the sectors the FCC regulates.” This approach drew the concern of Commissioner Starks, who believes the Enforcement Bureau’s action may go beyond the Commission’s authority. “From what I know, this enforcement action is out of our lane and out of our reach.  I have asked for a briefing to understand the Enforcement Bureau’s theory of the case, the authority relied upon, and any prior precedent.  This action gives me grave concern.” Stations are reminded that the FCC’s EEO outreach policies remain in place and ignoring them could result in penalties and fines.  The key issue is distinguishing between a station’s EEO efforts and “invidious forms of DEI” that constitute discrimination and a violation of these rules.  This is the beginning of a complex investigation and what is likely to become a highly politicized process.  We will watch this process closely. You can see Chairman Carr’s letter to NBC/Universal here . You can see Commissioner Stark’s statement here . You can see the Administration's Executive Order on Ending Discrimination in the Private Sector here .

Great news! The Rising Above 2025 recordings are now available for a limited time starting February 18th. If you missed the live sessions or want to revisit key insights, now is your chance to access the recordings featuring top industry trainers. If you already have an account, simply login to start watching. If you don’t have an account yet, register here ! Don’t wait—these recordings won’t be available forever! Take advantage of this opportunity to gain valuable strategies to elevate your success. NYSBA provides access to the 10-Minute Trainer free of charge to its members in good standing.   Reach out to support@tenminutetrainernetwork.com if you have any questions!

Legislation has been introduced in the NY Legislature that could effectively eliminate most food product advertising throughout the Empire State.  The legislation, introduced by the New York State Senate (S.397) by Senator Zellnor Myrie (D 20th) and in the New York State Assembly (A.2584) by Assemblywoman Karines Reyes (D 87th), fundamentally alters the law regarding unfair and deceptive food advertising directed towards children.   The legislation is billed as protecting children.  However, while the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission define children as 12 years of age and under, the proposed legislation defines a child as anyone under 18.  Because most advertising aimed at adults may also be attractive to late teens (16–18-year-olds), the scope of the legislation could effectively encompass all food product advertising.  Indeed, the legislation defines a "consumer" as a person who is targeted by an advertisement or acting on such a person’s behalf.  The scope of the legislation is not confined to children’s advertising.   The legislation expands the definition of what is false and misleading and applies it to "any advertisement concerning food or food product." This section creates liability if the advertisement targets a consumer who is "reasonably unable to protect their interests because of their age, physical infirmity, ignorance, illiteracy, inability to understand the language of an agreement or similar factor." This new standard applies to all food advertisements, not just those directed at children.  Indeed, the new §350(4)(b) defines a "consumer" as a person who is targeted by an advertisement or acting on such person's behalf.  The scope of the legislation is not confined to children’s advertising.   The legislation marks a fundamental change in the legal standard applied to false and deceptive advertising.  Rather than focusing on whether an advertiser objectively makes false claims, the legislation supplants this objective standard with one based on a consumer’s cognitive and intellectual abilities.  Liability is attached if a consumer does not understand the ad because of their age, illiteracy, or inability to understand the language used by the advertisement.  In other words, to avoid a lawsuit, an advertiser must anticipate the cognitive abilities of everyone in the audience.  Radio and television stations broadcast advertisements to the general public.  It is simply impossible for any advertiser or broadcaster to know the abilities of everyone hearing or seeing an advertisement to comprehend a message.   From a content perspective, it is exceedingly difficult to discern the difference in content that would attract a 25-year-old adult as opposed to consumers aged 16 to 18.  This absurdity of the definition comes into focus when looking at the factors that the legislation uses to determine if an advertisement is directed at “children.”  The legislation would look at elements such as subject matter, visual content, use of bright colors, animated characters, child-oriented activities, music or other audio content, and child celebrities.  These elements encompass the entire world of entertainment and advertising.  Because the definition of “child” applies to an 18-year-old, does this mean advertisers cannot use celebrities that may be liked by that age group?  Musicians such as Taylor Swift and athletes such as Patrick Mahomes could not be used in commercials because they may appeal to a 17-year-old consumer.  As for music, genres such as country, pop, hip-hop, and rock could not be used because of the appeal to children under 18.  Apparently, this would eliminate Tony the Tiger, M&Ms, Ronald McDonald, the Green Giant, Pillsbury Dough Boy, Mr. Peanut, Little Ceasar's Pizza, and countless other animated characters. Finally, what types of "visual content" would trigger liability?  Also, advertisements may have to be broadcast in black and white because we cannot use bright colors.    We strongly oppose these bills.  They would have a devastating impact on New York Broadcasters, restaurants, food product companies, agriculture, and any business that advertises food.  Because the New York City market is the largest market in the country, the legislation could have national implications.   The legislation passed the New York State Senate last year but was blocked in the New York Assembly.  This year, S.397 has already passed the Senate agricultural committee.  NYSBA has been working with other organizations and advertisers to oppose the legislation.   You can see a copy of S.397 here .   You can see a copy of A.2584 here .  You can see a copy of NYSBA's memo opposing the legislation here .

We are excited to introduce the NYSBA Rising Leaders  training program.  Rising Leaders is an MBA-styled program designed to advance your leadership career. Rising Leaders teaches the business of the business in a supportive learning environment. Our media industry is rapidly evolving, and Rising Leaders teaches station operating principles and leadership strategies. You will learn from experienced professionals, collaborate in small groups, and receive individual coaching. Rising Leaders Curriculum includes: Leadership : Identifying personal strengths, building ethical teams and strong culture. Revenue Development : Understanding sales fundamentals and driving team revenue. News Operations : Making editorial decisions, executing multi-platform content, and growing audiences. Broadcast Accounting : Understanding financials, growing broadcast cash flow, and building budgets. Strategic Planning : Set vision, develop goals, gain agreement on benchmarks, and engaging teams. Confident Leadership : Learn best practices from industry leaders. Partners in Your Success : Collaborate with Legal, HR, Engineering, and Creative Services. The New York State Broadcasters Association is offering twenty full scholarships ($3,500) for the 2025 Rising Leaders class. Participants (or your sponsoring company) must cover seven overnight stays ($140 per Friday night) and travel to Albany's Landmark Desmond Hotel.    Classes begin at 5 pm on Friday and finish at 5 pm Saturday one weekend each month in Albany.     The 2025 Rising Leaders class dates are: March 14th & 15th April 11th & 12th May 16th & 17th June 20th & 21st September 6th & 7th October 17th & 18th November 14th & 15th   Rising Leaders is designed to advance your professional career into station leadership. We are partnering with Round Table Broadcasting, which has tremendous experience conducting these types of programs. The application deadline is March 1, 2025 . Space is limited, so apply today! For more information and to apply, click here . We look forward to welcoming you to the 2025 Rising Leaders class.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit is currently reviewing the FCC’s order reinstating EEO Form 395-B.  Oral arguments in the case were held last week. Form 395-B would require stations to collect specific employment data regarding race, gender, and ethnicity of a station’s workforce.  In addition, the FCC’s decision included an additional non-binary gender category.  Because of constitutional concerns, the FCC would not use the data as a basis for enforcement.  However, the FCC’s order required stations to make the workforce data public. Several organizations, including the Texas Association of Broadcasters and the National Religious Broadcasters Association, filed lawsuits against the FCC’s decision. As we reported last week, the FCC sent a letter to the court in which it appeared to be backing away from the order.  Its position became clear at oral argument.  The FCC and Department of Justice conceded that the inclusion in the form of “non-binary” gender information would no longer be defended because of President Trump’s Executive Order recognizing there are only two genders. The FCC, however, defended the remainder of the order despite the President’s executive order suspending DEI initiatives.  In a letter to the court, the FCC stated that it could not reverse its decision because there is currently a 2-2 split in the Commission.  Remember, FCC Chairman Carr and Commissioner Simington opposed reinstating Form 395-B, and Commissioner Starks and Commissioner Gomez supported it.  As a result, until a new Commissioner is appointed, the FCC is not in a position to review the petitions for reconsideration that have been filed in the proceeding.  This leaves the decision squarely in the hands of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. While the FCC is bound by statute regarding EEO, it is not bound to collect and make the data public.  While the questions asked at the oral argument seemed favorable to those challenging the rule, predicting the outcome based on oral argument is always risky.  We will keep a close watch on this litigation. A copy of the FCC’s post-oral argument letter can be seen here . Our previous story on this case can be found here .

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act has been introduced in the Senate.  Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), who is now the Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Ed Markey (D-MA) have reintroduced the bill in the Senate. The legislation mirrors last year’s bill and would require automakers to keep AM radio receivers in their dashboards. This bill had more than 60 co-sponsors in the Senate and 270 co-sponsors in the House.  Last year, the legislation was excluded from the continuing resolution reached at the very end of the 118th Congress.  As a result, the bill has to be reintroduced in the 119th session and go through the entire legislative process once again. In his press release, Sen. Markey stated:  “As we witness more tragic climate change-induced disasters like the wildfires in Los Angeles, broadcast AM radio continues to be a critical tool for communication.  AM radio is a lifeline for people across the country for news, sports, and especially emergency information,” said Senator Markey.  “Tens of millions of listeners across the country have made clear that they want AM radio to remain in their vehicles.  Our AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act heeds their words and ensures that this essential tool doesn’t get lost on the dial.” These concerns were echoed by Sen. Cruz: “During weather disasters or power outages, AM radio is consistently the most reliable form of communication and is critical to keep millions of Texans safe.  AM radio has long been a haven for people to express differing viewpoints, allowing free speech and our robust democratic process to flourish for decades.  I am honored to once again partner with Sen. Markey on this bipartisan legislation on behalf of our constituents who depend on AM radio and public airwaves for access to news, music, talk, and emergency alerts.” Of course, the opposition remains.  Automakers do not want to keep free AM radio in their electric vehicles.  The Consumer Technology Association also opposes the bill.    We are waiting for the bill to be reintroduced in the House of Representatives.  NYSBA strongly supports the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.  It will be a cornerstone of our lobbying efforts when we travel to Washington, DC, next month. The text of the bill can be found here . The press release from Sen. Ed Markey can be found here .

The Senate Commerce Committee wasted no time moving forward with the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act S.315.  Texas Senator Ted Cruz (R), who is now chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, moved the bill forward with the support of Democratic Senators.  Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey (D) is a cosponsor.  It passed the committee by voice vote (27-1) with only Sen. John Curtis of Utah voting against the bill. The legislation (S. 315) is similar to last year’s bill.  The Secretary of Transportation will develop rules requiring automakers to keep AM receivers in their vehicles according to the following schedule: The Secretary of Transportation will adopt a rule implementing the legislation not less than one year after the bill is enacted. The effective date of the rule cannot be less than 2 years nor more than 3 years after the rule is adopted.  (However, for automakers that manufactured not more than 40,000 cars in 2022, the rule would become effective at least 4 years after it was adopted.)  There is one difference.  As a compromise, the authority of the Secretary to issue a rule sunsets 10 years from the date the legislation is enacted.  This 10-year sunset was going to be part of the bill last year. This is a huge step forward.  There is overwhelming bipartisan support for the bill.  FCC Chairman Brendan Carr issued a statement supporting the legislation.  The bill now awaits a vote by the full Senate.  Congressman Frank Pallone (D. NJ), ranking Democrat on the House Commerce Committee, and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R. FL) have introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives.  The legislation is the same as that was introduced in the Senate.  We are waiting for it to receive a bill number.      We will be advocating for this bill when we meet in DC in a few weeks. You can access the text of the bill here . You can access a press release by Rep. Frank Pallone (D. NJ) here . Chairman Brendan Carr’s statement is here . Our previous story on the new legislation can be found here .

The Missouri Broadcasters Association (MBA) has asked us to recruit volunteers from the great state of New York to judge their  2025 Annual Awards Competition .  MBA member radio & TV station personnel have kindly been judging our annual Awards Competition for Excellence in Broadcasting for many years.   Again this year, all judging will be done through the MBA’s online awards system.  You will be able to view all of the entries online at your leisure!  You will simply submit the winning entry back to the MBA, and you’re all set!   There are award categories for both radio & television stations, and your help (or that of your staff) would be  greatly appreciated!   Info we need from you: Name Title Station Email Phone Category preferences   If you can help judge, please contact us directly  ASAP at  sandy@nysbroadcasters.org .   We need to provide a list of volunteer judges to the MBA by February 17th   - the MBA will email you directly with the judging info. Thank you for your consideration!

The FCC is increasing its focus on payola in response to a letter received from Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee. (i.e., Nashville). She is concerned that radio stations and networks are circumventing the FCC’s payola rules by offering “more airtime for an artist’s songs if the artist performs a free show.” The FCC responded immediately by issuing an Enforcement Advisory. The FCC’s Public Notice makes it explicitly clear that stations cannot compel musicians to play live at a lower price in return for more airplay.    "[N]either broadcast licensees nor their personnel can compel or accept unreported free or unreported reduced fee performances by musicians in exchange for more favorable airplay." Remember, accepting money or anything of value for airplay without disclosure violates federal law governing payola. According to the Commission: "Payola is the unreported payment to—or acceptance by—employees of broadcast stations, program producers, or program suppliers of any money, service, or valuable consideration to achieve airplay for any programming. Section 507 of the Act requires those persons who have paid, accepted, or agreed to pay or accept such payments to report that fact to the station licensee before the involved matter is broadcast." Under §317 of the Communications Act, stations are required to announce on the air that the song or content has been sponsored and disclose who paid.  Failure to do so can result in fines and possibly criminal penalties.  Stations have an obligation to use reasonable diligence to obtain information from their employees.  However, the “reasonable diligence” standard can require a higher duty of care by stations whose formats or other circumstances make them more susceptible to payola. You can see the Enforcement Bureau's new payola advisory here . You can see Senator Blackburn’s letter here .

“The Year of Sales Excellence,” was a Local Broadcast Sales national five-day online event for broadcast and digital managers and sellers featuring the most influential sales, creative, and leadership figures serving the LOCAL broadcast industry today! During these five fast-paced sessions, sellers and managers will be equipped to embrace 2025 with fresh ideas, unwavering motivation, and proven strategies for becoming their clients’ and prospects’ LOCAL media champion! The webinar event is free for NYSBA members in good standing. You can view the on-demand recordings of the five sessions here .

As we noted previously, the FCC reversed a decades-old decision and reinstated EEO Form 395-B.  The form requires yearly reporting on a station’s employees, broken down by race, gender, and employment position.  The new rule would require stations to make their EEO employment profile public.  This rule is the subject of several lawsuits, including one filed by the Texas Association of Broadcasting.  Oral arguments are scheduled for today, Tuesday, February 4th. With a change in administration, it now looks like the Department of Justice and the FCC may no longer support imposing the rule.  Implementing such a rule would conflict with the Trump administration’s opposition to DEI.  The lawyers opposing the new rule asked whether the Trump administration’s position opposing DEI would impact this new regulation.  In a letter to the court, the Department of Justice and FCC stated: “I write to respond to Petitioners’ 28(j) letter submitted January 24, 2025.  The United States acknowledges that much of the Federal Communications Commission’s data collection through Form 395-B is mandated by statute.  See 47 U.S.C. § 334. Nevertheless, to the extent such data collection is not statutorily required and is inconsistent with recent Executive Orders, including Defending Women from Gender Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government (Jan. 20, 2025) and Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity (Jan. 21, 2025), the United States no longer subscribes to the views in the Brief for Respondents submitted November 4, 2024.”  This sends an important signal to the court. While acknowledging that data collection is mandated by a congressional statute, the letter indicates that Form 395-B and the publishing of a station’s employment profile may not be required.    Oral argument in this case is set for today, Tuesday, February 4th.  We will update you on any developments.    You can see the Department of Justice’s letter to the court here . You can access previous stories in NewStream about Form 395-B here .

Last week’s webinar, which focused on sales enablement, has been archived. The session explored how broadcasters are using reporting and analytics to boost client retention and secure renewals.  In addition, the webinar dove into building a viable digital sales pipeline with scalable solutions, tailored campaign customization, and winning sales tactics that close deals effectively. Watch it now to optimize your digital approach and drive sustainable revenue growth!   You can view the recording of the webinar here . The slide deck can be accessed here .

For decades, public radio and television stations have been able to accept an “underwriting endorsement” from individuals and corporations.  The fundamental difference between underwriting and commercials is that underwriting endorsements cannot have a “call to action.”  In other words, underwriting messages cannot include words such as “Come on down and buy the product.”  The incoming FCC Chairman, Brendan Carr, has sent a letter questioning the underwriting messages that appear on public broadcasting stations. “I am concerned that NPR and PBS broadcasts could be violating federal law by airing commercials.  In particular, it is possible that NPR and PBS member stations are broadcasting underwriting announcements that cross the line into prohibited commercial advertisements. It is important to me, as Chairman of the FCC, that NCE broadcast stations stay true to their important missions and refrain from operating as non-commercial in name only.  That is why, as noted above, I have asked the FCC's Enforcement Bureau, with assistance from the FCC's Media Bureau, to initiate an investigation into the underwriting announcements and related policies of NPR, PBS, and their broadcast member stations.” This could have significant ramifications for New York’s public broadcasters.  This investigation will parallel efforts to cut funding for public broadcasting in the federal budget.     Public broadcasting is an important part of the media landscape in New York.  It has faced these types of challenges before.  We hope it will continue serving the citizens of New York.   You can see the letter from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr here .

Our digital webinar hosted by AdCellerant: Sales Enablement - Digital Success Starts with Support is now archived for on-demand viewing. The session explored how broadcasters are using reporting and analytics to boost client retention and secure renewals. In addition, the webinar dove into building a viable digital sales pipeline with scalable solutions, tailored campaign customization, and winning sales tactics that close deals effectively. Watch it now to optimize your digital approach and drive sustainable revenue growth!    You can view the recording of the webinar here .

February 1st is the deadline for New York broadcasters to place their Annual EEO Public File Report in their Public Inspection File and post the report on their station's website. Under the FCC’s EEO Rule, stations with five or more full-time employees must comply with the FCC’s three-prong outreach requirements. These stations must:          Broadly and inclusively disseminate information about every full-time job opening Send notifications of full-time job vacancies to referral organizations that have requested such notification, and Earn a certain minimum number of EEO credits based on participation in various non-vacancy-specific outreach initiatives (job fairs etc..) Stations with five or more full-time employees must place their Annual EEO Public File Report in the station's online Public Inspection Files and on the websites of all stations by February 1st. Remember, the FCC closely monitors your online public file, so do not be late uploading the report. Of course, all broadcast stations, regardless of staff size, must afford equal opportunity to all qualified persons and practice nondiscrimination in employment. Please find a detailed memo from the DC law firm of Pillsbury outlining the obligations here .

We have applauded the FCC’s recent efforts to combat illegal pirate radio stations in New York.  Under the PIRATE Act, the Commission is authorized to issue fines to illegal pirate operators and property owners who knowingly allow pirate radio stations to operate on their property.  In addition to addressing complaints, the FCC is required to conduct spectrum sweeps in the top five markets where pirate stations are located.  The FCC has released its annual report outlining its activities.  In 2024, the FCC issued 41 notices against property owners.  Twenty-two of the notices were the result of a pirate sweep.  Unfortunately, New York leads the nation in pirate enforcement.  Since January 21, 2024, the FCC has taken action in 54 cases in New York.  This leads the nation. Two of the most notable actions were: On October 12, 2023, the Commission issued forfeiture orders that affirmed fines—proposed in March 2023—against César Ayora and Luis Ayora for $2,316,034 for pirate radio broadcasting in the New York City area.   On November 15, 2023, the Commission proposed fines for pirate radio broadcasting of $2,316,034 each against Johnny Peralta and Dexter Blake and proposed a fine of $1,780,000 against Matthew Bowen, all in the New York City area. It has been reported that the FCC is planning to increase the number of personnel devoted to pirate radio enforcement. We applaud the FCC’s efforts and hope Chairman Brendan Carr will continue to take action against illegal pirate radio operations.   You can see the FCC’s Pirate Radio Report here .   You can access the FCC’s website which lists all of its pirate radio enforcement activities here .   You can find an excellent article in Inside Radio  that summarizes the FCC’s enforcement activity here .

The Governor’s budget contained a “clarification” in the property tax exemption for communications services. While it is aimed at cable systems, it may impact stations.  Under Real Property Tax Law, telecommunications property is not taxable if it is “used in the transmission of news or entertainment radio, television or cable television signals for immediate, delayed or ultimate exhibition to the public.”  There have been numerous cases questioning whether a property qualified as being “used” in the transmission of radio, TV, etc. The amendment makes it clear that to qualify, the property must be primarily or exclusively  used in the transmission of news or entertainment radio, television, or cable television signals for immediate, delayed, or ultimate exhibition...”  Our understanding is that most courts have used this standard in tax cases and that this modification merely clarifies the law. While directed at cable systems, it may inadvertently impact stations with multi-use properties.  Attached, please find the exact legislative language and explanation provided by the Governor.  We urge you to forward this information to your accountant and/or tax counsel to see if this impacts your station. Please let us know if this is an issue.  You can access the language of the statute and the Governor’s explanation here .

As in the past, this will be a statewide competition, with stations competing against other stations in similarly sized markets. The portal is open. All entries must be submitted by COB on March 17, 2025 (Yes! St. Patrick’s Day) . Submissions will once again be accepted online.   We will present awards in multiple categories for radio, television, and digital.  We have a separate division for college radio and television stations.  The competition will be statewide with stations competing in large, medium, and small markets.  All entries must have been broadcast by the submitting radio/TV/College station employees (or students) between March 15, 2024, and March 17, 2025. This competition encourages professional performance and recognizes outstanding achievement among radio, television, and college stations in our state, and all employees of NYSBA member stations in good standing are urged to submit entries.   The criteria for entry are essentially the same.  We have added two additional rules. First, the entry must have been produced at the station making the submission. We are looking for local content, not syndicated or network shows.  Second, the submission must not contain content produced through “AI.”    We will present the Excellence in Broadcasting awards at our regional luncheons in September.  The 2025 luncheon dates can be seen below:   New York City – Manhatta , 21 Liberty Street | Wednesday, September 10 Long Island – Blackstone Steakhouse , 10 Pinelawn Road | Thursday, September 11 Buffalo – Aloft Buffalo Downtown , 500 Pearl Street | Monday, September 22 Rochester – The Strathallan Hotel , 550 East Avenue | Tuesday, September 23 Syracuse – Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse Destiny USA , 311 Hiawatha Blvd. | Wednesday, September 24 Binghamton – Binghamton Country Club , 1401 Robinson Hill Rd, Endwell | Thursday, September 25 Albany – Wolfert’s Roost Country Club , 120 Van Rensselaer Blvd. | Friday, September 26   We will open a portal for our “Serving New York” public service recognition at a later date.    For more information regarding the competition, program categories, instructions, and rules, and access to the better BNC portal to upload materials go to the   NYSBA website .   If you have questions, please get in touch with Sandy Messineo at sandy@nysbroadcasters.org .