Univision's "TeletónUSA" Raises $15.7 Million

Univision Nework's fifth annual "TeletónUSA," which aired December 2 – 3, raised a whopping $15.7 million to improve the lives of children with neuromusculoskeletal disabilities, cancer and autism. "TeletónUSA" featured the theme “Nuestra Causa” (Our Cause) and included a variety of Latin music stars and some of the network's best-known on-air personalities. The telethon took place in Los Angeles and featured live feeds throughout the show from Miami and San Antonio. It also was streamed live online.

KNXV's "Operation Santa Claus" Raises Over $1 Million

Scripps' ABC affiliate KNXV-TV Phoenix raised more than $1 million in the 15th annual "Operation Santa Claus" drive, held December 21. The funds benefit Military Assistance Mission (MAM), Ronald McDonald House, Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC) and St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance. The month-long campaign concluded with a “human chain” of volunteers packing donations.

Pittsburgh Station Stuffs 57 Buses

iHeartMedia's WKST-FM Pittsburgh filled a record 57 buses with toys for the U.S. Marine Corps' Toys for Tots program. The 2016 "Stuff-A-Bus" campaign surpassed last year's total of 52 buses filled.

KLUC Hosts Successful Toy Drive

CBS Radio's KLUC-FM Las Vegas concluded its annual toy drive on December 13. The station collected 6,700 bikes and $442,669 in cash and gift cards.

Wisconsin Radio Delivers 2,000 Gifts

Evangel Ministries' WEMI-FM Appleton, Wis., collected more than 2,000 Christmas Care shoe box gifts in the 19th annual "Christmas Care" drive, benefitting 35 local crisis programs and emergency rooms. Shelter staff and hospital emergency room workers watch carefully for patients who are in crisis or lack adequate clothing. A staff member at St. Mary's Medical Center in Green Bay described one event: “A tall, elderly man who had fallen came in for our help, and he ended up staying overnight. He was upset with the thought of spending Christmas in the hospital. There was a Christmas Care gift marked 'for a tall man,' and we gave that to him. He was tearful - and told us it was the only present he had gotten in years - he was delighted by the gift, and said that this made his Christmas. Thank you!”

KTTC Gathers Truck Full of Gifts

Quincy's NBC affiliate KTTC Rochester, Minn., collected a truck full of gifts for Christmas Anonymous on December 3. Gail Sauter, vice president of Christmas Anonymous, said that the drive served more than 600 families including about 1,600 children this holiday season.

KOMC and KRZK Help The Salvation Army

Earls Family Broadcasting's KOMC-AM/FM and KRZK-FM Branson, Mo., aired a news story about the local Salvation Army being $5,000 short of their goals. A listener heard the story and subsequently visited The Salvation Army thrift store with a check for the needed $5,000.

KTVL Hosts Toy Drive

Sinclair's CBS affiliate KTVL-TV and Opus Radio's KCNA-FM, KRVC-FM and KROG-FM Medford, Ore., collected 3,500 holiday toys for children and teenagers in the 9th annual Community Toy Drive, held November 21 – December 19. This included 15 bicycles and helmets and hundreds of gift cards.

Cumulus Nashville Collects Thousands of Toys

Cumulus Media's Nashville stations WKDF-FM, WGFX-FM, WQQK-FM, WWTN-FM and WSM-FM brought the community together on December 6 to create a "Toy Field" at Nashville's Nissan Stadium. The stations collected thousands of gifts during the 9th annual event, benefitting The Salvation Army's “Forgotten Angel” program, which reached nearly 9,000 people.

Univision Houston Celebrates the Holidays

Univision Houston distributed 1,500 toys to local families and children at the "Univision Houston Fiestas Navideñas" at PlazAmericas, held December 4. The event included a visit with Santa, a tamale contest, magicians and music. Univision Houston also helped 50 children in the community through The Salvation Army's “Angel Tree Program.”

KSAS and KMTW Raise $90,000 for Wichita Charity

Sinclair's Fox affiliate KSAS-TV and KMTW Wichita helped raise over $90,000 for The Arc of Sedgwick County by co-sponsoring the Arc's holiday lights display. The holiday lights drive-through has more than 1.4 million lights and 100,000 visitors each year. Funds support The Arc of Sedgwick County's programs and services for nearly 4,000 youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

WGN Gives Away More Than 15,000 Toys

Tribune's CW affiliate WGN-TV Chicago collected 15,000 toys during its 14th annual “The WGN Morning News Drive-Thru Toy Drive” on December 22. The five-hour event featured Santa Claus and an appearance by Jennifer and Julia Hudson.

KWHL-FM Anchorage Supports Toys for Tots

Alpha Media's KWHL-FM Anchorage raised $36,000 for the United States Marine Corps' Toys for Tots program. The three-day radiothon was held December 7 – 9.

WSAW-WZAW Sets New "Share Your Holidays" Record

Gray Television's CBS affiliate WSAW-TV and WZAW Wausau, Wis., shattered records by raising more than $90,000 in its annual “Share Your Holidays” drive, held December 2 – 22. The campaign benefits the food pantries at The Salvation Army of Wausau and local food pantry The Neighbors' Place. The previous record was $63,432. In 14 years, the campaign has raised more than $500,000.

WCMH-TV Raises $1.6 Million for Foodbank

Media General's NBC affiliate WCMH-TV Columbus collected $1.6 million for the Mid-Ohio Foodbank in an 18-hour telethon on December 14. The funds will provide seven million meals through the network of 650 pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, senior living centers, day cares and after-school programs in 20 counties.

Vermont Radio Collects 27 Tons of Food

Great Eastern Radio's WRFK-FM, WWFY-FM and WSNO-AM Barre, Vt., collected two tractor-trailers worth of food donations for The Salvation Army's emergency food shelf in Barre. In less than 60 hours, the stations raised a record 26.7 tons of food and $16,000. “It's all about neighbors helping neighbors,” said morning show host TJ Michaels.

KSBW Hosts Record-Breaking Food Drive

Hearst's NBC affiliate KSBW Salinas, Calif., collected a record 15,000 pounds of food and $177,000 in the annual “Share Your Holiday” drive, held December 9. This was the event's 30th year.

KWBW-AM Assists Local Families

Eagle Communications' KWBW-AM Hutchinson, Kan., raised $18,000 for the station's “Project Concern” program that supports families in need at Thanksgiving time through The Salvation Army. KWBW ran promos and did live reads throughout November asking listeners to donate. Every qualified family that asked for help this year received assistance. KWBW also partners with a local grocery store to turn cash into gift cards. “Project Concern” started more than 20 years ago.

KFVS Food Drive Nets Tons of Goods

Raycom's CBS affiliate KFVS-TV Cape Girardeau, Mo., hosted the second annual "Heartland Food Drive" from December 5 - 11. The 14,200 pounds of food collected in Missouri provided thousands of meals for local families. KFVS aired PSAs, utilized social media and partnered with Withers' Broadcasting radio stations to encourage viewers to donate. One Facebook post reached more than 52,000 people.

CBS Radio Dallas Raises a Record $1.26 Million

CBS Radio's KLUV-FM, KMVK-FM and KRLD-AM Dallas raised a record $1.26 million in the 11th annual “Christmas is for Children” radiothon, held December 8 - 9 for the Children's Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals. “The Christmas is for Children" radiothon is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year, and this year exceeded our expectations in every way,” said Children's Medical Center Foundation President Brent E. Christopher. “We also appreciate the dedicated team of professionals at CBS Radio for their support and passion, highlighted by the extraordinary Jody Dean and El Chiquilin, whose desire to help children included devoting a remarkable 26 hours each to hosting the event.”

WYCD Collects $551,000 for St. Jude

CBS Radio's WYCD-FM Detroit raised $551,272 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in its 16th Annual “99.5 WYCD Country Cares for St. Jude Kids” radiothon, December 8 - 9. Several donations were dedicated to WYCD's Linda Lee, who was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer a few months ago. Lee called in from her chemotherapy session, urging listeners to donate.

WRIT-FM Fundraiser Breaks Records

iHeartMedia's WRIT-FM Milwaukee raised a record $293,500 during its eighth annual "Make-A-Wish Radio-A-Thon," held December 1 - 2. Make-A-Wish grants wishes to children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions. “95.7 BIG FM is proud to share stories of hope, courage, and holiday spirit during our Make-A-Wish Radio-A-Thon,” said Vice President of Programming Brett Andrews.

WPBG-FM Drive Nets $633,000 for Hospital

Alpha Media's WPBG-FM Peoria, Ill., collected $633,000 in its 16th annual "Drive for Miracles" radiothon, held December 8 – 9 for the Children's Hospital of Illinois. “We have been doing this for 16 years, and every year I am amazed and humbled at the generosity of the community. Radio gives us the ability to reach so many like-minded people who get behind an important cause and make a difference. It's very rewarding,” said morning show host John Riley.

Houston Radio Raises $655,000 for Pediatric Care

Cox Media Group's stations KKBQ-FM, KHPT-FM, KTHT-FM and KGLK-FM Houston raised $655,000 for Texas Children's Hospital in their 13th annual radiothon, December 1 – 2. Money supports patient care, education, research, a new pediatric tower center and the opening of a community hospital.

KYGO-FM Raises $500,000 for St. Jude in 2016

Bonneville International's KYGO-FM Denver raised $307,000 in its “St. Jude Radiothon,” held December 15 – 16. KYGO-FM fundraised for St. Jude earlier in 2016, bringing the yearly total to $518,752.

TEGNA Stations Air In-Depth Investigative Reports

Local TEGNA stations continue to focus on in-depth investigative journalism. Reporter Jeremy Campbell led NBC affiliate WXIA-TV Atlanta on “Charlie Foxtrot,” a five-part series showing that veterans are denied benefits after being less-than-honorably discharged when they should be offered treatment for PTSD. WXIA posted the series online before broadcasting it on Veterans Day, and provided it to other stations with tips on localizing the story. WXIA and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chair Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) hosted a viewing and panel discussion on Capitol Hill. WXIA also got 12,000 people to sign a petition urging Congress to pass the Fairness for Veterans bill, requiring the military to consider PTSD or traumatic brain injury in discharge decisions. The bill passed. WXIA also developed a four-part series on heroin overdoses in Atlanta's wealthy suburbs, which generated four million views online in one week. The follow-up on-air special was one of WXIA's most-watched specials in recent years.

Other examples of long-form investigative journalism by TEGNA include this 6,000-word story written by investigative reporter Noah Pransky at CBS affiliate WTSP Tampa to accompany his five-minute television story on one PR consultant's influence on local politics. In addition, CBS affiliate KHOU-TV Houston investigated police body cameras. Through an initiative at ABC affiliate WFAA Dallas, citizens joined a reporter to conduct interviews to help them better understand journalism.

Four Local Stations, Networks Among duPont Winners

Four local television stations won 2017 Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards for investigative reporting: Media General's NBC affiliate KXAN-TV Austin for documenting racial profiling; NBC-owned WVIT-TV West Hartford, Conn., for uncovering widespread faulty home construction; Dispatch's NBC affiliate WTHR Indianapolis for exposing a corrupt charity; and TEGNA's NBC affiliate WXIA-TV Atlanta for spotlighting problems with the 911 emergency system. Also, NBC News' "Dateline" won for "The Cosby Accusers Speak" and CBS News was honored for breaking coverage of the migrant crisis.

WBRZ's Investigative Unit Wins Emmy

Manship Stations' ABC affiliate WBRZ Baton Rouge staffers Chris Nakamoto, Joe McCoy III and Michael Shingleton won a regional Emmy in the “Politics and Government” category for its story “Reporter's Unlawful Arrest.” While investigating possible fraudulent activity in the town of White Castle, Nakamoto was unlawfully arrested and charged (later dropped). Shingleton continued coverage after his arrest. “This award shows Chris Nakamoto's dedication to holding the powerful accountable,” Shingleton said. “WBRZ will continue to expose elected officials breaking rules and unlawfully spending taxpayer money.”

WTTG Helps Grant Young Superhero's Wish

Fox-owned WTTG-TV Washington, D.C., and Make-A-Wish granted a wish to 5-year-old cancer patient Kaheem by having the "Superhero Council" ask for his help in saving D.C. on December 16. Kaheem spent the day riding in cop cars and fire trucks pursuing his dream of saving people and being a superhero. Station personalities and "fellow superheroes" cheered him on at all five stops during the all-day adventure, which included WTTG's studios, Capitol Hill and the Newseum.

WIVK-FM Raises $815,000 for Wildfire Victims

Cumulus Media's WIVK-FM Knoxville raised $815,000 on December 5 in the 18-hour, on-air and online #SmokyMtnStrong radiothon benefiting victims of the Gatlinburg wildfires. All funds stayed in East Tennessee to support areas affected by the fires.

KSHB Says "No" to Bullying

Scripps' NBC affiliate KSHB Kansas City launched a campaign on December 19 to emphasize the message that violence, bullying and discrimination are unacceptable. “Kind KC” is a movement that declares that bullying is not to be tolerated in Kansas City, “not here, not now, not ever.”

WRAL Documentary Starts Community Conversation

Capitol Broadcasting's NBC affiliate WRAL-TV Raleigh aired a documentary, “Black and Blue,” commercial-free during prime time on December 15. The program examined the relationship between police and the African-American communities in Raleigh. Immediately following the documentary, WRAL invited community and faith leaders, law enforcement and the community to join the conversation online. “This is a complex topic that deserves meaningful and ongoing action and dialogue beyond news coverage of the shootings,” said General Manager Steven D. Hammel. “WRAL is committed to providing it using every path we have into the community.”

"Serving New York" Awards Presented

The New York State Broadcasters Association hosted its annual regional luncheons honoring the public service efforts of local stations. The “Serving New York Awards” recognize the extraordinary efforts of New York's broadcasters in serving the public every day. View winners by region: Rochester, Buffalo, Long Island, New York City, Southern Tier, Central New York and Albany/Capital Region. Pictured here are U.S. Congressman Chris Collins and New York State Broadcasters Association President David Donovan.

KATC Airs Third Congressional District Debate

Cordillera Communications' ABC affiliate KATC Lafayette, La., aired and streamed a prime-time debate on December 8 between Republicans Scott A. Angelle and Clay Higgins, the candidates in the December 10th runoff for Louisiana's Third Congressional District Seat. Voters could submit questions in text or video form by posting them on Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #KATCDebate.

WBAL in the Community

Hearst's NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore recently hosted several community initiatives. WBAL is partnering with the Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) on the 2017 Baltimore County Public Library Reading Challenge. The challenge includes a different topic each month, including Black History Month and books that were once banned. Participants can post on social media with the hashtag #Bwellread for the chance to win gift cards. "This is an exciting partnership for us, and we are confident that the added exposure will help us to engage more readers than ever," said BCPL Director Paula Miller.

In addition, WBAL partnered with Gilmor Elementary School for their "Christmas Extravaganza" and collected more than 100 coats to be distributed to men, women and children in need through the local non-profit A Mother's Cry.

WMAL Raises $491,000 for Fisher House

Cumulus' WMAL-AM Washington, D.C., raised a record $491,000 in its 13th annual radiothon, held December 2 – 3 to benefit the Fisher House Foundation. The Fisher House Foundation provides homes away from home for the families of injured servicemen and women while their partners are undergoing treatment and rehabilitation. “I remain in awe of WMAL listeners,” said WMAL Program Director and VP of News Talk for Cumulus Bill Hess. “They have generously donated some $5.4 million over the last 13 years in support of this wonderful organization and its mission.”

KUSA Raises $187,000 For WWII Vets

TEGNA's NBC affiliate KUSA-TV Denver raised more than $187,000 during a 14-hour telethon for the Rocky Mountain Honor Flight on the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Rocky Mountain Honor Flight takes veterans, their guardians and medical personnel to the U.S. Capitol to see memorials dedicated to their service. Each three-day trip costs $60,000. Honor Flight accepts applications from service veterans of all American wars, but gives preference to World War II veterans and veterans with terminal illnesses.