Texas Association of Broadcasters
12/09/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/09/2024 14:04
TAB Sets Dates for Lawmaker-Broadcaster Meetings in Austin
posted on 12.09.2024
A key lawmaker told his broadcasters at a TAB grassroots meeting years ago that "TAB can help me understand an issue, but only YOU can make me care," a statement that continues to shape TAB's efforts to protect Texas Radio and TV broadcasters' public policy interests before state lawmakers.
With the 2025 Texas Legislature just weeks from convening, Texas Radio and TV broadcasters should heed that advice and make plans now to advocate for our agenda to protect broadcasters' newsroom and business interests in the 140-day long legislative session.
The regional events listed below replace the single statewide legislative lunch TAB used to host. When the 2023 ice storm forced the cancelation of last session's event, TAB members and lawmakers said they preferred the smaller, market-specific gatherings that replaced the bigger event.
The events will provide an opportunity to connect, refresh contact info, and hear what lawmakers are planning for next session. It'll also allow broadcasters to share concerns about protecting the Anti-SLAPP law, taxes, slow responses to requests for public information, the UIL playoff coverage policy, and the prohibition against using drones for newsgathering.
TAB 2025 Regional Legislative Lunches (No Charge to Attend)
• Wed., Jan. 22 - Austin
• Tue., Jan. 28 - Dallas-Fort Worth
• Tue., Feb. 4 - Houston
• Thur., Feb. 6 - South Texas (RGV, Laredo, Corpus Christi, Victoria, San Antonio)
• Tue., Feb. 11 - West Texas (Lubbock, Amarillo, Odessa-Midland, Abilene-San Angelo)
• Thur., Feb. 13 - Central Texas (Waco-Killeen-Temple, Bryan-College Station)
• Note: The East Texas and El Paso events have already occurred.
Agenda and Registration
Each event runs from 11 AM to 2 PM, opening with a TAB policy briefing, followed by lunch and off-the-record conversations with lawmakers.
The first question lawmakers ask when they receive TAB's invitation is "Who's coming from my district?" So, broadcasters are asked to register by Jan. 3 so we can respond quickly with a list of registrants.
Who Should Attend?
General Managers, News Directors, GSMs or community liaisons who regularly represent the station at official functions.
Questions? Contact Oscar Rodriguez or call (512) 322-9944.