Eastern Michigan University’s WEMU-FM has announced the hiring of two new staff members. Cathy Shafran has joined the station as News Anchor/Reporter. Shafran brings nearly 40 years of broadcast experience to the station, having worked as an anchor/reporter at WMAX-AM (Grand Rapids) from 1978-1980 and at WJRT-TV (Flint) as a reporter from 1980-2011. Among her… read more
MAB Washington Counsel David Oxenford shares news that the FCC, in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, has proposed a 13% increase in the annual fees paid by radio stations. NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt issued a statement saying, “The FCC’s regulatory fee proposal subjects local radio broadcasters to a staggering 13% fee increase from last… read more
Prabu David, dean of Michigan State University’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences has announced that he has accepted the position of associate provost for faculty and academic staff development at MSU, effective July 1, 2022. He will stay on as ComArtSci dean until a new dean is appointed. A search will begin in the… read more
On May 30, Nexstar Media’s WOOD-TV (Grand Rapids) wrapped up Mental Health Awareness month with a special broadcast focusing on programs in West Michigan working to support mental health. The 30-minute special, hosted by anchors Teresa Weakley and Donovan Long, spoke with doctors, therapists and pastors about their mental health work, plus students who are… read more
AutoTech: Detroit and the WardsAuto Interiors & UX Conference bring together the full automotive tech industry to immerse attendees in the future of automotive, by showcasing the newest tech and the latest vehicles. We gather the automotive and technology communities like no other event. The event will take place next week, June 8-9 at the… read more
The MAB is mourning the loss of former board chairman and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Mario Iacobelli. The owner of Heritage Broadcasting (WWTV-WWUP-TV/Cadillac) passed away May 25 at the age of 83. “Mario was a titan in the broadcasting industry and his reach extends far beyond the work he did in Michigan,” said MAB President… read more
By: David Oxenford, Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP With the traditional beginning of summer upon us, there is no vacation from the regulatory actions of importance to broadcasters. Let’s start with the routine actions for the upcoming month. With the radio license renewal cycle having ended with the filing of the last set of renewal applications… read more
Krol Communication’s WRSR-FM (Flint) has announced that Aricka Truchan (formerly McCauley) has joined the station as morning show co-host alongside longtime morning host Johnny Burke. Truchan, a 12 year radio veteran, is a graduate of Specs Howard School of Media Arts. She has worked in Toledo, Rockford, Port Huron, Ft. Wayne, Midland as well as… read more
WKAR Public Media (East Lansing) is saying goodbye Friday (5/27) to longtime General Manager and Director of Broadcasting Susi Elkins as she leaves the organization to take a position with the Michigan State University Federal Credit Union. Shawn Turner is stepping in to serve as the station’s Interim General Manager. He is a professor in the… read more
By: David Oxenford, Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP Here are some of the regulatory developments of significance to broadcasters from the last week (5/14-20), with links to where you can go to find more information as to how these actions may affect your operations. The FCC issued a draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to be considered… read more