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.

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Consumer investigative teams at local NBC and Telemundo stations have recovered more than $20 million for consumers since 2014. The NBC Responds and Telemundo Responde units have answered more than 250,000 consumer inquiries. For example, Telemundo Arizona helped a woman recover unpaid wages from her former employer so she could pay for medical care. NBC Chicago has recovered more than $190,000 after discovering that certain couches contained “bonded leather,” an imitation material.

“As many communities continue to recover from recent natural disasters, our consumer teams are helping viewers navigate through the rebuilding processes by providing them with direct help or delivering vital information through their reporting,” said NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations President Valari Staab.

KIRO-TV Relieves $1 Million in Medical Debt

Cox Media Group’s CBS affiliate KIRO-TV Seattle relieved $1 million in viewers’ medical debt following consumer reporter Jesse Jones' investigation into the medical debt collection system. Medical debt is the top cause of bankruptcy in the U.S., with 19 percent of Americans in collections. KIRO-TV and Jones worked with RIP Medical Debt to purchase $1 million worth of medical debt for $12,000.

More than 1,000 viewers received a letter informing them that their debt was paid. The original segment on February 5 received an extraordinary response by viewers wanting to help. As a result, KIRO-TV is seeking a platform to allow viewers to donate toward helping others pay off medical debt.

“I am a cancer survivor who has survived medical debt,” said Jones. “I’ve been on payment plans. I also have a job and insurance, but there are others out there not as fortunate as I am. It’s important to me to share their stories… and make a difference.”

“We are proud to support Jesse’s commitment to consumer advocacy, and our entire news staff will continue to deliver in-depth and investigative reporting to help our viewers stay informed about major stories that impact their lives,” said Vice President and General Manager Greg Bilte.

KFVS Meteorologist Honored

Raycom’s CBS affiliate KFVS-TV Cape Girardeau, Mo., Chief Meteorologist Grant Dade was honored on February 16 when the Missouri State Legislature adopted a special resolution honoring Dade for saving lives during a tornado on February 28, 2017. The EF4 tornado was more than a half mile wide and stayed on the ground for 50 miles, killing one person, destroying 40 homes and heavily damaging more than 100 more. Missouri State Representative Rick Francis presented Grant with a plaque at the site of homes that were destroyed. Dade met and spoke with some viewers. Comments include:

“…Your pinpoint accuracy of the devastating storm that hit Perry County saved lives. Families have told us your broadcast gave them the warning and time needed to seek shelter. Well done!” – Ken Baer, Perryville Mayor

“…The early warnings and predictions no doubt saved many lives! As a public servant, I greatly appreciate your dedication to saving lives and taking your profession serious!! Because of your excellent coverage, my department was better able to protect our community following the coverage.” – Chief James Humphreys, Jackson Police Department

“KFVS, you possibly saved my 15 year old son’s life.” – Amy Hager, Perryville

“Our City Clerk has credited your team with saving the lives of her family members. Your coverage has been wonderful, and you have helped us get the word out with everything from donations to volunteers.” – Brent Buerck, Perryville City Administrator

Beasley Unveils "See Something – Say Something" PSA

Beasley Media Group unveiled on February 18 the “See Something – Say Something” company-wide initiative following the tragic shooting of 17 people in Parkland, Fla. On-air personalities are creating PSAs for radio, sharing videos on social media and providing resources to help families discuss gun violence. Stations aim to encourage listeners to speak up if they see something suspicious on social media, at school or elsewhere in the community.

KDKA Exposes Extreme Bullying

CBS-owned KDKA-TV Pittsburgh investigative reporter Marty Griffin addressed bullying onair after a local mom reached out to him. Her 15-year-old daughter, Cassie, received this Instagram message: “I told her she should of killed herself last year when she went to the loony bin, and everyone in school laughed about it, and no one cares if she does it now.” Griffin had Cassie read the taunts on camera to raise awareness of the issue. He also contacted an attorney to meet with school officials.

Montana Broadcasters Fight Suicide

Radio and Television stations across Montana have dedicated significant airtime in recent months to a public service announcement (PSA) campaign to prevent suicide. Dewey Bruce, president and CEO of the Montana Broadcasters Association, received a report from Karl Rossten with the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services Suicide Prevention Program on the impact of the campaign:

"We recently received a report from the Crisis Text Line, where we have seen a significant jump in the number of conversations and active rescues from 2016 to 2017. In 2016, there were 291 conversations, 212 texts, and 3 active rescues. In 2017, that number jumped to 540 conversations, 446 texts, and 11 active rescues. So, in terms of the text line, we have to think that the current PSAs have played a role in getting the message out there and shows that people are using this tool. Also, you can add to the info the number of calls related to suicide that went to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline have also gone up by 39% from 2016 to 2017. So, more calls going there as well."

WMMR-FM Philly Discusses Opioid Crisis

Beasley’s WMMR-FM Philadelphia Public Affairs Director Markus Goldman conducted an interview on February 11 with the City of Philadelphia’s Managing Director Michael DiBernardinis and Health Director Dr. Thomas Farley about safe injection sites for opioid users. “Opioids are a major problem in the City of Philadelphia and it is indicative of a nationwide epidemic,” said Goldman. “I am hoping that this interview will provide the necessary information for the public to understand and to become educated surrounding the safe injection sites in Philadelphia.”

WJLA-TV Investigates Lethal Dog Food

Sinclair’s ABC affiliate WJLA-TV Washington, D.C., broke a story on February 8 when its investigative team exposed numerous dog food brands for containing the euthanasia drug pentobarbital. This has caused pets to become ill, and in some cases, die. The story ran on Sinclair stations across the country and was amplified by follow-up stories in The New York Times and The Washington Post. In response, the J.M. Smucker Co., which produces the dog food, voluntarily recalled the tainted product from thousands of retail stores nationwide.

WKHX-FM Aids Police Officer’s Widow

Cumulus’ WKHX-FM Atlanta morning hosts Cadillac Jack and Ali Mac delivered a customized handicap accessible SUV to a police officer’s widow in nearby Locust Grove. On February 9, Officer Chase Maddox was fatally shot while serving a warrant, leaving behind his pregnant wife, Alex, and their seven-year-old special needs son. Alex delivered their second son days later. “When I was holding Brodie, it was like I was holding a piece of Officer Maddox,” said Cadillac Jack. “And as a father, looking at this newborn baby, I was heartbroken that he’ll never meet his father.”

Raycom Stations Broadcast "Trail of Hope – The Journey to Equality"

All Raycom Media stations aired in February the documentary “Trail of Hope – The Journey to Equality.” The hour-long program follows the path of the civil rights movement through churches, courthouses, jails and other historic sites in the South. It was inspired by the United States Civil Rights Trail, a historic initiative of 14 state tourism departments to link pivotal landmarks and share the stories of civil rights activists. Producer Dave McNamara created the program with help from many Raycom stations. “Many of the communities served by Raycom Media television stations were at the forefront of our nation’s civil rights movement,” said Raycom Media President and CEO Pat LaPlatney. “These are important stories to tell, and we are honored to be part of this effort to share and preserve them.”

WCAU and WWSI Answer Calls About Foster Care

NBC-owned WCAU-TV and Telemundo’s WWSI-TV Philadelphia hosted a live phone bank on March 1 for families interested in providing foster care. During the two-and-a-half hour phone bank, recruitment experts from Philadelphia’s Department of Human Services and its 25 provider agencies answered questions in English and Spanish. “With nearly 6,000 youth in Philadelphia living in foster care at any given time, NBC10 and Telemundo62 are committed to raising awareness about the need for families to provide loving homes for these children,” said General Manager Ric Harris.

WTAE-TV Broadcasts Penn.'s 18th District Congressional Debate

Hearst’s ABC affiliate WTAE-TV Pittsburgh partnered with The League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh to host a live debate in the race for Pennsylvania’s 18th Congressional District on March 3. The hour-long debate aired commercial-free and also streamed live, featuring special election candidates Democrat Conor Lamb and Republican Rick Saccone, “Pittsburghers deserve to see the clearest picture of who will represent us in Congress,” said WTAE President and General Manager Charles W. Wolfertz III. “We are honored to give viewers a chance to see each candidate’s vision for important issues such as tax overhaul, infrastructure, gun safety legislation and national security.”

Radio Raises $4.3 Million for St. Jude

Univision Radio raised $4.3 million in 14 markets for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the “Promesa y Esperanza” (Promise and Hope) event, held February 1 - 2. Thanks to events such as this one, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Univision's national event has raised more than $65 million for St. Jude over the years. The on-air push coincided with a social media campaign, #ThisShirtSavesLives, encouraging Univision listeners and staff to share photos while wearing their “This Shirt Saves Lives” shirt from St. Jude.

KALC-FM Raises $1.3 Million for Denver Hospital

Entercom’s KALC-FM Denver raised $1.3 million for the Children’s Hospital ofColorado in its 17th annual “Alice 105.9 Cares for Kids Radiothon,” held February 8 – 9. In 17 years, KALC has raised more than $23.25 million to fund research and programs for the Children’s Miracle Network.

WNCY-FM Raises $315,000 in Green Bay

Midwest Communications’ WNCY-FM Green Bay raised $315,000 in its annual radiothon for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, held February 8 - 9. In 21 years, WNCY-FM has raised nearly $5 million.

Arkansas Stations Support Make-A-Wish

Saga Communications’ KDXY-FM, KEGI-FM and KJBX-FM, and Raycom Media’s ABC and NBC affiliate KAIT-TV Jonesboro, Ark., raised a record $421,000 in the annual “Have-A-Heart Wishathon,” held February 16. In the event’s 20-year history, the stations have raised over $5 million for the Make-A- Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with critical illnesses. The average wish costs about $8,000. “We’ve made Make-A-Wish a household word in this region,” said Saga’s Jonesboro President and General Manager Trey Stafford.

Springfield, Ill., Radio Raises $182,000 for St. Jude

Neuhoff Media’s WXAJ-FM, WFMB-FM, and WDZQ-FM Springfield, Ill., raised $182,000 in the “St. Jude Cares for Kids Radiothon,” held February 15 - 16. Neuhoff Media has raised approximately $2 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the last 30 years. Host John Spalding has participated every year.

KLLL-FM Raises $97,000 for Lubbock Hospital

Alpha Media’s KLLL-FM Lubbock, Texas, raised $97,000 during the “36 Hours of Miracles” radiothon for Children’s Miracle Network, held February 21 - 22. In 20 years, the station has raised $3.9 million. “I am very blessed to have Sean Dillon and Jeff Scott lead our team for a cause in which we are all extremely committed,” said Market Manager Jay Richardson.

Beasley Media Group Boston Partners With Project Bread

Beasley Media Group Boston is partnering with Project Bread to promote the anti-hunger organization’s year-round efforts to combat hunger in Massachusetts and increase awareness of statewide services. Beasley’s Boston stations WBQT-FM, WROR-FM, WBOS-FM, WKLB-FM, WBZ-FM and WRCA-AM will also promote Project Bread’s 50th Celebration, including the “Walk for Hunger & 5K Run” on May 6.

“Our motivation for partnering with Beasley Media Group is that they truly care about the issue of hunger in Massachusetts, and they are willing to use their expansive platform for good,” said Project Bread President Erin McAleer. “They are as invested as we are in achieving sustainable solutions to end hunger in our state, and we look forward to working with them for our 50th Celebration and beyond.

“Beasley’s family of stations broadcast live and local, and they connect authentically with their listeners at the community level. This partnership was a no-brainer for Project Bread,” McAleer continued. “They are a phenomenal partner, and their stations provide a fantastic vehicle for us to raise awareness about the issue of hunger in our state and the work that Project Bread does to address food insecurity in Massachusetts. We are already seeing the impact of their support.”

Local Broadcasters Serve as Lifeline During Hurricane Harvey

NAB recently released a new documentary video on broadcasters' efforts before, during and after Hurricane Harvey, which devastated Houston last August. This blog post by NAB Senior Vice President, Communications, Ann Marie Cumming on Texas radio and TV broadcasters' role as "first informers" during Hurricane Harvey.