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HARRISBURG, PA - The Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters (PAB) has launched two new grant programs available to all member stations throughout the Commonwealth. The new funding streams will allow station managers to facilitate the professional development of staffers at all levels. PAB Broadcast Innovation Grant Program This grant program will foster continuing education and training for station managers and staff through a $250 expense stipend, per participant, to assist in the cost of a member station’s professional development needs. The stipend is applied for by the station manager on behalf of the employee, and is payable to the station or the participant directly. The stipend may be used for any board-approved advancement program offered regionally or nationally. This includes events offered by NAB, RAB, TVB, NATPE, Conclave, CRS, and the Poynter Institute. If there is a program not on the list, please contact the PAB office to request special approval. The PAB requests a social media endorsement post during participation in the professional development program and permission to potentially use content on the PAB website, Facebook or Twitter account. PAB Broadcast Engineer Futures Enterprise The PAB Broadcast Engineer Futures Enterprise initiative will assist Pennsylvania broadcast stations in training, certification and sustaining engineering services throughout the state. The Enterprise provides dual strategies as follows: The PAB will reimburse the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) annual membership at the elite Plus level of $175. This top of the line membership provides all SBE services, special activities and over 65 webinars. The PAB will also cover the costs of the SBE Certified Broadcast Technology (CBT) test and the study guide for the Electronics Technicians Association Certified Electronics Technician (CET) degree. The PAB will reimburse tuition for the Broadcast Engineer Distance Learning Course from the Cleveland Institute of Electronics (CIE) Broadcast Engineer Training and Certification. This includes 95 lessons and a total $998. The PAB will also cover the cost of any Radio Frequency courses PAB Broadcast Engineer Futures Enterprise participants are to be nominated by the station manager. Payments can be made directly to the station or the participant at the station manager’s direction. For more information about either of these two new programs, please contact Gail Ponti gponti@pab.org or Joe Conti jconti@pab.org.

Matt  Lightner, PAB Board Member, State EAS Chair and Group Radio Station keeping it local and doing it well in Blair County. Lightner Com_Altoona Mirror

PAB ANNUAL AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN BROADCASTING GOES ALL VIRTUAL FOR 2020 Sue Campbell & Alicia Richards will receive Broadcaster of the Year Awards among 70+ other winners HARRISBURG, PA – The Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters today announced the new date for its annual Awards for Excellence in Broadcasting Luncheon, which will now be held virtually on Friday, October 2 at noon. More than 70 award winners for outstanding achievement in broadcast television and radio will be recognized in this all-virtual event which will also present Broadcaster of the Year awards to two of central Pennsylvania’s most-recognized news personalities. The PAB Awards will be entirely free to watch and broadcast live on YouTube, Facebook, and Zoom. “Given the unprecedented circumstances of COVID-19, we made the best decision for the health and safety of all members to move the PAB Awards to an all-online format,” said Joe Conti, President of the PAB. “With that being said, we expect to present a meaningful and memorable event that will give all Pennsylvania broadcasters the recognition they deserve for their outstanding work, both before and during the pandemic. Although we cannot be physically together, we are implementing several ideas that will make for a truly interactive experience to those who attend virtually.” The PAB Awards were originally scheduled for late March, 2020, but were postponed and ultimately moved to an all-virtual event due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The annual event presents awards in a variety of categories for both broadcast radio and television stations, including Outstanding Use of Digital Media, Radio Commercial, Coverage of a Local Sporting Event, Public Affairs Program, and more. A complete list of 2020 winners can be found here. The virtual event will give stations throughout the Commonwealth, along with their friends and family, an opportunity to recognize their peers and celebrate the exceptional work being done by Pennsylvania broadcasters. Additionally, PAB will present the Broadcaster of the Year honors to two venerable stalwarts of the Harrisburg television and radio market – Sue Campbell and Alicia Richards. Sue Campbell, co-host of the WINK Wake-Up Show. Sue began her career in radio shortly after graduating from Cedar Cliff High School in Camp Hill, PA, in 1980. With a brief time in the office at WCMB/WSFM, Sue then took a job as the receptionist at WTPA FM 104 in Harrisburg, where she earned the nickname the “Joke Lady” for her brief on-air chats with host Tim Burns. In 1988, she accepted a co-host position with Burns and spent the next 14 years alongside him until his retirement in 2002. She continues to host the morning show alongside co-host Denny Logan for the last 18 years. Alicia Richards, co-anchors of ABC27’s 5:00, 6:00 & 11:00 p.m. newscasts. Alicia is focused on the opioid crisis and how it affects families locally, as well as solutions. Alicia takes great pride in her extensive involvement with the Central Pennsylvania community. She is a tireless advocate for women’s issues through both her news segments and regular speaking engagements. Alicia produced the “Buddy Check 27” news segment series, which won two Pennsylvania Association of Broadcaster awards. She also appeared alongside her mother Karen in public service announcements promoting the importance of early detection for breast cancer. 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.

August 10, 2020 Nexstar Press Release - https://www.nexstar.tv/andrew-wyatt-wilkes-barre-scranton-pa-gm-2020/ WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON, PA and IRVING, Texas – Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NXST) announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc., has named Andrew Wyatt as Vice President and General Manager of the company’s broadcast and digital operations serving the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA, area (DMA #60).  In his new role, Mr. Wyatt will have oversight responsibility for WBRE-TV (NBC) and pahomepage.com, and all of their related social media channels.  Mr. Wyatt will also oversee Nexstar’s relationship with Mission Broadcasting’s WYOU-TV (CBS) under a joint operating agreement.  In 1996, WYOU-TV was the first acquisition for Nexstar, which is now comprised of 196 stations across 114 markets. Mr. Wyatt joined the company in August 2018 as Vice President and General Manager of WDVM-TV (IND) and LocalDVM.com in Hagerstown, MD.  He added responsibility for WDCW-TV (CW) and DCW50.com in nearby Washington, D.C., in February of this year.  Since his arrival, he has expanded news content, improved viewer engagement, and delivered strong financial results.  Mr. Wyatt’s leadership style and track record of engaging with local communities make him perfect to take on Nexstar’s Wilkes-Barre operations.  He will assume his new responsibilities immediately and report to Theresa Underwood, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager, Nexstar Broadcasting. Mr. Wyatt has extensive executive broadcast experience in television markets across the country, with expertise in station and sales management, client and revenue development, and the expansion of local content across multiple media platforms.  During his tenure overseeing Nexstar’s Hagerstown and Washington, D.C., operations, Mr. Wyatt improved the viewership experience with the addition of  syndicated programming to WDVM-TV’s schedule, complementing the more than fifty-hours of local news delivered by the station each week, expanded the sales staff to support advertising clients across the western part of the viewing area, and significantly increased video and other local news content available on WDVM-TV’s digital platforms. Prior to his tenure with Nexstar and WDVM-TV, Mr. Wyatt served as vice president and general manager of WFXG-TV (FOX) in Augusta, GA (DMA #108), where he implemented sales, marketing and digital media initiatives that resulted in increased broadcast and digital revenues, as well as market share gains.  He also spearheaded the building of a new studio and the launch of a live local four-hour morning newscast. Mr. Wyatt’s prior experience, leadership skills, and record of success make him uniquely qualified to create, develop and execute the long-term strategy for Nexstar’s media operations in the greater Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area. Commenting on the appointment, Theresa Underwood said, “Our Wilkes-Barre broadcast and digital operations occupy a special place in this company’s history, serving as the foundation of America’s largest local broadcasting company.  Through his work, Andrew has demonstrated the strategic, entrepreneurial, results-oriented skillsets that make him the natural leadership fit for our Northeast Pennsylvania stations. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the needs of viewers and advertisers, and his leadership of our broadcasting and digital operations in Hagerstown and Washington, D.C., provided him with valuable experience to make this natural evolution within our company.  Since his arrival, Andrew expanded local news, improved our programming lineup, established a variety of community partnerships, grew local sales, and developed a robust pipeline of new business.  I am looking forward to working with him in his new role and greatly anticipate all the successes to come under his leadership in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.” “I am grateful to Nexstar for giving me the opportunity to oversee the company’s broadcast and digital operations serving the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area,” said Mr. Wyatt.  “These are important television stations in Nexstar’s portfolio, and each entity has established a track record of service to viewers, advertisers, and the community.  I am aware of the history of these stations within Nexstar and will look to improve upon the years of dedicated service they have provided to viewers and advertisers across Northeast Pennsylvania by expanding local programming, community-dedicated content and unique cross-platform sales and marketing opportunities.” Mr. Wyatt earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Telecommunications from the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY.  He currently serves as board member of the Maryland DC Delaware Broadcasters Association.  He is a former board member of the Salvation Army of Augusta, the Yuma Executives Association, the Imperial Valley Economic Development, and the United Way of Yuma County. Mr. Wyatt and his wife, Kathy, have been married 31 years and have two children.  They will be relocating immediately to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area. About Nexstar Media Group, Inc. Nexstar Media Group is a leading diversified media company that leverages localism to bring new services and value to consumers and advertisers through its traditional media, digital and mobile media platforms. Nexstar owns, operates, programs or provides sales and other services to 196 television stations and related digital multicast signals reaching 114 markets or approximately 38% of all U.S. television households (reflecting the FCC’s UHF discount). Nexstar’s portfolio includes primary affiliates of NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, MyNetworkTV and The CW. Nexstar’s community portal websites offer additional hyper-local content and verticals for consumers and advertisers, allowing audiences to choose where, when and how they access content while creating new revenue opportunities. Nexstar also owns WGN America, a growing national general entertainment cable network and a 31.3% ownership stake in TV Food Network, a top-tier cable asset.  For more information please visit www.nexstar.tv. Media Contacts: Theresa Underwood SVP/Regional Manager Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc. 315/446-9999 or TUnderwood@nexstar.tv Gary Weitman EVP & Chief Communications Officer Nexstar Media Group, Inc. 312/222-3394 or gweitman@nexstar.tv

Erie News Now 4/15/20 Our hearts are broken at Erie News Now as longtime sportscaster and friend Gary Drapcho passed away Tuesday night. Gary had suffered from cardiac problems over the past few years and had a reoccurrence recently.  His 36-year career with us involved covering Super Bowls, the World Series, the Stanley Cup and numerous high school championships.  Gary is survived by his three daughters - Katharine, Kara and Kymberly. Our condolences go out to his family and our community during this difficult time. He will always be remembered at Erie News Now as our friend, a person of faith and our eye into the world of sports.  Gary was 63 years old.

Please click on the link below to hear how radio is dealing with the Coronavirus pandemic featuring Vince Benedetto, Bold Gold Media CEO. https://radioink.com/2020/04/03/coronavirus-update-episode-14-vince-benedetto/

Radio’s Finest Hour Radio Ink March 30, 2020 (By Vince Benedetto) Most Americans fondly think of their local radio stations as a fun, friendly and free source of music and entertainment tailored to their geographic area. During moments like these, however, local radio becomes their indispensable support and refuge. Radio stations, from sea to shining sea, quickly reverted to their critical ‘other role’. This ‘other role’ is to become a part of our all-important national, regional and local communications infrastructure. In an era where trust in national news media is at an all time low, local media and specifically local radio, is a deeply trusted source of reliable, actionable, targeted information to our local communities. In short, local broadcast (AM/FM) radio was made for just these moments. Providing the perfect balance between timely information and an escape from the anxieties of the hour, live and local broadcasters are helping to connect and hold the nation and our communities together at the very moment they’ve been forced apart. No other medium can do this as well as AM/FM radio. As our fellow citizens are shuttered in their homes, out of touch with the world and their community like never before, their local radio stations are their trusted neighbor, always ‘on’. Local DJs and news departments are a source of stability and comfort, riding out and talking through the crisis with their listeners; not above or below them but alongside them. Like so many crises over the past 100 years, AM/FM radio is a rock that communities, small and large, coast to coast, are leaning on. The trust, the companionship, the familiar voices, the steady reliability seem obvious as to why we have always loved this medium. We know deep down during moments like these, when we push the ‘on’ button, we will find exactly what we need right now. After all, local broadcast radio was made for moments like these. This may be radio’s finest hour…! Vince Benedetto is the President & Founder of Bold Gold Media Group. He is also an Air Force Academy Graduate, former Air Force Captain and Air Force O.S.I. Special Agent. He can be reached at vbenedetto@boldgoldmedia.com

The Pennsylvania Department of Health and Commonwealth Media Services have created the below :30 second informational Public Service Announcements regarding prevention of the spread of COVID-19 and have asked that these Public Service Announcements be distributed to television and radio stations across the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has requested your consideration of broadcasting these COVID-19 Public Service Announcements.  These PSAs do not replace the current PAB PEP/NCSA campaigns.  Please share with your traffic department that the current PAB PEP/NCSA campaigns should continue to air as scheduled.:30 PA DOH COVID-19 Television PSA PA Department of Health - COVID-19      Television PSA - download link:30 PA DOH COVID-19 Radio PSA PA Department of Health - COVID-19 Radio PSA - download link

Please click on the links below fie the Access and Fuel letters from the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), regarding COVID-19. These may be used to help facilitate access to your studios and transmitters. Please note that the NCC* provides these letters as a courtesy to help communications providers access their facilities as needed to maintain continuity of service. That said, according to the NCC, state/local authorities retain final discretion on matters of local public safety, access and related issues. Also, the COVID situation is unprecedented so the reaction of local emergency authorities to the letters may be difficult to predict, particularly in states with few hurricanes and other emergencies for which DHS has issued similar letters, and states where broadcasters have not yet been designated as a “first informer.”  (This is the case in Pennsylvania) *Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) CISA Integrated Operations Coordination Center (CISA IOCC) National Communications & Coordination Branch (NCC) Access Letter - 03162020 Fuel Letter Basic Letter - 03162020

Radio Ink March 5, 2020   In a recorded message posted to the WNPV website, GM Phil Hunt said, after 60 years of serving the local community the station will go off the air April 30th. The Lansdale, PA station is heard on 1440 AM and 98.5 FM. Hunt told listeners that, “In recent years, it has become increasingly difficult to compete for both audience and advertising dollars, and unfortunately it is no longer sustainable to continue to run the business in a way that delivers the service our community expects and deserves.” Listen to Hunt’s full 2-minute audio message to listeners HERE

We at the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters are devastated to learn of the passing of one of the founding fathers of broadcast television in Pennsylvania, Lew Klein.  Lew was a titan within the broadcast community, having received every possible honor bestowed by the PAB, as well as leaving his own legacy in our annual “Janet and Lew Klein Making a Difference” Award. He was a compassionate leader, tireless advocate, and mentor to generations of broadcast television and radio professionals through his tenure at Temple University. And his wife, Janet, was with Lew every step of their remarkable journey. We hope the warm, cherished memories of Lew sustain Janet and their family through this difficult time. We at the PAB will always love them both.   Tributes from around the Commonwealth are coming in, here are a few: “Lew Klein’s instrumental role in the development of broadcast television helped make Philadelphia known as a cultural hub,” said Gov. Wolf. “In his role as executive producer of American Bandstand, Lew gave voice to a generation of youth. His assistance in creating Action News on 6ABC brought critical information into the homes of Philadelphians. He leaves behind a legacy as an educator and philanthropist at Temple University, and his contributions to broadcast television will not be forgotten.” –Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf “Lew was a kind and gracious soul and together with Janet they made a real impact,” Attorney General Shapiro said. “Lew took people under his wing and made them better. He was a mentor to me and a so many others. Lew listened with his heart and made a real difference in media, education and our community. From Bandstand to Action News to Abington PAL, Lew left an indelible mark. May his memory be a blessing.” –PA Attorney General Josh Shapiro "Words such as 'legend' and 'icon' and 'pioneer' are often overused when reflecting on someone's lifetime contributions to their craft. But those are exactly the words I choose to describe Lew Klein. Another one would be 'friend'. While Lew's contributions were felt far beyond his home of Philadelphia, creating such programs as American Bandstand with Dick Clark, Lew cared deeply about public broadcasting in Pennsylvania. We worked closely together during my time as governor to ensure that our public broadcasting systems converted to the digital era to expand educational, news and cultural programming in transformative ways across the Commonwealth. Lew understood the power of television to educate, inform and entertain. But most of all, Lew was a real gentleman and a wonderful ambassador for Philadelphia and his beloved Temple University whose students have long been the beneficiary of his wisdom and passion. Michele and I send our deepest sympathies to Lew's wife, Janet, their children, grandchildren and many friends." –Former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge WPVI 6 ABC Tribute to Lew Klein: https://6abc.com/society/philadelphia-tv-pioneer-lew-klein-passes-away-at-91/5345051/ Read more from the Philadelphia Inquirer: https://www.inquirer.com/news/lew-klein-temple-university-obituary-20190613.html And read about the life and career of Lew Klein via Temple University: https://news.temple.edu/news/2019-06-13/broadcast-pioneer-lew-klein-91-namesake-temple-s-klein-college-media-and From the Hollywood Reporter: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/lew-klein-who-helped-create-american-bandstand-dies-1218148

Radio Ink 4/16/19 Cumulus is selling KLOS-FM in L.A. to Meruelo Media for $43 million in cash. Cumulus has also entered into a swap agreement with Connoisseur Media whereby Cumulus will obtain four stations in and around Allentown, PA, in exchange for two Cumulus stations in Southern Connecticut. Cumulus CEO Mary Berner said, “These transactions are part of the continued execution of our portfolio optimization strategy. Both transactions are accretive, and the sale of KLOS-FM to Meruelo Media at an attractive multiple allows us to generate substantial cash, which can be used to further pay down debt and invest in high-potential business opportunities. The Connoisseur Media swap significantly strengthens our presence in Allentown and the Lehigh Valley.” Meruelo will begin programming KLOS-FM under a Local Marketing Agreement on April 16, 2019. Cumulus will receive WODE-FM, WWYY-FM, WEEX-AM, and WTKZ-AM in and around Allentown, and Connoisseur will receive WEBE-FM in Westport, CT, and WICC-AM in Bridgeport, CT. The parties will begin programming each other’s respective stations under Local Marketing Agreements on May 1, 2019. Moelis & Company LLC represented Cumulus as financial advisor in the sale of KLOS-FM to Meruelo Media. MVP Capital represented Cumulus as financial advisor in the swap with Connoisseur Media. Jones Day represented Cumulus as legal counsel on both transactions. Cumulus expects to complete both transactions in the third quarter of 2019.