The 2026 Awards of Excellence finalists have officially been announced, and the excitement is building for the biggest night in Colorado broadcasting.

Now it’s time to secure your spot at the celebration. Join us at the Ritz-Carlton Denver on Saturday, April 11th for an unforgettable evening of recognition, networking, and honoring the best in our industry. With record-breaking entries this year, we’re expecting one of our largest and most exciting galas yet.

Early-bird ticket pricing is available through March 22nd. After that, prices increase, so now is the time to lock in your seat. CBA Members receive an additional discount. Simply email [email protected] for your member code.

Use the buttons below to view the finalists list, purchase your tickets, and reserve your room at the Ritz-Carlton. Discounted hotel rooms are limited and will fill quickly.

Don’t wait. Grab your tickets today and be part of Colorado broadcasting’s biggest night of the year.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact Madison Golesh.

Don't Forget!

Daylight Saving Time Transition – Spring 2026

This Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 2:00 a.m. local standard time, clocks will "spring forward" one hour to 3:00 a.m., marking the start of Daylight-Saving Time across most of the United States. (Note: This aligns with the standard U.S. schedule, where DST begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.)

Daylight Saving time particularly impacts AM Daytime and Directional stations with pre-Sunrise/post-Sunset authorizations. Engineers should check their sign-on, sign-off time, and mode changes against their current FCC authorization to ensure compliance. Remember, all times on FCC licenses are listed in Standard Time.

Pre-Transition Preparations

Engineers and station personnel should take the following steps in advance:

· Update automated program lists to accommodate a 23-hour broadcast day on the transition Saturday/Sunday.

· Confirm that NTP (Network Time Protocol) services are enabled on all workstations, servers, automation systems, and related equipment to maintain accurate synchronization.

Post-Transition Checks

Immediately after the change, perform thorough verifications to catch any disruptions:

· Verify that the EAS (Emergency Alert System) decoder/encoder has correctly adjusted to the new time.

· Ensure incoming syndicated or network programming feeds remain properly time aligned.

· Review automatic transmitter logging systems to confirm entries reflect the correct times and modes.

· Manually adjust non-NTP-dependent devices, including security systems, wall clocks, and any other analog or standalone timing equipment.

· Document any items that required manual intervention, as facility configurations vary widely, creating a personalized checklist for future transitions is highly recommended.

Looking Ahead: Fall Back Transition

For planning purposes, the return to Standard Time is scheduled for Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2:00 a.m. local daylight time, when clocks will "fall back" one hour to 1:00 a.m.

This seasonal adjustment affects broadcast operations each year, particularly for stations with time-restricted authorizations. Staying proactive helps avoid compliance issues and minimizes on-air disruptions.

Broadcasters are encouraged to review their current FCC authorizations and consult with engineering or legal support as needed ahead of March 8.

John J. Baich – ABIP Inspector, SEEC Chair

Sangre de Cristo Broadcast Consulting, LLC

Turn Real‑Time Car Dealer Insights Into Revenue‑Winning Conversations

Mastering Media Credit Decisions & Collections
March 18th at Noon

Protect your revenue and strengthen your credit strategy in this practical, fast-paced webinar designed for media credit professionals focused on reducing risk and improving cash flow. The session covers proven approaches for working with advertisers and agencies, identifying early warning signs, managing high-risk accounts, and using internal data to strengthen credit decisions from the outset. It also addresses critical legal realities, including when litigation makes sense, how to navigate bankruptcy or receivership, and best practices for protecting receivables from day one.

The webinar is led by Randy Neff, President of Szabo Associates, the first and largest collection firm dedicated exclusively to media and related industries. With more than 37 years of experience across broadcast, print, digital, and agency environments—and as a longtime industry educator and MFM board member—Randy delivers actionable, real-world guidance grounded in what works for media organizations today.

Recruiting and Retaining in an AI World
 March 19th 11:00 a.m. 

Explore how Artificial Intelligence is changing the way broadcasters recruit and retain talent with Lisa Fields of Media Staffing Network. From candidate sourcing to screening and onboarding, learn where AI-driven tools can save time, improve quality-of-hire, and reduce manual workload.

Alternative Inspections Now Available Annually

The Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program (ABIP) is now being offered every year from early spring to late fall.

With Colorado's own John Baich acting as ABIP inspector, the program is now available every year. This provides a solution for stations that failed prior inspections, are undergoing ownership changes or would simply like to have the peace of mind, and certificate, confirming their stations are in compliance.

Stations found in-compliance are granted a 3 year grace period, during which stations are exempted from further routine inspections by the FCC. Any non-compliance found by the inspector will not be reported to the FCC nor any other governmental agency. A detailed report of any non-compliance items and "best practices" is provided after each inspection.

If your station is in need of an ABIP inspection this summer, use the link below for more details, pricing and an application. 

ABIP Application

Ballot measure seeks to enshrine ‘right to know’ government affairs in Colorado Constitution

By Marianne Goodland
Colorado Politics

A ballot measure filed earlier this month would enshrine people’s “fundamental right to know” the affairs of governments, thereby overturning a 2024 law that, critics said, now allows lawmakers to shield their activities from the public.

(more)

Translators & Boosters Require IDs

by John Baich, SECC Chair & CBA ABIP Inspector
Sangre de Cristo Broadcast Consulting, LLC

Another common violation I run into in the field are translators that are not running proper ID’s.  It is the misconception of some station operators that the hourly ID on the main station is enough, unfortunately the FCC rules state otherwise.

(more)

Remembering the father of Black radio in Denver: James “Dr. Daddio” Walker

Alice 105.9 Raises $1 Million for Children’s Hospital Colorado

Denver’s Plante To Join Grand Ole Opry Centennial Celebration

Emmanuel López-Capó Named News Director for Telemundo Colorado

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