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REMINDER - PA April 1 Deadline for Annual EEO Public File Report

REMINDER -   April 1 is the deadline for radio and TV station employment units in  Pennsylvania with five or more full-time employees to upload their Annual EEO Public File Report to their stations’ Online Public Inspection Files (OPIFs).  A station employment unit is a station or cluster of commonly controlled stations serving the same general geographic area having at least one common employee.  For employment units with five or more full-time employees, the annual report covers hiring and employment outreach activities for the prior year.  A link to the uploaded report must also be included on the home page of each station’s website, if the station has a website. Start the preparations now to get these reports into your public file on time, as even a single late report can lead to FCC fines (see our article here about a recent $26,000 fine for a single late EEO report). Click on the following link to read about upcoming regulatory dates and deadlines of importance to broadcasters in March and early April.

Sports Industry Career Fair at Susquehanna University

Are you looking for your next star player? Susquehanna University's Career Development Center is excited to host its first-ever Sports Industry Career Fair on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Degenstein Campus Center. Registration is free but space is limited, so we encourage you to register early to secure your booth (maximum two representatives per employer). Registration can be completed in Handshake HERE or by completing the registration form: Sports Fair Registration and returning it to marshtheresa@susqu.edu This is your chance to connect with talented students eager to break into the sports industry. As highlighted in our Sports Media program information, Susquehanna has a strong track record of producing graduates who have gone on to work at prominent organizations in the sports industry. This fair expands on that success, connecting you with a diverse pool of candidates beyond just sports media and includes students from related majors such as Graphic Design, Advertising & Public Relations, Broadcasting, Communication, Creative Writing, Journalism & Digital Content, Publishing & Editing, Marketing, Management, Data Science, and more (see full list below). We understand the importance of finding the right fit for your organization. Whether you're seeking interns or full-time employees, this fair connects you with students from all majors and class years who are passionate about the sports industry. You'll have the chance to discuss your organization's mission, culture, and open positions, while also getting to know the skills and experience these students bring to the table. Event Details: Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025 Time: 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Check-in begins at 10:00 a.m., with a complimentary meal for representatives in Evert Dining Hall from 11:00 a.m.) Location: Degenstein Campus Center, Susquehanna University Related Majors: Graphic Design, Advertising & Public Relations, Broadcasting, Communication, Creative Writing, Journalism & Digital Content, Publishing & Editing, Sports Media, Marketing, Management, Painting, Drawing & Photography, Production and Design, Data Science, Computer Science, Professional Sales, Finance, Supply Chain and Accounting. Registration is free but space is limited, so we encourage you to register early to secure your booth (maximum two representatives per employer). Registration can completed in Handshake HERE or by completing the registration form Sports Fair Registration and returning it to marshtheresa@susqu.edu

PAB Awards: Broadcasters of the Year, Hall of Fame Honorees 2025

Broadcaster of the Year: Radio - Chuck Seese Born and raised in Philadelphia, Chuck attended St. Joe’s Preparatory School, graduating in 1982. He attended East Stroudsburg University, and his love for the Poconos was solidified. On February 24th 1985, he opened the microphone professionally for the first time, on 840-WVPO-AM. Within the year, he was working part-time at sister station 93.5 WSBG-FM. In 1988, he was promoted to full-time status, and continued a career that has lasted for 40 years. In September of 1998, Seese was transferred to Newton NJ to host the morning show on WNNJ-FM. In August of 2000, Seese returned to 93.5 SBG to handle the afternoon drive time slot. He moved to morning drive in 2012. Seese won his first Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters award for commercial production in 1989. In 1991 he was named the play-by-play announcer for ESU Warriors Football games on 840-WVPO-AM, and in 2009 was named the George Heaslip Award winner for his excellence in covering ESU Football. With the advent of digital broadcasting at East Stroudsburg University, Chuck has now added  basketball, soccer, baseball and softball to his sports broadcasting resume. Chuck has also been involved with numerous charitable organizations in the Poconos. He was Board Chairman for the American Red Cross chapter here in Stroudsburg. Currently, Chuck serves as Chairman of the Board for the Pocono Family YMCA as they undergo a multi-million dollar renovation. Chuck married his wife Tracey in January of 1989, and welcomed children in 1989 and 1994. They are very much enjoying 2 grandchildren and never miss a chance at a kayak paddle or a camping trip. Broadcaster of the Year: Television - Marty Radovanic Marty Radovanic began his television broadcasting career in 1974, at WJAC-TV in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He worked primarily for the news department as the main anchor, executive producer, and chief political reporter. He was responsible for editorial content while he mentored and coached dozens of first-time reporters.  His proudest accomplishments were helping these young, eager, and talented professionals in their career development and watched as they became successful anchors and news executives across the United States. Marty was responsible for the execution of six live “Town Halls,” and led the news team in an Emmy nominated news special that provided an in-depth and personal look at heroin addiction in the Greater Johnstown area. He wrote, produced, and anchored five news programs that were honored “Best in State” by the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters.  During his career, he also managed and anchored WJAC’s coverage of seven United States presidential elections. Marty retired from WJAC-TV in 2017. But because his love for television news remained strong, he returned to broadcasting as the main evening anchor at WTAJ-TV in Altoona in March of 2023, where he remains today. Marty was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences – Mid Atlantic Chapter - Silver Circle Society in 2022. In 2024, he received the Douglas A. Anderson Communications Contributor Award by the Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State University. Marty was born in Cleveland, Ohio and made Johnstown his home in 1972. He is active in the community currently serving on the Johnstown Symphony Board of Trustees. TV Hall Of Fame - David Johnson David was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and grew up near Daytona Beach. He graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. He started his TV news career while in college and has worked at stations in Jacksonville, Chattanooga, Orlando and Atlanta. He joined WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh in January of 1985 as noon anchor and evening reporter. He was promoted to evening news anchor in 1989, and the following year he began a 31 year partnership with co-anchor Peggy Finnegan, becoming the longest running anchor team in Pittsburgh history. They were named the PAB’s Broadcasters of the Year in 2016, the first anchor team to be so honored. David has won three Mid Atlantic Emmys and numerous Press Club of Western Pennsylvania Golden Quill Awards. He retired just four months ago after a 40 year career at WPXI. Upon his retirement, the station named the main news studio in his honor. Radio Hall of Fame - Jack Bogut Jack Bogut heard KDKA for the first time when he was growing up in rural north central Montana. In 1942,  while attending a one-room all-grades school, 6-year-old Bogut’s teacher showed his class a small radio crystal from a Cracker Jack box with instructions detailing how to connect it to a piece of copper wire. If you held the crystal to your ear, you might be able to hear a distant radio station. His classmates only heard static, but Bogut heard a faint voice say the call letters of a station he didn’t recognize then. The call letters were K-D-K-A. 26 years later in 1968, he would become the morning host and favorite personality on the world’s first radio station, KDKA Pittsburgh. In 1967, Jack and Joni Bogut and their children John, Brenda, and Lisa moved to Pittsburgh from Salt Lake City. Bogut dominated the Steel City’s ratings for more than 15 consecutive years (1968-1983) while hosting the “Bogut In The Morning Show” on KDKA-AM. During his long and storied career, Jack also served as morning host on WTAE-AM, WSHH-FM, and WJAS-AM. Additionally, he hosted his own namesake television show on WTAE-TV and a business-based talk radio segment on WPTT-AM. As a “pitch man,” Jack selectively represented many of Pittsburgh’s finest businesses and corporations. Jack used his morning show platform and philanthropic muscle to raise both awareness and millions of dollars for worthy charities, including the Free Care Fund at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Western Pennsylvania. In 1981, Jack was featured live on ABC Television’s “Good Morning America,” and in USA TODAY, as one of the top morning radio personalities in the nation for not only his consistently high ratings, but his community involvement and work with charities. In 1983, Jack decided to part ways with KDKA-AM for new combined radio and television roles at both WTAE-AM and WTAE-TV. In 1988, “Your Bogut” changed addresses again, moving across town to WSHH-FM. With WISH 100 (and later WISH 99.7) his Make-A-Wish broadcasts generated in excess of $2 million annually in support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Western Pennsylvania. Even after Jack moved to WSHH-FM’s sister station WJAS-AM, he maintained a presence and helped advise the Make-A-Wish radio campaign. Jack’s full-time involvement in Pittsburgh radio concluded when WJAS-AM was sold. Despite new ownership’s attempts to convince him to stay on as morning host, their talk format did not appeal to him. The “Bogut In The Morning” show was retired, but Jack never did. His popularity and Pittsburgh’s thirst for nostalgia brought him back to KDKA-AM where he hosted a series of vignettes; those familiar radio “home movies” that endeared him to his listeners during all those earlier years. Today, he remains active as an advocate for the soon-to-be realized National Museum of Broadcasting which will feature the reconstruction of the original garage in which Dr. Frank Conrad gave birth to commercial radio in America when he founded KDKA. Among his many other accolades, Jack was inducted into the Broadcasters Hall of Fame, received a Pittsburgh Radio and Television Club Lifetime Achievement Award and was presented with a March of Dimes A.I.R. (Achievement in Radio) Lifetime Achievement Award. Jack Bogut will forever be remembered for the unparalleled way he harnessed the power of radio and channeled it for philanthropic good.

Register Now for PAB In-Person Sales Training Event

PAB In-Person Sales Training Event, Harrisburg PA April 10 & 11, 2025 – Harrisburg Hilton One North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA  17101 Unlock Your Potential at the PAB’s In-Person Sales Training event! Get ready to revolutionize your sales game and take your career to new heights. Join us for an exclusive seminars where you'll: Learn Cutting-Edge Techniques: Discover the latest sales strategies that industry leaders swear by. Network with the Best: Connect with like-minded professionals and industry experts. Boost Your Confidence: Master the art of persuasion and negotiation to close deals effortlessly. Drive Results: Transform your approach and see tangible improvements in your performance. Don't miss out on this opportunity to invest in yourself and your future. Reserve your spot today and take the first step towards achieving your sales goals! Please complete the registration form and return it to gponti@pab.org by March 19, 2025. Event Agenda April 10 th Joint Radio & Television Session 3:30-5:30 Derron Steenbergen, Swagger Institute Getting Your Clients More Results…And You More Billing! Businesses are making a huge mistake in how they spend their budgets and market their business.  And guess what, we as broadcast sellers are making it worse.  This session will equip you with     the understanding and tools to get your clients more results while helping you book more long term business.  Walk away with actionable insights to boost client satisfaction, deepen relationships, and grow your bottom line.  Recommended for all sellers and managers. April 10 th Keynote Dinner 6:00             Speaker - Erik Therwanger, Think Great, Leading Thru Chaos Leaders are needed the most during the most trying times.  Discover your greater purpose as a leader and unlock your potential, inspiring your team to set and accomplish important goals during challenging circumstances.  With an emphasis on creating an empowering culture, leaders will learn new ways to encourage their team members, achieve exponential growth, and experience unparalleled results. April 11 th Radio (Breakfast included beginning at 8AM) 8:30-9:45      Derron Steenbergen, Swagger Institute Surviving to Thriving in Sales The Surviving to Thriving in Sales session is a high energy, exciting way to make your commission checks bigger.  Learn simple steps often skipped or forgotten that will help you make more magic in your sales career.  Derron will motivate you to use creative approaches to prospecting, new business development and building better relationships.  Derron is one of the very best sales trainers, motivators and relatable sales guys you will ever meet.  Thousands have left this session with specific tips to make their business more successful, and more importantly, how to have more fun doing it.  Oh, and you will learn the six most powerful words in sales and they are sure to change your career.  Plus, Derron will give one question that if you start asking every account you have you are guaranteed to get information you have never gotten.  Recommended for all sellers and managers 10:00-11:15      Radio Derron Steenbergen, Swagger Institute Proposal Workshop Would you be interested in something that was guaranteed to raise your closing percentage, help you make more money and improve how you are viewed by your clients?  Certainly, we all agree that we would want to hear more.  Yet, there is a problem.  We often take the short cut that does not accomplish any of the things outlined above.  Delivering a customized proposal to a client that is based on information you have gathered and clearly outlines what they are trying to accomplish is the single most impactful thing a salesperson can do to grow revenue.  From gathering the information to delivering the proposal, this session will focus on simple steps to help you become better.  Recommended for all sellers and managers. April 11 th Television (Breakfast included beginning at 8AM) 8:30-9:45      Tom Ray, JDA.Media Everyday AI: 6 Practical Tips Using AI in Your Sales Day You are the first generation of sales managers and salespeople to access Artificial Intelligence. Tom Ray will share practical tips to use AI to enhance your daily sales efforts. From identifying high-value prospects to personalizing customer interactions, from handling objections to building role play scenarios, from creative help to our favorite “AI prompts”, this session is designed to deliver practical tips to incorporating AI tools that will positively impact your sales day. 10:00-11:15  Television Tom Ray, JDA.Media The Soft Skills Playbook: Mastering the Essentials for Today’s Media Sales Professional Join Tom Ray as he explores the critical interpersonal skills that drive sales success in a competitive landscape. This keynote highlights how empathy, adaptability, and clear communication empower media sellers to forge stronger client relationships and close more deals. In this session, Tom Ray will share the Five Essential Soft Skills every successful media sales professional must master. And, Tom will also share nine subtle soft skill tips no one else will tell you. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to elevate their performance and create lasting business impact. 11:30AM-2PM   PAB Excellence in  Broadcasting Awards Luncheon Please email any special dietary needs to gponti@pab.org.  Hope to see you in April.

2025 Professional Keystone Media Awards Contest

Entries are now being accepted in the 2025 Professional Keystone Media Awards Contest! Deadline to enter is Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. Winners will be announced in May. Winners will be honored at the Keystone Media Awards Luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, in Harrisburg. Details about the event will be available in summer 2025. Complete contest rules are available on the PNA website.

Ten-Minute Trainer Plans "Refresh, Recommit and Restart Week"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Speed and Swagger Challenges “ Quitters Day” with Inaugural “ Refresh, Recommit and Restart Week!” – January 30th, 2025 – In response to the disheartening trend of " New Year's Resolution Quit Day " on January 10th, Speed and Swagger is launching the first-ever "Refresh, Recommit and Restart Week," taking place February 3rd-7th, 2025. This initiative encourages the 48% of individuals who abandoned their resolutions to take a step back, re-evaluate, and reignite their goals. " We understand that setbacks are a natural part of any journey, " says Speed and Swagger's Speed Marriott and Derron Steenbergen. " Instead of accepting defeat, we're offering a supportive framework for individuals to revisit their aspirations, understand their motivations, and revise their approach." Refresh, Recommit and Restart Week focuses on three key steps: Refresh: Take a fresh look at your original goals. Are they still relevant? Do they need adjustments to better align with your current circumstances? Recommit: Dig deep into the "why" behind your resolution. What motivated you initially? Why did you lose momentum? Understanding these factors is crucial for sustained motivation. Restart: With renewed clarity and commitment, revise your plan and relaunch your efforts. Break down your goals into smaller, more manageable steps, and celebrate each milestone along the way. "The days are getting longer, and with that comes a renewed sense of energy and possibility," adds Speed and Swagger's Speed Marriott and Derron Steenbergen. "We believe the first week of February is the perfect time to grant yourself a 're-do' and embrace the opportunity for a fresh start." Speed and Swagger invites everyone, whether they've stumbled with their resolutions or not, to participate in Refresh, Recommit and Restart Week. Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #RefreshRestartRecommit. Contact: Jennifer Lane- Operations Director- Ten-Minute Trainer Network. Jennifer@p1learning.com

Personalized Awards & Luncheon Forms

How to Submit the Awards Luncheon Form 1. First, submit payment for the luncheon. a. If you do not submit payment, your form submission WILL NOT be considered. b. The Award Luncheon is $45.00 per person. NO INVOICING! c. To submit payment, visit the PAB Award Luncheon Checkout and follow the steps to pay online.     2. Next, complete the Awards Luncheon Form. This form is meant to complete the details of your purchase. a. Complete the form here. b. Complete all questions on all pages. The form is complete when you see the message: "Your responses were successfully submitted." How to Submit the Personalized Award Form 1. First, submit payment for your personalized award. a. If you do not submit payment, your form submission WILL NOT be considered. b. Personalized Awards are $90.00 each. NO INVOICING! c. To submit payment, visit the PAB Personalized Award Checkout and follow the steps to pay online: 2. Next, complete the Personalized Award Form. This form is meant to complete the details of your purchase. a. Complete the form here. b. Complete all questions on all pages. The form is complete when you see the message: "Your form was successfully submitted."

PAB ALERT: JANUARY 10 FCC FILING DATE REMINDER

Quarterly Issues/Programs List Due—All full-power radio, full-power television, and Class A television stations must upload to their Public Inspection File by this date the Quarterly Issues/Programs List covering the period October 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024. Class A Television Continuing Eligibility Certification—Class A television stations are required to maintain documentation in their Public Inspection File sufficient to demonstrate continuing compliance with the FCC’s Class A eligibility requirements. We recommend that by this date Class A television stations generate such documentation for the period October 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 and upload it to their Public Inspection File. Quarterly Fundraising Reports—All noncommercial educational TV and radio stations that changed or suspended their regular on-air content to conduct third-party fundraising to benefit a non-profit organization must generate relevant documentation for the period October 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 and upload it to their Public Inspection File by this date. See 47 CFR § 73.3527(e)(14). Sponsorship Identification Requirements for Foreign Government-Provided Programming—All licensees airing any foreign programming which requires a specific disclosure at the time of broadcast during the period October 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 must place copies of the disclosures and the name of the program to which the disclosures were appended in their Public Inspection File by this date. See 47 CFR Section 73.1212(j).

Lilly Broadcasting Appoints New Chief Executive Officer

Lilly Broadcasting is pleased to announce the promotion of John Christianson to Chief Executive Officer effective immediately. Christianson was previously Chief Operating Officer. He will oversee all operations including the company’s television and radio operations, Caribbean television properties, digital and sales initiatives and other business interests. Christianson previously held various executive and corporate responsibilities at Lilly and SJL Broadcasting, including Executive Vice President, General Manager of WSEE-TV and WICU-TV in Erie and WTVG-TV in Toledo.  He also previously served as WSEE-TV News Director. During his tenure, he has managed acquisitions including television stations in Hawaii and Michigan and launched CBS affiliate WZMQ-TV in Marquette, Michigan. He began his career as a news photographer and director before working in management. Lilly Broadcasting is a family-owned company with television operations in Erie, Pennsylvania, Elmira, New York and Marquette, Michigan. In addition, Christianson will oversee One Caribbean Television and TV affiliates in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. The company also owns radio stations in Erie and Warren, Pennsylvania and Horseheads Brewery in New York. President Brian Lilly said that Christianson “will continue to provide excellent leadership for our teams across the country. His experience and business expertise positions the company extremely well for the future.” Christianson is a graduate of Western Illinois University and served in the U.S. military in Iraq.

AM Radio Bill Heads to Full House

The bill that would require automakers to keep AM radio in vehicle dashboards is heading to the full House after the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted 45 to 2 on Wednesday (Sept. 18) to advance the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act ( H.R. 8449) for a vote. If passed by the full House, the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act will require the Secretary of Transportation to issue a rule requiring access to AM broadcast stations in motor vehicles. If they don’t, carmakers could be fined. Read More Here

2024 Marconi Radio Awards Finalists - PA's Eleven Stations and Individuals

Pennsylvania made a great showing on the list of finalists for this year's Marconi Radio Awards! Congrats to all the stations and individuals who have made it this far. The National Association of Broadcasters has named the finalists for the 2024 NAB Marconi Radio Awards, which celebrates excellence by honoring top stations and individuals. The winners will be recognized at an Oct. 9 dinner during the NAB Show New York. Finalists from Pennsylvania: LEGENDARY RADIO MANAGER OF THE YEAR Joe Bell, WMGK-FM, Beasley Media Group, Philadelphia MAJOR MARKET PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR Preston Elliot and Steve Morrison, WMMR-FM, Philadelphia Patty Jackson, WDAS-FM, Philadelphia MEDIUM MARKET PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR The Doc Show with Chewy, WGGY-FM, Pittston, PA CHR STATION OF THE YEAR WBZZ-FM, Pittsburgh CLASSIC HITS STATION OF THE YEAR WMGK-FM, Philadelphia WOGL-FM, Philadelphia COUNTRY STATION OF THE YEAR WXTU-FM, Philadelphia NEWS/TALK STATION OF THE YEAR KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh SPORTS STATION OF THE YEAR WIP-FM, Philadelphia URBAN STATION OF THE YEAR WDAS-FM, Philadelphia See the full list of finalists here

Registration is NOW OPEN for MBMTC 2024!

Wednesday, Oct. 2 – Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024 Columbus Convention Center Early bird registration is just $55 for PAB and SBE members. REGISTER TODAY! This may be the best PAB membership service value yet-the MBMTC!  Great seminars, 60 exhibitors, meals and meeting with your colleagues from Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Michigan Thursday afternoon October 2 and Friday October 3 in Columbus Ohio. Early registration $55, hotel rooms for about $200 and meals included. But, wait! The PAB will provide a $500 stipend to you to cover your cost of attendance. That’s right, you read it right-a $500 stipend to defray the cost to you and your station. By all means, register today to reserve your spot.  Register today online and then complete the form and return the PAB for payment. MBMTC 2024 is bringing together broadcast engineers and multimedia professionals to learn, explore, and connect for our biggest event yet. Five things to know about MBMTC 2024: MBMTC keeps growing! The conference is now a collaboration of 5 state broadcast associations. Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and – new this year – Pennsylvania. It’s our largest Exhibitor Showcase ever, giving you a firsthand look at cutting-edge products and solutions from 57 companies. New this year: Take a deeper dive with extended sessions Wednesday afternoon before stopping by our Welcome Reception Wednesday evening. On Thursday, get a full day of expert-led sessions covering hot topics and foundational skills, along with dedicated time for exploring the Exhibitor Showcase. Plus, enjoy complimentary continental breakfast and lunch, and door prizes! Early bird registration for OAB, IBA, KBA, MAB, PAB, and SBE members is now available for just $55 through Sept. 6! REGISTER TODAY! STIPEND FORM

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