IBA officially forms new organization

It’s official.  The newly created Independent Broadcasters Association (IBA) will be officially forming a new entity within the next tow weeks & hope to soon get to work representing the needs of “indie” & small broadcast groups to the FCC & the public.  Organizer & head of  the lobby group, Ron Stone told Radio Online: “We have 496 owners and operators representing just under 3,000 stations that have signed up supporting the idea of the organization. The next step is the actual formation of the IBA into a legal entity, forming an initial board and getting to work on all the elements we have been discussing that will benefit independent operators choosing to be members of the IBA Stone added, “We will see more owners and operators sign up now that the decision has been made to launch, as many have said to me ‘I will sign up when I know it is real.’ The IBA will make a significant impact on independent broadcaster’s bottom line. In three years, every member will echo that the IBA was exactly the right organization at the right time to meet the needs of independents.”

Many are now questioning the cost to station & group owners for membership investment in the new organization.  Stone says he expects to have that answered soon as the board will take that up as its first task adding that “membership will be affordable and will not be a burden for any size operation.” He added: “We will see more owners and operators sign up now that the decision has been made to launch, as many have said to me ‘I will sign up when I know it is real.’ The IBA will make a significant impact on independent broadcaster’s bottom line. In three years, every member will echo that the IBA was exactly the right organization at the right time to meet the needs of independents.” Owners and operators are still being encouraged to sign up at  http://radioiba.org/ which will only remain active until the new IBA site is operational. Frequent updates will be emailed to those that have signed up on the site to receive communications. Additionally, those signed up will received specific instructions for membership once the new IBA web site (currently under construction) is launched.There will be a conference call scheduled for all members in the next few weeks with Ron Stone and the initial board to discuss the mission and goals of of the new organization.