About

In collaboration with the FCC, we offer the Alternative Broadcast Inspection Program (ABIP) to ensure compliance with federal regulations and to avoid surprise inspections. ABIP certifications are conducted by knowledgeable experts who review technical and regulatory requirements. Stations that pass the inspection receive a three-year Certification of Compliance, and all participants receive an FCC compliance checklist and an Emergency Alert System manual.

Working with our member stations throughout Indiana, the IBA offers selected non-profit organizations the opportunity to reach virtually every Indiana citizen throughout the state with our Public Education Program. IBA members contribute radio and TV advertising time to the PEP effort, which is then sold to qualified organizations as an effective way to reach millions of listeners. The IBA Public Education Program funds most of the IBA’s activities.

The IBA works with Broadcast Compliance Services, a system of in-depth EEO recruiting that lets members perform the maximum community outreach with a minimum of time and expense. We also organize Career Fairs throughout the year to assist stations with meeting compliance requirements and we maintain member Job Postings on the IBA website, IndianaBroadcasters.org.

The Indiana Broadcasters Foundation offers college scholarships to worthy students who are pursuing a degree in the field of broadcasting. IBA works cooperatively with Indiana institutions that offer broadcasting programs, annually funding several scholarships that help students with education expenses.  More details are available here.

In times of disaster, the IBA can help ensure that critical station engineering personnel maintain access to studio and transmission facilities through participation in the First Informer Certification Program. Created by act of the Indiana General Assembly, engineers can qualify for First Informer status after completing both an online and in-person training course.

IBA funds sales and station management training services are available to member broadcasters. P1 Learning offers programs to improve a member station’s performance with short online video training courses that are easily accessible anywhere, anytime, on a phone, tablet, or computer.

The IBA supports the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers, a group dedicated to preserving Indiana’s historic place in the art of broadcasting.  Pioneer members gather to celebrate the history of Indiana stations and the talent and behind-the-scenes staff who made it possible. Find out more about the Pioneers at their Facebook page.

The IBA has two legal resources on retainer to help members. Our Washington, D.C.-based FCC attorney can help with routine legal questions about political matters, EEO, contests/lotteries, filing fees, children’s television requirements, ownership matters, and other issues. In Indiana, our attorney is available for answering routine legal questions on local concerns.

The AMBER /BLUE/ SILVER Alert Program is a collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies and local participating Indiana broadcast stations. The goal is to safely return children and adults who are missing, under specific criteria, by providing information to the public. The BLUE Alert provides the means to speed the apprehension of violent criminals who kill or seriously injure local, state or federal enforcement officers.

The Indiana Broadcasters Association is part of a network of state broadcaster organizations that work cooperatively to keep our members informed and aware of the changing regulatory and business requirements. The IBA offers free member webinars to educate about developments in engineering, emergency alerting, sales, political advertising, equal employment opportunity, license renewal, and other subjects.

The IBA keeps our membership informed of developments in regulatory matters, emergency alerting and public warning technologies, equal employment considerations, sales techniques, and other issues of concern to radio and TV broadcasters. Our frequent updates and ongoing programs help members maintain good business practices and stay informed about changes in broadcasting.

IBA recognizes outstanding examples of broadcast service each year, and offers three annual awards:

• The Broadcast Pioneer Hall of Fame pays tribute to individuals who by their deeds or innovative ideas have made unique contributions to enhance the excellence of broadcasting

• The IBA Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes those whose work is unusually beneficial and of superior value to their community and to the association

• The IBA Thomas Severino Leadership Award recognizes an individual for commitment to excellence in broadcasting, and for dedication and outstanding vision