June 19, 2006

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Broadcasters Generate Record $10.3 Billion in Public Service in 2005

The new figure exceeds by $700 million the $9.6 billion in public service recorded in the 2003 census.

Broadcasters across the nation took to the airwaves to generate charitable fundraising that totaled more than $1 billion after two cataclysmic events: the Southeast Asian tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, the survey found.

"This year's survey affirms the longstanding fact that local over-the-air radio and television stations are collectively the number one provider of public service in America," NAB President and CEO David K. Rehr said. "Whether it's donating airtime for valuable public service announcements or raising money for charity and disaster relief, local broadcasters nationwide can be proud of the tremendous contributions they make in their communities everyday."

The $10.3 billion figure was derived from an industry census sent earlier this year to more than 11,000 full-power commercial radio and television stations. Broadcasters were asked to document from January 1 - December 31, 2005 the number of PSAs they aired, the amount of money raised for charity through direct station fundraising appeals and funds raised for disaster relief. Read the National Report on Broadcasters' Community Service.