Conference Agenda

2024 ABA Conference Agenda

THURSDAY, Aug. 8 Sessions

Registration (8:00AM-4:00PM)

Continental Breakfast (8:00-9AM)

Engineering Workshop (9:00AM-5:00PM)

  • Kirk Harnack, Telco Alliance – Current status of Audio over IP
  • John Mailhot, Imagine Communications – Understanding SMPTE 2110
  • Sean Edwards, American Amplifier Technologies – FM Combiner Systems
  • Jeff Welton, Nautel – Proper transmitter site inspections

Elevate Your Leadership: ABA/RAB Leadership MasterClass Interactive Workshop (9:00AM-5:00PM)

9:00AM:  Media Law
Presented by Dr. Dianne Bragg (UA CCIS)

This session concerns the issue of public vs private figures, a distinction that can arise in coverage of athletes. We will discuss the public figures standard, set in Curtis v. Butts, and how social media, NIL, and other activities might impact that definition. Additionally, we will cover the Alabama Shield Law and the ways in which it can (or cannot) be used to protect Alabama journalists.  

9:00AM:     14 Traits of Breakthrough Talent
Presented by Steve Wexler, W-E-X-L Coaching and Development

Steve will reveal the 14 traits inherent in the most successful radio and TV performers. Understanding and identifying these traits will help you recruit and create more compelling, memorable talent and content, as well as provide more effective strategies for coaching and developing talent.

9:00AM:    Enriching your broadcast stories with scientific evidence

Presented by Sara Whitlock and Tori Espensen, American Association for the Advancement of Science

Science stories are happening in our communities all the time: public health issues, hurricane season, pollution from industrial facilities. But even stories that aren’t “about” science can benefit from scientific evidence. Stories about homelessness, downtown development, crime, immigration, and almost any topic can be strengthened with science. Yet many journalists aren’t comfortable delving into science. Some are fearful of getting it wrong, or aren’t “science reporters”, or don’t feel like there’s enough time in a segment to really get into the science. Through presentation and interactive exercises, this session for local and general assignment broadcast reporters will cover basic principles about what science is and how it works, how to integrate science into stories that aren’t obviously about science, how to find and get the most from scientific experts, and ways to think about creating scientific visuals.

10:15AM    BREAK

10:30AM: How to Artfully Push Back When Sources Lie or Mislead
Presented by Rod Hicks, Society of Professional Journalists

Politicians increasingly make false or misleading statements to the press, and too often, journalists allow them into their reports unchallenged. Politicians, as well as other sources, have learned to skillfully use false equivalence, whataboutism, bothsidesism and lying when speaking to reporters. This session offers tips for journalists to get around these tactics intended to misinform the public.

10:30AM:   Breakthrough Content Workshop
Presented by Steve Wexler

Most on-air talent don’t have a process for capturing and presenting their most compelling and interesting content and often rely on external sources that are typically available anywhere. Steve will explore the creative process and provide specific methods talent can use to create more memorable, authentic content.

12:00-1:30PM:   Hall of Fame Luncheon

1:45-3:15PM:  Election 2024: Truth and the Myth of Objectivity
How to connect, inform and build trust with your viewer
Presented by Kevin Benz

Part 1 – The Myth of Objectivity: What does it mean to be “objective?” How to cover “truth” rather than controversy. How to identify bias and how to use empathy as a story-telling truth engine. What your viewer demands in order to believe you.

1:45-3:15PM:   Talent Coaching 101
Presented by Tom Hanrahan, CoachedUp

3:15PM:     BREAK

3:30-5PM:  Election 2024: Truth and the Myth of Objectivity
How to connect, inform and build trust with your viewer
Presented by Kevin Benz

Part 2 – Covering Election 2024: Get off the racetrack and into the stands – The 2024 elections will test journalists as never before as truth takes a backseat to agenda and polarization just keeps everyone angry. How do we cover candidates who treat truth as an inconvenience and voters who want agreement over clarity? We will take political polarization and bias head on, giving real options for journalists interested in telling truths over talking points and covering issues over arguments. We will look at specific coverage examples that will inspire you to avoid the horserace, focus on the issues, and educate your community. 

3:30-5PM:  Building Culture and Driving Generational Collaboration
Presented by Montiqua Pettway

Join us for a dynamic session that delves into the essentials of fostering a positive workplace culture while promoting effective generational collaboration.  In today’s workplace, cultivating a cohesive culture is paramount to organizational success, employee satisfaction and well-being.  This session dives deeply into fostering a workplace environment where every voice is valued and every generation thrives.  We will explore the foundations of culture, intentional culture building, generational dynamics and actionable takeaways.   Embrace this opportunity to define the type of culture that is important to you and your organization’s future success. 

5:00-7:00PM:    “Margaritaville” Reception

FRIDAY Aug. 9 Sessions

8:00-10:00AM:  Registration

8:00-9:00AM: Continental Breakfast

8:30-9:00AM: Annual Meeting/General Assembly

9:00-10:15AM:     Keynote: Leadership Lessons From the Road
Presented by Steve Wexler, W-E-X-L Coaching and Development

Business culture and business results are always connected!  In this session, Steve discusses the four different business cultures he’s experienced in his broadcast career, the consequences of each – and reveals why one model outperforms the others for long-term results AND employee engagement.

9:00-10:15AM: How Successful Sellers Run Their Business
Presented by Derron Steenbergen

Discovering Your Sales Swagger in One Hour…

Learn (or be reminded) how the most successful sellers run their business. This session will focus on simple steps to ensure you have a sales career and not just a sales job.  What questions do you ask? How do you respond? What does excellent follow up really look like? How do I be a better closer?  These are just a few of the fast-paced topics you will hear in this session. Finally, you can expect to walk away with real tangible ideas and approaches to put into play in your business immediately.  For all sellers and managers.

 9:00-10:15AM:     Broadcast TV’s Outlook in a Digital World

Presented by Brian Wexler, TVB

  • Broadcast TV’s relevance today
  • Why buy Digital advertising from a TV station
  • The Future of Broadcast TV
  • Automotive Update
  • Revenue Sales Opportunities

 Brian Wexler of the TVB will talk about broadcast TV’s continuing relevance, why your customers should be buying their digital advertising from you AND he’ll pontificate on the future of broadcast TV and the sales opportunities that are coming our way!

10:00-10:30AM    BREAK

10:15-11:50AM:   Programming for Diverse Audiences
Presented by Rod Hicks, SPJ

Our moderator will lead four panels through discussions about programming for and about diverse audiences in Alabama.  Each panel of three people will address their topic for 20 minutes.  Panels include “Programming for and about Women,” “Programming for and about People of Color”, “Programming for and about Non-English-Speaking People”, and “Programming for and about Gen Z and Millennials.”  Panels will include programmers and a few listeners and viewers to hear from their perspectives.

(10:20-10:40) Women (Edie Hand, Jama Killingsworth (WAFF TV), Alie B. Gorre)
(10:40-11:00 People of Color (Mary K Schmidt)
(11:00-11:20) Non-English Speaking (Cinthia Saenz (Rivera Comms), Terry Barber (Little Engine B’casting)
(11:20-11:50) Millenials and Gen-Z (Dre Day)

10:30-11:50AM: Allowing AI to Drive Sales Success
Presented by Derron Steenbergen, Swagger Institute

Are you simply scared to death by AI? Are you intimidated at the thought of trying to use it? This session will help ease your fears by showing you three phases of AI that are sure to help you incorporate this new technology while keeping you grounded in fundamentals.  Don’t miss this session!  For all sellers and managers.

10:30-11:50AM:   FCC & Legal Review
Presented by Scott Johnson/Ray Quiones

Join us for a discussion of the most recent and IMPACTFUL FCC rulings and federal legislative actions, along with a recount of this year’s Alabama legislative session.

We’ll talk about saving AM radio in vehicles, the continuing battle against a Performance Tax, Alabama’s new law regarding A-I and political advertising, the latest in our efforts to improve open records access in the state and a near miss with an attempt to allow LUC rates to more than federal candidates.

10:30-11:50AM:   The Digital Marathon: Innovative Strategies to Gain Traction Now (and Down the Road)
Presented by Denise Vickers

Does it sometimes seem as if the digital world is like running on a treadmill? You’re moving fast but don’t seem to get anywhere? Or once you’re making progress, you suffer a setback?  

Whether you’re an experienced digital journalist or just breaking into the industry, this session will have something for everyone.

You’ll leave with practical ideas to create content that connects, engages and translates to traffic that can be monetized.  

We’ll delve into the latest trends shaping digital media, explore innovative content ideas and uncover the secrets behind effective engagement. Plus, we’ll discuss how to leverage the power of Artificial Intelligence without eroding trust in your news brand.

This interactive workshop will equip you with the tools and knowledge to thrive in the digital space and leave with actionable strategies to elevate your digital approach.

12:00-1:15PM:     President’s Luncheon

1:30-2:30PM:    2024 Football Forecast!
Presented by Andy Burcham, Auburn University and Chris Stewart, University of Alabama

The voices of the Auburn University Tigers and the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, Andy Burcham and Chris Stewart, will give us a forecast of the upcoming football season and talk about their high-profile broadcast roles and careers.  We’ll be giving away a few sets of football tickets along the way, too!