Local radio and television stations are playing a critical role in the response to the coronavirus. Your efforts keep your communities informed are much appreciated. We know that this crisis has impacted your station operations and there is a lot of uncertainly about what the immediate future will bring. Please know that the VAB is here to support you in any way that we can. Below is a compilation of resources for our members – we will continue to add new resources as they become available. If you have suggestions of other links or resources we can provide, please let us know.
Return to the Workplace Safely Guide: https://www.safety.com/public/natural-disasters/coronavirus-workplace-safety/
Broadcasters as Essential Businesses
On Monday, March 30, Gov. Northam issued an amended “stay-at-home” order for the state of Virginia. The new order extends the “stay at home” period effect until June 10, 2020, unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.
The amended order maintains the list of essential businesses that may remain open, and media is included. Although, there is no specific letter or documentation required, the VAB has drafted a basic letter below for stations to provide to their employees along with the amended order. The letter explains that media is considered an essential business, but it does not carry any legal authority.
Station employees who are travelling to and from their station, transmitter site or conducting other essential station business should also be sure to carry their station identification. If you experience problems accessing your station, please contact the VAB’s Executive Director Doug Easter.
Also, please note the amended order maintains social distancing requirements for essential businesses that are that are continuing operations during the order.
- Virginia Stay at Home Order (3/30/20)
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) List of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers – see p. 9 for media exception
- DHS Letter Access
- DHS Letter Fuel
VAB Legal Bulletins
- 5/7/20 – Brooks Pierce Bulletin – FCC Announces Narrow Waiver of “Widespread Recruitment” EEO Requirement When Rehiring Staff Laid Off Due to COVID-19
- 4/3/20 – Brooks Pierce Bulletin – FCC Waives Sponsorship ID Requirement on Very Limited Set of COVID-19-Related Public Service Announcements
- 03/27/20 – Brooks Pierce Bulletin – FCC Extends Filing Deadlines for Children’s Television Programming Annual Report and 1Q 2020 Issues/Programs List Until July 10, 2020, Due to COVID-19 Emergency
- 3/26/20 – Brooks Pierce Bulletin – FCC Provides Guidance Regarding Lowest Unit Charge and LMA/SSA Arrangements In Light of COVID-19 Emergency
- 3/13/20 – Brooks Pierce Bulletin – Guidance for Noncomm FM Stations Regarding COVID-19 Closures
The Brooks Pierce law firm have created coronavirus resource pages on their websites which may be helpful to you.
VAB and Other Webinars
- 5/21/20 – Borrell & Associates Webinar – Crisis Marketing: The Importance of Advertising in the Current Environment
- 5/15/20 – Brooks Pierce Webinar – My Station Got a PPP Loan – Now What?
- 4/9/20 – Brooks Pierce Webinar – Navigating the Paycheck Protection Program “Encore” Webinar – Opportunity for Your Clients
- 4/8/20 – Paul Weyland Webinar – Working with Clients During the Coronavirus Crisis
- 4/6/20 – Brooks Pierce Webinar – Navigating the Paycheck Protection Program
- 3/25/20 – Brooks Pierce Webinar Archive – COVID-19 Related Issues for Broadcasters
- P1 Learning – 11 Training Courses for Uncertain Times– free access for VAB members
Federal Government Links
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC) coronavirus site
- CDC guidance for businesses and employers
- OSHA guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19
- Small Business Administration (SBA) coronavirus resources for employers
- SBA disaster loan program information
Commonwealth of Virginia Links
- Virginia Department of Health (VDH) coronavirus website
- VDH COVID-19 resources for businesses and employers
- Governor Northam’s News Releases
- Governor Northam’s website
NAB Resources
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has developed a toolkit for broadcasters, which includes PSAs that stations can air.
VAB Office and Staff
The VAB is currently working remotely, but we’re still available to serve our members. The most efficient way is to reach us via email – here are our email addresses, or you can contact Doug Easter by phone at 434-906-1777.
