Texas Association of Broadcasters

“FEMA” Access Letters for COVID Still in Effect

posted on 11.20.2020

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed last week that the so-called “FEMA” access letter issued in May for designated essential workers traveling during the COVID pandemic remain valid and in effect despite bearing the signature of former CISA Director Christopher Krebs who was ousted by the White House last week.

Stations Framing 2020 Public Service Work Amidst Pandemic, Protests

posted on 11.16.2020

Texas Radio and TV stations have begun sharing how they’ve helped their communities deal with the pandemic, summer racial justice protests and other challenges in their responses to TAB’s 2020 Public Service Research Survey.

Broadcasters Release 2021 EAS Test Schedule

posted on 11.16.2020

The Primary Entry Point (PEP) stations that originate the Texas EAS RMT have released the 2021 RMT schedule.

In Short Order, New Texas House Speaker Emerges

posted on 11.09.2020

As expected, members of the Texas House of Representatives quickly coalesced around a leader just days after it became clear that the partisan makeup in the lower chamber will remain unchanged after a furious election season. Rep. Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, broke out of the pack of announced candidates with a bipartisan and diverse majority of 83 supporters to stake his claim, with subsequent additions bringing the total to more than two-thirds of the 150-member body.

Texas Broadcasters’ Public Service Grows to Nearly $6 Billion

posted on 2.03.2020

Despite the continuing expansion of the media marketplace, Texas’ local Radio and TV stations continue their dominance in strengthening the communities they serve by engaging listeners and viewers to support local schools, hospitals and charities.

Texas Broadcast Calendar Now Available

posted on 12.30.2019

The 2019 Texas Broadcast Calendar is now available!

Prepping for 2021 Texas Radio License Renewals

posted on 11.20.2020

Texas radio stations’ FCC license renewal applications must be filed April 1, 2021. There are some small changes from the previous license renewal cycle in 2014, such as the FCC dropping the requirement of pre-filing station license renewal announcements in February and March of next year.

TAB Inclusive Journalism Webinar set for Nov. 12

posted on 11.09.2020

TAB will present a FREE webinar this Thursday to explore how Texas newsrooms can thoughtfully cover stories when race is a key component.

TAB Launches 2020 Public Service Survey

posted on 11.02.2020

TAB’s 2020 Public Service Survey launches Nov. 9 as we prepare to document once again the extraordinary service local Radio and TV stations provide their communities, no matter the challenge. The findings gleaned from the annual survey help power TAB’s advocacy before policymakers in Austin and Washington, DC, clearly distinguishing local broadcasters from recent entrants to the media marketplace.

TAB Slates Law Enforcement Accountability, Inclusive Journalism Webinars

posted on 11.02.2020

While the pandemic has canceled many broadcast industry educational gatherings, it has not deterred TAB from a core mission – providing ongoing learning opportunities for station teams. Case in point, TAB is presenting newsrooms two webinars next week as a follow-up to two Poynter programs last week that earned rave reviews from participants.

Election Looming, Houston Democrat Eyes House Speakership

posted on 10.26.2020

As Democrats remain laser focused on flipping control of the Texas House of Representatives, their longest serving member, Rep. Senfronia Thompson of Houston, has announced her candidacy for Speaker of the House. With early voting turnout at record highs and a partisan shift seemingly moving in the Democrats’ direction, Thompson’s move is serious. If it comes to pass, she will be the first African-American and woman to occupy the office, one of the three most powerful in state government.