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.

NAB Delivers 10,000 Radios to Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands

Two NAB staff members, Suzie Raven and Louis Abanez, recently traveled to Puerto Rico on behalf of NAB to help distribute 10,000 battery-operated radios to people residing on the hurricane-ravaged island and the Virgin Islands. Cellphone connections and Internet service are still non-existent in many parts of Puerto Rico, while broadcast radio continues to connect people to critical information, weeks after Maria made landfall.

Donations from NAB, the National Alliance of State Broadcasters Associations (NASBA) and multiple U.S. radio companies covered the cost of this initiative. Pat Roberts, head of the Florida Association of Broadcasters, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided logistical support. View related video, blog and photos.

Telemundo Raises $12.9 Million for Disaster Relief in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Texas, Florida

Telemundo has raised more than $12.9 million for American Red Cross relief efforts following natural disasters in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Texas, Florida and the Caribbean Islands. Under the banner of "Todos Unidos" (All Together,) the Telemundo Network, plus Telemundo and NBC-owned stations, raised $7.5 million through a telethon held September 24. The live broadcast produced from Miami, Mexico, New York, Puerto Rico, Houston and Los Angeles aired simultaneously across Telemundo stations. The group had already raised $5.5 million through multiple fundraising efforts following Hurricane Harvey. "Our stations are committed to helping communities have the news, information and resources they need to recover from the natural disasters that have affected so many, including our very own employees," said Telemundo Station Group President Manuel Martinez.

Wildfires swept through Northern California in October, killing 42 people, destroying more than 5,000 homes and businesses and displacing around 90,000 people. Thousands of people across the region were forced to evacuate their homes as at least 16 wildfires consumed more than 200,000 acres.

"There was a 2 pm town hall on Saturday [October 14] attended by California governor Jerry Brown and Senator Feinstein, where all the first responders were thanked, and our ‘radio first responder,' [Sonoma Media Group's] KSRO news director and morning anchor Pat Kerrigan, was singled out for recognition," Santa Rosa Market Manager Michael O'Shea said in Tom Taylor NOW.

KCRA Raises $900,000 for California Wildfire Relief

Hearst's NBC affiliate KCRA-TV and MyNetworkTV affiliate KQCA-TV Sacramento raised more than $900,000 in support of the American Red Cross and its California wildfire relief efforts. Donations came in from thousands of callers and companies in a drive held October 16.

Cumulus San Francisco Raises $250,000 Following Fires

Cumulus Media San Francisco launched a text-to-donate wildfire relief fund benefiting Northern California on October 13. The six-station cluster, which includes KFOG-FM, KGO-AM, KNBR-AM, KSAN-FM, KSFO-AM and KNBR-AM, has raised over $250,000 with fundraising ongoing. In addition to the fund, the stations are holding collection events where listeners can donate gift cards and other needed supplies.

Montana Television Network Raises Over $450,000 for Wildfire Relief Fund

Montana Television Network (MTN) stations across the state raised $450,838 to benefit the Montana Wildfire Relief Fund, launched September 12. The total includes an initial $50,000 in matching funds from the MTN and its parent company Cordillera Communications. MTN stations include KTVQ Billings, KBZK Bozeman, KXLF Butte, KRTV Great Falls, KBGF Great Falls, KTVH Helena, KXLH Helena, KAJ Kalispell and KPAX Missoula.

Rascal Flatts Surprise Attendees at 'Vegas Strong: A Night of Healing'

Beasley Media Group hosted the "Vegas Strong: A Night of Healing" concert on October 19 in support of victims of a mass shooting that occurred in the city on October 1. Country music superstars Rascal Flatts surprised attendees with a special live performance. Nashville recording artists Big & Rich performed "God Bless America" in honor of the victims, survivors and first responders. The concert, which 7,000 people attended, was streamed live nationwide. One hundred percent of donations received benefit the Steve Sisolak Las Vegas Victims' Fund, which has collected $11.3 million to date.

Entercom Launches Mexico Earthquake Relief Campaign

Entercom's KRBQ-FM, KOIT-FM, KUFX-FM and KGMZ-FM San Francisco partnered with the Latino Community Foundation to raise money for relief efforts following the September 20 earthquakes in Mexico City. Entercom's three-week campaign launched October 6 with a live broadcast. All four stations continued to raise funds online, with one hundred percent of proceeds going to local charities.

Beasley's WBQT-FM Collects Items for Puerto Rico Relief

Beasley Media Group’s WBQT-FM Boston presented a free concert on October 1 featuring the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops, while collecting donations for Puerto Rico hurricane. During the event, four trucks were filled with items that included water, flashlights with batteries, first aid kits, baby formula, food, clothing and pet supplies.

Cox Media Group Supports Small Businesses After Irma

Cox Media Group (CMG) launched "Cox Media Group Cares Tampa Bay" to help small businesses recover after Hurricane Irma. Many small businesses faced power outages, lost inventory, or remained closed for days. CMG stations are featuring local businesses each Saturday between October 21 and November 25 and providing free on air, online and social media promotion throughout the week. The initiative will benefit 40 local small businesses with approximately $250,000 in promotional support.

"CMG understands local businesses are an important part of our communities," said Keith Lawless, vice president and general manager, CMG Tampa. "The disruption from Hurricane Irma has greatly impacted these businesses. We are proud to help support them at a time when they need it most."

WFXG Collects 250 Coats for Area Children

Raycom Media's Fox affiliate WFXG-TV Augusta, Ga., held its fourth annual "Coats For Our Children" drive in partnership with the Salvation Army on October 19. By the end of the day, the station had collected enough winter clothes to outfit 350 people, including 250 coats.

Lazer Broadcasting Raises $1 Million

Lazer Broadcasting's listeners have donated close to $1 million for Mexico's earthquake victims, relief for Sonoma County residents affected by the recent wildfires, and support for the hospitals of the Children's Miracle Network. The company's 9th annual Children's Miracle Network Radiothon recently raised more than $750,000. "We are very grateful for all of our listeners' and clients' support in the Children's Miracle Network," said CEO Alfredo Plascencia. "And, with the unfortunate disasters this year, it really shows the unity of the Hispanic culture."

WSOY-AM Collects 1.5 Million Pounds of Food

Neuhoff Communications' WSOY-AM Decatur, Ill., collected more than 1.5 million pounds of food during the "Community Food Drive," held October 6. The food will be distributed to those in need through the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and other organizations. Area schools also participated in the drive.

WDVE-FM Raises $814,000 for Children's Hospital

iHeartMedia's WDVE-FM Pittsburgh raised over $814,000 during the 10th annual "DVE Rocks for Children's Radiothon," which broadcast live September 28 - 29. In 10 years, the radiothon has raised nearly $5 million to benefit the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, which is the leading provider of pediatric care in the community. On-air personalities shared stories from patients, families, and staff.

Carroll Broadcasting Hosts Blood Drive

Carroll Broadcasting's KKRL-FM, KIKD-FM and KCIM-FM Des Moines hosted a Halloween-themed blood drive called the "Dracula Drive." During the drive 88 units of blood were collected from 111 people. This is well beyond the normal attendance of 30 people at blood drives at the Life Serve Blood Center from Des Moines. The drive will benefit 264 people. "All that from a town of ten thousand was a fantastic turnout," said Operations Manager John Ryan.

KCCI Earns Emmy for Football Concussion Report

Hearst's CBS affiliate KCCI-TV Des Moines earned an Emmy Award from the Upper Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for its sports special "Impact: Concussions, CTE, and the Fight To Save Football." Of the over one million students who play football in the United States, an estimate 20 percent suffer a concussion, which often goes undiagnosed. The special explored the effects and what is being done to make the game safer.

TEGNA Exposes World of Underage Girls Trafficked for Sex

TEGNA stations revealed how young girls are trafficked into the sex industry in the six-part series "Selling Girls." The series was produced by investigative news teams from TEGNA's WXIA in Atlanta and KHOU in Houston. On-air coverage on TEGNA stations began October 22. "We hope that ‘Selling Girls' educates and informs our audiences and helps reverse the course of human trafficking in this country," said TEGNA's Vice President of News Ellen Crooke.

WCSX Helps Veterans Find Jobs

Beasley Media Group's WCSX-FM Detroit is assisting veterans in finding jobs through its "Employment After Deployment" initiative. Members of the military who have returned from a recent deployment and are looking for a job are encouraged to go online and share their job experience, skill set and type of position they would prefer. Also, the station's morning show "Big Jim's House" is featuring a select veteran on the program each week.