We Warned You!!!

So far, 70 persons who registered this week for the NJBA Mid Atlantic States Conference will NOT be able to attend the Best of the Best Luncheon.  We can only accommodate a total of 325 people.  We alerted all registrants that tickets (which are a must) are required for admittance and will be issued by date of registration, has caused a number of late registrants to be placed on the waiting list. Once everyone with a ticket is seated, we will then let people on the wait list in accordance to their registration number.

Those who waited for this week to make Hotel reservations found out that the Hotel is full, our room block is full and they are staying somewhere else, at higher rates. We urged you to register early and those who did had no problems with either a luncheon ticket or a Hotel room. However, those who waited are out of luck. We told you so weeks ago. Next year this event will be held at the new Borgata, with a room rate of $94.00 on June 7 and 8, 2004. The format will be the same and you can register today. 

10 Stations In Major Markets

June 2 is decision day at the FCC for ownership rules changes. Most people believe that the TV caps will be raised from 35% to 45%, Newspaper cross ownership rules to be relaxed, but the shocker is the Radio Station ownership cap may be raised from 8 stations to 10 stations in major markets. This was not on anybody’s radar screen and has taken most radio broadcasters by surprise, pleasantly, of course. We’ll have full information at the NJBA convention on Tuesday.

Campaign Finance Remains The Same

The government moved to stay the opinion striking down some parts of the new campaign finance law pending an appeal directly to the US Supreme Court. Therefore, all of the provisions of the act, including advertising on issues within the political time frame are in full effect and force.  Broadcasters are now required to collect and keep the same type of information, including rates that are required of candidates. The Supreme Court is expected to rule late this year, probably not in time for the November elections. 

Bayonne Tower On Hold

All plans for the Bayonne Tower for all NYC and North Jersey TV stations is presently on hold. It was expected that all approvals would be granted by now. The problem seems to be a negative report from the FAA in charge of New York Airport takes offs and landings. Behind the scenes, QuickNews has learned the major objection is from Continental Air, which is the largest operator at Newark.  

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