KOZT-FM Fort Bragg, Calif. was one of 10 NAB Crystal Radio Award winners for 2009. Here is the summary of their 2008 community service efforts that the station submitted as part of their entry:

KOZT is local radio. Locally owned and locally programmed, KOZT is the county’s only station offering six daily local newscasts – critical in this rural area without daily newspapers or local television news as proven again in 2008 during seven weeks of severe wildfires. KOZT was the only station – radio or television – to stay on the air throughout wildfires and intense winter storms, broadcasting regular updates from emergency crews and government officials on evacuations, floods, road closures and power outages affecting thousands for weeks. KOZT invests in the community, each and every day. In 2008, the station debuted recognitions of sustainability efforts and helping local nonprofits raise more than $1.5 million through donated airtime equal to 60 percent of net sales plus sponsorships and remote broadcasts, all at no charge. KOZT is proud to spearhead dozens of efforts, including disaster preparedness events throughout our area. Our interactive 800-39-COASTline received 58,708 calls and our community service Web site was accessed more than 4.5 million times. A six-time Crystal and eight-time Marconi finalist, KOZT received the coveted “Rock Station of the Year” award in 2002 and Crystals in 2003 and 2006. THE COAST celebrates 18 years of localism and unwavering commitment to community service.

Now is the time to begin collecting materials for your 2010 Crystal Radio Award entry, in preparation for the February 2 deadline. Entry information can be found here.