Phil McComb, Kansas Broadcast Company – Southwest
Greetings fellow broadcasters!
My focus this year is to remind all of us broadcasters that our platforms are significant. Local broadcast TV and radio news is considered a reliable source of information by many Americans, especially when compared to national news outlets or social media. We must continue to roll out better content if we want to keep winning the battles for audiences.
Congratulations are due for the 2025 Dr. Ian Punnett Media Educator Award awardee, Cal Butcher from the University of Kansas. Additionally, congratulations to this year’s Hod Humiston Award winner Brad Hallier with Ad Astra Radio. Both will be awarded and honored during the KAB Student Broadcast & Sports Seminar at Arrowhead Stadium on April 23.
| Speaking of the Student Broadcast and Sports Seminar, time is running out to register. The deadline is this Friday, April 4. Don’t wait. We can only accommodate 300 people for this large event. It’s so much fun and exactly what broadcasting is all about: FUN! In early March, the KAB Executive Committee traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with our Kansas lawmakers. We spoke with Senator Moran, Congressmen Mann and Schmidt, and staff from other offices about modernizing outdated broadcast ownership rules and reintroducing the AM For Every Vehicle Act. Shortly after our visit, FCC Chairman Carr announced plans to review ownership rules—a step in the right direction for keeping broadcasters strong and competitive. I encourage you to reach out to our Kansas delegation and share your support for these issues. Finally, if you have a graduating high school senior in your family, they are eligible for the KAB Kids Scholarship. This is a fantastic benefit the KAB provides for Kansas broadcasters with eligible children. I hope to see you in KC on April 23. Have a great April! |