Another Successful NBA Convention! |
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As live events of many kinds are returning all around us, the NBA’s 86th Annual Convention was yet another sign of people really wanting to be together again! Attendance was impressive, down only 10% from our record attendance in 2019.
Speakers received strong scores across the board as attendees shared their appreciation for the knowledge gained. Members made purchases from our sponsoring vendors. Todd-N-Tyler, Sharon Behl Brooks and the late Bill Milldyke were inducted to the NBA Hall of Fame. Trev Alberts shared some of his vision for Husker Athletics as our Keynote Luncheon speaker. Dozens of NBA members (and some future broadcasters) were recognized as 109 plaques were awarded during our Pinnacle Awards banquet.
Continued strong member attendance is what makes our Annual Convention so popular. THANK YOU for participating. We’ll see you again next year at the Embassy Suites – Lincoln, on August 9 & 10!
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Millard North Award Winners |
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NBA Offers Virtual Job Fair October 11 - 15 |
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Hiring? The NBA’s next Virtual Job Fair is October 11-15. Member stations can post jobs, interact with candidates and expand your outreach program.
Registration deadline is October 4th.
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State Legislative Update
The 2022 Nebraska Legislative session will be here before we know it. “Winner Take All” will return and with “sales tax modernization” being such a point of emphasis, we anticipate another attempt to repeal the sales tax exemption on advertising. We will keep you informed.
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Federal Legislative Update
Our priorities remain focused on the Diversity Tax Certificate, the Local Journalism Sustainability Act and the Local Radio Freedom Act. As of this writing the NBA doesn’t need you to make contact on any of these issues but we will let you know if that changes.
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To learn more about any of these issues, contact Jim Timm at [email protected] or 402-933-5995. |
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Senator Deb Fischer Honored as
"Friend of the NBA"
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L to R: NBA President/Executive Director Jim Timm, Chairperson Ami Graham, Senator Deb Fischer, Vice Chairperson Shannon Booth and At Large Director Mark Onwiler. |
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With ever-evolving technology and increased competition for audience and advertising revenue, our industry is being challenged like never before.
In times like these, it is important to have friends who not only understand our challenges, but friends who take an interest in our challenges and are willing to actively support us. The Nebraska Broadcasters Association is very fortunate to have such a friend…in United States Senator Deb Fischer.
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The NBA recently recognized Senator Fischer with our “Friend of the NBA” award. The award criteria states: “This award is reserved for a person or organization who is not a broadcaster, and who has demonstrated long-term support of the NBA’s ongoing mission, needs and interests. A Friend of the NBA Award requires NBA board approval.”
Senator Fischer’s support of radio and television broadcasters is unparalleled in Congress. For television stations, Senator Fischer worked tirelessly to help put an end to an outdated federal provision called STELLAR. For radio stations, Senator Fischer has been a consistent cosponsor of the Local Radio Freedom Act. Thank you, Senator Fischer!
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Ami Graham
NRG Media
Lincoln
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At this time of year, most of us are beginning to lay out our plans for 2022. Strategizing on what we want to do to further engage with our audiences, provide better results for our clients and encourage a positive work environment for our employees to grow professionally and personally. It was refreshing during our convention in August, to hear about so many different ways broadcasters are truly serving their communities and the pivots taken during a crazy year in order to stay engaged with their listeners and viewers. The common denominator of all these stories? Your people. Our live and local connection with our audiences will continue to be the most important thing we can do.
As we strategize for the new year, we must consider how we can best provide the tools and resources in an empowering environment for our people that will give them more reasons to ‘love what they do!’ We really are fortunate to work in an industry that can bring a positive difference every day!
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OK, now it’s time for a palms-up confession. While I have enjoyed being part of the NBA Board of Directors, I wasn’t interested in moving through the Executive Board unless Jim Timm was part of the deal. His leadership and guidance is critical for all Nebraska Broadcasters and after working with him for a couple of years, I knew I wanted to be part of this in a bigger way. We are damn lucky to have Jim choose to be our state representation for Nebraska Broadcasters. And because of this, I am excited to represent Nebraska Broadcasters as your 2021-22 Board Chair. Looking forward to an exciting year of making positive differences with a great group of people!
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Ami Graham
Chairperson of the Board
Nebraska Broadcasters Association
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Meet Your Chairperson of the NBA Board |
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Get to know Ami Graham, newly-elected Chairperson of the NBA Board of Directors.
Ami is the general manager of NRG Media’s Lincoln radio stations:
KBBK & KBBK HD-2/RED 94|5, KFGE, KLIN & KLNC.
My current role is best summed up as: I the have the privilege of working with so many talented people and as the general manager, my role is to help remove the obstacles and uncover new opportunities to allow them to shine and let them each keep doing the great things they do! A great workplace culture is so important and I work hard each day to lead the efforts in providing a fun and rewarding environment for my team.
First job in broadcasting: I started as a part time announcer and board operator as a senior in college at Broadcast House. That was 29 years ago and I am still working in the same building! I moved from on air talent to sales assistant to sales to director of sales to GM. Clearly, I was bit by the radio bug and continue to absolutely love our industry!
Best career advice I’ve ever received: Only focus on the things IN your control.
Why I love what I do: Our audiences count on us every day to inform and entertain. Having the opportunity to make a positive difference in our community and with the lives of our audience, clients and coworkers is a really big deal. To watch this happen every day is special!
Why young people should get into broadcasting: There is so much opportunity that goes beyond just an on air talent. Graphics, social, digital, promotions, sales, back end support…we are no longer in just the radio business. We are content curators of a multi-distributional platform that engages listeners to find us where they want, when they want. There are so many opportunities to shine in our industry!
My family: My husband, Jim and I have been married for 28 years and have two sons, Nolan (25) and Cole (22). Nolan works with Jim at our family-owned business, Nebraska Sign Company and Cole will graduate this December from the UNL College of Journalism with a degree in Advertising/Public Relations. We are met with unconditional love each evening from our almost 3 year-old golden retriever, Birdie.
I enjoy serving on the NBA board because: Working with a diverse group of representation in broadcasting across our state has been so rewarding. Nebraska Broadcasters make such a big difference, not only in our state, but have a big voice across the country. Our Board has helped shape important decisions to benefit all broadcasters and I am so proud to be part of that.
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NBA Hall of Fame Nominations
due by January 10
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Who will be inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2022?
The NBA board of directors will answer that question at its winter board meeting, where nominations of new and existing candidates will be reviewed. As outlined here, first-time nominations are due to the NBA office by January 10, 2022. Existing nominees do not need to be renominated. In either case, the board allows one advocate per nominee to appear before them at the winter meeting to state why that nominee deserves to be inducted. Contact NBA President/Executive Director Jim Timm at [email protected] or 402-933-5995 for more details.
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2022 EAS Required Monthly Test (RMT) Schedule |
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The Nebraska State Emergency Communications Committee (SECC) has approved the 2022 RMT schedule. Be sure to share this with all station personnel who need to be aware.
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FCC Reduces 2021 Regulatory Fees
for Broadcasters
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Some may categorize this with “when Hell freezes over” or “when pigs fly” but in a surprising and welcome reversal, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) reversed course on it’s proposed 2021 fee increases of 8 to 12%. Thanks to a strong pushback from the NBA, other state broadcast associations, the NAB and others, the FCC announced a revised scale resulting in regulatory fees for most broadcasters landing at or below 2020 levels.
But wait, there’s more: the FCC has launched a proceeding to consider expanding the universe of regulatory fee payors to include new types of entities, such as “unlicensed spectrum users, especially large technology companies,” which would reduce the need for the FCC to be so reliant on broadcasters to fund its operations going forward.
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Future Broadcasters Learn the Ropes at UNK |
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18 high school students from Nebraska and Iowa enjoyed tremendous hands-on experience in local broadcasting during the Digital Expressions Media Camp produced by University of Nebraska – Kearney in July. The NBA has sponsored the camp since it was created in 2016 by the UNK Department of Communication.
Faculty members Jacob Rosdail and Ford Clark delivered a packed agenda of multiple first-person experiences for the students throughout the week. The personnel at NBA members NRG Media – Kearney and KHGI/KWNB TV added to the learning through studio visits that included conversations with various station personnel and observing the production of a live local TV newscast. The NBA thanks all involved for supporting this camp. We hope to see some of these students working for NBA members in the future!
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Chairman's Club Welcomes
New Scholarship Donors
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What do Dennis & Kathi Brown, Ami & Jim Graham and Mark & Wendy Jensen all have in common? They’re the newest members of the NBA Foundation Chairman’s Club, reflecting their recent $1,000 contributions to our scholarship fund. Jim & Deb Timm added $1,000 to their original contribution, joining the Platinum level donor list.
The NBA Foundation provides scholarships to qualifying students who appear poised to become future broadcasters. Every year we budget over $30,000 to fund college student scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, and scholarships for high school seniors in the amount of $1,000.
This short video features three recent NBA Foundation scholarship recipients who are now employed at NBA member stations, describing what an NBA Foundation scholarship meant to them.
Contributions of any amount are welcome and can be made online or by check. Larger donations can be paid in annual installments - just contact Jim Timm at [email protected].
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Speaking of Scholarships . . . |
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October 31 is the application deadline for the NBA Foundation’s College Scholarship program for the 2021-2022 academic year. Click here for complete criteria and the online application form.
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Bellinghausen Receives NBA/OPC Scholarship |
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Ana Bellinghausen & Jim Timm |
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Ana Bellinghausen was presented with the NBA’s $2,000 Omaha Press Club scholarship by NBA President/Executive Director Jim Timm during the OPC Scholarship Brunch on September 19. A senior at UNO, Bellinghausen is majoring in Journalism & Media Communications with a minor in Communication Studies and plans to become a reporter or correspondent upon her May 2022 graduation.
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Shawn Oswald (KETV – Omaha) and C. Taylor Walet III (iHeart Media – Omaha) were elected to the NBA board of directors. Jessie Johnson (Platte River Radio – Hastings/Kearney) was elected Secretary-Treasurer, joining the board’s executive committee.
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KHGI (Kearney) co-anchor Seth Denney will retire October 31. Denney and Colleen Williams are believed to be Nebraska’s longest running co-anchor team, at 18 years.
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David Adams was promoted to operations manager at NRG Media - Omaha.
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Summit Media – Omaha named Rick Parrish as market president.
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Franco Gentile is the new vice president/general manager at Omaha’s KPTM/KXVO TV.
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Nebraska Public Media won two national Edward R. Murrow awards from RTDNA (Radio Television Digital News Association).
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The Inc. 5000 recognized Flood Communications as one of its fastest growing private companies.
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Former broadcasters Malcolm Adams, Trina Creighton and Doug Parrott were inducted into the Omaha Press Club “Journalists of Excellence” Hall of Fame.
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BDP Communications has closed on its purchase of KNTK FM, Lincoln, from
Home Field Communications.
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A summary of the NBA Board of Directors spring meeting held
at the La Vista Conference Center on August 10, 2021.
Chairman Mark Jensen called the meeting to order at 9:01 a.m. Minutes from the May 18, 2021 meeting were approved.
Financial: Vice Chairman Dennis Brown presented financial reports for January, February and March, which were approved.
Legislative/FOI: President/Executive Director Jim Timm reported on federal and state legislative matters of concern to broadcasters.
Member Services: Timm provided updates on Alternative Inspections and Virtual Job Fairs. It was agreed to proceed with an upcoming series of news webinars arranged by the Alabama Broadcasters Association.
Convention: Timm provided a brief overview of registrations & operations for our 2021 Annual Convention.
History Project: A plan was approved to take possession of a significant historical archive WOWT TV film, video, photographs including items from WOW radio, for display on our History website.
Future Talent: Regarding the P1 introductory sales course, Timm stated that Chadron State College is considering a pilot test of offering the course to sales & marketing students.
Old Business: Regarding future funding of our Student Debt Grant program, a motion was approved to increase the fund to up to $10,000 annually, to award up to 10, $1,000 grants, beginning in 2022.
Election of Officers: A motion was approved to elect the following Officers for 2021-2022: Chairperson: Ami Graham, NRG Media – Lincoln; Chairman Elect: Dennis Brown, KCSR/KBPY, Chadron; Vice Chairperson: Shannon Booth, Gray Television – Lincoln; Secretary-Treasurer: Jessie Johnson, Platte River Radio – Hastings/Kearney, and Past Chairman: Mark Jensen, MWB Broadcasting – Broken Bow/Ord.
Jensen thanked everyone for attending and the meeting adjourned at 11:38 a.m.
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The NBA thanks President Emeritus Marty Riemenschneider
for compiling items from the NBA archives.
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1961: 60 Years Ago
(this entry is from Vol.1, No.1, the very first NBA Newsletter)
Gene Huse, 75, died at his home in Norfolk. In 1922, Huse founded station WJAG, building his own five-watt transmitter. He later added fifty-watt air-cooled tubes and soon found he was being heard from coast to coast. His was the second station licensed in Nebraska.
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1971: 50 Years Ago
The Honorable Dean Burch, chairman of the FCC will make an appearance at the NBA convention at the Villager Motel in Lincoln.
Norfolk got a nighttime radio service with the debut of WJAG-FM per Bob Thomas, general manager. Broadcasting at 106.7 mhz with 43,000 watts, Fremont will join the ranks of FM as well, according to Harry Snyder, owner of KHUB. KHUB-FM has been issued a CP at 105.5 mhz, 3 kw. Omaha’s KFAB-FM has been granted a CP for a new transmitter and antenna. ERP will be 115kw at 500 feet.
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1981: 40 Years Ago
KLMS was knocked off the air by a grass fire which damaged the transmission line to the tune of $5,000. William Morton, general manager of KMMJ, Grand Island is celebrating 35 years at the station. He started in 1946 as an office manager and worked in sales and management until 1967 when he became manager and a shareholder.
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1991: 30 Years Ago
The Metropolitan Omaha Radio Broadcasters Association has announced new officers for 1991-92. The new officers are president Manuel Broussard, KEZO; vice president John Ginzkey, KKVU; treasurer Dan Charleston, KQKQ, and secretary Diny Landen, KKVU. MORBA was formed in 1986 to promote the advancement of the radio broadcasting industry within the Omaha metro area.
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2001: 20 Years Ago
Chief Justice John Hendry and The Nebraska Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Justices played hosts to NBA member news reporters at a special seminar held in the Supreme Court room. Approximately 20 broadcasters along with newspaper reporters participated in a seminar designed to better understand Nebraska’s Appellate Courts.
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2011: 10 Years Ago
Long time children’s show “Miss Jean’s Storytime” ends after 55 years. The show has been airing on Omaha’s KMTV from September, 1956 to September 24, 2011, and had one of the longest continuous runs in Nebraska television history. Norma “Miss Jean” Schnase was host for 38 of those years. Now 81, she had one final message she wanted the viewers to hear: “Thanks for being my friends.”
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MobileMe&You Conference Returns to UNL, October 22-23 |
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Nebraska Broadcasters Association members are invited to attend MobileMe&You, where national experts explore mobile media best practices and audience development. The conference is Friday and Saturday, Oct. 22 and Oct. 23, in the Student Union building on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus.
The MobileMe&You Conference features national media experts discussing innovations and best practices for new tools and platforms to inform mobile media audiences, reaching the audience of the present and future with the tools and platforms they use: mobile and social media.
Speakers will discuss how to use not only your smart phones, but also texting with your audience, drones, geolocated news, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, voice control, social media platforms and audience analysis. REGISTER here for MobileMe&You!
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Sync with the NBA Calendar |
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EVENTS, MEETINGS & DEADLINES |
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Nationwide EAS Test - Form Three Deadline: September 27, 2021
FCC Biennial Ownership Reports Filing Window: Opens October 1, 2021
Virtual Job Fair: October 11-15, 2021
Newsroom Webinar: Powerful Storytelling (Part 1), October 21, 2021
Newsroom Webinar: Powerful Storytelling (Part 2), November 4, 2021
Newsroom Webinar: Battling Bias, December 4, 2021
Newsroom Webinar: Fighting Fakes and Truth Decay, January 4, 2022
Virtual Job Fair: January 17-21, 2022
LUR Window Opens for Nebraska Primary Election (May 10, 2022), March 26, 2022
LUR Window Opens for Iowa Primary Election (June 7, 2022), April 23, 2022
2022 NBA Annual Convention (Lincoln): August 9-10, 2022
LUR Window Opens for General Election (November 8, 2022), September 9, 2022
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2021 GOVERNOR RICKETTS CALL-IN SHOW SCHEDULE
All shows air at 2:00pm C / 1:00pm M
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More than 30 member stations across Nebraska carry the NBA Governor’s Monthly Call In Show, which originates from KFOR in Lincoln with distribution support from Husker IMG Sports. Call volume is strong and listener passion evident on the variety of issues raised during each program. The NBA and Governor Ricketts thank our many affiliates and remind you to promote each month’s program on the air, online and through social media.
2020 Governor Ricketts Call-In Show Dates:
- September 27, 2021
- October 18, 2021
- November 29, 2021
- December 20, 2021
(future dates pending)
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Leta Powell Drake
A pioneer in Nebraska TV broadcasting, Leta was best known as Kalamity Kate on KOLN’s “Cartoon Corral” and for her highly unique interviews with hundreds of celebrities and elected officials.
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