Georgia's Broadcasters

Atlanta Radiothon Brings Santa to 8,200 Foster Children

Date Posted: 12/9/2020

Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM Atlanta, syndicated station personality Clark Howard and the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services partnered together to play Santa for more than 8,000 children in the state’s foster care system during the annual "Clarks Christmas Kids" event and toy drive. The station ran a special broadcast with Howard and other personalities on December 3 and 4 to educate and encourage listeners to participate.

Due to the pandemic, the event was moved to almost entirely virtual platform, with viewers able to purchase and donate gifts and toys online. The station also operated select in-person toy drops around Atlanta.

"I’m so grateful and impressed with the generosity of our WSB-AM listeners who in this pandemic year have made Christmas gifts possible for every foster child in 134 Georgia counties," said host Clark Howard.

WXIA Grants Support Racial Equality and Justice in Atlanta

Date Posted: 12/1/2020

TEGNA’s NBC affiliate WXIA-TV Atlanta, Ga. has awarded several grants through the TEGNA Foundation to address issues of racial equality and justice in the Atlanta area. The National Center for Civil and Humans Rights (NCCHR) received one such grant in support of its Campaign for Equal Dignity, which funds social justice trainings and events.

Cox Media Group Atlanta Provides 25,000 Meals To Families in Need

Date Posted: 11/30/2020

Cox Media Group Atlanta stations (WSBB-FM/WSB-AM, WSB-FM, WSRV-FM, WALR-FM) partnered with the Atlanta Community Food Bank to collect food and donations during the annual pre-Thanksgiving food drive. The event included live radio broadcasts by participating stations on November 14 and November 21 to educate listeners about the increased need at food banks due to the pandemic, and to encourage donations.

"We are so grateful to Cox Media Group for their support," said Atlanta Community Food Bank President and CEO Kyle Waide. “No one should be denied participating in their holiday traditions because of the economic impact of the pandemic, and we hope that the food and funds raised during the events hosted by Cox Media Group will help bring a sense of normalcy to Georgians who are in need this holiday season."

Atlanta Black Radio Stations Launch “Black Radio Unified for the Vote” Campaign

Date Posted: 10/15/2020

Black radio stations in the Atlanta area announced a partnership with Urban League of Greater Atlanta for the new “Black Radio Unified for the Vote” campaign, aiming to register 50,000 new voters in the metro area. The campaign will feature regional leaders, young activists, celebrities, and on-air talent providing information on voter registration, early voting, absentee ballots and more.

Georgia Broadcasters and Rep. Scott Host COVID Testing Event

Date Posted: 8/8/2020

The Georgia Association of Broadcasters (GAB) partnered with Congressman David Scott for his upcoming Drive-Thru FREE COVID testing event on August 8. He’s been doing several TV and radio interviews this week with GAB President Bob Houghton. Watch interviews on the Congressman’s YouTube channel.

Cox Atlanta Raises $1.5 Million for Children’s Hospital

Date Posted: 8/1/2020

Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM/WSBB-FM hosted a two day radio event in late July to raise money for the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The 20th annual event raised more than $1.5 million. In 20 years, the 95.5 WSB Care-a-Thon has raised more than $26 million to benefit research and family support services at the Aflac Cancer Center.

“This year’s fundraiser is one we’ll never forget because of the incredible financial strain coronavirus presented to our community of donors. I’m tremendously proud of the teams at 95.5 WSB and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for their work adapting this year’s effort to become ‘virtual’ as a result of the pandemic,” said Drew Anderssen, Director of Branding and Programming, Cox Media Group.

WSB-AM Careathon Raises $1.7 Million

Date Posted: 6/30/2020

Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM Atlanta was nominated for a Service to Community Award in the Radio – Major Market category.

Every July, the WSB family comes together to support the research and treatment efforts directed at fighting childhood cancers. Over the course of a four-week promotional campaign, this local radio station hosted the WSB Careathon, which included a 37-hour live broadcast to raise funds, tell personal stories from those affected by childhood cancers and help in the overarching efforts to battle childhood cancer. This campaign resulted in a total of $1,737,000 to support the research and treatment efforts provided by the AFLAC Cancer Center at Children’s Hospital in Atlanta.

WSB-TV Hosts Town Hall on Race Relations

Date Posted: 6/2/2020

Cox Media Group’s ABC affiliate WSB-TV aired a town hall on June 2 featuring influential political, spiritual and civil rights leaders to address the question “Where do we go from here?” following unrest over George Floyd death

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms led off the town hall by saying that the most important step now is to decide what change will look like.

WALB Provides Crucial Resource for Local Viewers

Date Posted: 4/20/2020

Gray Television’s NBC affiliate WALB-TV Albany, Ga., has been a crucial resource to providing information to local viewers in an area hit especially hard by COVID-19. Like many around the country, the station has provided essential updates throughout the rural community while reporting remotely. Read the full story about WALB’s extraordinary work at TVNewsCheck.

Charleston Broadcasters Host Virtual COVID-19 Relief Drive for Local Food Bank

Date Posted: 4/17/2020

Broadcasters in Charleston, Ga., raised over $150,000 for Lowcountry Food Bank during a virtual relief drive on April 16. The campaign has helped more than 173,000 people, with a 379 percent increase in people who need food assistance due to COVID-19.

Participating stations included Nexstar Media Group’s NBC affiliate WCBD-TV, Sinclair Broadcast Group’s ABC affiliate WCIV-TV, Gray Television’s CBS affiliate WCSC-TV, Cunningham Broadcasting’s Fox affiliate WTAT-TV and stations from Cumulus Media Charleston, Charleston Radio Group, iHeart Media Charleston, Kirkman Broadcasting and LM Communications.

Cox Atlanta Hosts Food Drive

Date Posted: 3/27/2020

Cox Media Group’s WSB-FM, WSRV-FM and WALR-FM Atlanta held a virtual food drive on March 27 to benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank as part of the cluster’s "Stronger Together ATL" campaign. Atlanta Community Food Bank continues to provide meals for children, families and seniors as access to nutritious food throughout the COVID-19 crisis, by working with more than 600 nonprofit partners and the new Text for Help program.

"Now more than ever our listeners need our help," said Sr. Director of Operations Chris Eagan. "Cox Media Group Atlanta will step up and use our powerful radio brands to do good for the community! I’m proud of the way these teams have worked over the last few weeks and Friday will be another great example of how we are stronger together!"

Georgia Broadcasters Air Town Hall with Governor

Date Posted: 3/26/2020

Radio and television broadcasters across Georgia aired the one-hour “The Governor’s Statewide Town Hall.” on March 26 with the Governor of Georgia and members of his COVID-19 Task Force. The program originated from Cox’s ABC affiliate WSB-TV Atlanta with Governor Kemp. Members of the task force appeared on Meredith’s CBS affiliate WGCL-TV, TEGNA’s NBC affiliate WXIA-TV, Fox-owned WAGA-TV, Univision’s WUVG-TV and Georgia Public Broadcasting. General John King answered questions in Spanish on Univision Atlanta. More than 250 stations, including several Spanish language broadcasters, streamed the program the program. The Georgia Association of Broadcasters spearhead much of the coordination efforts for broadcast and streaming.

WNNX-FM Stays On-Air Amid Coronavirus Shut Down

Date Posted: 3/20/2020

Cumulus’ WNNX-FM Atlanta took extraordinary measures in mid-March to stay on the air and keep listeners informed after the station was closed to protect employees from coronavirus. The team behind WNNX-FM’s morning show, “Bailey and Southside,” broadcast live from host Jason Bailey’s living room. The team has kept broadcast the show from the remote location since March 16 and plans to continue.

“We will remain broadcasting remotely,” said WNNX Program Director Axel Lowe. “At the moment, it looks like this is the new normal.”

Fox Atlanta Expands 2020 Political Lineup

Date Posted: 3/2/2020

Fox-owned WAGA-TV Atlanta launched a new half-hour show, The Road to November, on February 14 that will air every Friday evening in prime time. WAGA covers the week’s key news on the presidential race, Georgia’s two U.S. Senate races, and several key U.S. House of Representative races in the Atlanta area. It also features commentary from political analysts and in-depth interviews with candidates. “2020 is shaping up to be an unusual and consequential year in politics, both nationally and in the state of Georgia,” said WAGA General Manager Bill Schneider. “This program will fulfill the crucial role of condensing the most critical stories of the perpetual political news cycle for our viewers.”

WWWQ-FM Prompts New State Legislation to Help Working Moms

Date Posted: 2/4/2020

Cumulus Media-owned WWWQ-FM Atlanta investigated workplace protections for new mothers, prompting the introduction on January 28 of a new workplace protection bill in the Georgia State Senate. After reporting a story about the lack of workplace protections for new mothers who wish to pump breast milk during the workday, the station launched an online campaign and contacted local attorneys to discuss changing the law.

WWWQ-FM and WKHX-FM Raise $218,000

Date Posted: 1/20/2020

Cumulus-owned WWWQ-FM and WKHX-FM Atlanta raised $218,000 for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in the 5th annual “Making Miracles Radiothon,” held December 12, and the New Country Making Miracles concert on December 14. The stations have raised more than $1 million since the event’s inception.

Broadcasters Raise Money for Tornado Relief

Date Posted: 5/6/2019

On Sunday March 3rd, a series of several violent tornadoes impacted east Alabama and southwest Georgia. The storm claimed 23 lives in Lee County, Alabama and left a widespread trail of damage throughout Georgia. The next morning, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency in Grady, Harris, and Talbot counties.

Georgia broadcasters moved swiftly into action, fulfilling their roles as “first informers.” Chief Meteorologist David Kincaid of Gray Television’s ABC affiliate WTVM Columbus began warning viewers of the dangers of these storms on air Thursday.

After the storm had passed, news stations in Georgia and Alabama began working together to aid the victims of Sunday’s tragedy. Nexstar’s CBS affiliate WRBL Columbus partnered with Columbus Radio group, PMB Broadcasting for a day-long tornado relief campaign. They set up an online donation portal through the American Red Cross and two donation drop off locations. Together they raised $64,055 to help support the lives impacted by Sunday’s tornadoes.

WTVM also held a telethon on Wednesday with Gray Television and helped raise $327,000.

The tornadoes destroyed more than 1,000 homes and hundreds of people are currently homeless or displaced.

WXIA Atlanta Investigation Prompts School Bus Law

Date Posted: 3/4/2019

TEGNA’s NBC affiliate WXIA Atlanta published a story on February 17 explaining that Georgia’s governor signed legislation to fix a school bus safety law that unintentionally allowed drivers on some roads to pass school buses that were stopped to load and unload kids. WXIA had investigated more than 100 instances where local school bus drivers were caught on camera breaking laws related to the use of the bus safety arm. Violations occurred across multiple counties between May 2014 and January 2019.

GOP Gubernatorial Rivals Debate Before Run-Off

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Date Posted: 8/28/2018

Cox Media Group’s ABC affiliate WSB-TV Atlanta hosted on July 15 the final televised debate between Georgia GOP Gubernatorial candidates Secretary of State Brian Kemp and Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle. The runoff election was held July 24. During the debate, each candidate defended himself against attacks. Cagle defended himself over the secret recording that surfaced last month, in which he admits to voting for a “bad” education bill in order to appease donors and he describes the primary as a contest to see which candidate “could be the craziest.” Cagle also defended himself for spending over $250,000 in air travel, regularly flying between Atlanta and his Gainesville home. Kemp faced accusations that his office mishandled confidential voter data, which has implications for attempts by Russian hackers, and that he personally defaulted on a $500,000 loan.

’Coin-flip Arrest’ Uncovered in WXIA Investigation

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Date Posted: 7/24/2018

TEGNA’s NBC affiliate WXIA-TV Atlanta discovered that officers decided to arrest or release a local citizen who they stopped at a traffic stop based on flipping a coin. The case against the woman was dropped after the prosecutor watched the body camera footage, showing the arrest decision was based on a coin-flip app (heads for release and tails for jail). Both officers were placed on administrative leave.

TEGNA Investigates Disappearance of Little Boy

Date Posted: 4/30/2018

TEGNA’s NBC affiliate WXIA-TV Atlanta produced a six-part investigative series, “Little Man Lost,” that delved into a cold case surrounding Deorr Kuntz Jr. The 2-year-old boy disappeared while on a camping trip with his family in Idaho. The series first aired on NBC affiliate KTVB-TV Boise over three days in late February, with segments airing in its 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts. TEGNA stations across the country shared the series as an immersive video experience on digital platforms. WXIA investigative reporter Jeremey Campbell edited the series into an hour-long special that aired March 15 on WXIA.

Campbell received thousands of emails and Facebook comments, some with tips about the disappearance. “The response is overwhelming,” said News Director Lisa Chavez. “We actually had people in the community tell us that they were making an appointment with their TV to make sure they were home to watch.”

“TEGNA’s investigations are an important part of fulfilling our mission to serve the greater good of our communities,” said TEGNA’s Chief Digital Officer Adam Ostrow. “Most importantly, we hope these efforts generate additional clues that could help solve the mystery of little DeOrr Kuntz Jr.”

WKHX-FM Aids Police Officer’s Widow

Date Posted: 3/1/2018

Cumulus’ WKHX-FM Atlanta morning hosts Cadillac Jack and Ali Mac delivered a customized handicap accessible SUV to a police officer’s widow in nearby Locust Grove. On February 9, Officer Chase Maddox was fatally shot while serving a warrant, leaving behind his pregnant wife, Alex, and their seven-year-old special needs son. Alex delivered their second son days later. “When I was holding Brodie, it was like I was holding a piece of Officer Maddox,” said Cadillac Jack. “And as a father, looking at this newborn baby, I was heartbroken that he’ll never meet his father.”

WSB Photographer Helps Police Locate Missing Child

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Date Posted: 2/1/2018

Cox Media Group’s ABC affiliate WSB-TV Atlanta photographer Brian Ferguson helped police locate a missing infant on January 19 after the Clayton County police reported two children, a four-year-old and one month old, missing. The kids’ mother left them in the car with the keys in the ignition and someone then stole the car. WSB photographer Brian Ferguson later alerted the police to an object he spotted on the side of the road. Police found the infant in her car seat and later found the four-year-old and the abandoned car.

WBBO-FM Collects Food for Families

Date Posted: 12/4/2017

Press Communication’s WBBO-FM Atlanta radio personalities Tad and Drex lead a “Stuff the Truck” food drive on November 16 to provide Thanksgiving dinners to food-insecure families in support of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The Atlanta metro area community faces one of the highest levels of food insecurity in the nation, where one in four children go to bed at night not knowing when they’ll have their next meal. Broadcasting live, WBBO-FM was able to collect 4,800 pounds of food, including 2,792 pounds of turkey, 1,522 pounds of canned goods and 486 pounds of produce. “Our listeners are great! When we ask them to give, they always come through and help worthy causes like the Atlanta Community Food Bank,” said Chris Eagan, Director of Branding and Programming. “Giving back to the communities we serve is exactly what local radio does best.”

WTOC-TV Collects 6,700 Pounds of Food

Date Posted: 12/4/2017

Raycom Media, Inc.’s CBS affiliate WTOC-TV Savannah held its “WTOC’s Day of Giving” food drive on November 16. The event secured donations totaling 6,792 pounds of food, exceeding last year’s total by more than one ton. All of the donations served America’s Second Harvest Food Bank of Coastal Georgia and were used to create Thanksgiving baskets for local families in need.

WTOC-TV Collects over 1,200 “Toys for Tots”

Date Posted: 11/30/2017

Raycom’s CBS Affiliate WTOC-TV Savannah partnered with the U.S. Marines for a “Toys for Tots” toy drive. More than doubling the number of toys collected by WTOC-TV last year, they collected over 1,200 toys this year. In total the U.S. Marines collected 29,000 toys, books and stocking stuffers across southeast Georgia and the South Carolina Lowcountry this year to make the holidays a happier time for 23,000 kids.

WFXG Collects 250 Coats for Area Children

Date Posted: 10/19/2017

Raycom Media’s Fox affiliate WFXG-TV Augusta, Ga. held its fourth annual “Coats For Our Children” drive in partnership with the Salvation Army on October 19. By the end of the day, the station had collected enough winter clothes to outfit 350 people, including 250 coats.

WSB Care-a-Thon Raises $1.75 Million

Date Posted: 7/28/2017

Cox Media Group’s WSB-AM/FM Atlanta raised a record $1.75 million in the 17th annual WSB Care-a-Thon, held July 28. The 37-hour radio event supports research and programs at the Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

WSB Helps Rescue Hostages

Date Posted: 7/26/2017

Cox Media Group’s ABC affiliate WSB-TV Atlanta helped Cobb County police rescue two hostages in a bank on July 7. Brian Easley called the station and told Assignment Editor Stephanie Steiger, “I have a bomb and I’m holding people hostage.” Steiger listened to Easley’s complaints about the Department of Veterans Affairs for 45 minutes while WSB conferenced in a police negotiator. Chief Mike Register said Steiger did a "great job" keeping Easley calm. Police the information from the call to rescue all hostages. WSB did not report the story on air or via social media during the incident. "These hostages and that man’s safety were our first concern,” said News Director Misti Turnbull. “We were behind our competition in reporting the story publicly, but ’winning’ the reporting race was not the priority at that moment."

WMAZ Partners on Reporting Initiative

Date Posted: 7/19/2017

TEGNA’s CBS affiliate WMAZ-TV Macon, Ga., created a local reporting partnership with Mercer University’s Center for Collaborative Journalism and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Knight Foundation awarded Mercer University a $2 million grant to expand local television news reporting, enhance their innovative journalism education model and increase community engagement initiatives. The Center for Collaborative Journalism will add a full-time reporter who will work with WMAZ and students to produce local stories that will appear on-air and online. “Like the Center and Knight Foundation, we believe that quality, trusted, fact-based journalism can make a difference and serve the greater good,” said WMAZ President and General Manager Jeff Dudley. “It is our hope that through this partnership, students feel better prepared to start their journalism careers while understanding the important role we play in our communities.”

WFTV Catches Cons

Date Posted: 7/5/2017

Cox Media Group’s WFTV-TV Atlanta consumer reporter Todd Ulrich exposed an air conditioning company for up-selling unnecessary repairs. Ulrich set up hidden cameras that showed the company claiming to find mold that did not exist when doing routine maintenance. “He was really instilling fear that if I didn’t do something I was going to be sick,” said the homeowner. “This investigation really resonated with some viewers,” said Paul Greely of TVNewsCheck.

Radio and Television Serve Atlanta During Wildfires

Date Posted: 3/31/2017

Atlanta broadcasters, including Cox Media’s ABC affiliate WSB-TV, TEGNA’s NBC affiliate WXIA-TV, Meredith’s CBS affiliate WGCL-TV, Fox-owned WAGA-TV, Cox Media’s WSB-AM/FM, provided crucial coverage of a rush hour wildfire on March 30. The rush-hour fire caused a portion of one of the busiest sections of I-85 to collapse.

Raycom Stations Raise $587,000 for Tornado Relief

Date Posted: 2/13/2017

Raycom’s NBC affiliates WALB-TV Albany, GA and WDAM-TV Hattiesburg, Miss. raised more than $585,000 for tornado relief. The EF-2 and EF-3 tornadoes that landed January 21 – 22 killed 16 people and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses. WALB-TV and the American Red Cross raised $202,000 through the “Rise Up for Recovery – Give for South Georgia Tornado Relief” telethon, held February 2. WDAM-TV and the Greater Pinebelt Community Foundation raised $385,000 during the “Pine Belt Strong” telethon on February 1. NBC affiliate WLBT-TV Jackson, Miss.; ABC affiliate WLOX-TV Biloxi, Miss. and NBC affiliate WMC-TV Memphis joined the effort. “When our communities are in need, Raycom Media stations respond,” said Raycom Media President and CEO Pat LaPlatney. “Thanks to our amazing viewers and local partners, the people of Albany and Hattiesburg will rebuild, and WALB and WDAM will continue to serve those communities throughout the recovery.”

Georgia Broadcasters Recognized for Work During Hurricane Matthew

Date Posted: 2/13/2017

Georgia broadcasters, specifically those located near the coast, were personally recognized by Governor Nathan Deal, the Georgia House of Representatives and Senate for the critical role local stations played during Hurricane Matthew last fall. The recognition took place at a special event on January 25. “This recognition of broadcasters in Georgia is a great testimony to the role local broadcasters play in their community,” said a Georgia Association of Broadcasters spokesperson in a statement.

WALB Provides Critical Tornado Updates

Date Posted: 1/2/2017

Raycom’s NBC affiliate WALB-TV Albany, Ga. provided critical emergency information as eight tornados and two severe wind events hit seven South Georgia counties on January 2. The station also raised $187,000 for relief efforts in the "Rise Up for Recovery – Give for South Georgia Tornado Relief" telethon, held January 25. Winds reached 85 miles per hour, killing four people and felling at least 25,000 trees and 1,000 electric poles. Before the tornadoes hit, WALB’s "First Alert Weather Day" promos urged viewers to test generators, review emergency plans with their families and stock up on food, water and batteries. WALB staffers worked plenty of overtime, but still wanted to do more. Two shifts of volunteers spent the day helping clean yards, then returned to the station to complete their nightly news assignments.

About 38,000 people were without power and turned to WALB digital reports for days. WALB had 232,080 total video views the week of January 2, compared to 66,953 the week before. Many viewers thanked WALB for providing alerts in time for them to get into their safe room. WALB also received hundreds of phone calls seeking information. Some said they had trouble reaching city officials, but knew they could connect with newsroom staff. Examples of the storm coverage include these photos and this video .

WTOC-TV Raises Funds and Food for Those in Need

Date Posted: 11/17/2016

Raycom Media’s WTOC-TV Savannah/Hilton Head held its second annual “Day of Giving Food Drive for Second Harvest” on November 17. The station partnered with Ken Nugent Attorneys and Kroger to collect 4,615 pounds of food and $1,453. Together, the collected food and money will provide 7,265 meals to those in need.

WTOC-TV Collects Holiday Gifts for Area Children

Date Posted: 11/1/2016

Raycom Media’s WTOC-TV Savannah/Hilton Head partnered with the Marines to collect holiday gifts for area children through Toys for Tots. Approximately 500 toys were collected.

WFXG Collects 438 Coats

Date Posted: 10/31/2016

Raycom’s Fox affiliate WFXG Augusta, Ga. collected 438 coats for the Salvation Army in the "Coats For Our Children" drive held October 20-31. WFXG had two all-day live shot locations to highlight six drop-off locations in the market.

Georgia Radio Informs Listeners During Hermine

Date Posted: 9/26/2016

The Georgia Association of Broadcasters (GAB) shared information with Inside Radio on how Black Crow Media and Vidalia Communications served southern Georgia with “expert coverage” as Hurricane Hermine approached on September 1. Black Crow’s WVGA-FM Lakeland simulcast coverage on WWRQ-FM and WVLD-FM Valdosta and WKAA-FM Willacoochee. For 10 straight hours, they tracked the storm, took calls from listeners and city officials and shared information about shelters, safety tips and power outages. Vidalia Communications’ WTCQ-FM and WYUM-FM Vidalia combined resources to provide constant updates and information to listeners.

WTOC Raises $218,000 for Children’s Hospital

Date Posted: 9/26/2016

Raycom’s CBS affiliate WTOC-TV Savannah raised $218,000 on September 9 in its annual “Day of Giving,” held in partnership with iHeartMedia’s WYKZ-FM and WTKS-FM. The money will help fund equipment and programs at the Children’s Miracle Network’s Willett Children’s Hospital of Savannah.

WAGA Uncovers Corruption at Fire Department

Date Posted: 9/21/2016

Fox-owned WAGA-TV Atlanta aired “Commissioner Agrees I-Team Uncovers Double Dipping” on September 21. In parts of Georgia, fire departments charge both insurance companies and residents following vehicle accidents. During an exclusive with Reporter Dana Fowle, the fire commissioner agree that WAGA uncovered a problem with fire departments charging hundreds of dollars an hour.

WJBF Raises $20,000 for Red Cross

Date Posted: 8/23/2016

Media General’s ABC affiliate WJBF Augusta, Ga. raised $20,000 during a telethon held August 23 for Red Cross flood relief in Louisiana. WJBF gladly helped its neighbors, as more than 60,000 homes in Louisiana became unlivable.

WSB-TV Airs Special on Electric Shock Drowning

Date Posted: 7/7/2016

Cox Media Group’s CBS affiliate WSB-TV Atlanta aired a special report on electric shock drowning. When electric currents enter a body of water, they can send bolts down an individual’s body and lead to paralysis and death by drowning. This phenomenon took the life of an area high school student, which prompted the station to shed light on the little-known issue.

WMGB-FM Supports Local Police Department

Date Posted: 7/7/2016

Cumulus Media’s WMGB-FM Macon, Ga. sponsored the first annual “Back the Blue Glow Run 5K/10K,” a partnership with the Warner Robins Police Auxiliary, which kicked off National Police Week 2016. The Auxiliary supports officers and their families within the Warner Robins Police Department. Their mission is to promote a positive, family support system for the bravest men and women on the force. The event raised $8,000 to purchase tourniquet holsters for the local officers.

WTOC-TV Promotes Community Health

Date Posted: 7/7/2016

Raycom Media’s owned-and-operated WTOC-TV Savannah, Ga. served as a media sponsor for the 14th annual “Smart Living Expo & Health Fair.” The event provides free health screenings to area residents. A total of 1,750 people attended.

WTVM-TV Promotes Home and Community Safety

Date Posted: 6/18/2016

Raycom Media ABC affiliate WTVM-TV Columbus, Ga. held its “Give9 Day of Service” on June 18. Participants learned about home safety from a variety of sponsors. Children had the opportunity to practice live TV reporting with real station equipment. Additionally, the station distributed free car seats and bike helmets.

WSB Investigation Leads State to Revoke Certifications

Date Posted: 6/1/2016

Cox Media Group’s ABC affiliate WSB-TV Atlanta aired an investigation that resulted in three DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office employees’ losing their state certification. In 2014, investigative reporter Erica Byfield uncovered video that showed jailers forced inmate George Ward to wear a pink hat and shirt and called him names. WSB obtained thousands of pages of interviews, emails, photos and audio recordings. As a result, Georgia’s Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) revoked three employees’ law enforcement certifications and temporarily suspended the Sheriff’s Office’s ability to train recruits. The medical examiner changed Ward’s manner of death from "natural" to "undetermined."

WGLC Exposes City for Overcharging for Trash Pickup

Date Posted: 6/1/2016

Meredith Broadcasting’s CBS affiliate WGLC-TV Atlanta aired “Why Are Residents in DeKalb, Co. Paying Too Much for Trash Pickup?” Investigative reporter Harry Samler discovered through a series of reports and inquiries by residents in the Atlanta-area that many residents are overpaying by hundreds, even thousands of dollars, for residential trash collection. One resident paid over $4,000 in trash collection bills because the city incorrectly designated her residence as a commercial building. After months of investigative work and dozens of cases of erroneous billing by localities for trash collection services, DeKalb county officials say they are considering administering refunds to residents who overpaid.

WALB-TV Participates in Weather Event

Date Posted: 5/25/2016

Raycom Media’s ABC affiliate WALB-TV joined Midland Weather Radio and Sumter County Emergency Management to host the "NOAA Weather Radio Programming Event", held May 25. WALB-TV meteorologists helped attendees understand weather radios and broadcast live from the event.

WALB-TV Goes Live

Date Posted: 5/19/2016

Raycom Media’s ABC affiliate WALB-TV Albany, Ga. brought its 6:00 p.m. newscast to five different towns. Local fans had the opportunity to watch the broadcast be produced and interact with the on-air personalities.

WTVM Raises Funds for Local Charities

Date Posted: 5/19/2016

Raycom Media’s ABC affiliate WTVM-TV Columbus, Ga. partnered with the “Thunder in the Valley Air Show” to raise money for local charities. To date, the family-friendly event has raised more than $750,000.

WSB Investigates: Georgia Inmates Remain in Prison, Despite DNA Evidence

Date Posted: 5/18/2016

Cox Media Group’s ABC affiliate WSB-TV Atlanta aired “Georgia Keeps Inmates in Prisons, Despite DNA Results That Could Clear Them,” May 18. WSB examines Georgia’s justice system, after a former legislator who crafted the state’s DNA statute said innocent people remain in prison. The law allows inmates to get old evidence tested for DNA years after their conviction, but a new trial is not guaranteed.

WSB Investigates Harassment at Nursing Homes

Date Posted: 5/12/2016

Cox Media Group’s ABC affiliate WSB-TV Atlanta reporter Justin Gray investigated the alarming rates of nursing home aides abusing residents by posting embarrassing pictures and videos of them online. Watch more here.

WSB Investigates Security Gaps on Northern Border

Date Posted: 5/9/2016

Cox Media Group’s ABC affiliate WSB-TV Atlanta aired a report on May 9 on significant exposure along our northern border. The WSB crew traveled from the frigid Atlantic inlets and remote forests of northern Maine to the picturesque Pacific Coast, between which the border between the United States and Canada runs 4,000 porous miles. The team crossed into Quebec, Canada, from northern Vermont through a small rural checkpoint surrounded by fences and cameras. A few yards down the road, there are no fences or barriers of any kind. The only thing denoting the border is a small white marker.

WXIA Looks at Heroin “Inside the Triangle”

Date Posted: 3/25/2016

TEGNA’s NBC affiliate WXIA-TV Atlanta aired “Inside the Heroin Triangle” on March 25, 2016. The hour-long documentary examines the increasing number of deaths from opioid abuse in Atlanta and the consequences of the epidemic, which could lead to an HIV outbreak. The documentary is part of a larger series on heroin, the covers issues such as funding for treatment, the effect on local families and a community summit.

WGCL Airs "Gun Fight" Town Hall in Primetime

Date Posted: 2/16/2016

Meredith’s CBS affiliate WGCL Atlanta aired "The Gun Fight — A Primetime Special" on Jan. 12. The two-hour town hall featured 25 participants with different perspectives, including judges, prosecutors, elected officials, religious leaders, law enforcement, gun rights advocates and victims. WGCL aired more than 20 related stories in November.

Beasley Augusta, Ga., Raises $50,000

Date Posted: 2/4/2016

Beasley’s WKXC-FM Augusta, Ga., raised $50,000 in the "Rock 4 the Cops" concert, benefitting the Post Critical Incident Seminar (PCIS)’s training for police officers after traumatic incidents. The concert featured "American Idol" winner Scotty McCreery and "The Voice" winner Cassadee Pope.

"Happiness is a warm BLANKET DRIVE" in Augusta!

Date Posted: 1/20/2016

Beasley Media Group and “Just Beds” Stores teamed to collect more than 300 blankets for those in need in Augusta, GA, thanks to ReStart Augusta, which furnishes the foundation for a good start on the day and a healthy life by providing a new or gently used bed and bedding for local children, families and veterans who cannot afford them.

WYKZ-FM, WTKS-FM Savannah Raise $77,000

Date Posted: 9/3/2015

iHeartMedia’s WYKZ-FM and WTKS-FM Savannah, Ga., raised more than $77,000 in the third annual "River Cares for Kids" radiothon for The Children’s Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center, held Aug. 20-21. The radiothon featured stories from local families, including Hunter Stanfield, who was diagnosed with cancer three days before his 13th birthday. The radiothon is critical in ensuring that the doctors at the region’s only childrens hospital have access to specialized equipment designed to treat kids.

WXIA-TV Can-a-Thon Collected Record 229,000 Cans

Date Posted: 1/20/2015

NBC Affiliate WXIA-TV Atlanta’s 32nd annual Can-a-Thon for the Salvation Army collected a record-breaking 229,000 cans in 2014. Since 1982, the Can-a-Thon has raised millions of cans. The community came together to donate food, money, and volunteer to make the canned food drive a success.

WAOK-AM/FM, WVEE-FM Hosts Radiothon for Children’s Healthcare Atlanta

Date Posted: 12/4/2014

CBS Radio’s WAOK-AM/FM and WVEE-FM Atlanta raised over $73,000 for Children’s Healthcare Atlanta during its Nov. 6 Radiothon. This includes a $10,000 donation from filmmaker and comedian Tyler Perry. The funds will purchase critical supplies for the clinic, which is one of the country’s largest pediatric care centers.

WMAZ-TV Election Coverage Spans Broadcast, Online Platforms

Date Posted: 11/20/2014

Gannett Broadcasting sponsored, hosted and aired 50 political debates nationwide, in addition to producing special news programs during the 2014 election season.

• Gannett Broadcasting stations produced, aired and streamed over 50 debates across the country. Participating stations included CBS affiliate WMAZ-TV Macon, Ga., which hosted two debates between Georgia’s candidates for U.S. Senate and one debate featuring candidates for Georgia governor.


• Gannett Broadcasting stations that produced exclusive online candidate interviews and aired special programming featuring political analysis and information on key issues included Gannett’s NBC affiliate KARE Minneapolis, NBC affiliate WKYC-TV Cleveland and ABC affiliate WFAA-TV Dallas.


• NBC affiliate KUSA-TV Denver’s "Balance of Power" program featured political analysis on critical issues and information on local and statewide candidates. "Balance of Power" aired monthly beginning in May and twice in October.

Georgia Association of Broadcasters (GAB) Hosts First Senatorial Forum for Georgia Candidates

Date Posted: 9/8/2014

The Georgia Association of Broadcasters (GAB) partnered with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and Georgia News Network (GNN) to host the first senatorial forum between candidates Michelle Nunn and David Purdue who are running in Georgia’s open U.S. Senate seat. Gannett Broadcasting’s WMAZ-TV Macon, Ga., provided a live pool feed for local and national outlets for on-air and live streaming use.

WRBL-TV Holds Debate for Candidates in GA U.S. Senate Race

Date Posted: 5/14/2014

Media General’s CBS affiliate WRBL-TV Columbus, Ga., held a debate on April 23 for Democratic candidates running for Georgia’s U.S. Senate seat. WRBL-TV broadcast the debate, which included discussions around the Affordable Care Act, bipartisanship, the national debt, privacy vs. security and the student loan crisis. Watch the debate here.

WRBL-TV Schedules Debates for Georgia Candidates

Date Posted: 3/17/2014

Media General’s CBS affiliate WRBL-TV Columbus, Ga., and PMB Broadcasting’s local radio stations have announced they will partner with Columbus State University and the Ledger-Enquirer to host several debates featuring candidates running for Columbus mayor and the Georgia Senate seat occupied by retiring Senator Saxby Chambliss. The three debates will take place in late April and early May and will be broadcast live on WRBL-TV and PMB Broadcasting’s radio stations.

Atlanta Stations Provide A Lifeline to Snow-Stranded Listeners

Date Posted: 2/11/2014

Radio stations across Atlanta kept listeners informed after a rare winter storm stranded thousands of drivers on highways across the city. When cellphone service crashed, stations like Cumulus’s WYAY-FM, Cox Media’s WSB-FM, CBS Radio’s WVEE-FM and Clear Channel’s Atlanta cluster provided wall-to-wall storm coverage, with weather and traffic reports and live listener call-ins. On-air staff provided companionship and important emergency information to motorists throughout the night.

Clear Channel Augusta Raises $184,000 for Local Children’s Hospital

Date Posted: 1/10/2014

Clear Channel Augusta, Ga., held its 13th annual Care for Kids Radiothon to benefit the Children’s Hospital of Georgia. The three-day event featured stories from young patients and their families, along with interviews from doctors and nurses describing the hospital’s lifesaving work. In total, the radiothon raised $184,000. Over the past 13 years, Clear Channel Augusta has raised nearly $1.7 million for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

WSAV-TV Helps Viewers Safely Discard Record Amounts of Documents and Electronics

Date Posted: 1/10/2014

Media General’s NBC affiliate WSAV-TV Savannah, Ga., recently held an "Identity Safe Recycling Day" to assist viewers in destroying their old documents and electronics in a safe, environmentally-friendly way. WSAV-TV set up three locations around Savannah and more than 54,500 pounds of documents and 823 computers were collected, a record amount for the station which has held 18 such events. Since the event launched in 2005, 266 tons of documents have been collected, shredded and recycled, and more than 5,000 computers have been wiped clean and redistributed.

WOBB-FM, WGEX-FM Raise $58,000 for Children’s Miracle Network

Date Posted: 8/8/2013

Clear Channel’s WOBB-FM and WGEX-FM Albany, Ga., hosted their annual Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon on July 25 and 26. The stations broadcast live from the local Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Georgia, and together raised more than $58,000 for CMN, setting a new record for the yearly event.

Beasley’s WKXC-FM Collects 20,000 Goods for Troops Overseas

Date Posted: 3/1/2013

For the second year in a row, Beasley Broadcast Group’s WKXC-FM Augusta, Ga., partnered with several local businesses for Operation Hand Warmer, a drive to collect hand warmers and other items for troops serving overseas in Afghanistan. Listeners dropped off donations at the local businesses, and after less than a week, over 20,000 hand warmers and other rations had been collected and packed for delivery. This year’s operation surpassed the previous by more than 5,000 items.

WJBF-TV, WAGT-TV, WSAV-TV Aid Sandy Victims

Media General stations that held telethons to raise money for the American Red Cross relief efforts included WBTW-TV Myrtle Beach, S.C.; WCMH-TV Columbus, Ohio ($27,000 raised); WFLA-TV Tampa, Fla. ($28,000 raised); WJBF-TV and WAGT-TV Augusta, Ga. ($15,000 raised); WJHL-TV Johnson City, Tenn. ($25,000 raised); WSAV-TV Savannah, Ga.; and WSPA-TV Spartanburg, S.C. WSAV-TV also ran a ticker promoting Red Cross donations throughout newscasts. WJAR-TV Providence, R.I., dedicated a 7 p.m. newscast to Sandy’s aftermath. The station replayed top stories that many viewers missed due to power outages and also fielded calls from viewers who wanted to volunteer or donate money to relief efforts.

XIA-TV Helps Atlanta School Collect Supplies After Tornado

Gannett Broadcasting’s WXIA-TV Atlanta immediately answered Paulding County’s Poole Elementary School’s call for help after tornadoes destroyed part of the building, leaving a damaged roof and limited supplies for students. WXIA-TV broadcast live from the school and encouraged viewers to come by and drop off school supplies. Gannett Broadcasting donated $5,000 to Poole Elementary to assist the school in its recovery. Click here to see video from the event.

WMAZ-TV Reminds Viewers "It Starts with the Heart"

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"It Starts With the Heart" is a program WMAZ-TV in Macon, Ga., created six years ago to motivate viewers to adopt a healthier lifestyle. While high-fat diets and physical inactivity are threats to all Americans, these issues are of special concern to Georgians, who are often cited as being in the top third of the U.S. population for obesity. The campaign focuses on real challenges of people trying to make meaningful health changes. Thirteen community members are selected each year, and the station documents their personal journey to improved well-being. The group receives an intensive six-week dietary and exercise program from local health experts, and their progress and struggles are then broadcast during the next six months. The goal of the programming is to inspire viewers to take action to improve their own health. And 2000 people have by signing up for the station’s e-team, which provides weekly health tips and recipes. In 2007, the station raised additional awareness by hosting two days of special events centered on health education. The activities began with the inaugural "It Starts With the Heart" community walk and ended with a community health fair that provided vital screenings.

WTOC-TV Supports United Way

A day doesn’t go by without WTOC-TV in Savannah, Ga., airing a story or public service announcement (PSA) in support of the United Way of the Coastal Empire. The longtime partnership went into high gear last year during the United Way’s annual fundraising campaign. WTOC wrote, produced and heavily aired a series of "Man of Steel" PSAs for the campaign, which depicted a superhero landing at United Way agencies and concluded with a push to donate to the United Way online. The message came through. At the conclusion of the campaign, more than $8 million in donations had been collected. A feature segment on the making of the "Man of Steel" aired during WTOC newscasts. "WTOC is very good to us," said Lisa Clark vice president of marketing for the United Way of the Coastal Empire. "At every event I can count on them. They have raised awareness in the community of what we are doing." WTOC is already working on this year’s campaign, "Live United."

WLJA-FM Supports Toys for Tots

WLJA-FM in Jasper, Ga., went above and beyond in its 2007 Toys for Tots Campaign, which spanned 18 counties and involved three different Marine Corps jurisdictions in two states. WLJA committed all available on-air and human resources to the campaign. In addition to airing more than 300 custom promotional announcements over a six-week period, WLJA provided six live remote broadcasts and dedicated two public affairs programs to the drive. The station also put up a billboard on a prominent highway to promote the campaign. To further encourage donations, the station arranged for Santa to make special appearances at Toys for Tots events. To collect as many toys as possible, WLJA staff supplied and maintained drop boxes in locations not covered by the Marine districts. Staff picked up and distributed these toys to the appropriate agencies. WLJA even turned its own studios into a toy drop-off location. At the end of the campaign, the Marines and affiliated agencies informed WLJA that every request for a toy was able to be filled, due in large part to the generosity of the WLJA listeners and WLJA’s support.

WGAU-AM Airs Debate

Cox Media Group’s WGAU-AM Athens, Ga. hosted a debate between U.S. Representative Paul Broun and challenger Stephen Simpson on July 2. It follows a July 1 debate on Gannett Broadcasting’s WMAZ-TV Macon. WGAU-AM News Director Tim Bryant served as moderator and encouraged listeners to call with questions. Debate topics included health care law, immigration and the local economy. Both candidates are running as Republicans in Georgia’s 10th Congressional District.

WKXC-FM Raises $25,000 for United Way

What started as a small concert in a 500-seat venue to raise funds for underprivileged children at Christmas now attracts thousands each year. "Kicks 99 Guitar Pull" has become the signature event for WKXC-FM in Augusta, Ga. Proceeds from the concert make up the largest single donation the local United Way receives. This past year, listeners were able to see six of Nashville’s greatest on stage, while helping to make the holidays brighter for children throughout the Central Savannah River Area. The station starts promoting the concert weeks in advance, both on WKXC and television. Tickets sell out within hours. To raise addition funds, the station designs special t-shirts to sell at the concert and auctions off guitars signed by all the featured artists on the air. The combined efforts allowed WKXC to present the United Way with a check totaling more than $25,000 in 2007. WKXC has honored with a 2008 GABBY Award for Community Service by the Georgia Association of Broadcasters. T. Gentry, program director for WKXC said, "Having our ’Guitar Pull’ win an award means a lot to us as we are about to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this annual charity event."

WSOK-AM and WLVH-FM Hosts Radiothon After Explosion at a Refinery

When an explosion at a sugar refinery killed 13 people and injured 42 others, WSOK-AM and WLVH-FM in Savannah, Ga., held a radiothon to help the families affected by the tragedy. For the community-wide event, the station partnered with the United Way and invited community choirs, musical groups and pastors from all over the city take part. The six-hour live broadcast from St. John’s Baptist Church raised $11,000 for the victims’ families. "This is the way that a community comes together to show support and to show that we care about families that are going through tragedies,” said Gary Young, program director for WSOK and WLVH. “This is our way of giving back and being a part of their family and the entire community."

WGCL-TV is Media Sponsor for Make-A-Wish Event

Evan Thompson had a wish very close to the heart of the staff at WGCL-TV in Atlanta, Ga. The child with neuroblastoma wanted his own television show. WGCL lent the use of its studio, and with the help of Make-A-Wish, Thompson’s dream came true. As media sponsor for all local Make-A-Wish events, WGCL has a hand in bringing hope and joy to many young Atlantans. Public service announcements, live remotes, news stories, Web site support and staff participation in Make-A-Wish events are all part of the partnership. The station aids with fundraising by promoting the annual Celebration of Wishes Gala on the air. This past year, anchor Bill Gaines emceed the event, which raised $350,000. During the holiday season, the station participated in the "Stories of Light Wish-A-Thon," a five-day news campaign, which allowed children to tell their wish stories and encouraged viewers to visit the station Web site and donate to the foundation. Money raised goes toward the 400 wishes planned this coming year for local children. "A dedicated and dynamic media partner to Make-A-Wish, WGCL has effectively spread the word about our wish children," said Chandra McLean, communications and marketing manager for Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia and Alabama. "We have received numerous emails and phone calls from people in the community who have been motivated to share the power of a wish after tuning in to WGCL and watching children’s dreams become reality."