Cherryl “Cher” Lynn Allen, a long-time employee of WBKB-TV (Alpena), passed away Friday, January 15 at MidMichigan Medical Center in Alpena. Allen worked for 35 years for WBKB in many roles, retiring as the general manager. She loved making memories with family and friends. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church and a board… read more
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will deliver her third State of the State Address on Wednesday, January 27. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the State of the State address will be held virtually, in compliance with CDC and the State of Michigan’s best practices. Under normal circumstances, Governor Whitmer would request the House Chambers to deliver… read more
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute (RJI) and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) on Thursday (1/14) announced the launch of an online toolkit to help local journalists craft COVID-19 vaccine education messages that best resonate with their audiences. The toolkit is designed to provide journalists with… read more
The Federal Communications Commission is reminding broadcasters and other EAS participants of their obligations to comply with the Emergency Alert System rules, including ensuring that alerts are accessible to persons with disabilities. “In reporting on the most recent national level test of the EAS, the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau noted improvements in… read more
WJR-AM (Detroit) Mid-Morning On-Air Host Frank Beckmann has announced his retirement after a 48-year radio career with the Detroit station. A sports broadcasting legend, Beckmann has hosted “The Frank Beckmann Show” on WJR weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to Noon for the last 18 years. His last show will air on Friday, March 26, 2021. Named… read more
A coalition of news organizations on Thursday (1/14) sent a letter to federal law enforcement agencies calling for greater transparency and timely, vital information about the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol Building and the possibility of further violence, including at the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. “The… read more
Editors note: On January 21 at 2 p.m. Eastern, David Oxenford will present a free webinar to MAB members ““What Can Broadcasters Expect in 2021?” On January 20, we will be inaugurating a new President. With a new administration, there will be changes throughout the government, including at the FCC. The day after the inauguration, join… read more
With donations this past summer from station employees and the community, plus a matching contribution from the Scripps Howard Foundation, WXYZ-TV/WMYD-TV (Detroit) was able to collect over 10,000 books for children that will be distributed beginning on January 19. “I am so proud of the team at WXYZ-TV and TV20 Detroit, and our viewers, for… read more
Bruce Turner, who is known for his legendary impact on public broadcasting in Upper Michigan, has died. According to Eric Smith, Director of Broadcast & AV Services at NMU, Turner died Saturday (1/9) following a brief illness. He was 82. Turner retired from NMU in 2019 following a 56-year career as WNMU-TV’s original station manager. In… read more
On December 19, WGHN-FM/WMPA-FM/Oldies 94.9 (Grand Haven) hosted their 8th Annual Stuff the Bus with the local Culver’s and Dean Transportation. This year they brought the Grand Haven and Spring Lake Rotarian’s onboard as partners and were able to provide over two tons of food for the Love in Action, Salvation Army, The People’s Center… read more