|
GOVERNMENT SET TO REOPEN
BROADCASTERS, BE PREPARED
| | |
Given the length of this shutdown, and the risk that everyone uploading documents and filings as soon as the FCC reopens may crash the FCC’s systems, the FCC may release a further public notice providing a longer window to “catch up” on those submissions. However, filers should not assume that will be the case, and if they are indeed unable to timely make their filings because of FCC system overloads, they should make sure to document the problems they encounter to defend against any lateness claims later.
So, the FCC’s abrupt and immediate closure this year marked a change from these prior shutdowns. To find a similar example requires going back to 2013, when a government shutdown lasted 16 days, from October 1 to October 17. Like this year, the FCC suspended operations for the entire duration of the 2013 shutdown. It similarly announced an extension of most filing deadlines until the first business day after the Commission resumed normal operations. However, at the conclusion of that shutdown, the FCC issued a further Public Notice extending the deadline for filings due between October 1 and October 6 until October 22, 2013, and extending the deadline for filings due between October 7 and October 16 for 16 days after the original filing deadline.
The lesson is that each shutdown is different, and while it would be reasonable to draw inferences from earlier shutdowns, it would be foolhardy to rely too heavily on history repeating itself. Over time, the FCC has varied its initial response to shutdowns, and those plans were then further affected by the duration and timing of the shutdown. Given the length of this shutdown, the likelihood of the FCC needing to further extend at least some deadlines grows. Until a public notice is released announcing such an extension, however, broadcasters would do well to continue preparing their filings and reports while standing ready to submit them when the FCC reopens.
| | |
GONE TOO SOON
REMEMBERING STACY SMITH
| | |
The Kentucky Broadcasters Association mourns the recent passing of Stacy Lynn Smith. Stacy was known for her unwavering kindness, strong work ethic, and her love of Jesus and family that was evident in everything she did. She approached each day with warmth, integrity, and a smile that made everyone’s day a little brighter.
"Stacy was hired on a whim, and it was quickly evident that she was one of the hardest workers we’d ever had. It didn’t matter what needed to be done, she would be one of the first to jump to help get it done. Stacy wasn’t afraid to hop on the air when needed. She would call on clients. She’d paint; oh, did she ever paint. It’s Stacy’s paint work you see when you step into the office at WKYR and WANY. She and her husband Marty also brought Carla B’s wild Christmas lights idea to life last year at WKYR, staying late and working in the cold to make sure every light was just right." -WKYR 107.9
Stacy will not be remembered as an “employee” or “coworker”, but rather as a member of the River Country family. She leaves behind a husband, her children and grandchildren. Stacy was 48.
Click HERE for complete obituary information.
| | |
BROADCASTER TURNED PLAYWRIGHT
RATATAT MAN TAKES CENTER STAGE
| | |
KBA Board of Directors member Charlie Baglan has had a successful and award winning broadcast career. What you may not know is that Charlie has many talents other than broadcasting, including photography, music, tennis and now as a playwright.
Several years ago Charlie wrote a radio drama called "Ratatat Man, The Little Drummer Boy Comes of Age". Over the last 15 years, the hour-long program has aired in Denver, Memphis, Chicago, San Diego, New England, on Minnesota Public Radio, Catholic Radio of South Carolina and even in Ireland. In December, the drama will make its stage debut. Bluegrass Theatre Guild in Frankfort will present the play at the capital city’s historic Grand Theatre. The live performance features expanded scenes and more original music that drive home a Christmas message of hope over hardship.
"I would like to extend my gratitude to the many KBA stations who helped launch my radio drama in 2011. It was just this style of programming that made our industry great. Meanwhile, as the era of radio theater has all but vanished, theater of the mind is the perfect fit for this holiday whodunnit," said Baglan. "The broadcast version of Ratatat Man has cameo appearances from the legendary Gary Burbank and WLKY TV news anchor Jennifer Baileys. For me, it has been a joy to write, produce and to see the staying power it has enjoyed over the years. And it started with your support".
If you are interested in seeing the play on stage December 4-7, click HERE for tickets. If you are interested in adding Ratatat Man to your radio Christmas line up, click HERE to download.
Congratulations Charlie!
| | |
PUBLIC MEDIA ONLY
UNDERWRITING SESSION TODAY AT 12PM ET
| | |
The Kentucky Broadcasters Association has partnered with Ten Minute Trainer Network for a complimentary 90-minute session for public broadcasters, called Unlocking the Power of Your Underwriting Message.
In this energizing and forward-focused session, Speed Marriott and Derron Steenbergen will challenge and inspire you to view underwriting through a fresh lens, one that connects mission, message, and community impact.
You’ll explore how to:
- Listen with intention and uncover partner needs
- Build stronger, solution-based relationships
- Transform transactional asks into meaningful conversations
The session wraps with an open dialogue featuring public media experts sharing what’s working in today’s changing sponsorship landscape.
Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your underwriting message and connect with fellow professionals. Click HERE to register.
| | |
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
DECEMBER 4, 2025 @ 3:00PM EASTERN
| | |
Please join us for KBA's virtual annual membership meeting on Thursday, December 4, 2025 @ 3:00pm eastern. We will briefly reflect on 2025, look ahead to new membership opportunities coming in 2026 and hear from special guests, including our Chair and Chair-Elect.
Advance registration is required. Please click HERE to register.
| | |
THIS WEEKS MEMBER PIC
KNOCK 'EM DOWN
| | A great time was had by all who attended last weeks KBA After Hours event at LexLive in Lexington. Members enjoyed great food, fellowship and friendly competitive bowling. We are already working to schedule After Hours events for 2026. Watch the KBA newsletter for more information. | | We want to promote YOU! Send us your staff additions, promotions and special events. Email Chris at chris@kba.org | | |
ARE YOU JUST CHECKING THE BOX?
Whether your company provides it or you must find your own training and professional development, training is not just about checking the box. Too often, training is “we did the workshop in January, we’re done.” In a recent blog by the Brooks Group, they call it a risky strategy:
“Your sales process is dynamic, your environment is dynamic, and habits drift.”
According to the blog and our experience, there are three types of training:
-
Sales Process Training: This training covers product knowledge and sales processes, such as the RAB’s 7-Steps to Selling Success. The sales process is the foundation of your training and critical for consistent performance. Without regular reinforcement, bad habits and shortcuts creep in.
-
Sales Skills Training: These are the basics. For instance, diving into the skills required at each of the seven steps in the RAB’s repeatable process. Sales skills training is like the athlete working on the fundamentals – consistently.
-
Product/Service Training: This is the tactical stuff. For instance, working with your digital partner to keep your sellers up to date on the latest digital offerings and integrated marketing opportunities. It’s also where you get programming involved for any content development changes or highlights.
The key to all training is CONSISTENCY. Training is not a one-and-done, check-the-box item. It should be done quarterly, monthly, and weekly. Leaders who follow up with questions, assignments, and role-play will maximize the return on investment in training.
It started as a joke, but Kim Johnson and I have had conversations with training managers who ask, “What if I train my sellers and they leave?” Our response is always the same: “What if you don’t train them and they stay?” Training is not optional. At RAB, we have plenty of options available to help you.
Yesterday, during our Leadership MasterClass, we discussed sales training and sales meetings. The challenging question we ask all managers is: “If your sales meetings were optional, would your staff still attend and feel like they are getting value?”
Crickets….
As we prepare for 2026, the best practice we offer is to create a learning calendar for your team. Identify the process, skills, and product knowledge areas you want to improve, and put them on a calendar so the team knows what to expect and what they will learn next year. Too often, and I was just as guilty of this, we plan the sales meeting on our drive to the office. Your team deserves better and will perform better if you take the time now to prepare the training calendar for next year.
If you want your sales team to perform at a high level, you don’t train once and hope for the best. You build a rhythm: quarterly process tune-ups, monthly skills deepdives + weekly practice, product/service training semi-annually, and always keep the content real and follow-up consistent. Do that and you’ll keep your team sharp, consistent, accountable, and ready. Need help? Just ask RAB!
| | Jeff Schmidt is the SVP of Professional Development at the Radio Advertising Bureau. You can also connect with him by email JSchmidt@rab.com or on Twitter and LinkedIn. | | |
NOVEMBER 20, 2025
9:00am - Board of Directors Meeting - Bowling Green
DECEMBER 4, 2025
3:00pm eastern - KBA Annual Membership Meeting
*All times shown are Eastern
| | | | |
