Radio continues to do what broadcasters do best, and associations are doing their best to help them keep it up. How are you and your station coping with COVID-19? Tell [email protected].
— The Vermont Association of Broadcasters has received confirmation from the office of Vermont Gov. Scott media personnel are counted as essential during the current state of emergency and will be allowed to travel freely. However, VAB cautions that it’s currently unclear whether you will need to show credentials or other information certifying your need to be on the road, so it makes sense to have DHS/CISA Access and/or Fuel letters on hand. If you’re a Vermonter and need one, email your request to the association.
— “We’re all living this nightmare, we’re running our radio stations on gut, duct tape, and alligator clips.” Fred Jacobs may not sound optimistic, but he’s not one to give up.His media consultancy wants to know how your listeners are handling the novel coronavirus, and Jacobs Media has set up a survey to learn about the current listening climate and how consumers think radio is handling this gargantuan task.
— The Radio Advertising Bureau is acknowledging what strange times we’re in with a new website section on working “When It’s Not Business as Usual,” featuring tools and resources to help members. RAB says it’s also cueing up three new webinars dedicated to keeping the wheels on during the COVID-19 pandemic: “Business Unusual Requires Exceptional Communication — How To Talk To Your Advertisers Now;” “How To Craft Your Messaging In Times of Uncertainty;” and “Work From Home (WFH) Strategies To Maximize Productivity In Your New Office.”
— On a lighter note, if your work from home situation is making you go barking mad, apparently you’re not the only one, as evidenced by this Facebook post:
— Law firm Pillsbury has set up a page dedicated to COVID-19’s impact on contract performance issues. They’re offering guidance that’s not radio-specific, but is worth reviewing.
— The Radio Mercury Awards have been rescheduled and the timeline to enter has been extended. The awards will now be presented Oct. 6, and entries can be submitted until Aug. 3.
