Date Posted: 1/10/2024
The 7 Investigators from Scripps Local Media station 7 Action News in Detroit reported on a Wayne County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant who was allowed to continue working after being charged with abusing his girlfriend, a fellow officer. The officer was suspended hours after the station contacted the sheriff’s office, alerting them of an upcoming story on the criminal case.
Date Posted: 1/3/2024
Graham Media Group’s Local 4 News in Detroit, Mich., ran a unique 15-minute commercial-free investigative reportt on an oil pipeline at the beginning of its evening newscast. The report led viewers to learn more in a streaming story on the station’s website. The report led to a town hall meeting in a movie theater with the oil pipeline company, environmental groups, elected officials and community experts where the investigation will be shown to kick off the program.
Date Posted: 11/21/2022
Michigan radio station Cars 108, owned by Townsquare Media, raised more than $80,000 for Hurley Children’s Hospital with the “Let’s Make Miracles” radiothon. Money raised will go to meal vouchers, child life items, and more. "This is really to help with those things that are above and beyond general medical care," said Cars 108 morning co-host Lisa Marie. “Every dollar really makes a difference.”
Date Posted: 7/28/2022
Three Nexstar Media stations in Michigan, Grand Rapids’ WOOD TV8, Lansing’s WLNS-TV and Marquette’s WJMN-TV, came together with partner stations to air an hour-long debate and extended livestream between Michigan’s Republican gubernatorial primary candidates. Moderated by Wood TV8’s Political Anchor Rick Albin, the debate posted questions focused on current local and regional issues impacting communities across the state.
Date Posted: 7/1/2022
Q106 FM, a Midwest Communications-owned rock station in Lansing, Mich., hosted an “All-Request” drive to benefit the Greater Lansing Food Bank, playing any kind of music requested by donors. The event raised enough money to provide 9,000 meals. “Working with non-profits is baked into what we do,” said Q106 FM Brand Manager Terry Stevens.
Date Posted: 5/31/2022
Big Jim’s House, the morning show from Beasley Media Group’s 94.7 WCSX-FM in Detroit, has taken their fundraiser for Michigan-based nonprofit organization Vets Returning Home to the national level. Big Jim’s House will wrap the show’s 1974 Ford Bronco Stone Soup truck in pictures of veterans from all over the country to thank them for their service. Once the Stone Soup Bronco is complete, it will be raffled off and one lucky person will win the Bronco. Proceeds from the raffle tickets will benefit Vets Returning Home.
Date Posted: 3/11/2022
Beasley Media Group Detroit’s Praise Network set a new fundraising record of $67,250 during its annual St. Jude Radiothon. The daylong fundraiser at the radio station featured music from St. Jude patients and their families, hourly challenges and inspiration with host Randi’s yearly cohost, Pastor Keenann Knox from Impact Church in Detroit.
Date Posted: 3/3/2022
Michigan’s WILX and the Lansing Brewing Company partnered with the Greater Lansing Food Bank and the South Michigan Food Bank to collect nonperishables during the last week of February for the “News 10 Make an Impact” campaign.
During the weeklong event, 650 pounds of food was donated by generous viewers at the WILX Studios and the Lansing Brewing Company. The phone bank was manned by volunteers from the Greater Lansing Food Bank and the South Michigan Food Bank. Viewers called in and donated an amazing $8,000 for the food banks to purchase food. The funds raised will provide over 21,000 meals in Mid-Michigan.
Date Posted: 2/28/2022
Cumulus Media’s Detroit News/Talk station 760 WJR raised more than $1.74 Million to help The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit combat hunger and homelessness in Metro Detroit through the "35th Annual Bed & Bread Club Radiothon." The 27-hour radio fundraiser aired on 760 WJR on Thursday, February 24 and Friday, February 25 and featured on-air personalities Paul W. Smith, Sean Baligian, Kevin Dietz, Lloyd Jackson, Chris Renwick, Mitch Albom, Ken Brown, Steve Courtney, Kevin O’Neill and Guy Gordon broadcasting from The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Divisional Headquarters in Southfield, Mich.
Date Posted: 2/26/2022
Graham Media Group’s WDIV Local 4 in Detroit, Mich., spoke to the attendees at one rally about how meaningful the demonstration of support is for Ukraine. “Americans, really their reaction is important for us,” Ruslana Proonko said. “Each step is important for us, for the Ukrainian community here and for Ukrainians in Ukraine.”
Date Posted: 2/15/2022
Beasley Media Group announced the return of the WCSX Stone Soup Project in the Motor City. The 2022 initiative, “Big Jim’s House Stone Soup Project,” hosted by 94.7 WCSX morning show personalities Big Jim O’Brien and Ryan Logan, will feature a 1974 Ford Bronco. WCSX will once again team up with sponsors and encourage listeners to share their ideas on how to rebuild the Bronco, from deciding on the best paint to determining tire size. Proceeds from the raffle tickets will benefit Vets Returning Home.
The project first launched 17 years ago, when 94.7 WCSX-FM ran a radio promotion challenging listeners to transform a junkyard car into a classic automobile. Metro Detroiters opened their garages and wallets to rebuild the first car. Mechanics and bump-shops volunteered their time and parts. Raffle tickets were sold and 100% of the proceeds benefited a local charity. As a result, the Stone Soup Project™ was born. Over the years, the annual promotion raised more than $1.5 million to support local charities. In addition, the cars won multiple awards.
Date Posted: 2/4/2022
On February 4, THAW’s WWJ Winter Survival Radiothon raised $986,256 to help thousands of Michigan families pay utility bills. The 14-hour radiothon featured an online auction and hourly incentives, as listeners called in to make generous pledges.
The radiothon is part of THAW and WWJ’s commitment to supporting Michigan residents.
Date Posted: 1/16/2022
This week on WDIV-TV Local 4’s Sunday morning news program, Anchor David Scillian discussed the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan with state chief medical officer Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian.
Bagdasarian said the surge of COVID-19 omicron variant is underway in Michigan, but the worst of it could be yet to come. She also warned of future variants, discussed COVID-19 testing and shared information on vaccination rates in Michigan.
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Date Posted: 6/30/2021
On May 7, The E.W. Scripps Company’s Fox affiliate WXMI Grand Rapids, Mich., spoke with Dr. Lyndsay Volpe-Bertram, section chief of psychology at Spectrum Health, to encourage those who may need help to find resources available to them. Mental health has become a common topic of discussion since the start of the pandemic, and while some people may just need a close friend to confide in, Dr. Volpe-Bertram encouraged those who might be struggling or overly stressed to seek out professional help. She also emphasized the expansion of resources such as teletherapy options to help those who may be nervous or hesitant to see someone.
Date Posted: 2/5/2021
Beasley Media Group’s WMGC-FM Detroit, Mich., morning show "The Gello Show" reported on an initiative aiming to help Black restaurants, cooks and chefs hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic and celebrate Africa’s contribution to American food during Black History Month. The four-week series, "Taste the Diaspora Detroit," features food from Black-owned restaurants and supplied by Black-owned local farms to create culturally inspired shoebox lunch dishes for weekly curbside pickup. Highlighting African cuisine as well as Creole, Caribbean and Soul Food, the goal is to sell 400 boxes a week and donate 100 boxes. Proceeds will go directly to the chefs and local farmers who supply the lunch boxes.
Date Posted: 2/1/2021
Beasley Media Group’s WMGC-FM Detroit, Mich., morning show “The Gello Show” reported on an initiative aiming to help Black restaurants, cooks and chefs hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic and celebrate Africa’s contribution to American food during Black History Month. The four-week series, “Taste the Diaspora Detroit,” features food from Black-owned restaurants and supplied by Black-owned local farms to create culturally inspired shoebox lunch dishes for weekly curbside pickup. Highlighting African cuisine as well as Creole, Caribbean and Soul Food, the goal is to sell 400 boxes a week and donate 100 boxes. Proceeds will go directly to the chefs and local farmers who supply the lunch boxes.
Date Posted: 12/11/2020
Cumulus Media-owned WJR-AM Detroit personalities Mitch Albom and Ken Brown raised an incredible $1,500,000 to benefit local families and community members during the "SAY Detroit Radiothon" on December 10. The annual event, currently in its ninth year, brought together local and national celebrities, including national media figures CNN’s Anderson Cooper, NBC’s Mike Tirico and ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The event was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Guests participated remotely, while Albom and Brown hosted the 15-hour broadcast from a socially distanced table in an empty mall.
Date Posted: 9/10/2020
Graham Media Group’s NBC affiliate WDIV Detroit aired a town hall on August 13 to highlight community concerns and answer questions regarding returning to school as the pandemic continues locally and nationally. The town hall was moderated by journalists Devin Scillian and Paula Tutman and featured local school district officials, teachers, parents, current students and state Representative Pamela Hornberger, chairwoman for the House Education Committee. Viewers were encouraged to submit questions prior to the town hall.
WDIV has continued their coverage of the developing issue as schools reopen across the state. On August 31, the station aired a primetime special entitled “Education 4 All” and has provided robust daily coverage on air and on the WDIV website.
Date Posted: 8/5/2020
Graham Media Group’s NBC affiliate WDIV-TV Detroit awarded more than $100,000 in advertising grants to assist local businesses during the pandemic. As Michigan began lifting COVID restrictions, the station felt it was imperative that local businesses were able to reach patrons and advertise effectively. WDIV adapted the annual “Vote 4 The Best” local survey into a “Celebration Edition,” with the winners in each main category receiving advertising grants.
Date Posted: 7/13/2020
Beasley’s WCSX-FM Boston Morning Show Host Big Jim from Big Jim’s House will drive 27 hours on a road trip from Detroit to Minnesota to raise $50,000 to benefit Gleaners Food Bank with help from Legendary Rock Recording Artist Bob Seger.
Big Jim will leave for Minnesota on July 23rd and upon his return to the Motor City, Bob Seger and Chevrolet will make a $50,000 donation to Gleaners Food Bank of Detroit.
"I’ve always wondered where Bob stopped for a beer in the song, ‘Roll Me Away’, now we know,” said Big Jim. “So, taking a road trip in a Chevy truck to the North Star Bar in Rochester, Minnesota feels more like a pilgrimage! And the fact that Bob Seger and Chevrolet are backing up this effort with a 50k donation to Gleaners Food Bank makes it even more important to “get it right!”
The $50,000 donation will be used to provide 150,000 meals for families in Southeastern Michigan.
Date Posted: 7/7/2020
Graham Media Group’s WDIV Detroit aired on June 23 a special “Spirit of Detroit: Fulfilling the Dream.” The live, one-hour program aired on the 57th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s march in Detroit, where he debuted his “I Have a Dream Speech.” The program is part of the station’s commitment to foster discussions on diversity going and to help find ways to change systemic racism.
Date Posted: 6/28/2020
Alpha Media’s WSGW Saginaw, Mich., was nominated for a Service to Community Award in the Radio – Medium Market category.
To help curb increasing homelessness in the area, 100.5 and 790 Newsradio WSGW hosted the 14th annual Sharing Hope Radiothon to raise money for the Rescue Ministries of Mid-Michigan and its local shelters. With cross promotion from sister station 94.5 The MooseWCEN, this 12-hour campaign exceeded its fundraising goal and raised more than $47,000 while also educating the community. To show continued support for their sister station, WSGW partnered once again and helped raise awareness and donations for the two-day St. Jude Kids Radiothon to raise another $83,250. These two campaigns strengthen the ties of local radio and continue to better the community through the sharing of hope and resources.
Date Posted: 4/22/2020
Graham Media’s NBC affiliate WDIV-TV Detroit provided 13,000 meals for hospital workers, service industry employee and those on the frontline of the pandemic. The “Food4Frontline” campaign have also provided grocery gift cards to those working in support roles through hospitals.
Date Posted: 4/16/2020
TEGNA’s ABC affiliate WZZM-TV, Nexstar’s NBC affiliate WOOD-TV, Sinclair’s CBS affiliate WWMT-TV and Scripps’ Fox affiliate WXMI-TV Grand Rapids began airing a joint PSA on April 16. The PSA addresses critical news, health and safety information on the COVID-19 pandemic and airs during first commercial break of their 6 p.m. newscasts.
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Date Posted: 4/16/2020
The Michigan Association of Broadcasters joined with local stations and aired on April 16 a COVID-19 town hall with U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters to answer questions about the crisis. The town hall will air on:
Date Posted: 4/13/2020
Cano Broadcasting’s WOAP-AM Owosso, Mich., is partnering with Owosso High School to provide graduating seniors with a virtual ceremony in late May amid COVID-19 shutdowns and limitations on gatherings. The school will host a drive-in ceremony, and the station will broadcast speeches, music and the names of the graduating students over the air.
Date Posted: 4/2/2020
All Detroit TV stations have banded together to broadcast “The Governor’s Town Hall” event featuring Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, scheduled to air live from 7 – 8 p.m. on April 2. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other leaders will answer questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics include hospital preparedness, unemployment benefits and school closures. It will air on Graham Media Group’s NBC affiliate WDIV-TV, Fox-owned WJBK-TV, CBS-owned WWJ-TV, Scripps’ ABC affiliate WXYZ-TV, Scripps’ MyNetworkTV affiliate WMYD-T, CW-owned WKBD-TV, and PBS-owned WTVS-TV. The town hall was offered to all broadcasters in Michigan, in partnership with the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and Michigan Association of Public Broadcasters.
Date Posted: 4/1/2020
Gray’s ABC affiliate WJRT-TV Flint, Mich., has created a “Stand with Local Businesses” promotion to help them get the word out they are still open. Open businesses are also listed on WJRT’s website to keep their brands viable and on consumers’ minds during the crisis.
Date Posted: 3/10/2020
Beasley Media Group’s WDMK-FM raised more than $66,000 to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the “National Urban Radio Cares Radiothon” on March 5. During the event, on-air personality Randi Myles shared stories about children and families assisted by St. Jude.
Date Posted: 1/21/2020
Adell Broadcasting’s WADL-TV Detroit premiered on January 21 a new evening newscast with a focus on local investigative reporting. The weeknight program, “News Now with Kevin Dietz,” features two long investigative reports per night.
“I was born and raised in this town and I’ve been an investigative reporter for 25 years,” said Program Host Kevin Dietz. “I know the community and will be talking about topics important to the people that live here.”
Date Posted: 12/16/2019
Beasley’s WMGC-FM Detroit collected $40,000 in new toys during “Gello’s Big Top Toy Drop,” held December 6 – 13. Morning Personalities Gello and Joanna camped out in a tent for seven days to promote the toy drive. Donated items will be distributed at Lady Jane’s Wicked Awesome Wishes and Ronald McDonald House in Detroit.
Date Posted: 11/11/2019
Lenawee Broadcasting’s WLEN-FM Adrian, Mich., raised over $31,000 during its 14th annual “Thank A Vet” day on November 11th. Housing Help of Lenawee will distribute the funds throughout the year to help local veterans with rent, mortgage payments to avoid foreclosure, utility bills, rental facilities to store possessions when they are displaced, transportation stipends and items such boots needed for employment. In 14 years, WLEN has raised $280,000 to support local veterans.
Date Posted: 10/1/2019
WLEN-FM received the Service to Community Award for Radio – Small market in recognition of their commitment to help veterans experiencing homelessness in the community at the 2019 Celebration of Service to America Awards Gala in Washington, D.C.
Thirteen years ago, the staff at Lenawee Broadcasting Company’s WLEN-FM Adrian, Mich., learned of local veterans living in the nearby woods. In response, WLEN-FM created the Veterans Dire Needs Fund. Annually on Veterans Day, the station collects money for local vets and raises awareness for homeless veterans and their critical needs. This event has grown from $5,000 raised in the first year to more than $30,000 raised in 2018. More than $250,000 has been raised over the years to help support Lenawee County veterans with a goal of helping local veterans to live as proudly as they served.
Date Posted: 8/12/2019
Scripps’ ABC affiliate WXYZ Detroit won on August 10 the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) 2019 Salute to Excellence Award for its special, “Spotlight on the News: Inside Michigan’s African American Vote.” WXYZ’s winning entry aired last October and explored the issues constituents faced in the election and how the African American vote impacts Michigan’s future. It included conversations with political experts, journalists, civil rights activists, religious leaders and prominent members of Michigan’s Democratic and Republican parties. The NABJ awards honor exemplary coverage of African Americans and highlight the work of media organizations and individuals involved in digital, print, television, radio, photojournalism, podcasting and public relations / marketing.
Date Posted: 3/31/2019
Graham’s NBC affiliate WDIV-TV Detroit released on March 19 season three of its “Shattered” podcast. “Shattered: Child Killer” discusses the cold case of children murdered 40 years ago and the suspected cover-up by a local millionaire. It spotlights the murdered children’s relatives, investigators on the case, and journalists who continue covering the story. “Shattered” seasons one and two amassed 2.1 million downloads. Season 1 explores the 2010 disappearance of three brothers in Morenci, Mich., whose father said he gave them to an underground organization. Season 2 covers the life of Richard Wershe, Jr., (“White Boy Rick”) the youngest FBI informant turned drug dealer.
Date Posted: 2/6/2019
Graham Media’s NBC affiliate WDIV Detroit offered a “Shutdown Survival Guide” for federal workers, thanks to Consumer Reporter Hank Winchester and the “Help Me Hank” team.
On January 16, WDIV dedicated its news coverage to helping the estimated 6,000 Michigan families affected by the federal government shutdown. Topics included free resources offered by companies, non-profits and stores; preserving credit; handling mortgage or rent; and dealing with medical bills.
“As a station we believe we have an obligation to use our resources to connect viewers with local companies and agencies that can help them weather the hard times,” said News Director Kim Voet.
Date Posted: 2/5/2019
Graham Media Group’s NBC affiliate WDIV-TV Detroit continuously served the community in 2018. They covered opioid addiction, elections, gun violence, school safety, infrastructure concerns and education. WDIV continues to report on the aftermath of the Flint Water Crisis. Read more here.
Date Posted: 11/1/2018
WWJ-AM Detroit, Mich. was awarded the 2018 National Association of Broadcasters’ (NAB) Crystal Radio Award. Since 1987, the NAB Crystal Radio Awards have recognized radio stations for their outstanding year-round commitment to community service. Among their outstanding public service, WWJ-AM does a lot of work to highlight local charitable organizations.
Date Posted: 11/1/2018
Scripps’ ABC affiliate WXYZ produced a one-hour prime time special, “Spotlight on the News: Inside Michigan’s African American Vote” that explores how African American voters in Michigan impact local, state and national elections. WXYZ re-aired it on October 2, 7, 10 and 12.
Community Affairs Director Chuck Stokes hosted conversations with political experts, journalists, civil rights activists, religious leaders and leaders in Michigan’s Democratic and Republican parties. Guests include civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson; Detroit Urban League President N. Charles Anderson; Michigan ACLU Director Kary Moss; Wayne State University law professor and Damon J. Keith Center Director Peter Hammer; and The Ballenger Report Founder Bill Ballenger. An interview with 92-year-old Mildred Madison, a lifelong Detroiter and community organizer, explores the importance of voting.
Date Posted: 10/19/2018
Democrat Gretchen Whitmer and Republican Bill Schuette will appear in two gubernatorial debates this month. Nexstar’s NBC affiliate WOOD-TV Grand Rapids will host the first debate on October 12. Graham’s NBC affiliate WDIV Detroit will host the second on October 24. Each debate will air live and stream online.
Date Posted: 9/4/2018
Lenawee Broadcasting’s WLEN-FM Adrian, Mich., raised $11,000 during its “Hoping for a Home” radiothon, held July 13 – 14 to support renovations and on-going expenses for Neighbors of Hope Women and Children’s Center. Neighbors of Hope supports the Men’s Ministry Fresh Start and Life Change Programs, Blessings and More Resale Store, Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry, the Third Day Farming Program and Word Made Flesh Radio Ministry.
Date Posted: 7/2/2018
Graham Media Group’s NBC affiliate WDIV-TV Detroit launched citizen engagement project “Your Soapbox” as part of its “Decision 2018” election coverage. Through the “Your Soapbox” roadshow, WDIV will travel across the region to encourage voter participation and hear about issues that are important to viewers. Voter turnout in 2014 in state elections was less than 50 percent in many counties around Detroit. The station also hosted several “4 Minute Debates” at the recent non-partisan Mackinac Policy Conference.
“Everyone should vote their own interests and we, as a non-partisan news organization, need to not only report the stories that are interesting but the policy decisions big and small that affect our viewers,” said General Manager Marla Dutz.
Date Posted: 5/1/2018
Nexstar’s NBC affiliate WOOD-TV Grand Rapids, Mich., will host and broadcast a debate on May 9 between candidates in the GOP gubernatorial primary. Graham Media’s NBC affiliate WDIV-TV Detroit will host and broadcast a debate on June 28, also featuring GOP gubernatorial primary candidates.
Date Posted: 4/1/2018
In the most populated county in the station’s DMA, 4,500 children under the age of three live below the poverty line. Because state and federal assistance cannot be used to buy diapers, many of these children are forced to stay in the same diaper for days at a time. During the “ABC12 Diaper Drive,” the station reported live during the day’s newscasts and broke into programming to show people bringing donations of money and supplies. One of the station’s news anchors helped start the initiative 10 years ago, and eventually became a co-founder of the Flint Diaper Bank, a non-profit organization with no administrative costs. With the help of the initiative, the Flint Diaper Bank now helps deliver one million diapers to families in need each year.
Date Posted: 2/1/2018
Beasley’s WMGC-FM Detroit launched on January 16 the “105K lb. Weight Loss & Healthy Living Challenge,” a 10-week program to encourage listeners to exercise and eat healthier. The challenge includes free weekly workouts, free Zumba classes, cooking demonstrations and advice from weight loss professionals. The final weekly workout takes place March 31.
Date Posted: 2/1/2018
Alpha Media’s WCEN-FM Hemlock, Mich. raised $75,303 with the 15th Annual Moose Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon, held January 25-26. In 15 years, the station has raised over $1 million in the radiothon.
“We’re always humbled by the generosity of Moose listeners, said Program Director Joby Phillips. “We always call this the two most important days each year at the station and our listener family has never let us down.”
Date Posted: 1/30/2018
The Scripps Howard Foundation donated 100,000 books on National Reading Day (January 23), as part of their second “If You Give a Child a Book” campaign. Each dollar received from Scripps employees is matched by members of the Scripps family and all proceeds are used to to buy books for children in need. All books are purchased at cost through a partnership with Scholastic, further maximizing the purchase power of every donated dollar.
Scripps’ ABC affiliate WXYZ-TV and MyNetworkTV affiliate WMYD-TV Detroit donated $10,000 as a part of the campaign, to be matched by members of the Scripps family. The books purchased with the donations benefited a local school for at-risk children and adults in Detroit.
“It’s an honor to work for a company that puts such a high value on giving back to the community,” said Mike Murri, WXYZ-TV and WMYD-TV vice president and general manager. “We are thrilled to be able to advance the great work that is being done at St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center through the generosity of the Scripps family.”
Date Posted: 12/8/2017
Beasley Media Group’s WMGC-FM Detroit launched its “Bikes for Kids” holiday collection with four live broadcasts on November 20. The station’s morning personalities BIGG, Foolish and Shay asked their listeners to donate new bikes to benefit local children this holiday season. With collections held on December 1, 8, 15 and 16, WMGC-FM was able to provide 130 new bikes to children in the community. “There is nothing like the generosity and big hearts of the people of Detroit,” said WMGC-FM’s Morning Personality BIGG. “That has inspired us to weave our way into it. Giving a bicycle to kids in need for the holidays is a way we love to do it!”
Date Posted: 12/5/2017
Beasley Media Group’s WCSX-FM Detroit held their third annual “People Helping People” campaign to assist local families facing challenges this holiday season. The campaign was able to connect 35 families with listeners who were eager to help, as well as distribute $5,000 to other families in need. WCSX-FM and their listeners were able to reach 60 families with the 2017 “People Helping People” promotion.
Date Posted: 12/4/2017
Scripps Television Station Group’s ABC affiliate WXYZ-TV Detroit held its 9th annual “Together We Can” food drive benefitting the Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan. The 25-day event ran from October 24 through November 17, collecting more than 16,800 pounds of nonperishable food items. Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan was able to reach more than 500 soup kitchens, shelters and pantries in the local community with the amount raised from the event. “One in six people in Michigan struggle with hunger, so it’s more important than ever that we help those in need throughout our community, especially during the holiday season,” said WXYZ and WMYD Vice President Mike Murri.
Date Posted: 11/10/2017
Lenawee Broadcasting’s WLEN-FM Adrian, MI., hosted their 12th annual “Thank a Vet” day on November 10 to raise funds and awareness for veterans in need in Lenawee County. In just 12 hours, WLEN-FM raised over $32,000 for the “Veterans Dire Needs Fund.” The funds are distributed throughout the year to local veterans for assistance with rent, mortgage payments to avoid foreclosure, utility bills, rental facilities to store possessions when they are displaced, transportation stipends and for items like clothes needed for employment.
Date Posted: 10/2/2017
Beasley Media Group’s WCSX-FM Detroit is assisting veterans find jobs through its “Employment After Deployment” initiative. Members of the military who have returned from a recent deployment and are looking for a job are encouraged to go to www.WCSX.com or and share their job experience, skill set and type of position they’re looking for. Also, the station’s morning show “Big Jim’s House” is featuring a select veteran on the program each week.
Date Posted: 9/12/2017
Graham Media Group’s WDIV-TV Detroit raised almost $430,000 in a telethon on September 12 to benefit the American Red Cross relief efforts for Texas and Florida. “Television has the power to show in vivid images just how destructive a hurricane can be,” said General Manager Marla Drut.
Date Posted: 7/23/2017
Scripps’ ABC affiliate WXYZ-TV Detroit aired a documentary commercial-free on July 23 called “12th and Clairmount” about the 1967 Detroit riot. WXZT, The Detroit Free Press and Bridge Magazine collaborated to produce the documentary, which features WXYZ archival film on the five-day rebellion and highlights the racial and economic tensions that led to the uprising. In the week prior to the airing, WXYZ presented daily special reports on the uprising in the 5 p.m. newscast. “It’s so important that we reflect on the past and learn from those experiences if we’re going to move our community forward,” said General Manager Mike Murri. “Improving our community is core to our mission at WXYZ and the mission of our Detroit 2020 project … to unify our region and inspire people to act.”
Date Posted: 7/3/2017
Latitude Media’s WCZY-FM Mt. Pleasant, Mich., provided critical coverage as eight inches of rain flooded the area June 23 – 25, causing over $100 million in damage. WCZY provided information on the 130 roads that closed due as pavement crumbled beneath the water, in addition to broadcasting updates from the head of the emergency management team. On June 26, WCZY collected donations for the local American Red Cross chapter to assist people staying at a temporary shelter. “Although our staff is small, they really shined big for our community during this unprecedented crisis,” said Owner Bob Peters. “This is why local radio is so important to the communities we serve and why my wife and I are so proud to be local broadcasters.”
Date Posted: 1/23/2017
Graham Media Group’s NBC affiliate WDIV Detroit covered issues critical to the community, including health, politics and the economy. WDIV launched “Get Fit 4 Life,” an eight-week program hosted by WDIV reporter Paula Tutman and fitness expert Maria Marino. The initiative launched with an on air profile of four people choosing to lose weight, add muscle or exercise more. It continues with on air segments on setting goals and staying accountable, plus a chance for viewers to encourage each other through Tutman’s “Local 4” Facebook page.
WDIV produced a one-hour prime time special “Dateline Detroit: All About Autos” to preview the North American International Auto Show. WDIV also aired a live one-hour special from the show’s annual Charity Preview, covered announcements from automakers and aired reports from the show floor. “Here at WDIV we recognize how important this event is economically, technologically and as a barometer for consumer trends,” said Director of Local Programming Laurie Oberman. “Our coverage was in-depth and far reaching, involving much of our on air and behind the scenes staff.”
WDIV sent news anchor Kimberly Gill to report live from the inauguration of President Donald Trump and to cover the Women’s march the next day. Gill updated viewers during newscasts and with live reports on Facebook. Her Facebook Live reports had a combined 172,000 views.
Date Posted: 12/21/2016
Alpha Media’s WSGW-AM Saginaw, Mich. raised $53,250 during a radiothon it held December 21. The money was donated to Rescue Ministries of Mid-Michigan, which has homeless shelters in both Saginaw and Bay City and combined houses over 200 people per night.
Date Posted: 12/9/2016
Jackson Radio Works’ WKHM-FM partnered with 14 area businesses for its annual “K-105.3 Cares” promotion. These businesses helped the station purchase around $1,400 in gifts for two adopted families through The Salvation Army.
Date Posted: 12/9/2016
Jackson Radio Works’ WKHM-AM/FM Jackson, Mich. partnered with Walmart for its annual toy drive benefitting Toys for Tots on December 9. While broadcasting live from 6:00-9:00 a.m. onsite at the local Walmart, area citizens made cash and toy donations. To aid this effort, Walmart offered 10 percent off the entire toy department for those wishing to make a donation. Over $8,000 in toys and monetary donations was raised.
Date Posted: 12/9/2016
CBS Radio’s WYCD-FM Detroit raised $551,272 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in its 16th Annual “99.5 WYCD Country Cares for St. Jude Kids” radiothon, December 8 - 9. Several donations were dedicated to WYCD’s Linda Lee, who was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer a few months ago. Lee called in from her chemotherapy session, urging listeners to donate.
Date Posted: 11/17/2016
Graham Media Group’s NBC affiliate WDIV Detroit provided day-long “Faces of Addiction” coverage about the heroin epidemic on November 17. Dr. Frank McGeorge teamed with WDIV-TV reporters Kevin Dietz, Hank Winchester and Sandra Ali to present important information on this growing problem. The reports included information about why it is a priority to clean out medicine cabinets and a report about parents and grandparents who are overdosing on drugs while their children are in their care.
Date Posted: 10/27/2016
Graham Media Group’s NBC affiliate WDIV-TV Detroit is committed to addressing the opioid abuse crisis. “All of us at WDIV are keenly aware of the impact we can have when tackling important local problems, and the opioid addiction epidemic is of great concern to us,” said Director of Local Programming Laurie Oberman. This year, WDIV has aired town halls, documentaries and more than 325 PSAs provided by the Partnership for Drug Free Kids. WDIV featured a local family’s struggle with opioid addiction and provided information on developments in methods to treat addiction in young adults. In addition, the station has covered announcements from President Obama, the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, the Center for Disease Control, the city of Canton, the Michigan Governor and city of Clawson.
Date Posted: 9/26/2016
Graham Media’s NBC WDIV Detroit recently adopted Thurgood Marshall Elementary and Middle School for a ten-month makeover. WDIV’s Consumer Unit, Help Me Hank, developed “Help Me Hank: The School Project” to clean, paint and fix up the schools. The cafeteria and front office have already been fixed. “As a reporter in Detroit for the last 16 years, I’ve seen school children and teachers trying to learn and teach in appalling conditions and it is unacceptable,” said Consumer Reporter Hank Winchester.
Date Posted: 9/14/2016
Scripps’ ABC affiliate WXYZ-TV Detroit launched a multipart digital video series “Muslim American: Inside a Growing Michigan Community” on September 14. WZYZ explores issues that impact Muslim Americans and help debunk myths associated with Islam in order to build bridges in the community. The series visits Dearborn, which has one of the highest concentrations of Muslim Americans, and takes viewers into the Islamic Center of America to help explain the teachings of Islam. Some videos feature people sharing their personal experiences while others use graphics and animation.
Date Posted: 7/4/2016
Graham Media Group’s WDIV-TV Detroit was the television sponsor of the annual Ford Fireworks. In addition to broadcasting the firework presentation, the station hosted the “Super Singer” contest, which gives area singers and musicians the opportunity to perform in front of a live audience.
Date Posted: 4/12/2016
E.W. Scripps’ ABC affiliate WXYZ Detroit created the 27-minute documentary “Beyond the Bullet: The Cost of Gun Violence in Detroit” for its website. It features interviews with a 9-year-old girl who was hit by a random bullet and a woman whose son was killed over a cell phone. WXYZ also takes viewers for a rare look inside the Detroit Police Department gun vault, where police keep guns seized in homicide investigations. “At WXYZ, we’re digging deeper to create unique digital content that provides background and context for the issues that impact our local community and communities across the country,” said General Manager Mike Murri.
Date Posted: 4/10/2016
Graham Media’s Group’s NBC affiliate WDIV Detroit won a regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Continuing Coverage for “It’s A Hard Thing To Watch A Man Die.” WDIV’s investigators examined 240 hours of video that showed that while David Stojcevski spent 16 days in jail for a traffic ticket, he suffered from serious drug withdrawal and lost 50 pounds before dying on the floor of his cell. The FBI is now looking into the case. “We are honored that our news team continues to make a difference, and effect positive change in our community,” said General Manager Marla Drutz.
Date Posted: 4/4/2016
Cumulus’ WFBE-FM Flint raised $14,000 at a benefit on April 7 for Hurley Children’s Hospital and Hurley Children’s Clinic, to help kids exposed to lead from the city’s water. Wheelhouse recording artist Granger Smith and local artists Tegan Marie and Granger Smith performed for 850 listeners.
Date Posted: 3/30/2016
Graham Media Group’s NBC affiliate WDIV Detroit received a Michigan Press Association award for the advancement of justice. “A Journey to Justice” examined the story of Floyd Dent, an African-American man who failed to stop at a stop sign. He was pulled from his car, punched in the head 16 times and arrested for assault, resisting arrest and possession of cocaine. WDIV showed that a police officer pulled a baggie of cocaine from his own pocket. As a result, arresting officer William Melendez was fired and sentenced to 13 months in prison, two other officers were suspended and the police chief resigned. A law has been proposed to track officers who resign under investigation. The county prosecutor cited WDIV’s reports for alerting her to the case.
Date Posted: 3/11/2016
Four NBC-affiliated television stations in Michigan - Graham Media Group’s WDIV Detroit, Sinclair’s WEYI-TV Flint, Gray Television’s WILX-TV Lansing and Media General’s WOOD-TV Grand Rapids raised $1.1 million in the “Flint Water Crisis: 4 Our Families” telethon on March 15. WDIV has aired extensive reports on the crisis. All proceeds will go to the Flint Child Health and Development Fund, which was established in January to help with things like education, nutrition and medical intervention.
Date Posted: 3/4/2016
Graham Media Group’s NBC affiliate WDIV Detroit produces and airs "Flashpoint," a weekly public affairs program focused on topics that are important to the community, including the upcoming election and the Detroit Public Schools. A primetime special on March 4 gave viewers additional perspective leading up to the Michigan primary election. “Flashpoint” host Devin Scillian has interviewed presidential candidates John Kasich, Marco Rubio and Bernie Sanders, among others.
Date Posted: 3/3/2016
Cumulus’ WJR-AM Detroit raised $1 million for the Salvation Army Bed and Bread program in a radiothon held February 26. The Radiothon is the program’s primary source of funding. The Bed & Bread program serves more than 4,200 meals to the Detroit community, which amounts to more than 1.5 million meals annually, and provides shelter to 500 people every night. The Salvation Army Bed & Bread recently expanded its truck routes to deliver to new underserved areas.
Date Posted: 3/1/2016
CBS Radio’s WWJ-AM Detroit raised $1.5 million in the 13th annual "Winter Survival Radiothon" for The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) on February 12. THAW provides emergency energy assistance to families in financial crisis due to job loss or serious illness. THAW’s utility partners match every dollar raised.
Date Posted: 3/1/2016
Graham Media’s NBC affiliate WDIV Detroit aired an hour-long special, "Failure in Flint: Inside the Water Crisis," on February 16. In addition to providing in-depth coverage, WDIV held phone banks and delivered water.
Date Posted: 3/1/2016
E.W. Scripps’ ABC affiliate WXYZ Detroit’s "Fix My School" Supplies Drive collected more than 20 tons of supplies, filling three semi-trucks, for Detroit Public Schools. The supplies were distributed February 22. "This incredible team effort is a great example of WXYZ’s commitment to take action for our viewers and make a difference in our community," said General Manager Mike Murri. The "Fix My School" investigative series has led to corrective action from the city of Detroit.
Date Posted: 2/16/2016
iHeartMedia’s WNIC-FM Detroit morning show host Jay Towers produced and hosted a water drive on Jan. 23, in conjunction with iHeartMedia’s Detroit cluster and Fox-owned WJBK-TV, to help the Flint water crisis. The stations collected 240 tons of water. The event broadcast live on WNIC-FM, WKQI-FM, WJLB-FM, WDTW-FM, WMXD-FM, WDFN-AM and WJBK-TV. Watch video.
Date Posted: 2/16/2016
Graham Media Group’s NBC affiliate WDIV-TV Detroit provided in-depth coverage and community support for the Flint water crisis. WDIV collected more than $3,400 and several truckloads of bottled water. WDIV’s consumer investigative unit, "Help Me Hank," reported on the origin of the crisis, how residents coped, the National Guard’s arrival, protests at the capitol and Hurley Children’s Hospital treatment for children exposed to lead. WDIV interviewed health experts and government officials, including Governor Snyder. "The devastating water crisis in Flint reminds us just how important local television can be, especially in digging for answers, demanding solutions and aiding our community neighbors," said Director of Local Programming Laurie Oberman. Watch video.
Date Posted: 2/16/2016
E.W. Scripps’ ABC affiliate WXYZ-TV Detroit aired a "Fix My School" investigative piece on Jan. 15. Days later, on Jan. 19, Detroit health inspectors visited the featured school. The segment showed a classroom where water had been seeping through the ceiling for three years, causing the teacher to feel ill. The room was also attached to a visibly dilapidated greenhouse that housed squirrels and rats. The only separation came from drafty windows and a door with holes in it and no doorknob.
Date Posted: 2/15/2016
Midwest Family Station’s WSJM-FM St Joseph, MI raised a record $29,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the “Country Cares For St. Jude Kids” radiothon, held Feb. 18-19.
Date Posted: 1/14/2016
Cumulus’ WQKL-FM Ann Arbor, Mich., collected a record one million meals during its annual five-day food drive, "Rockin’ for the Hungry," held December 2-6 to benefit Food Gatherers in Washtenaw County. "’Rockin’ for the Hungry’ is more than a food and fund drive for Food Gatherers – it brings people together to raise awareness about the issue of hunger in our community," said Food Gatherers President and CEO Eileen Spring.
Date Posted: 1/14/2016
Cumulus’ WJR-AM Detroit’s "2015 Mitch Albom S.A.Y. Detroit Radiothon," held December 10, raised a record $1 million for the Mitch Albom charities. Guests included Hugh Jackman, Billy Bob Thornton, Jane Pauley, Craig Ferguson and Alice Cooper. Watch video.
Date Posted: 1/14/2016
Lenawee Broadcasting’s WLEN-FM Adrian, Mich. raised $22,000 in the 10th annual "Thank a Vet" day, November 11. The funds support the Housing Help of Lenawee’s Veterans Dire Needs Fund, which assists local veterans with rent, mortgage payments to avoid foreclosure, utility bills, storage rental facilities when they are displaced, transportation stipends and simple items such as boots. To date, the event has raised more than $100,000.
Date Posted: 10/19/2015
Greater Media’s WCSX-FM Detroit hosted an online charity auction from September 2-4 to benefit the family of Michigan State Trooper Chad Wolf, who died while on duty on August 28. Proceeds went to a GoFundMe account for Wolf’s family, which totaled nearly $175,000. Auction items included guitars autographed by Detroit rock legend Bob Seger, Eddie Money and Creedence Clearwater Revisited, plus signed Detroit Pistons merchandise. WCSX posted this video tribute to Wolf, who left behind a wife and four children.
Date Posted: 10/14/2015
Graham Media Group’s NBC affiliate WDIV-TV Detroit provided month-long coverage of “Arts, Beats & Eats.” The event, which helps support local charities, raised $360,000. WDIV-TV provided month-long coverage of the event, including a PSA and reports that highlighted the charities who benefitted from the raised funds.
Date Posted: 7/17/2015
Graham Media Group’s NBC affiliate WDIV-TV Detroit provided vital information as severe storms on June 22 threatened the annual Ford Fireworks celebration, which hundreds of thousands of people attend. As the official media partner, WDIV advised event producers to begin an hour early so attendees could avoid severe weather. WDIV aired updates every 15 minutes during evening newscasts and provided continuous weather coverage when tornado warnings were in effect. At least two tornados touched down. Staff worked all night to broadcast and stream updates, warnings and damage reports, reaching 1.3 million people in 24 hours. Social media comments included:
Bette Platt: "Thank you [meteorologist] Ben Bailey, it was a long night, but know that you helped many, many people through that crazy storm."
Camille Seaberry: "Great job tonight. Appreciate being able to stay informed while the internet was down. Turned the TV right to you!"
On June 18 - a few days before the storms – a WDIV event allowed viewers to purchase discounted weather radios that are programmed to provide neighborhood-specific alerts. In six years, WDIV has distributed approximately 40,000 weather radios. "We’re right here every day looking out for our viewers… To us, that is what being local is all about," said Director of Local Programming Laurie Oberman.
Date Posted: 6/22/2015
Graham Media Group’s NBC affiliate WDIV-TV Detroit held a live broadcast of the 57th Annual Ford Fireworks on June 22nd. The fireworks, dubbed as one of Detroit’s hallmark summer events, honors veterans and the relationship between the United States and Canada. The “Super Singer” competition, in which five local singers compete for a $2,500 cash prize and a front-of-the-line pass to audition for NBC’s “The Voice” was also held at the fireworks.
Date Posted: 6/15/2015
E.W. Scripp’s ABC affiliate WXYZ-TV Detroit anchor Stephen Clark shared the story of his granddaughter Scarlet’s battle with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) on a May 8 broadcast. SMA, the number one genetic killer of children, causes muscle weakness and paralysis, for which there is no cure. Clark shared Scarlet’s story, in addition to that of another child, who has begun clinical trials that may help find a cure. “This is the most intensely personal story I’ve reported in 35 years, my granddaughter Scarlet’s story,” said Clark.
Date Posted: 3/13/2015
CBS Radio’s WYCD-FM Detroit helped Army Reservist John Deline III surprise his wife on Feb. 23. After Deline returned early from an overseas deployment to Afghanistan and Kuwait, he reached out to the station to inquire about surprising his wife, Kathy, with tickets to a Garth Brooks concert. An on-air personality from WYCD-FM went to Kathy’s workplace with a bouquet of flowers, the concert tickets - and her husband. Click here to watch video from the surprise.
Date Posted: 2/18/2015
Graham Media Group’s NBC affiliate WDIV-TV Detroit’s investigative unit, including reporter Kevin Dietz, went undercover for a four-part series on homelessness. They exposed the dangers people face while living on the streets and spent several days with parents who gave up their children due to addiction or joblessness. He also talked to a former nun who makes sandwiches for the hungry. Every day, shelters in Detroit turn away 3,000 people. In the report, Dietz noted that people who are uncomfortable giving money can give granola bars, water bottles, or clean clothes. Several homeless people expressed a desire for a central location to become sober, acquire clothing and learn job skills. Following the report, tens of thousands of dollars and truck loads of clothes and blankets were donated to local organizations.
Date Posted: 1/20/2015
Greater Media Detroit’s employees from WRIF-FM, WCSX-FM and WMGC-FM helped the Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO) grant wishes for eight families. Information on the eight families, including their holiday wishes, were posted on the walls of Greater Media Detroit studios. Greater Media Detroit employees ensured that all 50 people in each of the eight families received a holiday gift.
Date Posted: 1/13/2015
Lenawee Broadcasting Company’s WLEN-FM Adrian, Mich. raised $20,000 for the "Veterans Dire Needs Fund" at the Housing Help of Lenawee during its annual Thank a Vet Day. The money will be distributed over the course of the year to assist veterans with rent, mortgage payments, utility bills, storage rentals, and transportation stipends. More than $80,000 has been raised in the event’s history to support Lenawee County veterans.
Date Posted: 12/4/2014
Dave and Chuck "The Freak" of Greater Media’s WRIF-FM Detroit hosted a .5K on Nov. 22 to benefit Toys for Tots. The run was a manageable distance for the crowd, as it is about 500 yards. During the event, 27 bags stuffed with toys were collected.
Date Posted: 11/20/2014
Lenawee Broadcasting Company-owned WLEN-FM Adrian, Mich., hosted U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg on Oct. 4. Walberg, who ran for re-election in Michigan’s 7th District, fielded questions from listeners live on-air during the station’s weekly talk show. WLEN-FM invited all candidates running for the seat to visit the studio, so they could also interact with listeners during the show.
Date Posted: 10/2/2014
Lin Media Group’s NBC affiliate WOOD-TV Grand Rapids cancelled debates in gubernatorial and U.S. Senate races after the campaigns could not agree. "WOOD TV8 is committed to bringing the voters of West Michigan the best coverage of Decision 2014. We believe debates are an important part of that process," said a station spokesperson. "We remain hopeful that both sides of the governor and U.S. Senate races will come together and allow us to offer voters a real, televised, live debate. Our viewers have important choices ahead and they deserve the opportunity to compare candidates’ views on critical issues facing our state and country."
Date Posted: 7/21/2014
Greater Media’s WRIF-FM Detroit partnered with ABC Harley Davidson and Made in Detroit to host the first annual Biker Bash. The event kicked off with a Charity Ride to Biker Bash beginning in Waterford, Mich. The proceeds benefitted Ted Nugent’s Kamp for Kids and Freedom’s Angels, which recognizes the incredible sacrifice military members and their families make for America. There were around 300 bikes that participated in the Charity Ride. The Biker Bash was followed by a live performance by Ted Nugent later that evening.
Date Posted: 5/14/2014
In 2013, independently-owned WLEN-FM Adrian, Mich. responded to local community needs including homelessness, hunger and unemployment, earning it a 2014 NAB Crystal Radio Award. While its Michigan community suffered high unemployment and record home foreclosures, WLEN-FM broadened its reach as a community resource, promoted a strong education foundation and helped to build county-wide collaboration. The station’s efforts helped raise more than $2 million in community giving. WLEN-FM sponsored “Hometown Hope,” and each month designed and donated a $3,500 marketing grant to a different local nonprofit organization. The station organized fundraising events and assisted others with their events. WLEN-FM’s staff of 17 donated more than 1,000 volunteer hours. Additionally, it broadcast more than 54,000 PSAs and generated more than 400 hours of community affairs programming.
Date Posted: 5/14/2014
For more than 94 years, CBS Radio’s WWJ-AM Southfield, Mich. has been a thread that ties metropolitan Detroit’s diverse community together, telling their stories, sharing their challenges, celebrating their accomplishments while mourning their losses. In that light, WWJ-AM’s efforts to promote and encourage community service made the station a recipient of a 2014 Crystal Radio Award. In 2013, the station not only ran daily on-air PSA, but developed special programming featuring local “difference-makers” and charitable organizations. In 2013, WWJ-AM raised money for numerous causes including more than $655,000 in matching donations during its annual Radiothon for The Heat and Warmth Fund, helping thousands of less fortunate families heat their homes. The enthusiasm for philanthropy was alive and thriving with the station’s staff, clients and listeners who donated hundreds of hours of free time to help feed the hungry, rescue animals, raise money to cure disease, help kids and more.
Date Posted: 5/14/2014
Scripps Media’s ABC Affiliate WXYZ-TV Southfield, Mich., has launched an unprecedented regional war on potholes in the community, with the "Channel 7 Pothole Pledge." Local mayors and city managers in more than 10 cities have signed the pledge, established pothole hotlines for residents to call and report a problem and vowed to fill all potholes reported by citizens in 48-72 hours. Residents can check on progress in their community by following the campaign on Twitter at #7potholepledge.
Date Posted: 3/17/2014
Scripps-owned WXYZ-TV Southfield, Mich., recently aired an investigative piece that uncovered the numerous broken highway lights scattered across southeastern Michigan. The report prompted the Michigan Department of Transportation to announce a sweeping effort to repair approximately 1,300 lights by the end of the summer. WXYZ-TV highlighted an infrastructure problem in the state and helped to find a solution for the community. Click here to view the video.
Date Posted: 1/10/2014
Scripps-owned ABC affiliate WXYZ-TV Detroit recently launched a special program called, "Taking Action in Detroit," which highlights community projects that are making a difference in metropolitan Detroit. The new show is hosted by WXYZ-TV news anchors and is part of the station’s Community Action Team, an ongoing effort to highlight the important community work being done through partnerships between local businesses and community service organizations. The program will cover local efforts to fight hunger, to give hope to children and to find a cure for cancer.
Date Posted: 12/6/2013
On November 8, WLEN-FM Adrian, Mich., hosted the 8th annual "Thank a Vet" day to assist local veterans with their rent, mortgage payments to avoid foreclosure, utility bills, rental facilities and transportation stipends. The 12-hour radiothon raised more than $18,500, and all the proceeds were giving to the Housing Help of Lenawee County, to be distributed to local veterans. To date, the event has raised more than $60,000 for veterans in Lenawee County.
Date Posted: 12/6/2013
Scripps Media’s ABC affiliate WXYZ-TV Detroit held the Together We Can food drive to help fight hunger in Detroit during the holiday season. Throughout the month of November, viewers were encouraged to drop off non-perishable items at locations across the Detroit metro area. In total, the campaign collected more than 13,200 pounds of food, which was distributed to local soup kitchens, shelters and pantries.
Date Posted: 11/22/2013
CBS-owned WWJ-TV Detroit aired the first of three debates between mayoral candidates Benny Napoleon and Mike Duggan. Scripps Television’s ABC affiliate WXYZ-TV broadcast the final debate. Candidates discussed their plans to reduce violent crime, revitalize local neighborhoods and create jobs in Detroit. "The debates … are a crucial part in arming Detroit voters with the accurate information before they go to the polls to choose the next mayor," candidate Napoleon told the Detroit News.
Date Posted: 9/10/2013
Independently-owned WLEN-FM Adrian, Mich., held its 14th annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life Celebrity Pie Auction. Station personnel, area businesses and local celebrities donated 132 pies to be auctioned off at the event. From 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. WLEN-FM auctioned pies off on-air each hour. The event raised $3,950, nearly $1,000 more than in 2012. All the proceeds were donated to the Lenawee County ACS Relay for Life, which was held on August 10th and 11th. To date, over $30,000 has been raised by WLEN-FM for Relay through the Celebrity Pie Auction.
Date Posted: 8/8/2013
Townsquare Media’s WGRD-FM Grand Rapids, Mich., staged a mission dubbed Producer Joe’s Hobo Truth Brigade. Producer Joe got Rudy, who sat at a busy corner with a cardboard sign that read "Homeless Vet," to admit he never served in the military. Producer Joe then held a cardboard sign that said "LIAR" with an arrow pointing at Rudy. Joe returned the next day to panhandle as a fundraiser for the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. He collected $1,085, which the station matched to produce a total of $2,170.
Date Posted: 6/7/2013
Scripps-owned WXYZ-TV Detroit partnered with the American Red Cross Southeastern Michigan Region to host a live telethon to raise money for Oklahoma disaster victims. The station’s viewers donated $85,000. "Once again, the entire WXYZ team and the Detroit community rose to the occasion and took action. Our ability to respond to this tragedy and mobilize our efforts in a matter of hours truly reflects the passion of this team – and this city," said WXYZ Station Manager Mike Murri.
Lenawee Broadcasting’s WLEN-FM’s 7th Annual Thank a Vet Day raised over $10,000 for homeless veterans in Lenawee County, Mich., to be distributed through the Lenawee Emergency and Affordable Housing Corporation. WLEN-FM staff, local veterans’ organizations and area business people stood outside to collect money and gift cards. WLEN-FM also worked with the National Guard to hand out boxes to be filled and mailed to currently deployed service people. To date, the event has raised over $50,000.
Candidates for the 2012 elections will be eligible for free airtime and free Web-time in the 30 days preceding the general elections. Post-Newsweek stations will offer free airtime on its television stations in the battleground states of Texas, Florida and Michigan: WDIV-TV Detroit; KPRC-TV Houston; WPLG-TV Miami; WKMG-TV Orlando; WJXT-TV Jacksonville; and KSAT-TV San Antonio. In addition to the presidential race, each state has important senatorial and congressional races.
"The 2012 elections are of critical importance, both locally and nationally. Our responsibility as news and public affairs leaders is to ensure that candidates and voters have a platform for rigorous public discussion and debate,” said a station representative.
In addition to free airtime and Web-time, Post-Newsweek stations will offer at least 10 minutes per weekday to locally produced political news during the political season, featuring on-air debates, town hall meetings and public service announcements to encourage voter participation.
Despite a challenging economy, Cumulus-owned WKQL-FM Ann Arbor and Kroger Foods exceed their goal for the Food Gatherers’ food bank’s largest annual outdoor food drive, "Rockin’ for the Hungry." The five-day event raised 203 tons of food for families in need in Washtenaw County.
President and CEO of Food Gatherers Eileen Spring said, "This generous support allows Food Gatherers to meet the urgent and pressing demand for food in our own community. On behalf of all the people seeking food assistance this year, we are so grateful to Ann Arbor’s 107one, Kroger and the citizens of Washtenaw County for making a real difference in our community. When we needed you most, you rose to the challenge."Since 1988, Food Gatherers has distributed more than 39 million pounds of food.
CBS Radio Group’s WYCD-FM Detroit raised over $450,000 during its annual "Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon." WYCD personalities Jack Shell and Coop vowed to shave their heads if the station hit $200,000 during their shift. WYCD listeners met the challenge, so Jack and Coop had their heads shaved in the station’s lobby immediately following the show. Over the past 12 years, listeners have helped Detroit’s country music station raise over $6.1 million for the children at St. Jude.
Lenawee Broadcasting Company-owned WLEN-FM Adrian, Mich.’s annual "Thank a Vet" fundraiser raised over $8,100 in 11 hours. WLEN-FM’s effort was part of the community’s broader campaign to help the homeless throughout the month of November. All donations went to the "Veterans Dire Needs" fund through the Lenawee Emergency Affordable Housing Corporation (LEAHC), a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that provides emergency, transitional and permanent housing support programs for the those in need within the community.
Lenawee Broadcasting’s WLEN-FM Adrian, Mich., launched the Share
Your Heart campaign this Valentine’s Day inviting listeners to
send love song dedications, for a $5 fee. Proceeds from the fundraiser
went to the Morenci Reward Fund for Andrew, Alexander and Tanner
Skelton, local brothers ages 5, 7 and 9, who have been missing
from their home since November 26, 2010. WLEN-FM aimed to raise
awareness of their disappearance and encourage anyone with information
about the boys to contact the National Coalition for Missing and
Exploited Children.
The staff at WQKL-FM in Ann Arbor, Mich., braved cold weather and long hours to help bring in a record-setting 258 tons of food during Rockin’ for the Hungry, the area’s largest food drive. For five days, the station broadcast live from outside a local grocery store, greeting community members and announcing donations on air as they came in. The station also gave out prizes, ranging from water bottles to concert tickets, in exchange for pledges and created a page on their Web site. Donated food was given to Food Gatherers, the area’s largest food rescue organization, which has experienced 35 percent increase in demand this year. In a statement to WQKL and Rockin’ for the Hungry’s other partners, Eileen Spring, president and CEO of Food Gatherers wrote, “On behalf of all the people seeking food assistance this year, we are so grateful. When we needed you most, you rose to the challenge."
What can a radio station achieve in a single day? With the help of its community, WOMC-FM in Ferndale, Mich., raised more than $2.2 million for the Salvation Army’s Bed and Bread Program. The station’s annual Dick Purtan Radiothon, a 16-hour live event, has raised more than $22 million to support the Eastern Michigan division of the Salvation Army during the past 22 years. In an area that has been particularly hard-hit by the economy and unemployment, demand for the services of the Bed and Bread program, which feeds thousands and houses hundreds each day, has risen greatly. Celebrity callers, including Tim Allen, Al Roker and Kathleen Madigan, went on the air to help with the fundraising. "I have been inspired by the generosity of the metro Detroit community," said Dick Purtan, WOMC’s morning-show deejay and radiothon host. "In our current economic crisis I could not have imagined we would have such an outpouring of donations! This proves how passionate our community is about taking care of their neighbors in need."
“Mission Possible,” a fundraiser organized by WLEN-FM in Adrian, Mich., couldn’t have been named more appropriately. The campaign, which aids the Lenawee County Mission in its work to house the homeless, more than doubled its original goal, raising $23,000. Donations were pledged during several activities, including a maize challenge between WLEN’s morning host Jerry Hayes and promotions director Lori Sallows, and a one-day auction. The main event was a 24-hour live broadcast from a “Homeless Campout,” where community members spent a night sleeping in appliance boxes along side Mission residents to heighten awareness of the realities the homeless face. The Mission plans to use the funds raised to either expand its current facility or move to new accommodations, where it will be able to provide shelter for more people in need.
To help those affected most by the economy have a happy Thanksgiving and a merry Christmas, WFGR-FM in Grand Rapids, Mich., participated in several events, including the Second Harvest Gleaner’s Food Bank Radiothon and the station’s own "Hope for the Holidays" program. The radiothon supports more than 1,200 organizations in west Michigan that feed the hungry. During the station’s 12-hour live broadcast, listeners gave more than $12,000, putting food on the tables of those needing it most. In conjunction with the radiothon, WFGR broadcast pre-event announcements and conducted interviews with representatives from Second Harvest Gleaners. During the station’s "Hope for the Holidays" program, WFGR arranged for five families to receive $100 in groceries and additional resources for holiday decorations so they could enjoy a traditional holiday dinner. The station also organized a drive to provide veterans in the area with items for the holiday season, and within a few short hours, listeners had filled a storage unit to the brim with donations for the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.
To improve the safety of children throughout the community, WWMT-TV in Kalamazoo, Mich., worked with police and volunteers to provide 600 families with free child identification cards at the 29th Annual Bronson Family Health Fair. The cards provide critical information needed if a child is missing, such as a current photo, contact information and thumbprint. Together, WWMT staff and volunteers assisted with thumbprints, took photos and laminated the finished cards. The station ran promotional announcements featuring morning anchor Jeff Varner more than three times a day for two weeks prior to the event. News coverage aired on both the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. news and the station used banner announcements on its Web site. These combined efforts equaled more than $10,000 worth of promotional support. For the past decade the station has participated in the fair with safety as its focus.
Rising costs have left more families in need of energy assistance, which is why WTRV-FM in Grand Rapids, Mich., organized an annual "Winter Warmth Radiothon." The fundraiser benefits The Heat and Warmth Fund, a local nonprofit organization that assists low-income families with energy bills. In 2007, the second year of the annual event, on-air support began six weeks prior and included multiple interviews with staff from the Heat and Warmth Fund and daily live and pre-recorded public service announcements. During the event, WTRV personalities broadcast live for 30 hours from a local mall raising $50,000, which was matched by the local electric and natural gas company for a total of $100,000. Station staff contributed 300 hours to the event and more than 200 community volunteers helped answer phones. The funds assisted 99 families in the area. The station followed the event with broadcasts of final results, thanks and congratulations to all who participated.
In hopes of spurring community action and support for education, WDIV-TV in Detroit, Mich., put the spotlight on Cornerstone Schools, a local urban independent school system with a 95 percent high school graduation rate. The four-phase campaign began with an invitation for viewers to join the station’s anchors for a "Back to School" event with students from Cornerstone Schools. To build awareness, a heavy schedule of public service announcements (PSAs) aired starting a month out. WDIV dedicated extensive air time to the children as they taught community attendees how to play the violin, learn Chinese and attempt difficult math problems. More than 400 people attended. For phase two, WDIV produced a spot highlighting the success of the "Back to School" event. The daily PSAs drove home the message that the community can change the future for its youngest members. The third phase will coincide with the station’s Olympics coverage and will compare the children’s "can-do" determination with those of Olympic athletes. During the final phase, WDIV will produce a PSA specifically designed to urge people to donate to Cornerstone Schools at a level that will grant them an invitation to the September 8th Detroit Tigers baseball game and tailgate party. WDIV will be supporting this message with accompanying news reports and will complete the initiative by thanking the community on the air for supporting Detroit’s children.
WLEN-FM in Adrian, Mich., took action when it learned that more than 100 homeless veterans were living in the woods of Lenawee County, a part of the state where the wind chill can dip far below zero. In response to the veterans’ immediate need for help, WLEN created "Thank A Vet" day, an 11-hour broadcast to bring awareness to the community of the issues local veterans face, including homelessness. The event collected cash for a special account set up through Lenawee Emergency and Affordable Housing Corp. called "Dire Needs of Lenawee County Veterans." The account provides immediate assistance for a warm place to stay the night, food, personal hygiene items, clothes, medical care and other urgent needs that can’t wait for the application process many veteran programs require. The small city of 23,000 showed its big heart donating almost $5,000 during the one-day drive. WLEN was a National Association of Broadcasters’ Crystal Award Finalist in 2008.
Sports radio fans and supporters joined WDFN-AM in Detroit, Mich., and its afternoon drive team, Mike Stone and Bob "Wojo" Wojnowski, to go the extra mile in a 28-hour radio marathon that brought in $130,000 for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Michigan. The annual "Stoney and Wojo Radiothon" began 10 years ago when WDFN update reporter Sabrina Black was diagnosed with lymphoma and has taken on added meaning since she passed away in 2006. The 2007 radiothon included 21 live interviews with local and national celebrities, politicians and athletes; regular on-air plugs to donate; and auctions for sports memorabilia, electronics and trips. Leading up to the radiothon, WDFN aired more than 750 minutes of promotional spots and an additional 150 minutes of public service announcements during a four-month period. The station also used its Web site to link to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, promote the event, offer a limited-edition WDFN t-shirt (all proceeds went to the charity) and provide the opportunity to secure a spot in the prestigious WDFN Leukemia and Lymphoma Golf Outing. WDFN was a National Association of Broadcasters’ Crystal Award Finalist in 2008.
Giving many four-legged friends something to bark about, WLHT-FM in Grand Rapids, Mich., provided media support for the "Wag and Walkathon Animal Festival." Three on-air personalities from WLHT served as event hosts and broadcast live from the event, which included a dog walk. Interviews and promotional mentions prior to the festival helped bring out 1,000 dog lovers, raising more than $47,000 for the Humane Society of Kent County. Making sure not to leave cats out in the cold, WLHT also provided on-air promotions and a on-air personality host for a community yard sale to raise funds for the Crash Landing Cat Rescue and Placement Center. The event raised $10,000 for the organization, which saves homeless cats by placing them with loving families.
A partnership between WJLB-FM in Detroit, Mich., and the Salvation Army keeps kids warm throughout the winter months. Last November, the "Coats for Kids Radiothon" broadcast live for two days from the Phoenix Theatre Bel-Air Center, where hip-hop and recording artist stars made special appearances for the donation drive’s 25th anniversary. In addition to 21 hours of radiothon broadcast, the station ran hundreds of promotional spots and gave Coats for Kids a homepage presence on the station’s Web site. Staff involvement totaled 150 hours. "We couldn’t be happier with the tremendous support from WJLB, our radiothon partners and the community," said Maj. Norman Marshall, divisional commander for The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division. "This outpouring of generosity means more children will be able to stay warm during the cold months." The campaign brought in 500 donated coats and $80,000 toward the purchase of thousands of additional coats.
Hundreds of animals looking for a good home were brought to "Adoption Alley" for the sixth annual "Pet-A-Palooza," sponsored by WCSX-FM in Detroit , Mich. The pet festival involves two adoption days with animals from 33 humane societies. In 2007, the effort led to the adoption of 428 cats, dogs, rabbits and ferrets. "I’m so happy to be part of such an important event," WCSX mid-day personality Karen Savelly said. "Not only do pets and their owners have a fun-filled day, hundreds of deserving animals find wonderful homes." Some of the extras included an "Ultimate Air Dogs" distance-jumping competition, with proceeds donated to a local nonprofit animal rights organization, Guardians for Animals; the presence of a "Dog Wizard," who answered canine questions and offered training advice; and a performance by the Rock-N-Roll K-9s, in which 35 dogs demonstrated speed and agility skills to rock-n-roll music. Later in the year, WCSX hosted a second Pet-A-Palooza at a different location.
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