TAB organized a small delegation of Texas broadcasters to visit with Texas Members of Congress in Washington, DC to discuss several industry concerns.

 

The meetings on April 1st and 2nd covered 30 of 34 Texas Congressmen.

 

“We covered a lot of territory in very little time with a small and dedicated band of Texas broadcasters who have a lot of personal relationships with members of Congress throughout the state,” said TAB President Ann Arnold.

 

Broadcasters should begin negotiating a performance right standard with the record labels or Congress will likely do it for them – at even less favorable terms.

 

That was the message delivered by Rep. Rick Boucher, Democratic chair of a key House subcommittee at the NAB’s annual State Leadership Conference this month.

 

Boucher, who hails from Virginia, chairs the House Energy & Commerce Committee’s subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet.

 

He also serves on the House Judiciary Committee which is considering the issue as a whole.

 

Several Texas Members of Congress – many of whom are strong supporters of the broadcast industry – warned a delegation of TAB members that the industry’s refusal to even come to the negotiating table is costing the industry precious good will among lawmakers who disdain being caught in the middle of warring industries.

 

 

FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell warned San Antonio broadcasters last month that proponents of a return of the Fairness Doctrine will abandon that damaged “brand” but try to accomplish the same goal through regulation.

 

McDowell spoke to a group of radio and TV station owners and managers at a TAB grassroots meeting March 24.

 

Former TAB Chairman Jackie Rutledge, general manager of WOAI-TV San Antonio, hosted the event.

 

Just weeks from the June 12 analog shut-off, the FCC has established a new website, www.dtv.gov, for consumers and television stations.

 

The most helpful section to TV stations is the “Get Help in Your Area” button.

 

It allows visitors to enter a zip code and look for walk-in help centers in the DMA that includes that zip code.

 

 

Save money.

 

Make money.

 

More than ever before, that’s the mantra for business, including the most important broadcast industry meeting in Texas.

 

TAB’s Convention Planning Committee is focusing on sales, management and technology strategies for radio and TV stations that take into account the new economic paradigm and media marketplace.

 

The Texas House of Representatives voted 146-0 earlier this month to send the Texas Free Flow of Information Act to the Senate.

 

Two House members, Rep. Debbie Riddle, R-Houston and Rep. Randy Weber, R-Pearland, voted against the bill on second reading, but switched their votes to “yes” on final approval.

 

Riddle was responsible for the point of order that killed the bill in the 2007 legislative session.Clarifying language related to grand juries was added to HB 670 on the House floor by bill author, Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, D-San Antonio.

 

 

 

Beach Watch has been sent to coastal-area markets for air through the end of August.

 

The campaign also will be distributed to the remainder of the state for six weeks in June and July during peak summer travel.

 

Beach Watch encourages Texans to visit www.texasbeachwatch.com to determine the water quality of specific areas of Texas coastline before visiting or fishing from the beaches.

 

Organ Donation is the topic of the returning NCSA campaign from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

 

The Donate Life – Texas Registry is experiencing a critical shortage of organ, tissue and eye donors. More than 8,000 Texans are on the waiting list.

 

Five hundred people in Texas died while waiting for organ transplants during 2008.

 

Viewers and listeners are asked to register to be organ donors by visiting the Donate Life website or in person when they apply for or renew a driver license, ID card, or when registering their motor vehicle.

 

TAB members with electricity contracts expiring anytime between now and the end of 2010 may have a great opportunity to reduce energy costs, according to TAB’s exclusive energy services provider, Power Brokers.

 

Energy markets are the most volatile of any base commodity due to highly inelastic supply & demand.

 

More than ever, forward prices are extremely sensitive even to rumors of economic recovery.

 

 

Subscribers to LocalBroadcastSales.com now have more options for interaction and feedback.

 

Help TAB recognize the best in Texas broadcasting!

 

Nominations for TAB’s annual awards are due Friday, May 1.

 

Categories include:

• Pioneer of the Year

• Broadcaster of the Year

• Associate of the Year

• Steve Pieringer Award

 

Awards will be presented during TAB’s 56th Annual Convention & Trade Show, Aug. 19-21 at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.

 

 

Questions? Contact TAB’s Craig Bean or call (512) 322-9944.

 

The deadline is approaching for scholarship applications to the Texas Broadcast Education Foundation.

 

In May, TBEF will award up to eight scholarships worth $2,000 each.