January 16, 2003

EEO Seminars Planned

The Board of Directors of the NJBA has authorized a seminar for all General Managers, Business Managers and Human Resource Personnel to learn the fine details of the new EEO rules which go into effect on March 10. The seminar will be taught by FCC Attorney and NJBA Board Member, John Garziglia, Esq. The seminar is planned for late February or early March, so that stations can have their paperwork routine in place before the rules go into effect.  If your station fully participates in the NJBA EEO program, all your outreach efforts are done for you and the only paperwork you have to do is keep track of your hires. Garziglia will explain all of this to the attendees at the seminar.  Look for an announcement in a few days and register.

 Board Approves H. L. Green Tributes

It’s official.  NJBA’s Headquarters, known, as Broadcast House will be renamed the Howard L. Green Broadcast House in Howard honor, who passed away last year. Green was instrumental in the purchasing of the property and the refurbishing of the building.  In addition, the Board approved a permanent award to a person in New Jersey who is an outstanding Humanitarian. The Howard L. Green Humanitarian Award has been designed to Honor a person or persons who have dedicated themselves to extraordinary achievement. The award will be presented for the first time at the NJBA Annual Conference in June 2004. The committee to select the potential recipients will be headed by Elizabeth Christopherson, NJBA Board Member and Executive Director of NJN.  The criteria for nominations and the forms will be available shortly. The award will consist of a statute of Howard and a contribution of $1,000.00 to the winner’s favorite charity.

 First Hole Punched In Campaign Finance Law

The first legal challenge to the Campaign Finance Law revolved around the issue of free speech within the 60-day election window. This reversal had to do with a Hawaiian Right To Life Group wanting to air commercials for their position right up to Election Day.  Judge Henry H. Kennedy said this was okay. This is the first challenge to the McCain-Feingold law and the law lost.  Expect to see many challenges coming up. This is a question of Free Speech.

 Free Ad Time Comes Back

Arizona Senator John McCain, now chairman of the powerful Senate Commerce Committee is expected to reintroduce and press for passage a law that will require Radio and TV stations to give free time to political candidates before a federal election.  He introduced his bill in the last congress and it died at the end of the session. Now that he is the chairman, stations can expect that he will reintroduce it, hold hearings on it and press for its passage. The new head of Government Relations at NAB has his work cut out for him.

 XM Satellite Radio In Trouble?

XM laid off 80 people and needs to borrow $250 million dollars to keep itself viable.  Most GM cars for 2004 will be able to receive XM.  GM is a stockholder.

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