We’re pleased to present a refreshed newsletter that better showcases broadcasters’ commitment to serving their communities.
JUNE 2018
Radio and television broadcasters serve local communities every day. 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 stories to Suzie Raven.
Cox Media’s ABC affiliate WFTV-TV Orlando recently paid $1 million of medical debt for 1,000 people after investigative reporter Todd Ulrich investigated the system under which medical debt can be sold to collection agencies multiple times and for pennies on the dollar. Read More
NBC-owned WNBC-TV and Telemundo’s WNJU-TV New York City collected 1.9 million meals, which will restock eight food banks with 240 tons of nonperishable goods. Read More
Salem Media Group’s KKFS-FM Sacramento collected over 10,000 items in April during their annual drive to gather clothes, shoes, toys, books, personal care items and cash for Women Escaping Violent Environments (WEAVE). The donations arrived at their final locations in time for Mother’s Day. Many listeners who donated expressed their deep appreciation for WEAVE and the free services they provide.
Bonneville-operated KBLX-FM San Francisco morning “Dream Team” rallied behind local resident LaDonald Griffin and his six children when his wife was killed in March by a drunk driver while visiting family in Jacksonville, Fla. KBLX-FM broadcast live from a local café from 5 – 10 a.m. on May 17, asking listeners to donate to their GOFUNDME account, or provide clothing, gift cards and non-perishable items.
The tragic accidental deaths of anchor-reporter Mike McCormick and photojournalist Aaron Smeltzer while covering severe weather in the North Carolina mountains reminds Americans of the crucial role local broadcasters serve: informing communities, helping neighbors in need, providing lifelines during emergencies and reporting the facts viewers need to know.
Nexstar’s FOX affiliate WZDX-TV Huntsville, Ala., sent their chief meteorologist, Maggie Dinizio, to their sister station, ABC affiliate WMBB-TV in Panama City, Fla., to assist in covering Subtropical storm Alberto. Dinizio helped with non-stop coverage to keep local viewers informed as Alberto came ashore in the Florida panhandle. While Dinizio was in Panama City, WZDX-TV meteorologist Jordan Dressman worked through his days off keeping Tennessee Valley viewers apprised of the possible impact Alberto might have as the storm headed north through the state.
Tribune’s CW affiliate WPIX-TV New York City is broadcasting its morning news from 18 different zip codes in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut every Friday this summer. “Zip Trips” launched May 4 at Joyce Kilmer Park in the Bronx, near Yankee Stadium. Read More
Tribune’s Fox affiliate WTIC-TV Hartford, Conn., airs a segment called “Make-A-Wish Stories of HOPE,” every Tuesday at 10 p.m., with rebroadcasts on Wednesday and Sunday mornings. They highlight local kids, their families and the communities that help grant wishes. Read More
Nexstar Media Group is producing and hosting the three-part “Tennessee Governor Debate Series.” ABC affiliate WATN-TV Memphis and the Greater Memphis Chamber produced the first live debate, held April 18, with a focus on business and infrastructure. Read More
The NAB Education Foundation’s 20th annual Celebration of Service to America Awards will honor radio and television broadcasters from across the country for exceptional community service.
To commemorate this special 20th anniversary on June 12, local radio and TV stations will share the many ways they are serving their communities on social media using #BroadcastGood. Follow this hashtag to learn more about broadcasters’ incredible public service projects. Click here to read stories of broadcasters’ dedication to serving their communities.
TEGNA recently announced the first round of 2018 TEGNA Foundation Media Grants, supporting projects ranging from developing diversity in media to funding for immersive newsroom experiences for student journalists. Information on the awardees can be found here. Read More
Beasley’s WNKS-FM Charlotte morning show took requests in exchange for donations during the seventh annual “Play Anything Day” marathon on May 23 to benefit the Levine Children’s Hospital. In addition to the marathon broadcast, local restaurant Peculiar Rabbit hosted a special “Play Anything Day Happy Hour,” with a portion of food sales benefiting Levine Children’s Hospital. Read More
Raycom’s NBC affiliate WECT-TV Wilmington, N.C., raised awareness about mental health in April and May as part of its “Break the Silence About Suicide” campaign. According to the CDC, it's the second highest cause of death of people 15 to 35. Stories from people in the community who have been affected by suicide aired Thursdays during the 5 p.m. newscast. Read More
Four journalists have been selected for the initial class of the Scripps Howard Fellowship program, which runs June 2018 to May 2019. The program is a partnership between the Scripps Washington Bureau; independent, nonprofit newsroom ProPublica; and Newsy, Scripps’ next-generation national news network. Read More
TEGNA’s ABC affiliate KXTV Sacramento earned its fourth consecutive John Swett Award from the California Teachers Association (CTA) for its “Teacher of the Month” campaign. The award honors individuals, publications, websites, television and radio stations for their outstanding reporting on public education. Read More
