Nebraska Broadcasters Support Flood Relief

Broadcasters across Nebraska raised $442,000 during the “#NebraskaStrong Drive for Flood Relief,” held March 22 to support American Red Cross relief efforts following flooding that killed two and caused billions of dollars in damage. The Nebraska Broadcasters Association (NBA) donated $20,000 to kick off the drive. Hearst’s ABC affiliate KETV Omaha and Gray Television donated $10,000 each, and Scripps’ CBS affiliate KMTV Omaha and Citadel’s KLKN Lincoln contributed $5,000 each. Governor Ricketts, First Lady Susanne Shore and Senators Deb Fischer and Ben Sasse fielded donor phone calls.

NRG Radio Aids Flood Victims

NRG Media’s Omaha radio station group — in partnership with the Salvation Army — collected more than 160,000 bottles of water in a drive held March 15 – 16 to support victims of the recent extreme flooding.

Townsquare Tuscaloosa Holds Tornado Relief Drive

Townsquare Media’s WQRR-FM, WFFN-FM, WTUG-FM, WTBC-FM, WTUG-FM, WTSK-FM and WTID-FM Tuscaloosa held a ‘Tide for Tigers’ drive on March 4 – 12 to support tornado relief efforts. A truck-full of canned foods, bottled water, toiletries, diapers and cleaning supplies was delivered to the community on March 13.

WYFF Airs Live Special to Raise Awareness for Domestic Violence

Hearst’s NBC affiliate WYFF-TV Greenville, S.C., aired a one-hour town hall special about domestic violence on March 28th. In partnership with Safe Harbor, the station brought a panel of therapists, community leaders and survivors together to discuss the cycle of domestic abuse and possible solutions. Safe Harbor serves victims of domestic violence in four counties across South Carolina.

KOMO Documentary Sparks Discussion About Homeless Crisis

Sinclair’s ABC affiliate KOMO Seattle’s documentary on homelessness raised awareness for and sparked discussion about the crisis throughout the state. Originally aired on March 16, “Seattle is Dying” generated over 3.5 million views on broadcast and social.

KARE-TV: City Officials Misspend Fees

TEGNA’s NBC affiliate KARE-TV Minneapolis aired on March 11 an investigative report “KARE 11 Investigates: Prosecuting for Profit.” The report showed that city officials paid money from fines intended to combat sexual exploitation to a private attorney as a bonus.

WDIV Podcast Examines Local Crimes

Graham’s NBC affiliate WDIV-TV Detroit released on March 19 season three of its “Shattered” podcast. “Shattered: Child Killer” discussed the cold case of children murdered 40 years ago and the suspected cover-up by a local millionaire. It spotlighted the murdered children’s relatives, investigators on the case, and journalists who continue covering the story. “Shattered” seasons one and two amassed 2.1 million downloads. Season One explored the 2010 disappearance of three brothers in Morenci, Mich., whose father said he gave them to an underground organization. Season Two covered the life of Richard Wershe, Jr., (“White Boy Rick”) the youngest FBI informant turned drug dealer.

WWMX-FM Raises $1.3 Million

Entercom’s WWMX-FM Baltimore raised a record $1.3 million in its 30th annual radiothon, held February 21 – 22 to benefit Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. In 30 years, WWMX has raised over $23 million.

KWEN-FM Breaks Records for St. Jude Children’s Hospital

Cox Media Group’s KWEN-FM Tulsa raised a record $185,850 during a radiothon, held March 7 - 8 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. KWEN highlighted the stories of St. Jude patients and their families during the live broadcast. Sister station KJSR-FM also broadcast the radiothon and FOX affiliate KOKI personalities helped man the phone bank. In six years, they have raised over $500,000.

WISN Collects 119,000 Pounds of Food

Hearst’s ABC affiliate WISN Milwaukee collected 210,322 meals for Wisconsinites facing hunger during February and March. In collaboration with Feeding American Eastern Wisconsin, WISN’s “Peanut Butter & Jelly Challenge” and “Scouting for Food” initiatives collected 119,000 pounds of food and over $37,000 in donations. Over 60 schools and companies donated jars of peanut butter and jelly to benefit the Milwaukee and Appleton food banks during the ‘Peanut Butter and Jelly Challenge.’ Local Boy Scout troops also participated.

Gray’s Fargo Stations Help Make-A-Wish Families

Gray’s NBC affiliate KVLY and CBS affiliate KXJB Fargo, N.D., collected more than 500,000 airline miles for Make-A-Wish North Dakota through its “Wishes in Flight” drive on February 28. The airline miles will help the non-profit grant wishes for children diagnosed with critical illnesses. Seventy-five percent of wishes involve travel for the patient and their immediate family.

WCVB Celebrates Anniversary of Pine Street Inn’s Services

Hearst’s ABC affiliate WCVB Boston is the year-long television partner for the 50th anniversary of Pine Street Inn, New England’s largest homeless services provider, which supports 2,000 men and women daily. In addition to airing PSAs, WCVB’s ‘5 Fixer Upper’ program will update kitchens, bathrooms, paint and furniture at one of Pine Street’s residences. Anchor Nichole Berlie will host the “Home Remedy Breakfast,” held May 2 to recognize Pine Street’s community impact. The effort is part of WCVB’s Project CommUNITY, which provides resources to those living in poverty and aims to break stereotypes.