Radio and television broadcasters constantly serve local communities. Stations air lifeline emergency information; support our military; raise millions for cancer research and treatment; collect food, clothes and toys; devote free air time to election coverage; and promote education and health.

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As devastating flooding in Louisiana impacted some 40,000 homes and claimed the lives of 13 people, local radio and television broadcasters provided lifeline news coverage around the clock. While other communications networks failed, Louisiana's broadcasters stayed on the air, even as many of them lost their homes while reporting stories on the flooding. Raycom's CBS affiliate WAFB aired video of a group of men rescuing a drowning woman and her dog from a sinking car. The video has drawn tens of millions of views online and shed much-needed light on the plight of Louisianans.

St. Louis Stations Contribute to Relief Efforts

Eighteen local radio and television stations in St. Louis joined together to raise funds for the Louisiana flood victims in partnership with the American Red Cross. During the first tragic days, more than 50 Red Cross and community shelters provided refuge for more than 10,000 people. A volunteer phone bank was open from August 22 – 28 for viewers and listeners to donate. Participating stations included Emmis-owned KSHE-FM, KNOU-FM, KPNT-FM and KFTK-FM; Hubbard's WARH-FM, WIL-FM and WXOS-FM; CBS Radio's KMOX-FM and KYKY-FM; Radio One's WHHL-FM and KFUN-FM; and iHeartMedia's KSLZ-FM, KSD-FM, KLOU-FM, KMJM-FM, KKWD-FM and KATZ-AM.

Raycom Gets Stars For Louisiana Flood Relief Concert

Raycom Media's "Louisiana Rising: A Benefit Concert for Flood Relief" on September 5 raised $800,000. The concert aired on all Raycom Media stations, as well as on stations belonging to ABC, Hearst Television, Sinclair Broadcasting Group, Cordillera Communications, Meredith, Graham Media Group and Cox Media Group. In addition, Bounce TV carried it across all of their stations, reaching 85 percent of the country. Randy Jackson and Harry Connick, Jr. headlined the event, which included performances from Hunter Hayes, New Orleans-based Better Than Ezra, Aaron Neville, Sonny Landreth, Chris Thomas King, MacKenzie Bourg, Luther Kent and Rockin' Dopsie. "Our goal is to raise awareness, and more importantly, money, for the tens of thousands of people who need help to get back on their feet," said Raycom President Pat LaPlatney.

WDSU-TV Holds Telethon After Historic Flood

Hearst Television's NBC affiliate WDSU-TV New Orleans raised $100,000 in a telethon on August 17 to raise funds and supplies for the Second Harvest Food Bank after historic flooding tore through the viewing area. Monetary donations from the telethon helped provide clean drinking water, food and cleaning supplies.

Raycom Stations Assist With Flood Relief

Raycom stations across the country held fundraisers after flooding devastated parts of southern Louisiana in August. CBS affiliate WAFB raised $55,000 for the Salvation Army and Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank on August 24. ABC affiliate WLOX-TV Biloxi-Gulfport aired American Red Cross PSAs that encouraged viewers to donate $10 via text. The PSAs aired more than 80 times and the effort collected $112,498. NBC affiliate WSFA-TV Montgomery-Selma held a flood relief drive for the Red Cross on August 17. The drive ran from 10:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and raised $50,000. NBC affiliate WAVE-TV Louisville raised $43,000 in a 14-hour telethon for the Red Cross on August 16.

WBRZ Provides 114 Hours of Live Storm Coverage

Manship Station's ABC affiliate WBRZ Baton Rouge, La., provided 114 hours of on-air coverage as the flood dumped four trillion gallons of water. WBRZ live streamed the newscasts and helped reunite separated family members. "WBRZ's entire organization answered the bell round after round and remains standing Louisiana Strong. Our employees' dedication can't adequately be expressed by words, but can be measured by the size of their hearts," News Director Lee Polowczuk told TVNewsCheck. It was a difficult summer in Baton Rouge, but WBRZ "never lost sight of why we're here: to be on your side - no matter what, and we won't forget that, either," said Assistant News Director Trey Schmaltz.

Bobby Bones Show Donates $85,000 to Flood Relief

"The Bobby Bones Show" donated $85,000 to the American Red Cross Louisiana flood relief effort after the show announced on August 16 that all proceeds from #PimpinJoy online merchandise sales would be donated. "The immensity of their support this past week has only served to prove that point, as friends rally around friends in a time of need, and that's what our listeners have done," said Bones.

WJBF Raises $20,000 for Red Cross

Media General's ABC affiliate WJBF Augusta, Ga., raised $20,000 during a telethon held August 23 for Red Cross flood relief in Louisiana. WJBF gladly helped its neighbors, as more than 60,000 homes in Louisiana became unlivable.

KATC-TV Holds Telethon for Flood Victims

Cordillera Communications' ABC affiliate KATC-TV Acadiana, La., raised $126,000 in the "Spirit of Acadiana Flood Relief Telethon" on August 17. Funds were donated to those affected by historic flooding that ripped through the area. The telethon was held in conjunction with United Way.

Cumulus Cares for Louisiana

All Cumulus Stations across the country partnered with the United Way of Acadiana and United Way of Baton Rogue to raise funds for the flood victims. Every station website has a "Cumulus Cares" banner under the masthead to encourage donations. They aired PSAs nationwide to drive people to donate online. Here is an example from WGNI-FM Wilmington, N.C.

Alpha Media Raises Money Following Louisiana Flood

Alpha Media stations provided extensive storm coverage and encouraged listeners to donate to the Red Cross. Portland Operations Manager Bruce Collins said, "We are honored and privileged as a media company to participate in helping the thousands of people in the Baton Rouge area who suffered from this catastrophic flooding event." Biloxi, Miss., stations collected enough relief supplies to fill three semi-trucks in a drive held August 15-16. "Through Alpha's outreach and radio networks, we were able to engage so many more people and had an abundance of volunteers and donations streaming in," said City of Gulfport Public Information Officer Chris Vignes.

Guaranty Broadcasting Covers Flood

Guaranty Broadcasting's KNXX-FM, WBRP-FM, WDGL-FM, WNXX-FM and WTGE-FM Baton Rouge provided 18 hours of live coverage of the floods. The police used radio to communicate with residents as other networks failed. "I just cannot thank you guys enough for getting the message out," said Denham Springs Mayor Gerard Landry. General Manager Gordy Rush told Radio Ink, "Our team was relentless. James Gilmore, our country midday talent, who is also fighting stage 4 kidney cancer, produced 12 hours of Talk 107.3 programming over the weekend, then went to help another employee clean out his house after the flood water went down."

WTHR Raises $200,000 for Tornado Relief

Dispatch Broadcasting's NBC affiliate WTHR-TV Indianapolis provided seven hours of live coverage and raised $200,000 to assist Red Cross relief efforts following the August 24 tornado outbreak. Eight confirmed tornadoes across the state left more than 200 people homeless in Kokomo and damaged 1,000 homes. Cumulus-owned WFMS-FM is a partner of the WTHR Cares Emergency Relief Network. "Our team is committed to serving our community every day," said President and General Manager Larry Delia. "We want to let people of Kokomo and Central Indiana know that WTHR truly cares and that we are here to help in times of need."

Hearst Radio and TV Fundraise for Ellicott City Flood Relief

Hearst's WBAL-AM, WIYY-FM and NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore provided viewers and listeners with crucial information as deadly flooding hit Ellicott City, Md., on July 30. The flood killed two people and destroyed residences and businesses. Hearst held several fundraisers following the storm, including a partnership with the Baltimore Ravens on an "I Love EC" t-shirt. The stations quickly sold out of their 700-shirt supply. Players wore the shirts at an open practice and made 50 autographed shirts available for a raffle. Hearst sold over 3,600 t-shirts and raised $36,720.

WFLA-TV Helps Tampa Viewers Reclaim $1 Million

Media General's NBC affiliate WFLA-TV Tampa helped viewers get $1 million in unclaimed property and money. Consumer reporter Shannon Behnken hosted a phone bank on August 11 that helped residents reclaim more than 4,000 accounts through a database of dormant accounts in financial institutions, insurance and utility companies, and securities and trust holdings. Property included watches, jewelry, coins and stamps. "The volume of calls we received was unbelievable, proving once again that News Channel 8 is truly 'On Your Side,'" said General Manager Andy Alford. Watch video via TVNewsCheck.

WJLA Investigates Recalled Air Bags

Sinclair's ABC affiliate WJLA-TV Washington, D.C., investigated the recall of 70 million Takata airbags that could malfunction and send deadly shrapnel into drivers and passengers. Two years into the recall, Senior Investigative Reporter Lisa Fletcher uncovered critical new information from former Takata employees that raised questions about the safety of the replacement airbags and whether a recall of the recall is needed.

KKJO-FM's 'Canned Film Festival' Collects Tons of Food

Eagle Communications' KKJO-FM St. Joseph's, Mo., collected more than 13,000 pounds of food in nine weeks during the 12th annual "Canned Film Festival." KKJO-FM partnered with a local movie theater to provide free movie admission with a non-perishable food item on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings during the summer. A total of 10,862 kids and adults participated this year. The food collected benefits the Second Harvest Community Food Bank serving Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas.

Pet Telethon Raises $520,000 for Arizona Humane Society

Meredith-owned KTVK-TV Phoenix raised nearly $520,000 in a two-hour pet telethon for the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) on August 27. More than 17,000 homeless pets were taken in by AHS last year.

KJTV Raises $238,000 in Texas Boys Telethon

Ramar Communications' Fox affiliate KJTV Lubbock, Texas, raised $238,000 on August 20 for the Texas Boys Ranch, which is a shelter, foster care and adoption system. The telethon included music from local artists and an auction that included autographed sports memorabilia.

WEEI Raises $3.5 Million to Fight Cancer

Entercom's WEEI-AM/FM Boston raised more than $3.5 million for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in a radiothon held August 29-31. The 42-hour event included Boston sports stars Tom Brady, Brad Stevens, David Ortiz, Robert Kraft and Curt Schilling. The event has raised over $42 million since its inception.

Univision Promotes Oral Health

Univision Communications Inc. is partnering with the New York University College of Dentistry to provide oral health content for Univision's healthcare website, Univision Salud (Univision Health). Topics include: "Everyday Habits That Harm Teeth," "Orthodontic Care for a Beautiful Smile," "Bad Breath – Causes and Cures" and "Overcoming Dental Fears." NYU Dentistry's experts will also be featured in Univision website videos and Univision TV stories on oral health topics. Personal stories will introduce Univision's younger viewers to the field of dentistry.

Radio Raises $145,000 for Children's Hospital

Connoisseur Media's WDRC-FM, WDRC-AM, WMMW-AM, WCCO-AM and WSNG-AM Hartford, Conn., raised a record $145,000 on August 25 in a radiothon for Connecticut Children's Medical Center. Shows featured interviews with patients, families, doctors and Senator Richard Blumenthal. "The Radiothon is a day that really puts things in perspective. I am so proud of the Connoisseur team for breaking the previous one day total," General Manager Kristin Okesson said. "To raise $145,000 for the only freestanding children's hospital in Connecticut is truly an honor."

Wish-A-Thon Raises $158,000

Alpha Media's WHBC-FM and WHBC-AM Canton, Ohio, raised $158,673 during the ninth annual "AultCare Wish-A-Thon," held August 11-12. A storm leveled the Wish-A-Thon tent in the 10th hour of the 36-hour broadcast, but the event continued in the WHBC studios. The storm "never dampened the spirit of the event or the resolve of our staff," said Market Manager Larry Gawthrop. All donations will go to Wishes Can Happen Inc., a local charity that supports children with life threatening illnesses.

Univision Contigo Kicks Off Back-to-School Season

Univision's Houston and Los Angeles stations helped more than 30,000 students prepare for the new school year. On August 13, Houston stations hosted the sixth annual "Mayor's Back to School Fest." Los Angeles stations partnered with Children's Institute and El Salvador Foundation to provide backpacks, clothes, health screenings and immunizations for students, plus resources for parents. Also, Univision expanded its multi-platform campaign "Regresa a Clases con Univision" (Back to School with Univision) on August 15. The campaign provides parents, students, mentors and educators with more than 10 weeks of programming on education topics, including early-childhood enrichment, college prep, STEM skills and applying for financial aid.

KFVS Hosts School Supply and Blood Drives

Raycom's CBS affiliate KFVS-TV Cape Girardeau, Mo., hosted its third annual "Stuff the Bus" campaign on August 6. The drive provided donated school supplies to students from 26 school districts. KFVS also hosted a "Summer Blood Drive" from August 18 – 20. In all, 739 viewers donated blood, giving 688 productive units. The Red Cross said it is one of the most successful blood drives in the Midwest.

KETV Collects Record Number of Backpacks

Hearst's ABC affiliate KETV Omaha partnered with the Salvation Army for the 19th annual "7 Can Help Kids Back to School Backpack Program." A record 15,640 backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed, bringing the 19-year total to over 185,000. Watch how the program impacts local students.

Grassley and Judge Agree to Radio and Television Debates

Incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley announced August 5 that he accepted invitations to participate in two face-to-face debates with 2016 challenger Patty Judge. The debates will be hosted by Iowa Public Television and iHeartMedia's WHO-AM Des Moines.

WFOR Holds Congressional Debate

CBS-owned WFOR Miami held a debate between incumbent Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Tim Canova in the race for Florida's 23rd Congressional District on August 14. The hour-long debate broadcast live during WFOR's "Facing South Florida with Jim DeFede."

WJXT-TV Holds Multiple Debates

Graham Media's WJXT-TV Jacksonville held debates for the following races: State Attorney on August 16; 4th Congressional District on August 17; and 5th Congressional District on August 18. The hour-long debates were held in Jacksonville University's Swisher Theater. The debates aired on WJXT-TV and were live streamed online.

WTMJ-AM Airs Two-Hour 'Community Conversation'

E.W. Scripps' WTMJ-AM Milwaukee held a community conversation regarding social unrest on August 17, following violence and protests over the shooting death of an armed black suspect by local police. The special served as a forum for residents, clergy, politicians and police to discuss life in the most challenged areas of the city. "The violence that erupted this week is a reminder of the struggles many face in our community. WTMJ Radio will lead the way for a productive listening session, where leaders can get together and offer solutions," said Vice President and General Manager Tom Langmyer. The discussion aired on WTMJ and was streamed on the station's website and via "Facebook Live."

KPWR-FM Examines Social Unrest

Emmis' KPWR-FM Los Angeles station host J Cruz hosted an open dialogue to address recent violence that has erupted throughout the country. Cruz said, "We wanted to provide a safe place for our listeners to get answers to their questions and give them a platform to discuss what could be done." Special guests included rapper The Game, "America's Got Talent" host Nick Cannon, KPWR-FM host Yesi Ortiz, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, #BlackLivesMatter organizer Dr. Melina Abdullah and Journalist Wendy Carrillo. Rapper The Game performed a spoken word poem that he wrote with his son that addresses the challenges facing young African Americans. Watch a performance of the poem here.

Texas Stations Raise Money for Police Fund

CBS owned-and-operated KTVT Dallas, KTXA Fort Worth and CBS Radio Dallas/Fort Worth partnered with local Albertsons grocery stores to raise money in support of the police officers and their families affected by the July 7 shootings in Dallas. The effort provided $167,600 for the Dallas Foundation's Line of Duty Fund.

WKOW-TV Raises Racial Awareness

Quincy Media's ABC affiliate WKOW-TV Madison aired a 90-minute, commercial-free documentary titled "Our Wisconsin: Equity & Justice For All?" on July 22. The program examined disparities between white and black people, including infant mortality, student performance, graduation rates, unemployment and poverty. "Because our audience is predominantly white, we decided to make our documentary the ‘black voice' that many Wisconsinites never hear," said anchor Greg Jeschke. The special also aired on ABC affiliates in Wausau, La Crosse and Eau Claire.

WBRZ-TV Holds Telethon for First Responders

Manship Station's ABC affiliate WBRZ-TV Baton Rouge raised $185,000 during the "Unite for our Heroes Telethon" on July 28. "All the funds were placed directly in our long-established First Responders Fund, which will benefit victims and their families who need help now and in the future," said John G. Davies, president and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, which manages the fund. Law enforcement and community leaders, including Gov. John Bel Edwards and Mayor Kip Holden, participated in the telethon.

Milwaukee Station Airs Special About Violence

Weigel Broadcasting Company’s CBS affiliate WDJT-TV Milwaukee aired a one-hour, commercial-free special report on September 6 to address the gun violence and unrest in the city. The broadcast included a roundtable discussion with five families who have lost loved ones to gun violence, plus remarks from Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn, County Sheriff David Clarke and community leaders.