It was reported that FCC Chairman Brendan Carr will block transfer applications of companies that continue to support DEI policies at their companies.   An article in Inside Radio  stated: “Just what such a crackdown by the FCC will look like remains to be seen.  But Carr told Bloomberg in an interview on Friday that he would block acquisition and merger approvals for any company sticking with the DEI effort. “We can only under the statute move forward and approve a transaction if we find that doing so serves the public interest,” Carr said.  “If there’s businesses out there that are still promoting invidious forms of DEI discrimination, I really don’t see a path forward where the FCC could reach the conclusion that approving the transaction is going to be in the public interest.” His advice for any company regulated by the FCC is to “get busy” ending their DEI programs.” Last week’s statements are consistent with the FCC’s concerns about Comcast/Universal/NBC’s DEI program.  Chairman Carr reportedly met with Robby Starbuck, who is on record as opposing DEI policies. The key issue for stations is where the FCC will draw the line.  The FCC’s EEO rules and policies are still on the books and stations still must comply with those rules.  However, it is not clear what activities will rise to the level of “invidious discrimination” and trigger FCC action.  Strict compliance with existing FCC regulations should not trigger a DEI review, but we are in the early stages of this new policy.    There is also some question whether the policy will be extended to policies that promote diversity from suppliers.  An article in Radio and Television Business Report  noted the following: “What, exactly, would the Commission review? Carr said the FCC may examine corporate DEI programs beyond hiring practices — including supplier diversity initiatives that have grown in commonality in recent years and select content decisions.” In the past, the FCC has warned stations about discriminatory advertising practices. Stations have long been prohibited from discrimination in advertising. We are watching this issue closely.  You can see the article in Inside Radio   here . You can see an additional report on Fox News   here . You can see the article in RBR here .

For years, the big record companies have been trying to impose a performance fee on local radio stations.  When a station’s content is provided over digital platforms, they pay both the songwriters and performers.  However, for music played on traditional free over-the-air radio, stations pay songwriters, not the performers.  In return, stations provide performers with more than $2.4 billion in publicity, thereby helping record sales and concert attendance.  Moreover, the music is provided to the public for free.  Despite this arrangement, the recording industry insists on pushing legislation that would impose a performance fee on radio stations.  As a result, for the past decade, we have lobbied for the Local Radio Freedom Act.  This legislation is not an “act” per se .  Rather, it is a legislative vehicle to register Congress’s intent not to pass legislation imposing a performance fee on local radio stations. So far, in the House of Representatives, the Local Radio Freedom Act (H. Con. Res. 12) has 148 co-sponsors.  This bipartisan support includes the following members of the NY Congressional delegation.  Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2]               Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4]   Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26]              Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1]    Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23]      Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]          Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3]      Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24]         As we go to press, the Senate version of the bill, S. Con. Res. 8, has 22 co-sponsors. We are working to increase support for this bill. In addition, NYSBA, along with all state broadcasting associations, has signed a joint letter urging Congress to pass the Local Radio Freedom Act. You can see the letter here .

We are pleased to report that the AM Radio For Every Vehicle Act is gaining support.  The Senate bill S.315 has picked up 57 co-sponsors.  As of this writing, the House Bill H.R. 979, has garnered 117 co-sponsors, including the following members of the NY Congressional Delegation: Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4]   Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1]    Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23]      Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19]      Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24]         Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7] During our recent visits to DC, a number of representatives from New York indicated they would be supporting the legislation.  We are following up with each of these offices.  The Senate Commerce Committee already moved the bill by a 27-1 vote.  We are hoping the House Commerce Committee will do the same in the next several weeks. In addition, NYSBA, along with all state broadcasting associations, has signed a joint letter urging Congress to pass the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. You can see the letter here .

WROC-RochesterFirst is hiring a Chief Engineer to join our award winning team. With the credibility and strength of our 75 year trusted brand, we are Rochester, NY’s universal local source for news, weather and information across all platforms. We offer excellent benefits including paid vacations, holidays, sick leave, and personal days, health insurance plans, Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts, 401K Retirement Plan, paid parental leave, dental, vision, Teledoc, behavioral health services, prescription drug coverage, life insurance plans, paid short term disability, and many more benefit options. Compensation package will be based on experience. COMPENSATION: 75K to 81K Annualized - - commensurate with applicant's experience and skill level < Back Chief Engineer Rochester, NY, USA WROC Apply Now Job Type Engineering About the Role WROC-RochesterFirst is hiring a Chief Engineer to join our award winning team. With the credibility and strength of our 75 year trusted brand, we are Rochester, NY’s universal local source for news, weather and information across all platforms. We offer excellent benefits including paid vacations, holidays, sick leave, and personal days, health insurance plans, Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts, 401K Retirement Plan, paid parental leave, dental, vision, Teledoc, behavioral health services, prescription drug coverage, life insurance plans, paid short term disability, and many more benefit options. Compensation package will be based on experience. COMPENSATION: 75K to 81K Annualized - - commensurate with applicant's experience and skill level Requirements Associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering, IT, Communications, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience preferred. Requires a working knowledge of television and digital studio broadcast and production systems. Experience managing, maintaining, and supporting IT and networking systems. Communication skills along with organizational and interpersonal skills as well as report writing responsibilities for WROC, Nexstar, and the FCC. Evaluates, selects, installs, services, and maintains station equipment and IT systems. Experience Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to work flexible hours and be on call as needed for operations. Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record. Fluency in English; strong communication, both verbal and written. About the Company WROC-TV8 IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

It's fun to work in a company where people truly believe in what they are doing! WPIX 11 is looking for a Full Time Assignment Editor. The position is based out of New York, NY. COMPENSATION: This is a Newsguild union position with starting hourly rate $32+ < Back Assignment Editor (FT) New York, NY, USA WPIX 11 Apply Now Job Type Television About the Role It's fun to work in a company where people truly believe in what they are doing! WPIX 11 is looking for a Full Time Assignment Editor. The position is based out of New York, NY. COMPENSATION: This is a Newsguild union position with starting hourly rate $32+ Requirements College degree with several years of major market experience, preferably local Must be decisive, forward thinking and possess excellent news judgment Strong organizational skills required Experience Candidates also need strong logistical skills and the ability to effectively navigate the local landscape Familiarity with local government, municipalities and jurisdictions is essential Must be able to work under deadline pressure About the Company EEO Statement: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

It's fun to work in a company where people truly believe in what they are doing! WPIX 11 is looking for a full-time Assignment Editor. The position is based out of New York, NY. COMPENSATION: This is a Newsguild union position with starting hourly rate $32+ < Back Assignment Editor New York, NY, USA WPIX Apply Now Job Type Television About the Role It's fun to work in a company where people truly believe in what they are doing! WPIX 11 is looking for a full-time Assignment Editor. The position is based out of New York, NY. COMPENSATION: This is a Newsguild union position with starting hourly rate $32+ Requirements College degree with several years of major market experience, preferably local Must be decisive, forward thinking and possess excellent news judgment Strong organizational skills required Experience Should have a working knowledge of the issues, lifestyles and culture that are unique to the New York City news market Candidates also need strong logistical skills and the ability to effectively navigate the local landscape Familiarity with local government, municipalities and jurisdictions is essential Must be able to work under deadline pressure About the Company EEO Statement: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.