KAB 2023 Recap
We worked hard on the legislative front in 2023. During the state session, we were successful in passing a bill that allows broadcasters to stream all post season high school activities at no cost (once KSHSAA’s current exclusive agreement has concluded). This is the first bill of its kind in the nation! We also hosted our inaugural State Legislative Day with the KAB Board of Directors to promote the industry and strengthen relationships with legislative leadership.
We visited Washington, D.C., twice to advocate for TV and radio issues. Notably, we secured five out of six members of Congress as co-sponsors on the AM Radio In Every Vehicle Act. We will continue to advance this issue in 2024, as well as focus on FCC prioritization of ATSC 3.0 rollout and modernization of MVPD definition.
In April the KAB Board of Directors facilitated a strategic plan to prioritize KAB’s goals and priorities for the next three years. We are excited to share a copy of the Strategic Plan Executive Summary with general managers later this month. We also hosted seminars/workshops for broadcast engineers, journalists, and students interested in sports broadcasting.
New member incentives and programs include the revitalization of the KAB-Funded Internship Program. We funded six for member-stations throughout the state. We also launched the KAB Ambassador Program this fall. The goal is to strengthen our presence on campus and enhance industry awareness among high school and college students. Of course, we also funded scholarships for kids of Kansas broadcasters and college students pursuing careers in broadcasting.
Of course, none of this would be possible without your participation in our Public Education Partnership (PEP) Program. Upon renewing your KAB membership, please take a moment to also submit your 2024 PEP pledge form. Eighty-three percent of KAB’s revenue is from the PEP Program; and we would not be effective as an organization without your generous airtime donation.
Most of all, I want to emphasize how thankful KAB is for our members. We are proud to represent you and wish you happy holidays and prosperous 2024.
Allison Mazzei
President of the Kansas Association of Broadcasters