As one of the 10 NAB Crystal Radio Award winners for 2011, KFOR understands the importance of responding to local needs. Monthly programs such as the “Governor’s Call-In” and the “Mayor’s Call-In” provide a forum for listeners’ concerns and initiate changes in the community. The station’s “Operation Santa Claus” program dominates their airwaves during the holiday season, and raised enough money in 2010 to distribute nearly 3,500 gifts to children in local orphanages.

For 87 years, the legendary KFOR has stood for integrity, unparalleled community service and live, local programming. In 2010, KFOR’s generous listeners specifically requested Christmas gifts for more than 3,400 less fortunate children. KFOR raised $41,000 solely from on-air appeals (over $1 million has been raised since 1948) for the station’s “Operation Santa Claus” program.

In 2010, KFOR raised $18,900 for the Food Bank of Lincoln. Through the station’s co-sponsorship of the Celebrity Chefs Auction, a $60,000 donation was made to the March of Dimes. KFOR also helped raise over $110,000 in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk.

From reading in schools to emceeing charity events, KFOR employees donated over 1,100 hours of volunteer time to community outreach in 2010. More than 1,100 public service announcements (PSAs) translated into over $44,000 in free airtime. KFOR interviewed more than 400 people for their on-air community service programs, “Lincoln Live” and “Problems & Solutions,” as well as more than 500 in other public service interviews.

Combined, KFOR’s four-person morning team has a total of 106 years at the station. KFOR’s personality Cathy Blythe has won two NAB Marconi Radio Awards. KFOR is an inspiring, reliable leader in its community, embodying everything the NAB Crystal Radio Award represents.

Now is the time to begin collecting materials for your 2012 NAB Crystal Radio Award entry. NAB is accepting entries from all radio stations beginning January 1, 2011. Entry information can be found here.