NABEF’s Celebration of Service to America Awards will honor Haiti's Signal FM radio for their outstanding service to the Haitian community during the aftermath of the recent earthquake disaster. Station owner Mario Viau will accept the award during the Celebration of Service to America gala held Monday, June 14, at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. Now in its 12th year, the Celebration of Service to America Awards recognizes outstanding community service by local broadcasters.

"Signal FM reached nearly three million Haitians, providing them with information that helped unite families and save lives," said NAB Education Foundation President Marcellus Alexander. "The tireless efforts of the station's staff truly exemplify the crucial role that broadcasters play in providing information and resources to millions of people during times of crises."

Recognizing the important role of broadcasting during the Haitian earthquake relief efforts, the U.S. Army distributed more than 50,000 radios to Haiti citizens aimed at keeping them informed of the latest developments affecting their country. As the only radio station in Haiti that remained on-the-air immediately following the earthquake, Signal FM became a vital source of information for the millions of Haitians that had no access to fuel, electricity or telephone service.

For nearly two weeks, Signal FM provided round-the-clock coverage to families and rescue teams desperate for information. The station helped locate missing people, spread news to families searching for lost loved ones, and delivered messages to Haitians across Port-au-Prince regarding available water resources and hospital information. Additionally, Signal FM helped save the lives of numerous Haitians by providing reports to rescue teams describing where immediate aid was needed.

Click here for more information about the Celebration of Service to America Awards.