Radio and television broadcasters constantly serve local communities. Stations air lifeline emergency information; support our military; raise millions for hospitals and cancer research; collect food, clothes and toys; devote free air time to election coverage; and promote education.

Submit your station's public service to Suzie Raven.

KETV Helps 'Omaha Gives' Raise $7.8 Million

Hearst's ABC affiliate KETV-TV Omaha partnered with the Omaha Community Foundation for the fifth annual "Omaha Gives," a 24-hour online charity event on May 24. This year, nearly 53,000 people made donations, totaling $7.8 million for 923 local organizations. In five years, Omaha Gives has become the seventh largest day of giving in the United States, raising more than $27 million.

KETV-TV also hosted the 19th annual "D.J. Hero Award Luncheon," which highlights eight local students who have overcome incredible odds to succeed in life and are dedicated to helping others. Each student receives a college scholarship. This year's luncheon raised $500,000 for local Salvation Army projects and featured a speech from recording artist Jewel.

KYW-TV Philly Raises $6.5 Million for Pediatric Cancer Research

CBS-owned KYW-TV and CBS-owned CW affiliate WPSG-TV Philadelphia raised a record $6.5 million on June 8 during the 11th annual "Alex Scott Telethon" to benefit pediatric cancer research. In 11 years, the event has raised nearly $24 million. The live broadcast included personalities from KYW-TV, CBS Radio's WOGL-FM, WPHT-AM, KYW-AM, WIP-FM, WXTU-FM and WTDY-FM, coaches from St. Joseph's University and Temple University, plus mascots from the Philadelphia Phillies, Eagles and 76ers.

The telethon benefits the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, which evolved from four-year-old cancer patient Alexandra "Alex" Scott, who held a lemonade stand in 2000 to raise money to help find a cure for childhood cancer. The annual "Lemonade Days" are when thousands of volunteers across the country host lemonade stands to fundraise.

St. Jude Praises Radio to Federal Communications Commission

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital recently sent this letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai to let him know how appreciative they are for all the work that radio does for them. The letter states that radio stations across the country generated more than $20 million over the past year to help fight childhood cancer.

Wyoming Radio Supports St. Jude

Legend Communications' KGWY-FM, Gillette, Wyo.; KZMQ-FM, Cody, Wyo.; and KLGT-FM, Buffalo-Sheridan, Wyo., raised over $100,000 during their annual St. Jude Radiothons. In the past 11 years, the stations have raised more than $1.2 million. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is dedicated to saving lives and finding cures for childhood cancers.

WCVB Helps Raise $250,000 for Breast Cancer

Hearst's ABC affiliate WCVB-TV Boston helped the Ellie Fund raise $250,000 on June 7 during its annual fashion show to support women battling breast cancer. A record 300 people attended the standing-room-only event, during which WCVB's on-air female talent modeled the latest fashions. Paula Faris, co-host of "The View" and co-anchor of "Good Morning America: Weekend Edition," served as emcee. Five-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady passed out autographed footballs, helmets and jerseys. Since its inception, the annual spring fashion show has raised over $1 million or the Ellie Fund's Healing Together Patient and Family Care Program, which provides support services for breast cancer patients and families across Massachusetts.

Amarillo Country Radio Fundraises for Rotary Youth

Alpha Media's KGNC-FM Amarillo, TX, raised $60,553 for the Amarillo Area Rotary Youth Baseball League in their 24th annual Charity Golf Classic, held June 5. To date, the Charity Golf Classic has raised $908,000.

WMMR-FM Hosts Blood Drive

Beasley Media's WMMR-FM Philadelphia's Preston & Steve hosted an all-day blood drive on June 17. They collected 1,226 productive pints of blood, including 144 of "power red." A machine used for power red donations collects two units of red blood cells while returning plasma and platelets.

WARH-FM St. Louis Collects Suits for Veterans

Hubbard Broadcasting's WARH-FM St. Louis and Spencer's Neighborhood collected several dozen suits as part of the "Boots to Suits" campaign, held June 3 - 4. The fundraiser collected suits for local veterans returning to the workforce from deployment and were donated to "Dress for Success Midwest."

WMGK-FM Philadelphia Raises $154,000 for Veterans

Beasley's WMGK-FM Philadelphia raised $154,000 for local veterans during the live broadcast of the "John DeBella Veterans Radiothon," held June 16. This year, WMGK also conducted a series of online auctions that included front row tickets to a Jimmy Buffett concert, autographed items and experiences with national recording artists, such as Roger Waters, The Who, Joe Walsh, Peter Frampton and Joan Jett. All funds benefit the Veterans Multi-Service Center (VMC) in Philadelphia. In 10 years, WMGK-FM has raised over $1 million through the radiothon.

CBS Radio Launches ConnectingVets.com

CBS Radio recently launched connectingvets.com, with content produced by vets who understand the complexity of transitioning from the military back into civilian life. Content falls into five categories: News, Transition, Wellness, Get Help and Lifestyle. Specific topics include health and fitness, employment and entrepreneurialism, education, finance, veterans' families and issues impacting female veterans. Programming will be available onair on WJFK-AM Washington, D.C., and on demand online. "We have created a streamlined, solutions-based product that will provide our vets with immediate and easy access to all of their available resources, and to their fellow veterans," said CBS Market Manager Steve Swenson.

WTTG Investigates High School Grade Inflation

Fox-owned WTTG-TV Washington, D.C., reporter Lindsay Watts and photojournalist Van Applegate broke a story on June 17 about grade inflation in Prince George's County, Maryland. The station investigated concerns voiced by school board members and local officials, including Delegate Jay Walker, chair of the Prince George's County Delegation. WTTG-TV uncovered claims that high school teachers and counselors were asked to change grades to boost the graduation rate, leading to record highs. Following WTTG's investigative reports, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan called for the Maryland State Board of Education to conduct a "complete, thorough, and exhaustive investigation" into allegations of fraud and corruption in Prince George's County Schools.

WTAE's ‘Chronicle' Showcases Pittsburgh's Reinvention

Hearst's ABC affiliate WTAE-TV Pittsburgh aired "Chronicle: Only in Pittsburgh" on June 21 to show how the city that once faced collapse has reinvented itself. The program showcased the key role Pittsburgh will play in the world over the next several decades, highlighting local innovators and the fusion of technology and education. "This installment of Chronicle proves that the Steel City is more than ready to help write history," said General Manager Charles W. Wolfertz III.

Raycom Adds Journalists to Investigative Unit

Raycom Media on June 22 announced that journalists Andy Miller, Jill Riepenhoff and Megan Luther will join the national investigative unit led by Lee Zurik. Viewers can access long-form documentary style investigations or shorter segments on a variety of platforms. "Andy, Jill and Megan bring a diverse skillset with a clear understanding of how to produce impactful, interesting, and important investigative journalism online and on television," said Zurik. "Each has done award winning work, and I'm confident our new team will produce stories that make a difference in all of our Raycom Media communities."

WNYW Goes Inside Rikers Island

Fox-owned WNYW-TV New York City examined life at Rikers Island in a half-hour special report, "Street Soldiers with Lisa Evers," on June 23. Reporter Lisa Evers hosted the town hall at the controversial correctional facility to look at the impact of new programs meant to rehabilitate 18 to 21-year-old inmates, many of whom were arrested for the first time and awaiting resolution of their cases. The program gave inmates, correction officers and program providers the chance to speak about their experiences.

WCVB Airs Hour-Long Addiction Special

Hearst's ABC affiliate WCVB-TV Boston aired an hour-long special "5 On: State of Addiction" on June 13. The special looked at how those on the streets, law enforcement, first responders, hospitals and rehab centers are dealing with opioid addiction and overdoses. WCVB provided the phone number of the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline for live phone-banks staffed by experts, as well as the helpline's website. "5 On: State of Addiction" featured personal stories of people struggling with addiction, recovery and potential long-term effects of this disease. It also explored how a large number of babies born each year are dependent on opioids and examined innovative approaches in EMS responses to overdoses.

WGTK Encourages Crime Stoppers

Salem Media Group's WGTK-FM Greenville, S.C., hosts a weekly segment, "Week N Pulse," which includes information on local law enforcements' Crime Stoppers program. The segment and program highlights ongoing investigations of homicides, robberies and thefts, and missing persons. Local law enforcement agencies use the airwaves to ask citizens for help solving crimes.

WGCI-FM Aims for 'Peace in the Streets' in Chicago

iHeartMedia's WGCI-FM Chicago is organizing several "Peace in the Streets" Summer Block Parties in light of recent shootings. The block parties, hosted by the "Chicago Morning Takeover" team, showcases the importance of maintaining peaceful communities and features WGCI live broadcasts, food, music, games, prizes and community resources.

WCAU Streams Suicide Report

NBC-owned WCAU-TV Philadelphia streamed a digital-only exclusive half-hour report "Preventing Suicide: Breaking the Silence" on June 6. The special examined suicide in the Greater Philadelphia region to help raise awareness, remove the stigma and highlight the role of local government and health organizations.

Eau Claire, Wis., Stations Provide Critical Tornado Coverage

Local television stations in Eau Claire, Wis., provided critical coverage during a May 13 tornado that killed one person, injured others and caused millions of dollars in damage. A trailer park was destroyed, leaving dozens without homes. Gray Television's WEAU-TV Creative Service Director Andrew Felix offered TVNewsCheck an account of WEAU's live warnings, three hours of nonstop coverage and promotions for a fundraiser held in the aftermath. One viewer later said, "I was watching you guys [at WEAU] faithfully there, and you kept saying to take cover, so I did."

Quincy Media's ABC affiliate WQOW-TV also provided continuous live coverage of the tornado onair and via social media. They reported live from the destroyed trailer park, aired a video of the tornado submitted by a viewer and produced a 30-minute primetime special after the storm. "We were pretty proud of it. We're a small station, with a small staff," News Director Dan Schillinger told TVNewsCheck. "But our team rose to the challenge of covering a disaster and performed like big-market pros."