July 4, 2015

Sometime station engineers, because of “workload” or “not being in the loop”, miss important updates from the FCC that affect the technical department.

Here is a brief outline of some of the more recent changes…

 Audible Crawl Rule:

The FCC adopted an Audible Crawl Rule back in April 2013.  This rule would require all television stations to present aurally on a secondary audio program stream (“SAP”) any non-newscast emergency information that a station presents visually.  As adopted, the rule would have required all emergency information presented visually to be fully conveyed verbally on the SAP twice, including weather maps and school closings.

The original deadline was May 26, 2015.  However the general compliance deadline has been extended per a request from the NAB by six months to November 30, 2015.

In addition the FCC announced that it will waive the requirement to aurally describe visual but non-textual emergency information.   Graphical information, such as a Doppler Radar map, does not contain text files that can simply be converted to speech.

However that waiver is for only 18 months.  Broadcasters now have until November 2016 before the FCC will require them to “aurally describe the critical details regarding the emergency and how to respond to the emergency . . . including the critical details conveyed solely by a map or other graphic display.” 

Video Description Obligation:

 As of Wednesday, July 1, 2015, TV stations affiliated with the Top Four networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox) in the top 60 markets are required to provide 50 hours of video description per calendar quarter.  In Alabama those markets include Birmingham (40) and Mobile-Pensacola (60).

In addition, the FCC noted that the video description rules require all stations to pass through video description when it is provided by their network if the station has the technical capability to do so. 

Revised EAS Rules:

As we covered in an Engineering Notebook a few weeks ago the FCC issued an Order updating its rules to establish operational standards to be used during national EAS tests and emergencies. Those revisions have now been published in the Federal Register, so we know that they will take effect on July 30, 2015.

Specifically, the Commission has adopted “six zeroes” (000000) as the national location code pertaining to every state and county in the U.S. in order to make EAS consistent with Common Alerting Protocol (“CAP”) standards.

The Order also adopted a new rule regarding the use of a National Periodic Test (“NPT”) event code for future EAS testing, which is designed to bring consistency to the operation of EAS equipment in future national, regional, state, and local activations.

Basically all EAS receivers will need to be able to receive the NPT code and respond to the national location code within one year from the effective date of the new rules.  That date is now set for July 30th, 2016.  The FCC is also setting up an Electronic Test Reporting System (ETRS), which be used to report reception of the National EAS Test.

The ABA will publish shortly a detailed information sheet on procedure for setting up the National Test filter in your equipment.  If you have questions concerning setting a new filter in your EAS equipment contact the Alabama EAS committee.

Radio Broadcast Engineering class July 13th – 17th.  Register online now.

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Larry Wilkins CPBE®
Alabama Broadcasters Association
334-303-2525

News
Position/Title:
Multimedia Journalist (MMJ)
Details:
ABC 33/40 in Birmingham, AL has an exciting opportunity for a Multimedia Journalist (MMJ).
Vacancy Type:
Full Time
Date Posted:
6/24/2015
Closing Date:
7/24/2015
URL:
www.wtto21.com

Experience:
A minimum of 3 years reporting experience is required.
Requirements:
Responsibilities as an MMJ include reporting, shooting and editing news stories, enterprising story ideas and developing contacts as well as other responsibilities as assigned. This is a bureau position and candidate will live in the eastern part of the viewing area.
Contact:
Sinclair Broadcast Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace.
Please apply online by going to www.sbgi.net/employment

Job posted by an EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

(07-24-15)

Category:
News
Position/Title:
General Assignment Reporter
Details:
ABC 33/40 in Birmingham, AL is looking for a take-charge weekday Reporter to help us continue to grow our newscasts.

Vacancy Type:
Full Time
Date Posted:
6/24/2015
Closing Date:
7/24/2015
URL:
www.wtto21.com

Experience:
We are seeking a motivated, energetic creative and aggressive Reporter who can think and perform outside the box. The candidate should be able to develop a story idea and gather information for newscasts, have sound writing skills, a great work ethic, and a can-do attitude. The best person for this job will have excellent live shot skills, and thrives on breaking stories.
Requirements:
2-3 years experience General Assignment reporting
Contact:
Sinclair Broadcast Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace.
Please apply online by going to www.sbgi.net/employment

Job posted by an EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

(07-24-15)

Alabama News Network, WAKA/CBS8 and WNCF/ABC Montgomery is looking for an experienced promotions producer who loves news and will be passionate about selling our local news brand. We are looking for someone who can conceptualize, write, shoot and edit news promos, PSAs and announcements for station events. Will work closely with the news department every day. Must have experience with videography, lighting and editing with Adobe’s Creative Suite and Final Cut 7 or similar software. Must also have an eye for creative graphic design to create promos that will grab attention. Must be able to work flexible hours. College degree required. Send resume, DVD or link to jobs@waka.com or mail to Human Resources, Alabama News Network, 4001 Carmichael Road, Suite 100, Montgomery, AL 36106. No Phone Calls Please. EOE

(07-24-15)

Reporter/MMJ – WBRC, Birmingham, AL
WBRC seeks a reporter/MMJ for its top-rated operation in Birmingham, Alabama. This is not an entry-level job. We need someone with at least two years of experience and plenty of reps doing LIVE reports from the scene of the story. Responsibilities: writing for online, posting to social, LIVE reporting, solo shooting and editing. If you’re ready to work with a great team of journalists, let’s hear from you. Must be able to work nights, weekends, early AM, holidays, overtime etc. Must have a good driving record. Qualified applicants, please apply online and attach your resume and link to your most recent work. To apply, visit careers-raycommedia.icims.com/jobs/3726/reporter-mmj/job. No phone calls or faxes please. EOE-M/F/D/V

(07-24-15)

BUREAU REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER
Alabama News Network, WAKA-CBS, WNCF-ABC is looking for a MULTI MEDIA JOURNALIST to handle the duties in an established news bureau. Duties include reporting, shooting and editing in our Troy Newsroom. The qualified candidate must have knowledge of shooting with a digital camera and non-linear editing. Candidate must have an outgoing personality and willing to establish contacts within the communities. At least one year experience in television news required. A degree in Communications or related field preferred. Also, the company requires a good driving record. Please email resume to jobs@waka.com or mail to Human Resources, WAKA, 4001 Carmichael Road, Suite 100, Montgomery, Alabama 36116. No phone calls please. EOE

(07-23-15)

General Sales Manager

WKRN-TV, Media General’s ABC Affiliate in Nashville, TN, seeks an experienced, dynamic General Sales Manager who will lead, motivate and inspire our very successful Sales Department. We are seeking an experienced leader who has a track record working with winning teams that grow market share and excel at digital and business development.

Job Description:
Develop and execute strategies to achieve station sales goals across multiple platforms; including our ABC station, D-2 station and our best in class Lin Digital solutions – Lead, coach and motivate our successful Sales Department – Recruit top talent to match the high standard set by our current Sales team – Create and nurture a positive environment that recognizes and celebrates achievement – Effectively manage inter-departmental relationships – Accurately project station and market revenue – Oversee departmental expense and revenue budgets – Effectively price and manage commercial inventory – Positively represent the station in the business community. Conduct Local and National Sales calls with Account Executives. Provide sales training and in-field coaching.

Skills (Essential and Preferred):
A Bachelor’s Level Degree
Effectively communicate to build strong internal and external relationships – Strong history of budget achievement across all platforms – Strong history of accurate market and station revenue projections – Outstanding inventory management skills that allow the station to fully maximize its revenue potential – Experience leading a department focused on creative client solutions that generate measurable new business for the station, while generating results for our clients – Successful track record of multi-platform sales.

Experience (Essential and Preferred):
Five or more years in broadcast sales management required. Prior GSM experienced preferred.
For consideration: No phone calls please. Please tell us how you found out about the job opening. Send resume and cover letter to:
WKRN-TV, Human Resources (News), 441 Murfreesboro Road, Nashville, TN 37210
email to: lsnyder@wkrn.com – Be sure to include your name and job title in subject line.
For more information about current job openings, please refer to www.wkrn.com under Contact, then Employment. WKRN-TV is a drug-free company and requires pre-employment drug testing and background investigations. Media General, WKRN-TV is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in the hiring, training or promotion of employees because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. We are engaged in a continuing effort to seek out prospective applicants for employment with our company. We earnestly solicit your assistance in obtaining employees and request you refer prospective applicants to us at the address below.
441 Murfreesboro Road, Nashville, TN 37210

(07-23-15)

MISSISSIPPI PUBLIC BROADCASTING
IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

JOB TITLE: ETV-Videographer Editor
WORKING TITLE: Videographer
DEPARTMENT: Production
ANNUAL ENTRY SALARY: $27,243.43

JOB DESCRIPTION:
Mississippi Public Broadcasting is seeking a Videographer Editor for field and studio productions, field and studio lighting, field audio recording and non-linear editing. Knowledge of HD video equipment, Adobe Premiere CC is required (Final Cut Pro or Avid acceptable). Knowledge of advanced production techniques including jibs and Steadicam is desired. Additional duties include serving as part of the production crew. This position is classified as Non-State Service, Exempt.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES INCLUDE:
•Prepare field equipment and records video projects on location and in-house as assigned.
•Operates agency video camera equipment with filters and other special effects, sets up lighting equipment, and operates video editing equipment in editing sessions.
•Performs quality video and audio recording during production of television projects.
•Sets up microphones and cabling for audio recording.
•Adjusts video camera for proper exposure, audio level, and shot composition in accordance with agency standards.
•Audio, Editing and Lighting skills is required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Radio/Television/Film or a directly related field (AND) one (1) year of experience in work directly related to the above-described duties
(OR)
Graduation from a standard four-year high school or equivalent (GED), (AND) five (5) years of experience in work directly related to the above-described duties.
(OR)
Above graduation from a standard four-year high school or equivalent (GED), directly related education and related experience may be substituted on an equal basis.

HOW TO APPLY:
•Applicants must go online to Mississippi State Personnel Board (www.mspb.ms.gov)
•Click on Job Seekers
•This will take you to the “JOB OPENINGS” page. Read instructions thoroughly to apply for job opening.
Closing Date: July 3, 2015

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:
MISSISSIPPI PUBLIC BROADCASTING
3825 RIDGEWOOD ROAD, JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 39211

(07-03-15)

June 12, 2015

Update to EAS Equipment

Most engineers have read or heard about the FCC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking concerning changes to the EAS operation involving national level test.

In its 6^th Report and Order the Commission has proposed the following changes….

1.   Adopt “six zeroes” (000000) as the national location code pertaining to every state and county in the United States, and we require EAS Participants to use equipment capable of processing this location code.

2.   Require that EAS Participants’ equipment be capable of processing a National Periodic Test (NPT) event code for future nationwide EAS tests to bring consistency to the operation of EAS equipment in future national, regional, state and local activations.

3.   Require EAS Participants to file test data in an Electronic Test Report System (ETRS) that has been constructed to be a practical, accessible, and minimally burdensome tool for recording EAS dissemination data and developing an FCC Mapbook that can illustrate the manner in which an EAS alert is propagated throughout part or all of the United States.

4.   Require EAS Participants to comply with minimum accessibility rules, in order to ensure that EAS visual messages are readable and accessible to all members of the public, including people with disabilities.

Basically what this means is that all broadcasters and cable operations should have their EAS equipment programmed to enable the reception and relay of a National Periodic Test (NPT) with the location code set to “six zeroes” (000000).

In checking with manufactures  of  EAS equipment we have found the following…

DasDec….The most current firmware already supports the new national location code   and the NPT code.  Detail information and guidance in configuration of the DasDec for these changes can be found here.

Sage Endec….Sage will update its firmware to allow its model 3644 users to comply with the new rules.  Sage users should not make any EAN-related changes to their filters at this time. We will update this announcement, and send email to our  support list, when our release plan is finalized.

Gorman Redlich…The company plans to issue an update to their firmware shortly.

These new rules will become effective 30 days after it is published in the Federal Register.  In the Report and Order the Commission concluded that EAS Participants should be given up to twelve months from the effective date of the rule amendments requiring use of the national location code and NPT rules to come into compliance with these amendments.

The Commission however said “in light of the fact that FEMA intends to conduct a nationwide EAS test “in the near future,” and that such a test will use both the NPT and the “six zeroes” location code, it is imperative that we ensure that EAS Participants are capable of processing a test with these characteristics as rapidly as  possible.

In the EAS Operational Issues NPRM, we addressed this concern by proposing to require compliance with the national location code and NPT requirements within six months from the effective date of their codification into our rules.”

The ABA will keep you up to date on any changes as we go forward.  If you have any questions feel free to send an email to the Alabama EAS Committee.  For those with spare time and would like to read the entire Report and Order click here.

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