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Legislation promoting new performance royalties for FM and AM radio is currently being considered in Congress, and the National Association of Broadcasters is on the offensive pushing back against new fees and royalties for radio broadcasters. The Local Radio Freedom Act is a bipartisan resolution opposing "any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge" on local broadcast radio stations.

This summer the NAFB Board of Directors will be hosting a New York Agribusiness Luncheon, featuring guest speaker, Chris Fesko. Chris is an award winning educator, farmer, and is the creator of the On The Farm video series. The luncheon will connect NAFB with associations, companies and dignitaries in the agriculture industry, throughout the state, including the New York Governor's office. The luncheon is July 23, 2015 at 11:30 a.m. at The Olde Tater Barn, Central Bridge, New York. For more information, please contact Kim Holland.

Please Welcome the Following New NAFB Members

Broadcast Council 
•   Joshua McGill, Farm Broadcaster, Southeast AgNet Radio Network
•   Davis Michaelsen, Editor, Farm Journal Media    

Washington Watch is just around the corner. Make this the year to attend. It's an unbelievable experience, giving you a greater knowledge of how Washington D.C. works and introduces you to high-ranking members of the officials throughout the U.S. government. I attended my first Washington Watch last year (2014). I had no idea what to expect or how to cover the event, but with other veteran broadcasters in attendance it didn't take long to learn. 

Please help us welcome the following members to NAFB. 

New Emeritus member, Denny Banister
New Honorary members; Jack Farmakis and Mike Johanns

Broadcast Council

Applications are now being accepted for 2015 National Association of Farm Broadcasting Foundation Internship Grants. Through generous support of DuPont Pioneer, the NAFB Foundation is once again offering 10 member stations and networks the opportunity to sponsor an intern. Each Internship Grant provides $1,000 towards intern expenses, and provides a college student with rewarding experience.

Marketing and Promotion Update
The Marketing and Promotion Advisory Board meeting is scheduled during NAMA, April 15, 2015 at the Sheraton Crown Center from 10 a.m. to Noon. The meeting will be held in Atlanta Ballroom A. 

Please help welcome the following new NAFB members. 

Broadcast Council 

• Gregory Bartusiak, Farm Director, WCUB Radio, Manitowoc, WI 
• Jesse Harding, Farm Broadcaster, KRVN/Rural Radio Network, Lexington, NE 
• David Sparks, News Reporter, Ag Information Network Of The West, Boise, ID    

70 years ago the National Association of Radio Farm Directors, like the rest of the country, was focused on the war effort. As the calendar turned to 1945 many NARFD members were in the service while others had undertaken War Bond and other war related efforts.