Member Services
Stations’ support of TAB’s Public Education Program, established in 1994, allows TAB to offer a wide range of direct services to stations in addition to our invaluable advocacy work in Austin and DC.
The PEP program helps government and non-profit entities deliver important public education messages to the entire state for a nominal fee, generating revenues that make the following services possible.
Alternative Broadcast Inspections
TAB initiated this program in 1997 through a unique partnership with the FCC. Our team of ABIP inspectors review stations for regulatory compliance and advise stations on needed corrective action. Successful inspections, which are voluntary and partly underwritten by TAB, garner participating stations a three-year waiver from onsite, surprise FCC inspections. With FCC fines starting in excess of $4,000, this program is inexpensive “peace of mind” insurance for Texas broadcasters!
Legal Hotline, Guides and Political Updates
Owners, GMs and key staff routinely turn to TAB for free legal help on routine topics ranging from interpretation of FCC regulations and ad copy questions, to tax concerns and newsroom issues. TAB retains top law firms in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and DC to provide this guidance, saving stations thousands in legal costs.
Members also have 24/7 online access to legal guides on advertising, newsroom protections, state tax policy and general business regulations.
During election years, TAB’s “Political Update” emails keep sales and news teams alike informed of developments in Texas’ political landscape that could drive political advertising and news coverage.
Training Programs
Stations save thousands of dollars and make many times that through TAB’s free online training services. From ongoing, auditable training curriculum for sales teams, to extensive management insights for leading great teams and heading off legal problems, stations have great resources for every member of their staff at the ready.
Special online presentations throughout the year provide impactful insight for newsrooms, managers, sales teams, and programmers. Presenting partners include TVB, RAB, Poynter Institute, Media Staffing Network and NAB.
Employee Recruitment
Complying with the FCC’s EEO rules and finding qualified employees can be complicated and time-consuming. TAB helps stations simplify the process with its online Job Bank, career expos and Broadcast1Source.com, a web-based program that helps stations with EEO recordkeeping required by the FCC.
Public Service, $5 Billion and Counting!
Broadcasters’ localism is our strongest asset in the increasingly competitive media marketplace and in TAB's legislative advocacy. No industry does more to advance Texas communities. TAB’s annual public service research project documents the industry’s extraordinary efforts and reports aggregate numbers to lawmakers and regulators in Austin and DC. Since 1998, TAB has documented more than $5 billion in public service to their communities – and that’s with an average of only 15% of stations responding!
Annual Convention & Trade Show
A “mini-NAB Vegas” brings sales, technology and legal experts to Austin. Attracting more than 1,200 delegates and featuring 115+ exhibit booths, the event is the go-to program for owners, managers, sales teams and engineers. It’s a fast-paced, hard-working day and a half in Central Texas. TAB members get a discount on registration fees!