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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 air time to election coverage; and promote education. Submit your station's stories to Suzie Raven.
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The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA) Foundation announced on August 15 that it will continue its 30-year tradition of holding statewide political debates that will be made available to radio and television stations across the state. Gubernatorial candidates Gov. Scott Walker and challenger Tony Evers are invited to participate in a debate hosted in the Madison market on October 5. U.S. Senate candidates Sen. Tammy Baldwin and challenger Leah Vukmir are invited to an October 13 debate held in the Wausau/Rhinelander market. Viewers can ask questions via social media during both hour-long debates.
Back Porch Broadcasting’s WORT-FM Madison, Wis., partnered with local newspaper Isthmus, The Progressive magazine and the Madison Public Library on a debate held August 8 for all Democratic candidates for the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary. The eight candidates participated in a meet and greet before the hour-and-a-half long debate.
Graham Media Group announced on July 23 that news teams at five stations will significantly increase coverage leading up to gubernatorial and U.S. Senate and House races in Michigan, Florida and Texas. Click here to see election coverage plans for NBC affiliates KPRC Houston, WDIV Detroit, CBS affiliate WKMG Orlando, ABC affiliate KSAT San Diego and independent WJXT Jacksonville, Fla.
21st Century Fox announced on August 22 it is donating $1 million to the American Red Cross and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, following the unprecedented natural disasters in 2017 and the deadly wildfires continuing to spread across California. The funds support preparedness, relief and recovery efforts for 2018. Fox will also raise awareness by airing related content during certain fall premieres.
Entercom’s WEEI-AM/FM Boston raised $4.4 million for cancer care and research during its Jimmy Fund radiothon, held August 21. The event has now reached the milestone of
$50 million raised in 17 years.
Hubbard’s WTMX-FM Chicago raised $1 million during its 19th annual radiothon for the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital. During the week of August 20, on-air personalities hosted the five-day “MIX Kids for Lurie Children’s,” which culminated with a live broadcast and check presentation.
NBC-owned WRC-TV and Telemundo’s WZDC-TV Washington, D.C., helped more than 1,100 local pets find homes during its “Clear the Shelters” event this August. Dozens of shelters in D.C., Maryland and Virginia waived or reduced adoption fees that day.
CBS-owned KTVT-TV Dallas/Ft. Worth raised $200,000 on August 11 for the Children's Cancer Fund during a "Tug of War." Teams such as the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers competed in a friendly match up of east vs. west.
Alpha Media's WHBC-AM/FM Canton, Ohio, raised $213,000 in the "Wishes Can Happen" radiothon held August 9-10. Families with sick children shared how granted wishes touched their lives, and special tributes were made for children that didn't survive.
Radio stations that held radiothons in August for the Children’s Miracle Network’s Hospitals include:
- Entercom’s Greenville, S.C., cluster (WYRD-FM, WTPT-FM, WFBC-FM, WFBC-FM, WROQ-FM, WORD-AM WSPA-AM/FM) raised $238,000
- Wheeler Broadcasting’s WSLC-FM Roanoke, Va., raised $136,000
- iHeartMeadia’s KSSK-FM Honolulu raised $289,000
Lenawee Broadcasting’s WLEN-FM Adrian, Mich., raised $11,000 during its “Hoping for a Home” radiothon, held July 13-14. The funds support renovations and ongoing expenses for Neighbors of Hope Women and Children’s Center.
Hearst’s ABC affiliate WISN-TV Milwaukee partnered with Saga’s WKLH-FM and the Salvation Army to raise $66,000 in its sixth annual “Class Act School Supply Drive,” held August 21-22. Donations to the campaign’s “Stuff the Bus” initiative filled a school bus, ensuring that 4,400 backpacks were filled with supplies.
Manship Station’s ABC affiliate WBRZ-TV Baton Rouge, La., stuffed four buses with more than $34,000 worth of school supplies during the 11th annual “Stuff the Bus” campaign, held July 18.
Raycom’s CBS affiliate KFVS-TV Cape Girardeau, Mo., hosted its annual “Stuff the Bus” drive August 3-4. The station collected supplies to benefit students in 30 school districts. The following week, KFVS hosted its 11th annual Summer Blood Drive, collecting 570 units of blood.
Tribune-owned WGN-TV Chicago hosted its 17th annual “WGN-TV Back-to-School Kids Fair” on August 17 at its studio. The free event included health screenings and safety tips, plus fun activities such as live music, face painting, a petting zoo, mascots, inflatable bouncers and a dunk tank.
Hearst's NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore held a four-hour seminar on July 27 for the Baltimore City Schools student media. Students took a station tour, viewed a live newscast and watched the taping of the weekly public affairs program. They also interacted with and asked questions of WBAL’s media staff.
WBAL also supported the 37th annual “Artscape,” a three-day festival with hundreds of thousands of visitors. Attendees received autographed cards and took pictures with on air talent.
California Oregon Broadcasting’s NBC affiliates KOBI-TV Medford, Ore., and KOTI-TV Klamath Falls, Ore., sponsored “Know Your Role.” This initiative encourages good sportsmanship among athletes, parents, coaches and referees, which sets a good example for kids participating in athletics.
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