TAB Launches 2020 Public Service Survey

posted on 11.02.2020

- Findings Fuel Advocacy in Austin, DC

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.

Because the final report does not extrapolate for stations that do not respond, the more stations that participate, the more complete a picture TAB can provide lawmakers of the unique role broadcasters play in their communities.

Helping policymakers understand the full value of the service local stations provide is increasingly important as broadcasters press policymakers to even the competitive playing field with digital behemoths siphoning local ad dollars from Texas markets.

Introduced in 1998, the annual survey has since documented well more than $5 Billion in public service contributions by Texas broadcasters. In 2019, only 10 percent of Radio stations and 32 percent of TV stations responded, yielding a documented $96 million in public service contributions.

Stories and the Numbers
While the survey requests specific data, it also provides stations an opportunity to go beyond the numbers and share stories of their most impactful 2020 public service.

Stations are invited to submit audio or video content no longer than 90 seconds highlighting what stations consider to be their best community service project of the year.

Anything related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the protests for racial justice, 2020 elections, and more routine activities involving local schools, hospitals and other local charitable efforts are just some examples of the work that stations should reflect upon.

Schedule, Prizes
The survey is completely electronic, and staff assigned the task of responding can pause during the process without losing data already entered.

After the November 9 launch, non-responding stations will begin receiving weekly reminders until the final deadline of December 8^th.

Each week, TAB will draw from the pool of that week’s responses to award a 2021 TAB Show registration package including two complimentary hotel nights for the Aug. 3-4 event at the JW Marriott in Austin.

The survey will be sent to station GMs or an alternate staff member if they’ve designated one.

Questions? Contact TAB’s Oscar Rodriguez or call (512) 322-9944.

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