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Entries for the 2024 PBA Media Awards competition are currently being accepted. The awards honor excellence in journalism that increases public understanding of the legal system and promotes improvements of our laws, the courts and law enforcement agencies. There is no cost to enter. Entry categories: Newspapers: 30,000 or More Circulation Newspapers: Under 30,000 Circulation Editorial/Commentary TV: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh Markets TV: All Other Pa. Markets (not including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh) Radio and Podcasts: All Pa. Markets Television, radio and podcast categories are part of the competition. While Special/Report Series and Beat Coverage for Weekly Newspapers categories have been eliminated, these types of entries may still be submitted in any relevant remaining categories. Published/broadcast dates: All entries must have been published or broadcast between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. Awards: An engraved plaque and $400 will be awarded to the first-place winner in each category. A certificate and $100 will be awarded to the second-place winner in each category. Deadline: All entries must be received on or before Aug. 22, 2024. Get more information and enter: https://www.pabar.org/site/News-and-Publications/Media-Resources/Media-Awards http://www.pabar.org/site/News-and-Publications/Media-Resources/Media-Awards/Award-Form The awards ceremony will be in conjunction with the Keystone Media Awards luncheon on Oct. 17 at Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey.   For questions, please email PBAawards@pabar.org or call the PBA Communications Department team at 800.932.0311, ext. 2216.

On April 26th, the annual PAB Awards for Excellence in Broadcasting was held at the Harrisburg Hilton in downtown Harrisburg. More than 99 award winners were recognized and presented with their award statues. The PAB honored Denise Nakano (KYW Newsradio) and Jessica Kartalija (CBS News, Philadelphia) as the 2024 Broadcasters of the Year, and inducted Keith Blaisdell (WHTM-TV) and Chris Shovlin (Robert Morris University) into the PAB Hall of Fame. “We were thrilled to be back in Harrisburg to shine a spotlight on the tireless work done by station staff across the Commonwealth," said Joe Conti, President of the PAB. “Our Hall of Fame and Broadcasters of the Year represent some of the finest in our industry.” The annual event recognizes and celebrates the exceptional work being done by Pennsylvania broadcasters. PAB Awards are presented in a variety of categories for both broadcast radio and television stations. This year, a total of 465 entries were received across 20 different categories, and the entries were judged by the Alaska Association of Broadcasters. The PAB presented 99 awards to 48 different stations and broadcast groups during the annual luncheon. A complete list of 2024 award winners can be found here.

Stay tuned for our upcoming events!

@ the Harrisburg Hilton - registration deadline April 5, 2024 Please join us for the PAB's in-person sales training event. Our event runs from Thursday afternoon, April 25, 2024 through Friday, April 26, 2024 and will be held at the Harrisburg Hilton in downtown Harrisburg. PA. Sessions are designed Sales Managers, Digital Account Executives and, AE Team Members. Registration is free for the entire event...meals and lodging (if needed) will be provided; the only thing you need to pay for are your transportation fees to and from Harrisburg. These are strictly an in-person events, no video component will be available.  You can register for one, two, or all of our in-person events. Registration deadline – April 5, 2024 Register Here Thursday April 25 th P1 Learning & AdCellerant - (Radio & TV) P1Learning - Multi-Generational Sales & Marketing with Speed Marriott - 1-3PM Session description: In this session, Speed Marriott will take a deep dive into the minds of tomorrow including Baby Boomers, Gen Z & a sneak peek at Gen Alpha.  Specifically, we look at the various dynamics that will affect our future customers and co-workers.  Whether you’re a seller or manager, you won’t want to miss this session. AdCellerant - Technology & AI in Media - Working Harder, Not Smarter with Benjamin Bouslog - 3-5PM Session Description: Advancements in technology have revolutionized the operations and efficiencies of businesses across all sectors. Join us as we delve into insights from a seasoned tech company executive, exploring how media companies are embracing cutting-edge technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the efficiency of their sales, operations, and leadership teams. Discover firsthand how various tools and technologies help streamline daily tasks, empowering individuals to achieve more in less time. From optimizing workflows to maximizing productivity, learn how these innovations enable teams to work smarter, not harder, ultimately driving greater success and effectiveness in today's dynamic media landscape. PAB Keynote Dinner Thursday April 25, 6-9pm  (must pre-register if attending, this is a pre-seated event) Friday April 26 th (Breakfast will be provided at 8AM) Pat Bryson - Creating A Bespoke Suit: Polishing Our Diamonds - 8:30-11:30am (Radio Sales Team Members & Radio Sales Managers) Session description: This session is a “Bespoke Session” created to meet the needs of Pennsylvania broadcasters. I interviewed three of your groups and based the information on the challenges and needs outlined to me. I’m happy to say that my impression of your sales staffs is that they already have skill levels above the norm. This allows us to “polish our diamonds” in this session. For three hours we will investigate the passages of a salesperson as they grow and progress in their careers. We will discuss transactional versus relational selling. We’ll study new ways to get appointments with new prospects by understanding their internal dialogues. Our next topic will be doing better and more comprehensive customer needs analysis meetings to pave the way to sell our multiple platforms. Today we sell more than radio: digital offerings, podcasts, outdoor. We have the opportunity to become “the source” for marketing knowledge for our clients. How do we establish ourselves as “the expert”? And finally, we will discover the difference between “good” service and “exceptional” service. In today’s competitive world, we must become known for providing exceptional service. The goals for this session: to give you techniques, ideas, and strategies to sell larger, longer, and multi-platform solutions and campaigns. Come prepared to have fun, participate and leave with great ideas! JDA.Media Treat 'Em Like Dogs with Tom Ray - 8:30-9:30am (TV Sales Managers) Session description: Tom Ray explores the foundational concepts of management through the lens of the dog training world.  From the leadership skills your team demands, to the training techniques that work, Tom will share immediate actions that will enhance your management efforts.  Don’t miss this wildly creative session that will have you re-thinking your role as Team Leader! JDA.Media Three Hidden Revenues of 2024 with Tom Ray - 10-11am (TV Sales Team) Session description: Attention Sellers!  Discover how the “Sansdemic”, “Peak 65” and “Point of Entry” can dramatically impact your success on the streets this year.  Tom will define these three hidden revenue opportunities and give you tangible steps to capitalize on new potential. PAB Awards Luncheon - 12 noon Friday April 26, 2024 (Must pre-register if attending, this is a pre-seated event)

Denise Nakano (KYW Newsradio) and Jessica Kartalija (CBS Philadelphia) will be honored as Broadcasters of the Year; Keith Blaisdell (abc27-WHTM) and Chris Shovlin (RMU) inducted into Broadcast Hall of Fame; among 90+ Excellence in Broadcasting Award winners. HARRISBURG, PA – On April 25 and 26, The Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters will present its 2024 Awards for Excellence in Broadcasting at the Harrisburg Hilton in downtown Harrisburg. More than 90 award winners will be recognized and receive their physical award statue. Broadcaster of the Year honors will be presented to Denise Nakano of KYW Newsradio and Jessica Kartalija of CBS Philadelphia. The 2024 PAB Hall of Fame inductees are Keith Blaisdell of abc27-WHTM and Chris Shovlin of Robert Morris University. “This annual event gives us an opportunity to recognize the outstanding talent of our member stations from all across the Commonwealth,” said Joe Conti, President of the PAB. “Our Hall of Fame and Broadcasters of the Year represent some of the finest in our industry. And this year we will offer a series of Thursday seminars to give broadcasters and industry talent a chance to learn more about sales, artificial intelligence and multigenerational approaches.” The annual event recognizes and celebrates Pennsylvania broadcasters’ hard work. PAB Awards are presented in various categories for broadcast radio and television stations. This year, 465 entries were received across 20 different categories, and they were judged by the Alaska Association of Broadcasters. The PAB will present 99 awards to 48 different stations and broadcast groups at the annual luncheon. WVIA, KDKA, KYW, WPSU and WQSU led among total award winners. A complete list of 2024 award winners can be found here. PAB will induct Keith Blaisdell into the TV Hall of Fame and Chris Shovlin into the Radio Hall of Fame. The Radio Broadcaster of the Year is Denise Nakano and the Television Broadcaster of the Year is Jessica Kartalija. There will also be the Excellence in Broadcasting Awards and the Broadcast Now high school program awards. Broadcaster of the Year Bios: About Denise Nakano Denise Nakano is the midday anchor for KYW Newsradio, 103.9 FM and 1060 AM in Philadelphia. She joined KYW Newsradio in the Summer of 2020 from NBC10, where she anchored and reported for 17-years. Nakano has covered some of the region's biggest stories, including the deadly Market Street collapse, the Amtrak train derailment and Superstorm Sandy.   Nakano has been recognized with numerous awards including the City and State PA 2023, the 2023 Impact Award from the Pan Asian Association of Greater Philadelphia, the recipient of the 2023 PA Power 100 Award, a national Edward R. Murrow Award for best documentary and recognized with eight national and regional Emmy Awards for breaking news, investigative reporting and for her coverage of the local heroin epidemic. She was also honored by the city of Philadelphia with a proclamation recognizing her reporting on the heroin crisis in Philadelphia.   Nakano is an active member of and previous National Board Representative of the Asian American Journalists Association. About Jessica Kartalija Jessica Kartalija anchors the 5:00, 6:00, and 11:00 p.m. newscasts at CBS News Philadelphia. ​ Kartalija joined the CBS Philadelphia team in the fall of 2018, coming from CBS Baltimore, where she anchored the 5 pm news.  Prior to Baltimore, she worked in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Yuma, Arizona. She teaches Journalism and Public Speaking courses at Villanova University, and is on the advisory board of Horizons Greater Philadelphia, a camp for children with cancer.  She has also worked with the Special Olympics, The House of Ruth Maryland, The Women's Initiative Network (WIN) at Kennedy Krieger Institute, and was on the Board of Trustees at the Irvine Nature Center.  She currently teaches journalism at Villanova.   She graduated from The Pennsylvania State University, majoring in Broadcast Journalism and minoring in Spanish. She has a master's degree in Communications from The Johns Hopkins University. Hall of Fame Bios: About Keith Blaisdell Keith Blaisdell is the Chief Engineer for abc27-WHTM Television in Harrisburg. He is the recipient of more than 40 awards from the Associated Press, PAB, National Press Photographers Association, National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and the Keystone Media Awards. Blaisdell is an engineering/production leader and was instrumental in the development and implementation of new high definition (HD) technology and live capabilities in PA broadcasting. Recently, Blaisdell developed a new studio and full facility for WHTM and a studio for Pennsylvania religious broadcaster Lighthouse TV.  In 2022, Keith led the development of a closed captioning solution that allowed John Fetterman to debate Mehmet Oz statewide for the US Senate in one of the highest rated local TV programs in recent Pennsylvania history. Prior to his work on the tech side of broadcasting, Blaisdell was a video editor, photojournalist, chief photojournalist, news operations manager, assistant news director and ultimately news director at WHTM TV abc27 Harrisburg.  He is a Messiah University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. About Chris Shovlin Chris Shovlin has served for over 37 seasons as the play-by-play “Voice” of the Robert Morris University Colonials Basketball Team, calling more than 1,100 NCAA Division-I games. Shovlin also hosts RMU’s talk shows on various platforms, including ESPN+. Chris is the only sportscaster to have won three Pittsburgh March of Dimes Achievement In Radio (A.I.R) Awards for Best Sports Play-By-Play in three different sports: football, basketball and soccer. Shovlin has been a news and sports anchor, show host, and DJ at numerous stations, including: WISH 99.7 FM and 1320 WJAS-AM, WBGN-TV, WBVP-AM, WWKS-FM, WBZY-AM, WKST-AM simulcasts, WMBA-AM, among others. Shoviln also served as the Vice President and General Manager at WBVP-AM and WWKS-FM, while also serving in a variety of on-air roles. He previously served as the TV and radio “voice” of both the Pittsburgh Passion (women’s professional football) and Pittsburgh Riverhounds (professional soccer), as well as filling in on play-by-play for Pitt Panthers Basketball broadcasts.  He has broadcast nearly every RMU Football game since that sport’s inception in 1994. Outside of his duties as the “Voice of the Colonials” at RMU, Shovlin is the Chief Executive Officer of Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center and spokesperson for the Organizing Committee of the Midland Innovation + Technology Charter School. He serves on the Executive Committee of the WPIAL Hall of Fame. Shovlin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Drama from Westminster College. -------- About the PAB: The Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters endeavors to promote collaboration between radio and television broadcast station owners, managers and staff across the Commonwealth. We assist our member stations in serving their communities, audiences and advertisers through FCC licensed free, over-the-air broadcast program operations.   ###

Susquehanna University students from WQSU were in New York City for the Intercollegiate Broadcasting Systems Conference where they presented two panel discussions: “Re-imagine College Radio” and “Maximize and Motivate College Radio.”  WQSU won a National College Media Award for “Best Campus News” with Abi Bauman for her interview with Susquehanna University President Green regarding the branding of the university.

Congratulations to PAB President Joe Conti on being named to City & State PA's 2024 Who's Who in Government Relations list. From the City & State website: People notice when a chain expands into new territory, hospital systems merge and tall buildings sprout on campus and downtown. And they certainly notice when a politician wins. But for the most part, the people who grease the wheels of change across the commonwealth – lobbyists, legislative experts and industry advocates – do so in relative obscurity. They aren't nearly as famous as the brands and people they represent – but their clients and constituents wouldn't be nearly as successful without them. The government relations professionals on this list span the gamut of industries, from trade associations and health systems to lobbying outfits, multinational corporations and labor organizers. Below, you’ll find City & State’s 2024 take on the people who move legislation and energize industry in Harrisburg and across the state.

Deadline to enter is Feb. 5. The Keystone Media Awards – formerly called the Keystone Press Awards before merging with the PAPME Media Awards in 2020 – reinforce excellence by individuals in the news media profession, by recognizing journalism that consistently provides relevance, integrity, and initiative in serving readers and audiences, and faithfully fulfills its First Amendment rights/responsibilities. Further, the Keystone Media Awards stimulate journalists to improve their craft and ultimately improve their community. Complete rules and entry category descriptions are available on the PNA website. All entries and online payments must be submitted online via the quick and easy online contest system, BetterBNC, by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, February 5, 2024. The 2024 Keystone Media Awards will be presented during an awards luncheon on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel. Registration details will be available in August. The PNA Foundation will supply plaques to each first-place winner and certificates to each second place and honorable mention winner in attendance at the Professional Keystone Media Awards Luncheon on Oct. 17. Certificates for non-attendees will be available for pick up at the conclusion of the presentation. Certificates not distributed at the event will be mailed to the news organization after the event. If you have any questions about this contest after reviewing the rules, email the PNA Foundation or contact Teresa Shaak at 717-703-3003.

" Political Advertising Compliance Webinar for Broadcasters” with David Oxenford & the FCC's Bobby Baker, Gary Schonman and Sima Nilsson Wednesday, November 29, 2023 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Eastern This webinar is FREE for all PAB Members With a Presidential election, elections that may determine control of the US House and Senate, and many local elections, there are predictions that 2024 will be the biggest year ever for political advertising. Already we are seeing many ads for candidates for elections in 2024 – and we are already seeing disputes over the content of those ads. Are you up to date on all the FCC rules that govern your sale of political ads? Do you know who you must sell political ads to, the rates that you can charge, and all the paperwork that is required – including the latest on the online political file? On November 29, the staff of the FCC’s Office of Political Programming – Bobby Baker, Gary Schonman and Sima Nilsson – will be on hand, in a webinar moderated by David Oxenford of the DC law firm Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP, to provide a refresher on the rules that you need to know to prepare for the 2024 election season and to highlight the potential issues that may arise with political candidates and issue advertisers on your stations. Be sure that you avoid any of the problems that can arise in your sale of political advertising in 2024 by signing up for this timely webinar. REGISTRATION LINK

The filing window for broadcast station Biennial Ownership Reports (FCC Form 323 for commercial stations and 323-E for noncommercial stations) opened on October 2, 2023.  All licensees of commercial and noncommercial AM, FM, full-power TV, Class A TV and Low Power TV stations must submit their Ownership Reports by December 1, 202 3. To simplify the process, the FCC’s filing system permits parties to validate and resubmit previously filed ownership reports so long as those reports were submitted through the current filing system and remain accurate.  Parties also have the ability to copy and then make changes to information included in a previously-filed report.  To facilitate this approach, there is a search page allowing filers to search for and review their prior Ownership Reports. For additional information on preparing and filing Biennial Ownership Reports, note that the FCC hosted a video information session in 2021 which is available at Information Session on Filing Biennial Ownership Reports, Forms 323 and 323-E.  A PDF copy of the presentation materials is available here. As a reminder, Biennial Ownership Reports submitted during this filing window must reflect a station’s ownership as it existed on October 1, 2023, even if the station was later assigned or transferred between October 1, 2023 and December 1, 2023.  Should you need assistance preparing and filing your Biennial Ownership Reports, please contact your Pillsbury counsel or any of the attorneys in Pillsbury’s Communications Practice.

FORM 1 due September 15th The FCC Public Notice provides more details on ETRS filings. FEMA and the FCC today announced that this year’s Nationwide EAS Test is scheduled for October 4, 2023 (with a back-up date of October 11).  FEMA issued this Release about the test.  The FCC issued a Public Notice which includes a list of recommended steps that broadcasters should take to prepare for the alert.  All broadcasters should review the FCC’s Public Notice and the steps that the FCC sets out to ensure that all stations are prepared for the test and have done everything that is required by FCC rules. The FCC also announced that, by September 15, 2023, broadcasters should review and update, if necessary, their Form I information in the EAS Test Reporting System (ETRS).  ETRS is the FCC filing system where stations report on the results of the EAS test.  Form I provides the FCC with basic identifying information about the broadcaster and their EAS equipment.  Form I was supposed to have been filed by all broadcasters (with some limited exceptions for translators and satellite stations) by February 28, 2023.  The FCC has previously issued a reminder about that filing deadline, urging that any broadcaster who did not timely file Form I to do so immediately.  This September 15 deadline is for updates that result from station sales, moves, or other changes since Form I was filed.

FM Translator Filing Freeze to go into Effect on September 1, 2023, Announced as Part of Rules for Applications in November LPFM Filing Window The FCC’s Media Bureau announced the rules for the filing window for new LPFM stations that is to open on November 1, 2023.  As part of that announcement of the rules for the preparation and processing of applications to be submitted in the filing window, the Media Bureau stated that a freeze on the filing of applications for changes in the facilities of FM translators and existing LPFM stations would go into effect on September 1, 2023.  Thus, if you are planning any technical changes to any FM translator, or any change in an existing LPFM, file before midnight on August 31, 2023 to avoid processing delays.  The freeze will be in effect at least until the end of the LPFM window on November 8, 2023. The freeze is meant to provide a stable database so that applicants in the LPFM window can accurately determine where there are available channels, and where there are stations or applications that need to be protected from interference. The full text of the public notice announcing the processing rules for the LPFM window and details of the freeze, is available here.