Held in the same city as last year — Normal, IL — but at a new venue — Illinois State University’s Bone Student Center — and with its theme “Doing More With Less,” IBA members can look forward to a streamlined annual conference designed so most attendees can “same-day” commute to this year’s conference thus avoiding the expense of purchasing overnight hotel rooms or missing more than a day at the office.
A later start — 8:30am — of the conference, beginning with our annual State of the Industry (formerly known as Legal, Legislative, and Regulatory Session) contributes to the commuting suggestion, as does ending the awarding of this year’s Downstate Silver Dome Awards at a 5pm Reception and Awards Presentation (the Chicago market Silver Dome Awards will be presented at a Chicago luncheon in November.)
The IBA2024 committee is nearing completion of its plans for the October 8th event, with most speakers already secured.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND IBA2024?
In a word…everyone! Owners, GMs, and Ops Managers are the intended audience to for our 8:30am rebranded “State of the Industry” sessions. Beginning at 10:15am, remaining staff members will find sessions and panels covering sales, news, promotions, and programming.
WHO’S PRESENTING AT IBA2024?
As we go to press, Mike Castellucci, Liz Crider, Andrew Finlayson, and Erik Therwanger have all been tapped for a series of 60-minute sessions. In addition, professional panelists representing most station departments are being assembled, asked to share their winning experience whether on the street, in the studio, the newsroom, in front of the camera or behind the mic.
More details to come, but for now, SAVE THE DATE October 8, 2024 for IBA2024 in Normal!
Illinois State University’s Bone Student Center
Mike Castellucci Liz Crider
Andrew Finlayson Erik Therwanger
IBA Foundation Treasurer, Larry Nelson, passes away at age 74
Nelson was IBA’s 2015 Vincent T. Wasilewski “Broadcaster of the Year”
Larry W. Nelson, 74, of Plano, IL, passed away unexpectedly on July 25th, 2024. Larry was born on January 17th, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, to Woody and Sylvia Nelson. After Sylvia’s passing in 1974, Woody married Malou Nelson, who was an integral part of Larry’s adult life.
Larry, along with his best friend and business partner Pam Nelson, has spent a lifetime and career fulfilling the goal of the 1934 Communications Act, creating radio stations that fully serve, communicate to, and reflect the local communities they are licensed to.
Larry grew up on the south side of Chicago with an early interest in engineering and in running businesses as a young boy. While attending high school, Larry helped start and run the student radio station at Bogan High School in 1968. Larry never attended college and was proud to have learned most things he knew on his own. Larry would often find time to work odd jobs for radio stations in Western Chicago. One of the radio stations he visited was WRMI in Morris, Illinois, which later became WCSJ one of the flagship stations owned by Larry today. Woody and Sylvia provided guidance in Larry pursuing his interests in radio broadcasting. Pam’s mother, Lucille Smothers, was also instrumental in allowing Larry and Pam to devote the time needed for radio duties and Doug and Jenny at home.
After high school graduation, Larry got a job doing transmitter and audio engineering at WLS. At the time, WLS engineers were leaders in the industry, knowing all the trade secrets of how to make big power tube AM transmitters sound spectacular. As a result of Larry’s knowledge acquired on the job, he was approached by WIND to help them improve the quality of their sound engineering.
Around 1968 while working at WLS, Larry met his wife and future business partner Pam. They were married in 1970 and applied for a new FM license in rural Kendall County. Over the next 4 years, they saved money and fought to win the license over other applicants.
Larry’s co-workers could not understand why he would want to apply for an FM license as AMs were the leaders, and many questioned their desire to own a radio station in this rural area.
On January 19, 1974, the Nelsons turned on WSPY FM 107.1 for the first time, and the rest is history. WSPY is focused on being the big station in a small market. Larry and Pam have always believed in having their station focus on local news breaking on their station first, having local community and groups, and covering local politics and local high school sports - boys and girls.
Larry and Pam bought the Morris radio stations WCSJ FM 103.1 and K Country FM 95.7 in the late90’s. They also own and operate radio stations in Dekalb County WLBK FM 98.9 and Q FM 92.9. Larry and Pam have taken great pride in having locally owned and operated radio stations that serve the community. The staff that work at the radio stations are the backbone of making the station what it is and a true service to the community.
Over the last 50 years, Larry and Pam acquired, sold, or kept about 25 radio stations. Ten of these stations are still operated by the family. Doug Nelson, Larry, and Pam’s son is actively involved in the radio stations and has a First Class FCC license for engineering at the stations. Jen Beckman, Larry, and Pam’s daughteris actively involved in the day-to-day business running of the radio stations.
Following September 11th, 2001, Larry served on the FCC Media Security and Reliability Council infrastructure committee, formulating best practices procedures for the nation’s communication companies preparing for natural disasters or attacks. Larry also served on the boards of Illinois Broadcasters Association and the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation.
Larry is survived by his wife, Pam Nelson of Plano, IL; his children, Douglas (Laura) Nelson of Plano, IL and Jennifer (Zak) Beckman of Plano, IL; his grandchildren, Sylvia Beckman, Killian Beckman, Lila Nelson, and Grant Nelson; his brother, Bruce Nelson of Libertyville, IL; also his step-mother, Malou Nelson.
Larry Nelson (left) pictured with Max Armstrong
Harry Lennix to be Inducted into IBA’s Hall of Fame!
Award Winning Actor of TV, Film, and Theatre to be Honored November 13th at Chicago luncheon.
Perhaps best known to modern day television audiences for his ten seasons and 218 episodes as FBI Assistant Director Counterterrorism Division’s Harold Cooper on NBC’s drama The Blacklist, 2024 IBA Hall of Fame-bound Harry Lennix is no stranger to the stage or silver screen.
The Illinois native and Northwestern grad has built an impressive resume on the way to his upcoming 60th birthday, with notable roles in The Five Heartbeats, Dollhouse, and in the DC Extended Universe films.
Prior to his decade long stint as The Blacklist’s Harold Cooper, Lennix enjoyed recurring roles in TV’s Diagnosis: Murder and 24 in addition to appearances on ER, House M.D., and Ally McBeal.
Lennix is set to be honored during IBA’s Chicago Silver Dome Awards Luncheon on November 13th at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Chicago.
WLS-TV’s Jennifer Graves Retires
Following a remarkable 32year career at ABC 7 Chicago (22 of those years as its Vice President of News) Jennifer Graves retired in late June.
Considered an integral part of the ABC 7 news leadership team, Graves led ABC 7 Eyewitness News to market dominance.
“Jennifer Graves’ reputation for journalistic excellence has made her one of the most influential news leaders in Chicago for more than three decades,” stated ABC 7 President and GM John Idler upon news of Graves plan to retire was announced. “Her news judgement, a passionate commitment to fairness and tireless work ethic are her legacy. These attributes have contributed to ABC 7 long-standing position as Chicago’s No. 1 News.” Idler continued, “We want to acknowledge her unwavering dedication and her commitment to keeping Chicagoland viewers at the forefront of everything we do. We can’t thank her enough and wish her nothing but the best.”
“It’s been the honor of my career to work with the talented journalists in the ABC 7 Chicago newsroom and chronicle the history of the Chicago area,” stated Graves. “Thirty-two years have gone by in a flash, and I’ll leave with a lifetime of memories and
more friendships than I can count.”
In her role as vice president of News, Graves directed the station’s 24/7 news coverage for all on-air and digital platforms, overseeing everything from breaking news and major event coverage to political debates, half-hour news specials and day-to-day news planning. During her tenure at the helm, Graves helped position ABC 7 News as Chicago’s trusted news source year after year, winning the top spot in ratings while also winning accolades and awards from journalism organizations. ABC 7 Eyewitness News has been honored with multiple regional Emmy® Awards, Peter Lisagor Awards, multiple Associated Press Awards as well as a National Emmy Award for investigative news reporting and numerous awards from the Illinois Broadcasters Association.
Graves joined ABC 7 in 1992 as an executive news producer and served as assistant news director from 1998-2001. In 2001, she was promoted to vice president of News, the position she currently holds. Before joining ABC 7, Graves was at WAGA-TV News in Atlanta from 1988-1992. Prior to that, she worked as a producer at KSDK-TV in St. Louis.
A member of the Radio Television Digital News Association and The Chicago Network, a women’s business leadership organization, Graves graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
Jennifer Graves
Last Seven Neuhoff Stations Are Sold
Written by Adam Jacobson (RBR.com)
It’s officially the end of an era for Neuhoff Media, which shared exactly five months ago that it would exit the broadcast industry after nearly 70 years. As July began, the privately held family-owned licensee revealed that it had reached an agreement to sell its final seven stations, located in the Illinois cities of Springfield and Bloomington, in a transaction brokered by Kalil & Co. and Tideline Partners.
With Tucson-based Kalil & Co. representing Neuhoff and Greg Guy-led Tideline serving as the buyer’s broker, Sports and Country combo WFMB-AM & FM, WCVS-FM “BOB FM”, WXAJ-FM “99.7 The Mix” and “Channel1450.com” in Springfield, Ill. are being sold along with WBBE-FM “BOB FM”, WIHN-FM “Rock 96.7” and WWHX-FM “NOW 100.7” in Bloomington, Ill.
The buyer is Woodward Communications Inc.
In a statement, WCI said the brands it is acquiring from Neuhoff align with the company’s focus on local community media properties in certain market sizes that serve niche and lifestyle audiences. “They expand WCI’s footprint in Illinois and bring experienced teams and talent to the employee-owned company,” WCI said.
“We are excited to welcome these exceptional brands into the WCI family” said Tom Woodward, WCI’s President/CEO. “They are a great fit with our culture and dedication to serving local communities. We look forward to collaborating with a very talented and engaged team to continue delivering top-quality programming and service.”
Guy declined to share a purchase price or any financial details ahead of the filing of an asset purchase agreement with the FCC for its regulatory approval. This is expected to occur within the next seven days.
For Neuhoff, this transaction will be its last, as the family in January made a strategic decision to sell its assets, with Julian Hickman and Makena Neuhoff, trustees of the Neuhoff family, directing the sales.
Hickman commented, “This final sale is bittersweet for our family, reflecting both a proud legacy and an emotional farewell. Our grandfather, Roger Neuhoff, poured his heart into the broadcast industry since the mid-1950s. The stations have been a vital part of our family and community, and while we cherish the incredible journey, it is time to turn the page.”
Makena Neuhoff added, “We would like to thank the incredible teams of local broadcasters in Springfield and Bloomington. We will forever cherish the memories and the significant impact our stations had on the local communities.”
For Neuhoff Media’s interim CEO, Steve Wexler, he couldn’t be happier to transition “these tremendous brands and talented, committed local broadcasters to the Woodward team. They share Neuhoff’s passion for localism and excellence.”
Neuhoff Family Limited Partnership and its local companies owned and operated 24 broadcast signals, along with multiple digital platforms, in five radio markets across central Illinois and west central Indiana.
Champaign Multimedia Group agreed to acquire WSOY-AM & FM, WCZQ-FM, WDZ-AM and WDZQ-FM in Decatur, Ill. and WDAN-AM, WDNL-FM, WRHK-FM in Danville, Ill. in the first transaction announced as part of the company wind-down.
Two weeks later, a $5.3 million deal was finalized that saw Saga Communications acquire WASK-AM & FM, WKHY-FM, WKOA-FM, WXXB-FM and FM translator W269DJ, serving the Lafayette, La., market.
CBS News Chicago Unveils A New Storefront Studio
The State-Of-The Art Studio is Located in the Heart of Chicago’s Loop Overlooking the Famed Picasso Statue, Housed on Daley Plaza.
CBS News Chicago is revolutionizing the way Chicagoans consume news and engages with its brand, with the launch of a new modern-day street side news studio. Debuting on Monday, July 8th during the 4PM newscast, the state-of-the-art studio will serve as an oasis of innovation and journalistic excellence expanding the operational footprint of the CBS News Chicago Broadcast Center.
CBS News Chicago’s President & General Manager, Jennifer Lyons says “We started with the idea of just building a new weather center, and then we ended up adding our main studio set to the plans. So, we have built a whole new set in Studio A. All the newscasts will be broadcast there. We’re excited to have the storefront studio once again to interact with our viewers.”
CBS News Chicago’s streetside studio concept brings the news directly to the people, blending traditional journalism with cutting-edge technology to deliver real-time data and information visualization. The 3,500 square foot news studio provides a dynamic and interactive platform empowering CBS Chicago journalists to report on breaking news, local events, and important issues facing the community.
“Everything we do, now including the new storefront studio we have built, anchors our mission of serving greater Chicago” says Lyons. “We’re also debuting our new brand, For The Love Of Chicago. This simple yet powerful statement capsulizes our existence and the origin of our why.”
CBS News Chicago encompasses a range of digital platforms, including a website, social media channels, and a mobile app. This allows viewers to access news on the go, 24/7 wherever they are, and stay informed about the latest developments in their community.
“We are thrilled to unveil our storefront studio as well as our new brand to the world,” Lyons shares.
“Everything we do, now including the new storefront studio we have built, anchors our mission of serving greater Chicago”
“With a defining election year for our country coupled with an ever-changing media landscape, we believe that the future of news must be interactive, engaging, and accessible. We are committed to delivering that experience to our viewers every day, championing community empowerment.”
Credit: CBS News Chicago
Credit: CBS News Chicago
Keep AM Radio in Cars to Ensure Public Safety from
NAB
ISSUE SUMMARY:
America’s public safety infrastructure is at risk if automakers remove AM radio from vehicles.
Policymakers should enact the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act (S. 1669; H.R. 3413) to keep this vital service in their vehicles to ensure Americans can be alerted to impending danger.
AM radio serves a vital role in our nation’s emergency infrastructure as the backbone of the Emergency Alert System. When the power goes out and cell networks are down, the car radio is often the only way for people to get information, sometimes for days at a time.
• With over 82 million monthly listeners, AM radio is also an extremely popular way for Americans to stay connected to both national and local news, sports and entertainment.
• AM radio is highly important to agricultural communities, providing weather updates, crop reports and other information to farmers and ranchers.
• AM stations also serve communities of color and underrepresented groups with in-language, religious, and other community-oriented niche programming.
Despite this, certain automakers have removed AM radio as a feature on electric vehicles and signaled that they may remove AM radio from new models of internal combustion engine vehicles in the future.
Rightly, there has been a public outcry from members of Congress, Federal Communications Commission officials and former Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administrators about removing AM radio from vehicles. “Experts at [FEMA]...have been clear: eliminating the AM radio will put public safety at risk.”
One of out three American AM/FM radio listeners are reached monthly by AM radio
On May 17, 2023, Sens. Ed Markey (MA), Ted Cruz (TX), Tammy Baldwin (WI), Deb Fischer (NE), Ben Ray Luján (NM) and J.D. Vance (OH) and Reps. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-7), Rob Menendez (NJ-8), Bruce Westerman (AR-4) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-3) introduced the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would require the Transportation Secretary to issue a rule requiring vehicles manufactured in or imported into the U.S. to have devices installed that provide access to AM radio. It would also, among other things, ensure that AM is easily accessible to the driver and require motor vehicles that do not include AM radio (in the period between enactment and prior to the Transportation Secretary issuing the new rule) to be labeled as such to consumers in a clear and conspicuous manner.
Source: Nielsen
It’s August Recess for Congress! Don’t Miss This Opportunity to Talk (about) “AM” Radio with Your Members of Congress.
It’s that time of year again. A month filled with state and county fairs, parades, hometown festivals, and of course, the nation’s Congressional recess which allows all Members of Congress to head home from the nation’s capital to enjoy (and appear) at all of the above-mentioned summer gatherings. Them being back in their home districts also presents ample opportunities for elected officials to be invited to appear on your airwaves or perhaps even visit your office (or you to visit theirs.)
Whatever scenario works best for you, don’t miss this opportunity for you, your listeners and/or and viewers to talk “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act” with your legislators, specifically the “AM for Every Vehicle Act” (H.R. 3413 and S.1669) that, if signed into law, would require the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to issue a rule requiring access to AM broadcast stations in motor vehicles and for other purposes.
When asked his view on the effort during an interview on WGN-Radio, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Buttigieg himself suggested support for the medium remaining on the dashboard, saying he’ll be “ready to run with that the moment Congress gets that done.” He added, “I’m glad to see there’s lots of interest in different parts of the country and from some people who don’t always agree on everything that this could be a good move.”
Bipartisan support for the bill continues to grow in the House, with a current total of 256 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of the bill (including Illinois’ U.S. Representatives Bost, Budzinski, Foster, Jackson, Kelly, Krishnamoorthi, Quigley, Ramirez, Schakowsky, and Schneider.) That leaves U.S. Representatives Casten, Davis, Garcia, LaHood, Miller, Sorenson and Underwood still needing to be convinced.
A plethora of information is available at NAB.org including radio spots which we encourage you to continue to air with intensity, especially since Congress is home to hear the spots on your airwaves and, in the event you secure an audience with your Member and/or he or she appears on your airwaves, these talking points provides you and your on-air hosts a plethora of information for an educated conversation about the topic.
Should you successfully secure an audience with any of the ten co-sponsor Members from Illinois already on record as supporting the legislation, be sure and thank them for their support but then ask if they will next “go to leadership and express support for the bill” and ask that it to be “brought to the floor in September.”
As for the seven remaining yet-to-support Members, if given an opportunity, discuss with them the “AM for Every Vehicle Act” and ask their support by officially signing on as a cosponsor (or, at minimum, ask why they won’t support.)
Please follow-up with IBA regarding any scheduled meeting or happenstance encounter you had with a Member and let us know how that meeting went. If an on-air interview includes a conversation about the “AM for Every Vehicle Act,” please send a video link or aircheck of that conversation that we can then share with NAB.
Let’s bring this legislation across the finish line!
