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FCC Chair: New Media Ownership Rules Still a Work in Progress

“We’re taking in those comments and looking through them at this time.”

Maddy Troy

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FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel has stated that the latest update to media ownership rules is still a work in progress. The Federal Communications Commission is currently reviewing the comments collected during the 2022 quadrennial review, which began in December.

“We’re taking in those comments and looking through them at this time,” Rosenworcel told reporters following the FCC’s monthly meeting.

Unlike previous quadrennial launches that included detailed proposals for rule changes, the Media Bureau focused on asking questions about three media ownership rules subject to review: the Local Radio Ownership Rule, the Local Television Ownership Rule, and the Dual TV Network Rule.

The main obstacle currently hindering progress is the pending 2018 quadrennial review. This review has faced legal challenges since November 2017 when the decision was made to abolish newspaper-broadcast and radio-TV cross-ownership rules, modify radio AM-FM subcap regulations, and relax television ownership restrictions.

Although the Supreme Court upheld these revisions in April 2021, the FCC opened a public comment period in June 2021 to refresh the record before finalizing the proceeding, but it has not concluded.

The National Association of Broadcasters recently filed a lawsuit requesting that the federal appeals court in Washington complete the long-pending 2018 quadrennial review before proceeding with the 2022 review. Broadcasters have expressed difficulties in providing relevant comments for the new proceeding while the old one remains unfinished.

Rosenworcel confirmed that the court has not yet requested a response from the FCC regarding the lawsuit.

Broadcast attorney Scott Flick compares the 2018 quadrennial review to a “regulatory clogged pipe,” causing delays in other proceedings. Flick explains that while the courts have played a significant role in the quadrennial process, they can only review decisions that come directly from the FCC. Flick believes that the timing of the arrival of a fifth commissioner will be the determining factor in driving the latest media quadrennial, as a four-member commission may not be able to issue a quadrennial decision.

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Media Business

Steve Wexler Named Interim CEO of Neuhoff Media

Wexler comes to Neuhoff Media after 35 years in radio management.

Barrett News Media

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A photo of Steve Wexler

After current CEO Mike Hulvey was tabbed as the new CEO and President of the Radio Advertising Bureau, Neuhoff Media has tabbed Steve Wexler to fill his shoes.

While Hulvey doesn’t officially take over at the RAB until April, Wexler will begin his role as interim CEO at Neuhoff in January, according to RadioInk.

“I am thrilled for Mike and am honored to serve as interim CEO for this legendary company and look forward to working with the talented, committed team at Neuhoff during this transition,” said Wexler.

Wexler comes to Neuhoff Media after 35 years in radio management. Most recently, Wexler served as the Market Manager and Vice President for Good Karma Brands in Milwaukee. After his resignation, Wexler remained in a leadership role with the company, working as a “leadership coach” inside the organization.

“We thank Mike for his many contributions during his more than 30 years as part of Neuhoff Media. Under his leadership, Mike has advanced the family mission of great local radio,” Neuhoff Media Trustees Julian Hickman and Makena Neuhoff said in a joint statement. “We wish Mike all the best in his new role at the RAB and are thrilled to welcome Steve Wexler as Interim CEO.”

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Media Business

Erica Farber Stepping Away as RAB CEO, Mike Hulvey Named Replacement

“She’s left an indelible imprint on the industry, and we can’t thank her enough for her commitment and passion to Radio.”

Barrett News Media

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A photo of Erica Farber and Mike Hulvey
(Photo: RAB, Neuhoff Media)

After a 12-year run as President and CEO of the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), Erica Farber will depart the organization next year.

Farber will step aside on April 1st, 2024, and be replaced by current Neuhoff Media CEO Mike Hulvey. Despite her exit as President and CEO, Farber will remain involved in RAB’s Rising Through the Ranks leadership development training and the National Radio Talent System, according to RadioInk.

“We thank Erica for her leadership over the past decade in helping to shape an organization that meets the needs of broadcasters today as well as for the future of the audio industry,” said Connoisseur Media Founder and CEO and RAB Board Chair Jeff Warshaw. “She’s left an indelible imprint on the industry, and we can’t thank her enough for her commitment and passion to Radio. It’s been an honor and a privilege to work with her.”

Mike Hulvey joins the RAB as President and CEO with plenty of knowledge of the organization. Previously, he served as the Chair of the Board. He has also served as the President of the International Broadcasters Idea Bank and served on the NAB Board of Directors.

“I’m honored to take on this responsibility and lead the RAB. It’s a privilege to follow an amazing leader such as Erica Farber,” said Hulvey. “I look forward to celebrating her in the coming months while we begin working with our dedicated team and board of directors in support of the mission of the RAB.”

“Mike is an excellent selection with the relevant skills and expertise to lead the RAB. He has an impressive track record in corporate management and local radio expertise,” Warshaw added. “In addition, as a past chair of the RAB he has a clear understanding of the organization and what the broadcast industry requires from RAB. He has a tremendous passion for the industry which will serve us all well.”

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Media Business

Elon Musk: We’ll Tell The World ‘In Great Detail’ How Advertiser Boycott Killed X

“What this advertising boycott is gonna do, it’s gonna kill the company. And the whole world will know that those advertisers killed the company. And we’ll document it in great detail.”

Barrett News Media

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A photo of Elon Musk
(Photo: Jae C Hong/AP)

After a report that various advertisers saw ad placements next to anti-Semitic content on X, a large portion have pulled their advertising from the social media platform. X owner Elon Musk had a strong message for those boycotting the company.

While speaking with CNBC’s Andrew Ross Sorkin, Musk was asked about those companies taking their advertising dollars away from the company and how he views them.

“I hope they stop. Don’t advertise,” Musk said.

“You don’t want them to advertise?,” the CNBC host asked.

“No,” replied Musk. “If somebody’s going to try to blackmail me with advertising? Blackmail me with money? Go f— yourself,” Musk said confidently. “Go. F—. Yourself. Is that clear? I hope it is. Hey, Bob (Iger), if you’re in the audience. That’s how I feel. Don’t advertise.”

When Andrew Ross Sorkin followed up by asking about the economics and the business model of the company without the backing of advertisers, Musk was adamant it will cause the platform to fold.

“What this advertising boycott is gonna do, it’s gonna kill the company,” Musk said. “And the whole world will know that those advertisers killed the company. And we’ll document it in great detail.”

When the CNBC anchor pushed back on the idea that advertisers would be responsible for the downfall of the company, the X owner said “Tell it to Earth. Let’s see how Earth responds to that.”

The advertising boycott comes as Musk faced charges of publishing anti-Semitic content himself. As part of a quasi-apology tour, he visited Israel and met with prominent leaders in the country. Some estimates put the boycott at costing the social media platform $75 million thus far. That comes on the heels of Elon Musk claiming the platform has experienced an advertising drop of 50% in 2023.

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