Radio and television broadcasters serve local communities every day. Stations provide lifeline emergency information, support our military, raise millions for hospitals and cancer research, collect food, clothes and toys, devote air time to election coverage, and promote education. Submit your station's stories to Suzie Raven.
Tribune’s Fox affiliate WXIN-TV Indianapolis donated $15,000 to RIP Medical debt on October 29, erasing nearly $1.5 million in debt for local residents. The donation came in response to a WXIN investigation, showing that 23 percent of central Indiana residents have medical debt in collections.
Cox Media Group’s Fox affiliate KOKI-TV Tulsa also partnered with RIP Medical Debt to eliminate $1.3 million worth of debt on November 23. Families received letters regarding debt elimination and were invited to share their stories on KOKI’s “Medical Debt Forgiven” series.
Fox-owned WJZY-TV Charlotte spent 18 months searching for a kidney donor for army veteran Edmund Baines. WJZY told his story on air and nationally via social media. After many failed matches, Baines received a life-saving kidney last June. He recently brought flowers to the station as a thank you.
Hearst’s NBC affiliate KCRA and MyNetworkTV affiliate KQCA-TV Sacramento raised $1.25 million on November 12 to support the Camp Fire wildfire relief efforts. Hearst Corp. donated an additional $500,000. The deadliest fire in California history, the Camp Fire killed 88 people while scorching 153,000 acres and forcing at least 52,000 people to evacuate their homes.
“Our hearts go out to those who lost their homes, property and most sadly, to those who lost loved ones,” said KCRA News Director Lori Waldon. “All day long, our phone lines were ringing off the hook. A big thank you to our viewers who reached out to help those in need.”
Entercom’s KRXQ-FM Sacramento collected donations on November 13 for families affected by the Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. Items included baby food, diapers, clothing, and non-perishable food.
TEGNA recently launched a nationwide #CaliforniaGiving campaign. People can donate on station websites to assist wildfire relief efforts through a variety of nonprofits, including Jake’s Diapers, World Central Kitchen and California Fire Foundation.
In addition to providing extensive coverage of the fires, ABC affiliate KXTV Sacramento reporter Brandon Rittiman and photojournalist Pedro Garcia rescued four stranded dogs while covering the Camp Fire evacuations. Watch the rescue.
Raycom’s NBC affiliate WFIE Evansville, Ind., produced and aired “Choosing to Survive,” an hour-long special on sexual violence, on October 18 in primetime. The idea came from Creative Director Brandon Ridge, who witnessed a sexual assault while commuting to work and called 911. He later visited a women’s shelter, where he met the three survivors WFIE later featured in the special.
Alpha Media’s KATU-FM and KBFF-FM Portland, Ore., launched its “Kind is Better” campaign on November 1 to address youth mental health. They asked youth to discuss issues they face and suggest solutions.
“By taking a stand with messages of kindness, we endeavor to make an impact on the health and well-being of the communities we serve,” said Alpha Media Portland VP of Sales Amy Leimbach.
NBC-owned WCAU and Telemundo’s WWSI Philadelphia aired “Progress and Promise Against Cancer Day” live from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on November 8. More than 20 physicians and scientists from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) discussed cancer research, prevention, treatment, and early detection. They took questions in English and Spanish via email, text, phone and social media.
Entercom’s WBZZ-FM and WDSY-FM Pittsburgh hosted on December 2 “A Concert for Unity” to benefit the rebuilding of the Tree of Life – Or L’Simcha Congregation. Eleven people died and several more were injured during a shooting at the synagogue on October 27.
Sinclair’s KMTW-TV and FOX affiliate KSAS-TV Wichita, Kan., co-sponsored the fifth annual Polar Express Literacy Event fundraiser on November 17 to collect books and raise money for youth literacy. The family-friendly winter carnival welcomed more than 200 adults and children for a "breakfast-for-dinner" event. An auction featuring holiday items raised nearly $3,000 for Head Start Scholarships and another $2,500 for Child Start, Inc.
Beasley Media Group’s WMGK-FM Philadelphia collected nearly 10,000 turkeys on November 20 during its “John DeBella Turkey Drop,” Philadelphia’s largest one-day food drive. Morning Show Host John DeBella broadcast live to accept donations for City Team Philadelphia, a nonprofit providing food and services to local individuals, families, shelters and agencies. WMGK-FM also accepted donations at supermarkets in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
Beasley Media Group’s WRAT-FM Lake Como, N.J., collected nearly 15,000 pounds of food and 6,000 pounds of clothes during its 20th annual “Broadcast for the People of New Jersey Thanksgiving Season Collection Drive,” held November 19-20. Three local nonprofits used the food to provide 12,000 meals.
Summit Media’s WQNU-FM Louisville and its “Dingo in the Morning” show collected over 2,500 bikes for the Salvation Army and Toys for Tots during its “Bikes or Bust 2018.” To draw attention to the drive, personalities Dingo and Magic Mike lived on scissor lifts 40 feet in the air from November 15-18, despite freezing temperatures. In three years, WQNU has collected over 6,000 bikes.
“The power of radio is alive and well, so use it to make a difference!” said Dingo.
NAB will begin accepting entries on January 1 for the Crystal Radio Awards, which recognize radio stations for their outstanding year-round commitment to community service. Ten winners are announced and 50 finalists are honored at the NAB Show each April in Las Vegas. Read about the inspiring 2018 winners or learn more about submitting your station’s public service.
