Note to Suppliers: Nominations Open for Fall Best of Show

The award program is intended to raise awareness for products launched around IBC’s virtual event and the traditional fall “new product” season. More information here.

Today’s Top Insight 7/23/20

How Africa’s Vernacular Stations Are Helping Right Now

Broadcasting in local languages, they have become increasingly critical in Africa for passing essential information to people about the fight against COVID-19.

News & Technology 

Big Radio Companies Settle With FCC on Online Political Files

The outcome feels like something of a “group slap on the wrist,” one that nevertheless seems to carry an FCC warning — or call it a reminder — to the industry.

SiriusXM Adds Volkswagen to the 360L Family

We’ve been reporting on the rollout of the platform by carmakers because of its “hybrid” radio features like on-demand content and personalization.

Community Broadcaster Confronts Coronavirus

A Q&A with Kongsue Xiong of Asian American Broadcasting in Minnesota.

Federico D’Avis of Dielectric Retires

John Macdonald steps into sales role at the antenna company.

Letters

Richard Fry on Part 15 AM Coverage Area

The signal can go much farther than 200 feet without violating the rules.

Around the Industry

O’Rielly Nomination Advanced to Full Senate (Multichannel News) 

Handful of Democrats vote against second term.

SiriusXM Owner Gets Justice Dept. OK to Up Stake in iHeartMedia (San Antonio Express-News)

Here’s how iHeart’s “local” newspaper is covering that story from last week. The company is headquartered in San Antonio.

Spotify Now Supports Video Podcasts (The Verge)

Baby steps at first along with limited, selective offerings.

How’s It Going?: Fake Radio Stations Edition (Kotaku)

Fake radio stations and their DJs in games like Grand Theft Auto “are so much cooler” than their real counterparts.

Calendar of Events

JULY

Texas Association of Broadcasters Annual Convention and Trade Show, [CANCELLED] July 29–30, JW Marriott Downtown Austin, Austin, Texas

AUGUST

Michigan Association of Broadcasters Annual Meeting, [CANCELLED] Aug. 3–4, MGM Grand Detroit, Detroit

SBE Leadership Development Course, [POSTPONED] Aug. 4–6, Atlanta

Michigan Association of Broadcasters Annual Business Meeting Virtual 2020, Aug. 11 

Nebraska Broadcasters Association Annual Convention, [CANCELLED] Aug. 11–12, Lincoln, Neb.

Alabama Broadcasters Association Convention, [CANCELLED] Aug. 14–15, Birmingham, Ala.

For more events see Radio World’s Calendar.