Business Continuity
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Randy J. Stine Radio World’s lead news contributor wrote last issue about the impact of federal funding cuts on public radio engineers.
Broadcasters weigh insurance coverage against the cost Costs grow as companies juggle revenue challenges
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reeping insurance costs for liability and property coverage have more broadcasters facing increasing financial strain. Radio and television broadcasters face a wide range of risk. There are towers, antenna equipment, buildings and their contents, broadcast media software, broadcasting vehicles, business interruption, special events, workers’ compensation and more, according to people in the insurance industry. Whether it’s an ice storm in Tennessee, flooding in Louisiana or a California wildfire, remote broadcast infrastructure is often in harm’s way, and the costs to insure against loss are mounting for broadcasters, they say. Broadcasters also face liabilities that are unique to the industry. High risks like defamation, copyright infringement and regulatory fines, combined with strict underwriting for specialized productions, drive up premiums for broadcasters. Companies face the threat of vandalism or even domestic terrorism.
radioworld.com | July 2026
Incidents of copper theft are on the rise, which can lead to significant business interruption. For example, Payne Media Group’s KITX(FM) in Hugo, Okla., suffered catastrophic damage to its tower in 2024 when copper thieves brought the tower down to steal 3-inch copper coax and sell it to a scrapyard. President Will Payne said the incident took the station off the air and caused significant financial pain even though the transmitter site was insured. “Insurance is expensive and yet won’t cover everything. Maybe 80%. Then once a claim is paid, expect to be cancelled and next policy to be double the cost,” he said. “Also, be prepared to be able to purchase replacement gear and wait up to 10 months or more to be reimbursed.” Protection comes at a cost, according to experts. The National Association of Broadcasters has several endorsed partners for property and casualty insurance, including Axis and Amwins, which offer NAB members tailored insurance coverage. Both are underwriters that wholesale specialty insurance products and services.
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