The Broadcasters' Desktop Resource

Greetings from your broadcast friends out on the Desert…
This is BDR Newsletter 857, Volume 17, #24 for January 14, 2026

DID YOU MISS THE RWT?
Did you notice the RWT from the FEMA IPAWS did not appear to happen this week? Actually, something did happen – although not entirely intentional – and how your EAS receiver handled it will tell you if the test worked.

GET YOUR FILES READY
We now are approaching the next round of station license renewals. Next year, the process starts, and stations in MD, VA, WV, DC, NC, SC, FL, PR, and the Virgin Islands will be the first to file with the FCC. Rather than wait until the last minute, stations ought to consider any changes in operations that might be needed. (hat tip: Cary Tepper)

UPDATING THE ZIP
For those of you who are tasked with keeping your Online Public Information File up-to-date, you may have discovered the FCC does a regular zip file of items for you. This file is not updated instantaneously, so it is worth checking from time to time to ensure that everything you uploaded is there, in the right place. (hat tip: Mark Earle)

HOW TO GET HELP WITH CYBER SECURITY
Not every station has a full IT department. So, the question is, where do you turn when you need some assistance in dealing with your local servers and keeping them secure. This week, Aaron Sauer from Auriga Technology is our main guest, along with David and Nico from Blackpoint Cyber. Their presentation will be information on ways to improve your local cyber security as well as operational issues that crop up – and they do, right? – with information on whom you can call for more information or help.

Join us on Thursday at 2 PM Eastern / 11 AM Pacific. The link request is on www.theBDR.net/TLG/

… and do not forget, on the same page we have over 200 videos you can use on subjects you will want to learn about.