The National Association of Broadcasters Public Service department assists local television and radio stations in serving audiences with timely and important community-oriented initiatives on topics such as health, education, safety, volunteerism and civic discourse. Indeed, Broadcasters' unrivaled commitment to public service leads to greater support of local issues, stronger and safer neighborhoods, cleaner cities, successful charities, healthier residents and a helping hand when people need it most. NAB also works to create public awareness of the unique and important role broadcasters play in communities they serve.

NAB Spot Center

NAB's new and improved Spot Center now offers free, downloadable broadcast-quality radio and television PSAs, as well as well as live-read scripts, guidebooks and programming ideas. With this enhanced resource, NAB is continuing its long tradition of assisting America's broadcasters in planning and implementing locally focused community service initiatives, both on- and off-air.

Creating Awareness

State-by-state and station by station, NAB's interactive public service map highlights how radio and television broadcasters are effectively improving the quality of life in their communities and supporting important causes with local and national significance. Click on individual states for specific examples. These anecdotes are a sampling of the many stories replicated daily by local radio and television stations across the country. To submit stories for the map, contact NAB's manager of Public Service at akreutzjans@nab.org.

In October 2012, Superstorm Sandy struck the eastern seaboard of the U.S., wreaking havoc from Florida to Maine and as far west as Michigan and Wisconsin. As Sandy approached, radio and television broadcasters took to the airwaves to warn those in the storm's path about the oncoming danger. During the storm, local broadcasters provided lifeline support as 'first informers,' relaying emergency and disaster relief information. And after the skies cleared, radio and TV stations played a critical role in the recovery and rebuilding efforts of their hometown communities.

This monthly e-newsletter highlights broadcasters' outstanding service to communities. Issues feature stories on natural disaster coverage and relief efforts, clothing and canned food drives, public health initiatives, charitable radio and telethons and more. The publication is distributed to NAB members, the press and to policymakers on Capitol Hill, at the FCC and in the White House. To submit stories, register to receive the newsletter or for more information about the publication, contact NAB's manager of Public Service at akreutzjans@nab.org.

Licensed to Serve Archive
2013
January | February | March | May | Special Edition: Oklahoma Tornado Relief | July
2012
January  |  March | Special Edition: Tornado Coverage | May | June | Special Edition: Political Coverage | August | September | October | Special Edition: Hurricane Sandy | Special Edition: Election 2012 | Special Edition: Sandy Relief Efforts
2011
January  |  February  |  March  |  April  |  June  |  October