FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell visited three Texas markets this month to talk with local broadcasters about the DTV Transition, pandemic preparedness and the federal agency’s “localism” proceeding.

 

TAB arranged the grassroots meetings in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and Beaumont-Port Arthur on May 4-5.

 

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Texas radio stations would pay $136.5 million in 2009 if a Performance Tax being considered by Congress were in effect. The cost would increase annually.

 

TAB requested the NAB’s research department analyze how HR 848, the legislation that would require stations to pay record labels for playing songs, would affect Texas radio stations. The estimate was released May 8.

 

Business development, operating efficiency and new technology are sharing the spotlight at this year’s TAB Annual Convention and Trade Show Aug. 19-20 at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.

 

Mobile marketing, non-spot revenue, business development and online advertising are just a few of the programs planned so far.

 

 

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Texas broadcasters will salute the achievements of three outstanding colleagues at TAB’s Annual Awards Gala on Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.

 

The event is the highlight of the 56th Annual Convention & Trade Show. Fourteen broadcasters were nominated for this year’s awards.

 

The awards honor individuals for outstanding service to the industry or for significant accomplishments in the past year.

 

Nominations are evaluated by committees of active and retired broadcasters.

 

Planning has already begun for TAB’s biggest event and we want you to be a part of it!

 

Increase your firm’s visibility by advertising in the TABulletin and in the Convention Program.

 

Available options start at only $300!

 

 

The Texas Free Flow of Information Act, TAB’s top legislative priority for the 81st Texas Legislature, is now law.

 

Texas Governor Rick Perry signed HB 670 by Rep. Trey Martinez-Fischer, D-San Antonio on May 13.

 

The law, which takes immediate effect, is the culmination of a four-year effort to pass the journalist/source protection led by TAB, the Texas Daily Newspaper Association and Texas Press Association.

 

With the analog TV shut-off just weeks away, stations throughout Texas and the rest of the country are feverishly working to ensure their over-the-air viewers have the right equipment and remember to re-scan their channel settings.

 

Analog soft shut-off tests are scheduled in most markets on May 21, in conjunction with a nationwide test scheduled by the Federal Communications Commission.

 

Some markets are conducting additional tests the week before June 12.

 

 

 

The TAB Board of Directors voted at their April meeting to appoint three managers to fill open seats on the board: Manuel Abud, Craig Bland and Jerry Del Core.

 

Business development skills have never been more crucial for broadcast sales professionals.

 

Now, TAB member stations subscribing to LocalBroadcastSales.com have a resource for new business training.

 

Susan Novicki has helped countless radio & TV broadcasters develop and execute successful business development strategies.

 

 

Texas broadcasters donate their valuable public service airtime to countless agencies in need of community awareness.

 

No other industry does as much as local radio and television stations in markets across the state.

 

June 12 is the deadline for stations to submit entries for the 2009 Bonner McLane Public Service Awards.

 

It’s time again for the Summer Food Program NCSA from the Texas Department of Agriculture.

 

This important program provides nutritious lunches for students—available at area schools during the summer months.

 

Stations have already received CDs or Beta tapes for this returning campaign, set to air May 18-Aug. 18.

 

The following NCSA campaigns are ending during May:

Stations that participate in the NCSA program help finance the wide array of vital member services that TAB provides at greatly reduced cost.

 

Please remember to report your NCSA airtime to TAB Public Service Manager Craig Bean.

 

The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control have prepared radio and TV PSAs for use in Texas to educate the public about H1N1 flu.

 

 

The advice, all approved by public health experts from HHS, covers points such as hand washing, staying home if you're sick, stockpiling food, water and medications, and checking community plans for dealing with an outbreak.