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National Association of Broadcasters

Stories About Education

Cumulus Media Collects More Than 5,100 Books for Kids

Date Posted: 5/17/2024

Cumulus Media Albuquerque collected more than 5,100 children’s books during its Rock and Brew Book Drive in April. Listeners who donated children’s books at participating local breweries received discounts on beer, promoting these local businesses as well as children’s literacy. “We’re excited to partner with the Read to Me! ABQ Network to support this important campaign to get books into the hands of children over the summer when many children don’t have access to books,” said Jeff Berry, market manager, Cumulus Albuquerque.

Sinclair Launches Literacy Campaign with $25,000 Donation

Date Posted: 3/7/2024

Sinclair has partnered with Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation’s leading children’s literacy nonprofit, to launch Sinclair Cares: Supporting Children’s Literacy. Sinclair launched the campaign with a $25,000 donation to kick off a virtual book drive. “A recent study conducted by the National Institute for Literacy found that twenty percent of Americans read below the level needed to earn a living wage,” said Rob Weisbord, chief operating officer, Sinclair. “Our goal is to help ensure all children can become proficient readers, improving their future, and helping them to reach their full potential.”

56th Annual Newstudies Program Educates High School Students in Broadcast Journalism

Date Posted: 1/10/2024

In the 56th annual Newstudies program from Audacy station KWY Newsradio, 70 high school students in the Philadelphia area received hands-on training in broadcast journalism. The program culminated with the students producing their own news reports, which were broadcast on the station. KYW Assistant Brand Manager and Director of Podcasts Tom Rickert said, “There’s no other program that gives students an opportunity to learn from top professionals in news and sports media at one of the best broadcasting facilities in the country. And five decades in, we’re reuniting with parents who graduated from Newstudies when they were in high school, who are now watching their teenagers graduate from the same program. We hope to keep investing in the young people of Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley for generations to come, and we’re thrilled to be able to work with our partners at the Klein College of Media and Communication to make this happen.”

WAVY Collects 60,000 School Supplies

Date Posted: 10/2/2023

Nexstar Media Group’s WAVY in Hampton Roads, Va., collected more than 60,000 school supplies for area students in need this fall. Now in its thirty-first year, “Operation School Supplies” demonstrates the station’s commitment and dedication to helping school children in their community by ensuring that they have the resources necessary to excel. “The local support for Operation School Supplies is truly amazing,” says Carol Ward, general manager, WAVY. “The enthusiasm and generosity displayed by our community and our partners truly exemplify the spirit of unity and compassion that makes our region special.”

Campaign Donates One Million Books to Children in Need

Date Posted: 9/29/2023

The Scripps Howard Fund, in partnership with The E.W. Scripps Company and its employees, is now collecting donations for the eighth annual If You Give A Child A Book campaign to provide books to children in need. Last year, the campaign gave away its millionth book. “We know the sky is the limit when it comes to the impact books can have in a child’s life,” says Liz Carter, president and CEO of the Scripps Howard Fund. “We’re thankful for the generosity of people across the country who have given more than one million new books to children in need since 2017. I can’t wait to see the difference we will make together as we work toward the next million. We’re just getting started.”

Radiothon Raises $1.4 Million for Education

Date Posted: 10/3/2022

The Blount County Education Foundation held its 24th Annual Radiothon on Thursday, September 22 on Our Town Radio-owned WCRL Radio in Oneonta, Ala. They raised $1,409,881.06, marking the largest total ever raised and a significant increase over the previous year, when the $1 million mark was achieved for the first time.

“We are thrilled with this unprecedented response for the Blount County Education Foundation and express our gratitude and thanks to all who gave! These funds create the pathway for our academic focused projects to continue, ensuring Blount County students will be impacted”, said Mitchie Neel, Executive Director.

Westwood One Distributes Daily Economic Newscast

Date Posted: 6/24/2020

Westwood One and Marketplace launched Marketplace Minute on June 24. Marketplace Minute is a 60-second audio program produced and created by Marketplace and distributed by Westwood One, bringing important economic content and context to a commercial audience three times each weekday. Stories focus on providing up-to-the-moment economic news in a quick, digestible format on radio, podcast and smart speakers.

‘Breakfast Club’ Morning Show Raises $670,000

Date Posted: 12/6/2019

iHeart Media’s syndicated morning show “The Breakfast Club” raised $670,000 during the #Change4Change radiothon, held November 21 – 22. This year’s proceeds will go towards the newly created “Breakfast Club HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Scholarship,” which will be awarded through the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. In three years, #Change4Change has raised more than $1.7 million for various organizations.

Sinclair Promotes Importance of Child Literacy

Date Posted: 12/1/2018

Sinclair’s KMTW-TV and FOX affiliate KSAS-TV Wichita, KS, co-sponsored the 5th annual Polar Express Literacy Event fundraiser on November 17 to collect books and raise money for youth literacy. The family-friendly winter carnival welcomed more than 200 adults and children for a ‘breakfast-for-dinner’ event. An auction featuring holiday items raised nearly $3,000 for Head Start Scholarships and another $2,500 for Child Start, Inc.

WKMG-TV Increases Scholarship to $150K for Homeless Teen

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Date Posted: 10/30/2018

Graham Media Group’s WKMG-TV shared the story of Savohn Thomas with employees of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, hoping to help Thomas secure a work-study position. Instead, their outreach resulted in the school more than tripling his $40,000 scholarship. Thomas received a scholarship that would cover the entire cost of tuition through graduation, totaling $150,000.

Thomas found himself homeless and moving from one place to another at the start of his senior year of high school. At times, he even spent nights at a bus stop. Thomas also had to walk almost 20 miles to make it to class at Cypress Creek High School. "School was always a drive for me because it took time out of the times like being helpless, and it gave inspiration," Thomas recalled. Watch the video here.

Cox Tulsa Adds a STEM-Focused Educational Event

Date Posted: 10/2/2018

Cox Media Group (CMG) Tulsa, the Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance and the Tulsa State Fair held the inaugural “Flight Night Back to School STEM Expo” on September 14. Approximately 4,000 people attended the event, which encourages a love of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) in students through speakers and exhibits. More than 50 vendors highlighted industries that rely on STEM skills in a dozen themed zones, including the “Aerospace Hangar,” “Energy Field” and “Touch-a-Truck.”

WGN Holds Free Back-To-School Kids Fair

Date Posted: 9/4/2018

Tribune-owned WGN-TV Chicago, Ill., hosted its 17th annual “WGN-TV Back-to-School Kids Fair” on August 17 at their studios. The free event included health screenings and safety tips, plus fun activities such as live music, face painting, a petting zoo, mascots, inflatable bouncers and a dunk tank.

WBRZ Hosts 11th Annual ‘Stuff the Bus’ Drive

Date Posted: 9/4/2018

Manship Station’s ABC affiliate WBRZ-TV Baton Rouge, La., stuffed four buses with more than $34,000 worth of school supplies during the 11th annual “Stuff the Bus” campaign, held July 18.

KFVS Stuffs the Bus

Date Posted: 9/4/2018

Raycom’s CBS affiliate KFVS-TV Cape Girardeau, Mo., hosted its annual “Stuff the Bus” drive August 3 – 4. They collected supplies to benefit students in 30 school districts. The following week, KFVS hosted its 11th annual Summer Blood Drive, collecting 570 units of blood.

WISN-TV Raises $66,000 in School Supply Drive

Date Posted: 9/4/2018

Hearst’s ABC affiliate WISN-TV Milwaukee, Wis. partnered with Saga’s WKLH-FM and the Salvation Army to raise $66,000 in its sixth annual “Class Act School Supply Drive,” held August 21 – 22. Donations to the campaign’s “Stuff the Bus” initiative filled a school bus, ensuring that 4,400 backpacks were filled with supplies. “This initiative has a big impact on the lives of local kids, giving them supplies they need to start the school year equipped to learn,” said WISN President and General Manager Jan Wade.

KXTV’s Teacher Series Wins State Teachers Award

Date Posted: 6/30/2018

TEGNA’s ABC affiliate KXTV Sacramento earned its fourth consecutive John Swett Award from the California Teachers Association (CTA) for its “Teacher of the Month” campaign. The award honors individuals, publications, websites, television and radio stations for their outstanding reporting on public education. “The John Swett Award reflects our commitment to quality journalism and our support of this community’s educators,” said General Manager Risa Omega.

Scripps Howard Foundation Announces Journalism Fellows

Date Posted: 6/29/2018

Four journalists have been selected for the initial class of the Scripps Howard Fellowship program, which runs from June 2018 - May 2019. The program is a partnership between the Scripps Washington Bureau; independent, nonprofit newsroom ProPublica; and Newsy, Scripps’ next-generation national news network. “Since our founding, the Scripps Howard Foundation has made it our mission to develop the next generation of leaders in journalism,” said Scripps Howard Foundation President and CEO Liz Carter.

Raycom Stations Broadcast ‘Trail of Hope - The Journey to Equality’

Date Posted: 3/31/2018

All Raycom Media stations aired in February the documentary “Trail of Hope - The Journey to Equality.” The hour-long program follows the path of the civil rights movement through churches, courthouses, jails and other historic sites in the South. It was inspired by the United States Civil Rights Trail, a historic initiative of 14 state tourism departments to link pivotal landmarks and share the stories of civil rights activists. Producer Dave McNamara created the program with help from many Raycom stations.

“Many of the communities served by Raycom Media television stations were at the forefront of our nation’s civil rights movement,” said Raycom Media President and CEO Pat LaPlatney. “These are important stories to tell and we are honored to be part of this effort to share and preserve them.”

WTOP Supports Education

Date Posted: 3/16/2018

Hubbard Radio’s WTOP-FM Washington, D.C., held its “Clicks for Kids” campaign March 5 through March 16 benefitting local area schools. Listeners cast nearly 120,000 votes in a competition to raise money for local schools.

Hallie Wells Middle in Montgomery County was awarded the grand prize of $10,000 for receiving the majority vote with 7,979. In first place, Chesapeake Public Charter in St. Mary’s County was awarded $7500 with 7,949 votes and Stevens Forest Elementary in Howard County was awarded the second-place prize of $5000 with 7846 votes.

WCIU-TV Celebrates Black History Month

Date Posted: 2/28/2018

Weigel Broadcasting-owned WCIU-TV Chicago collaborated with Chicago hip-hop artist Che “Rhymefest” Smith to honor Black History Month with a special broadcast, “Black History: The Movement.” The half-hour special focuses on the conversation of being Black in America and will premiere on February 4. A series of in-depth interviews between Che and leaders from Ghanaian, Mexican, Haitian and local black communities will spotlight the individual struggle for independence in each of their native lands, and their correlations to the continued fight for freedom as an American.

“We’re taking a non-traditional approach to celebrating Black History Month this year, showcasing the different walks of life and perspectives of the community,” said Steve Bailey, WCIU-TV’s head of local programming and creative. “Our goal is to create a forum where we can all learn, understand and move forward as one.”

NBC Donates $500,000 to High School Theater

Date Posted: 2/1/2018

NBC has committed $500,000 to support high school theater ahead of the upcoming drama series “Rise,” which follows a teacher who takes over a school’s theater program. The R.I.S.E. (Recognizing and Inspiring Student Expression) America initiative will award 50 high schools a $10,000 grant to revitalize their theater programs. NBC partnered with the Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF), an organization dedicated to shaping lives through theater education. Winning schools will be announced in March.

“This program is incredibly personal to me as someone whose own life was changed by a high school theatre program,” said NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt. “I wholeheartedly support the work of the ETF and have seen the effect of their initiatives on thousands of students. I’m proud that ‘Rise’ will be more than just an uplifting show about a high school drama program, but, through this initiative, will also have an impact on the lives of real students in 50 high schools.”

Univision Arizona Moves Full S.T.E.A.M Ahead

Date Posted: 2/1/2018

Univision Arizona partnered with the Arizona SciTech Festival and Univision’s TECHNOLOchicas to launch #UniAZ Tech Media Day in January. More than 80 students between grades 7 – 12 from different local schools participated and learned about cell phone technology, plus how to record and edit interviews and news stories on cell phones. Univision’s news and social media teams served as facilitators. In addition, the students listened to a panel of women currently working in careers related to STEAM. The students’ edited stories were then aired on “Edición Digital: Arizona” (Digital Edition: Arizona), a 30-minute newscast.

Scripps Donates 100,000 Books To Disadvantaged Children

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.”

WHBQ-TV Visits School

Date Posted: 11/15/2017

FOX’s WHBQ-TV Memphis employees presented to Hillcrest High School Journalism Class students about television career paths. Representatives from the station’s engineering, sales and news teams shared their education and career paths with students, followed by a lively question and answer session.

WPIX Gives $10,000 To ‘Fuel a School’

Date Posted: 11/13/2017

Tribune’s CW affiliate WPIX-TV New York City gave $10,000 to a school for supplies and technology through its “Fuel My School” initiative. Thorne Middle School in Port Monmouth, N.J., was named the winner on November 13.

ABC Radio Launches Podcast

Date Posted: 1/18/2017

ABC Radio recently launched a weekly podcast called “No Limits with Rebecca Jarvis.” Jarvis speaks with women in Hollywood, business, technology, fashion, comedy, food, sports and startups about their accomplishments. The first three episodes feature Arianna Huffington; co-founder and former editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post; Wende Zomnir, founding partner of Urban Decay Cosmetics; and actress Danielle Brooks. “Rebecca Jarvis’ No Limits podcast lets listeners learn how success is achieved, whether in business or life, by focusing on a remarkable group of women who inspire and inform with humor and candor,” said ABC Radio Vice President Steve Jones.

KSAS and KMTW Raise $90,000 for The Arc of Sedgwick County

Date Posted: 12/28/2016

Sinclair’s Fox affiliate KSAS-TV and KMTW Wichita helped raise over $90,000 for the Arc of Sedgwick County by co-sponsoring the Arc’s Holiday Lights Display. The holiday lights drive-through has more than 1.4 million lights and 100,000 visitors each year. Funds support The Arc of Sedgwick County hosts programs and services for nearly 4,000 youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

WBAL in the Community

Date Posted: 12/26/2016

Hearst’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore recently hosted several community initiatives. WBAL is partnering with the Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) on the 2017 Baltimore County Public Library Reading Challenge. The challenge includes a different topic each month, including Black History Month and books that were once banned. Participants can post on social media with the hashtag #Bwellread for the chance to win gift cards. "This is an exciting partnership for us, and we are confident that the added exposure will help us to engage more readers than ever," said BCPL Director Paula Miller.

In addition, WBAL partnered with Gilmor Elementary School for their "Christmas Extravaganza" and collected more than 100 coats to be distributed to men, women and children in need through the local non-profit A Mother’s Cry.

KSHB Says ‘No’ to Bullying

Date Posted: 12/19/2016

Scripps’ NBC affiliate KSHB Kansas City launched a campaign on December 19 to communicate the message that violence, bullying and discrimination are unacceptable. “Kind KC” is a movement that declares that kind of human behavior is not to be tolerated in Kansas City, “not here, not now, not ever.”

KOBI Inspires Students

Date Posted: 6/28/2016

California Oregon Broadcasting’s NBC affiliate KOBI Medford, Ore. staff members attended a career day at a local middle school on June 28. They spoke to students about broadcasting jobs and brought professional camera equipment for demonstrations. The kids loved being able to act like reporters.

KFVS Celebrates High School Valedictorians

Date Posted: 6/2/2016

Raycom’s CBS affiliate KFVS-TV Cape Girardeau, Mo. honored nearly 80 area high school valedictorians on June 11 at the 31st annual “Heartland’s Best,” held at the Southeast Missouri State University. All students recorded on-camera greetings that will air this summer. Select students also made on-camera comments to be used in PSAs directed at youth and teens. The luncheon featured highlights of each student’s academic career, plus remarks from university President Dr. Carlos Vargas and KFVS anchors Mary-Ann Maloney and Jeff Cunningham.

WCVB Presents College Scholarships

Date Posted: 6/1/2016

Hearst’s ABC affiliate WCVB-TV Boston presented the 19th annual “Kirby Perkins A Plus Scholarship” on June 7 to five high school students, many of whom have overcome significant obstacles to achieve academic success and attend college. The scholarship fund honors late WCVB reporter Kirby Perkins and has awarded more than $250,000 to date. “Helping these very deserving young men and women pursue higher education and embark on a new chapter in their lives through Kirby Perkins A Plus Scholarship Fund brings great joy to everyone involved," said WCVB General Manager Bill Fine.

WLTV Honors Outstanding Local High School Students

Date Posted: 5/5/2016

Univision-owned WLTV Miami honored ten local high school seniors with its 19th annual “Orgullo de Nuestra Juventud” (Pride of our Youth) award, presented at a lunch on May 5. Six students received awards for academic excellence and community service, while the other four were recognized for academic growth. The students received college scholarships and gift cards to help with expenses.

WRAL Hosts Debate for U.S. House Hopefuls

Date Posted: 5/5/2016

Capitol Broadcasting’s NBC affiliate WRAL-TV Raleigh hosted a debate on May 19 for candidates for U.S. House from N.C.’s 2nd district. During the hour-long debate, incumbent Rep. Renee Ellmers, Rep. George Holding, whose 13th District moved during redistricting, and Dr. Greg Brannon discussed North Carolina’s controversial House Bill 2, presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, immigration reform and the Affordable Care Act.

KWWL Fosters Education and Addresses Bullying

Date Posted: 5/4/2016

Quincy’s NBC affiliate KWWL Waterloo, IA shared this information on its community service activities in the first quarter of 2016. Among many examples, KWWL supported education by recognizing “Gold Star Teachers,” producing “READ” posters and visiting schools to meet with students. KWWL addressed bullying issues through its “Buddy Bench” contest. The station also donated hundreds of thousands of dollars in airtime by running PSAs on a variety of topics.

KCNC Encourages Girls’ Interest in STEM

Date Posted: 5/2/2016

CBS-owned KCNC-TV Denver hosted 11,000 young girls and their families at a "Girls and Science" expo, held March 5 at Denver Museum of Nature & Science. The fair featured nearly 30 “science clubhouses,” where visitors could meet women with careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). KCNC meteorologist Lauren Whitney hosted the popular "Lauren’s Weather Lab," where kids lined up to see themselves on TV monitors in front of a weather map and learn about clouds and rain. Since statistics show girls are just as interested in math and science as boys until middle school, CBS-owned stations around the country are fostering that interest by hosting "Girls and Science" events at local museums or convention centers. “The power of television for good was on display,” wrote Denver Post reporter Joanne Ostrow.

Univision Breaks Ground on Media Centers at Middle Schools

Date Posted: 4/29/2016

Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) broke ground on April 29 at five new Univision Media Centers at middle schools in Austin, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles and Oakland. All five ceremonies broadcast live on Univision’s morning show “Despierta América” and marked the culmination of Yo Soy Univision Contigo (I Am Univision Contigo), the national employee week of service. At the Media Centers, Univision staff members provide students with experience in media production and editing. Univision broke ground on its first Media Center in the Bronx earlier this year.

Univision Breaks Ground on Media Centers at Middle Schools

Date Posted: 4/29/2016

Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) broke ground on April 29 at five new Univision Media Centers at middle schools in Austin, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles and Oakland. All five ceremonies broadcast live on Univision’s morning show “Despierta América” and marked the culmination of Yo Soy Univision Contigo (I Am Univision Contigo), the national employee week of service. At the Media Centers, Univision staff members provide students with experience in media production and editing. Univision broke ground on its first Media Center in the Bronx earlier this year.

Univision El Paso Hosts ‘FAFSA Nights’ at Local High School

Date Posted: 3/3/2016

Univision El Paso and the El Paso Chamber of Commerce hosted FAFSA fairs at local high schools. Many families are not aware that $150 billion in federal funds is available yearly for higher education, so a lot of money goes unused. FAFSA fairs were attended by 2,370 students and 2,254 parents. More than 3,000 FAFSA applications were submitted.

WESH Celebrates Black History Month

Date Posted: 3/1/2016

Hearst’s NBC affiliate WESH Orlando highlighted and honored local black Central Floridians who have made significant contributions to the community.

WXYZ Collects 20 Tons of School Supplies

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.

WPIX Presents Elementary School with $5,000

Date Posted: 2/18/2016

Tribune’s CW affiliate WPIX New York City established the “Fuel My School” project for New York City public schools. Students, teachers and parents from elementary, middle and high schools in the city’s 5 boroughs were invited to submit an essay explaining how their school makes a difference. WPIX announced Brooklyn Gardens Elementary as the winning elementary school and presented Principal Irene Spence with a $5,000 check to be used on school supplies or technology – the items the school cannot afford and feel would make a difference in the lives of their students. “We inspire children to cultivate a love for learning, spark their curiosity to discover their world, motivate them to achieve success, and have fun,” wrote second grade teacher Francheska Cepeda in her submission.

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.

Univision Houston Celebrates Career and Education Day

Date Posted: 2/15/2016

Univision-owned KXLN-TV Houston partnered with the Houston Hispanic Forum on February 13 for the 30th Annual Career and Education Day. Approximately 15,000 students and parents attended the event, which featured information on attending college, careers, financial aid assistance and scholarships.

Univision Programs Promote Education

Date Posted: 2/4/2016

Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) launched its annual multi-platform campaign, "¡Estudia, Hay Dinero!" (There’s Money to Study!), on Jan. 11 on its radio and television stations to raise awareness about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) program. The campaign features more than 100 workshops and phone banks, a digital FAFSA hub and a digital parent academy. In 2015, 42,000 people attended the workshops.

On Jan. 23, Univision News aired "Puente al Futuro" (Bridge to the Future), a program exploring how the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in place in 42 states affect Hispanic students. It is now available online, along with an extensive report in Spanish and English, and was produced with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Univision Media Center Opens at a Bronx Middle School

Date Posted: 2/1/2016

Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) unveiled the Univision Media Center at the New Venture Middle School in the Bronx on Jan. 29. This first-of-its-kind facility will help more than 300 students understand how a media newsroom operates, by providing experience with production and editing equipment. Univision media professional will also visit the school to provide training. This is the first of several Univision Media Centers planned for middle schools in the U.S.

Sinclair Connects Local Communities to Congress

Date Posted: 11/5/2015

Sinclair Broadcast Group recently launched "Connect to Congress," a multimedia initiative that creates a regular dialogue between constituents and members of Congress. Sinclair established a Capitol Hill bureau so local anchors can conduct interviews about issues constituents and lawmakers are passionate about. Nielsen data shows that these local newscasts often draw audiences that are four times that of the top cable news channels for comparable time periods. "Everyone has a right to know what their elected officials are doing in Washington," said Scott Livingston, Sinclair’s vice president of news. "Connect to Congress is just one example of the investments we are making in our D.C. news operations."

WCVB Named Official Media Partner of Boston Medal of Honor Society Convention

Date Posted: 9/8/2015

Hearst Television’s ABC affiliate WCVB-TV Boston has been named the official media partner of the Medal of Honor Society Convention, in Boston Sept. 15-20. WCVB will air PSAs and promotional stories in advance of the event. In addition, WCVB anchors Randy Price (veteran of the US Air Force) and Phil Lipof will emcee two of the convention’s high profile events. Approximately 50 of the nation’s 79 living Medal of Honor Recipients will attend the convention.

First Lady Joins “We Day” Broadcast

Date Posted: 9/3/2015

ABC stations aired the “We Day” program commercial-free on August 21. “We Day” aimed to encourage families to discuss issues such as bullying, body image, the environment, violence and literacy. First Lady Michelle Obama encourages American youth to make a difference in their communities this school year.The cast also included Selena Gomez, Jennifer Hudson, Common, Tyrese Gibson, Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato, Jennifer Aniston, The Band Perry, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Paul Rudd, Colbie Caillat, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Macklemore and Lupe Fiasco.

WBAL-TV Health Event Features Dr. Oz

Date Posted: 9/3/2015

Hearst Television’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore hosted Dr. Oz’s “The Good Life” presentation on August 29 at a local mall. The presentation provided information on how Americans can achieve long term positive health results. Dr. Oz acknowledged that it’s easy to eat fast food, ignore symptoms or self-medicate, but these actions are not best for the body. He also talked about healthy school lunches and snacks at a Back to School event. Click here to watch video of Dr. Oz rapping to promote healthy lifestyles.

Univision Arizona and SEED SPOT Challenge Entrepreneurs to Pitch the Next Big Idea

Date Posted: 6/15/2015

Univision Arizona and SEED SPOT held auditions for the Véndeme tu Sueño (Pitch Us Your Dream) competition on May 16, as part of Univision Contigo’s Hispanic Entrepreneurship Campaign. Twenty local entrepreneurs were selected to become semi-finalists and will receive a scholarship and participate in SEED SPOT’s five-day boot-camp in the summer of 2015, where they will receive training and mentorship to translate their talents into viable business ideas.

Triad Today Interviews North Carolina Governor

Date Posted: 6/15/2015

Triad Today, a locally-produced public affairs television program in Piedmont, North Carolina, aired an exclusive thirty minute interview with North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory. In the interview, Governor McCrory spoke in-depth about the policy initiatives that have shaped the first half of his term.

WHP-TV Harrisburg Encourages Politicians to "Face the State" Each Week

Date Posted: 6/4/2015

Sinclair Broadcasting’s CBS affiliate WHP-TV Harrisburg, Pa. hosts Face the State, a weekly political show that airs every Sunday at 11:30 a.m. following Face the Nation. The show features guest interviews, group conversations and a roundtable discussion among a weekly guest journalist, anchor Robb Hanrahan, WHP-TV Democratic Strategist Tony May and WHP-TV Republican Strategist Charlie Gerow. Guests have included policy makers and state leaders such as former Governor Tom Corbett, Senator Bob Casey and Congressman Scott Perry. Issues explored include educational funding, pension reform, medical marijuana, liquor privatization and the state budget. Past episodes are available here.

Univision Events on Immigration, Education

Date Posted: 3/13/2015

Univision Houston hosted a Citizenship and Immigration Forum on Jan. 24 to provide resources related to pursuing U.S. citizenship. The event, which 300 people attended, featured informational sessions, free attorney consultations and access to service providers. Univision Houston’s Career and Education Day on Feb. 14 provided students and parents informatiosn on college access, careers, financial aid and scholarships. The event complemented a national campaign, ¡Estudia, Hay Dinero! (There’s Money to Study!), that ran on 67 radio stations, 61 television stations and social media. It included PSAs featuring First Lady Michelle Obama, a $1,000 scholarship sweepstakes, a text-message hotline, workshops on the federal student loan program, and digital resources.

Safe and Supportive Schools in Tennessee

Date Posted: 3/13/2015

The Tennessee Association of Broadcasters (TAB), Tennessee Department of Education and Vanderbilt Peabody College collaborated on the documentary "Saving Lives: Safe and Supportive Schools in Tennessee" for television and radio stations to air in February and March. Students and teachers at four high schools, including Taylor Swift’s alma mater, discussed their school’s programs aimed at reducing violence and increasing academic performance. At Hendersonville High, students watched the music video for Swift’s "Mean" before launching into a discussion on bullying with their classmates.

Univision Hosts Its Fourth Annual Education Week

Date Posted: 12/4/2014

Univision’s Education Week 2014, held Oct. 4 - 11 across its 128 radio and TV stations and its multimedia platforms, included on-air segments; phone banks that answered more than 3,000 questions from viewers; and online college fairs. More than 2,000 viewers attended a free education fair in San Antonio on Oct. 4, which included exhibits and sessions on scholarships, financial aid, career planning and bilingual education. WLTV Miami’s Education Week events included "Camino a la Universidad," a workshop that educated 11th grade students and their parents on the steps needed for a college education; its 13th annual "Club de Libros 23," a Parent Academy with sessions on enrollment, financial aid and scholarships; and phone banks for questions on education.

Univision Hosts Its Fourth Annual Education Week

Date Posted: 12/4/2014

Univision’s Education Week 2014, held Oct. 4 - 11 across its 128 radio and TV stations and its multimedia platforms, included on-air segments; phone banks that answered more than 3,000 questions from viewers; and online college fairs. More than 2,000 viewers attended a free education fair in San Antonio on Oct. 4, which included exhibits and sessions on scholarships, financial aid, career planning and bilingual education. WLTV Miami’s Education Week events included "Camino a la Universidad," a workshop that educated 11th grade students and their parents on the steps needed for a college education; its 13th annual "Club de Libros 23," a Parent Academy with sessions on enrollment, financial aid and scholarships; and phone banks for questions on education.

Univision Hosts Its Fourth Annual Education Week

Date Posted: 12/4/2014

Univision’s Education Week 2014, held Oct. 4 - 11 across its 128 radio and TV stations and its multimedia platforms, included on-air segments; phone banks that answered more than 3,000 questions from viewers; and online college fairs. More than 2,000 viewers attended a free education fair in San Antonio on Oct. 4, which included exhibits and sessions on scholarships, financial aid, career planning and bilingual education. WLTV Miami’s Education Week events included "Camino a la Universidad," a workshop that educated 11th grade students and their parents on the steps needed for a college education; its 13th annual "Club de Libros 23," a Parent Academy with sessions on enrollment, financial aid and scholarships; and phone banks for questions on education.

North Carolina Broadcaster Launches Anti-Bullying Campaign

Date Posted: 12/4/2014

Media General’s CBS affiliate WNCT-TV Greenville, N.C., Anti-Bullying PSA Contest launched on Oct. 21 to encourage local students to create PSAs. WNCT-TV viewers will vote on Facebook for their favorite spot. The winning PSA will debut during a Dec. 21 NFL game and air on WNCT for several weeks. The Anti-Bullying PSA Contest was chosen as the Best of the Best local TV sales ideas at the 2014 NAB Small Market Television Exchange (SMTE).

KMVK-FM Gives Away 3,000 Backpacks to Dallas Kids

Date Posted: 9/8/2014

CBS Radio’s KMVK-FM Dallas gave away 3,000 free backpacks filled with school supplies to Dallas-Fort Worth school children during the station’s "Back to School Fair." The Fair events took place at local supermarkets in El Rio Grande locations from August 13-17. The events drew large crowds of excited, local listeners.

WFAA-TV Encourages Dallas Bookworms to Keep Reading During Summer

Date Posted: 9/8/2014

Gannett’s WFAA-TV Dallas hosted a summer-long campaign to encourage kids to read during summer break. WFAA-TV anchor Shelly Slater led the campaign, called "Shelly’s Summer Bookworms." Every Thursday during the 4 p.m. newscast, Shelly featured a Summer Bookworms segment. She visited recreation centers and camps, donated more than 4,000 books that were collected from WFAA-TV viewers and encouraged students to read. Classes that successfully completed reading assignments were welcomed to tour the station and watch a live newscast.

Univision Radio Distributes 2,000 Backpacks in Winnetka, Calif.

Date Posted: 9/8/2014

Univision Radio and El Salvador Foundation partnered for a successful Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway event in Winnetka, Calif. on August 9. Univision Radio helped distribute more than 2,000 backpacks and other school supplies to community members and their families.

WXKB-FM Distributes Thousands of Back-to-School Items

Date Posted: 9/8/2014

Beasley Broadcasting’s WXKB-FM Estero, Fla., recently partnered with Lipman Produce to sponsor a backpack giveaway event. WXKB-FM collected more than 1,200 backpacks, 300 bike helmets, 2,000 pounds of food, 50 free haircuts and much more, all of which were donated to students across Southwestern Florida.

WBRZ-TV Stuffs Six Baton Rouge Buses with School Supplies

Date Posted: 8/12/2014

Manship Stations’ ABC affiliate WBRZ-TV Baton Rouge hosted the seventh annual "Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive," encouraging viewers to help the station completely fill one East Baton Rouge Parish school bus and one Ascension Parish school bus with supplies for students in need. The drive exceeded expectations. WBRZ-TV raised nearly $73,000 worth of school supplies and stuffed a total of six buses with supplies.

WLTV-TV Honors Outstanding Miami High School Students

Date Posted: 6/9/2014

Univision’s WLTV-TV Miami honored 10 outstanding South Florida high school students with its 17th annual Papa John’s Pizza Orgullo de Nuestra Juventud (Pride of our Youth) Awards. The awards luncheon was hosted by WLTV-TV news anchor Alina Mayo Azze. Six of the 10 students were recognized for academic excellence and outstanding commitment to civic duty. The four other students were recognized with the Academic Achievement Award for demonstrating academic growth and overcoming setbacks in their personal life. The students were awarded scholarships by Papa John’s Pizza, and Miami-Dade College offered each student free tuition if they chose to pursue their university education there.

WALA-TV Uses Multimedia Approach with Sheriff Debate

Date Posted: 6/9/2014

LIN Media’s FOX affiliate WALA-TV Mobile, Ala., hosted a debate for candidates running for Baldwin County Sheriff. The live, one-hour debate was televised live on WALA-TV, simulcast on LIN Media’s CW affiliate WFNA-TV Mobile, streamed live on the WALA-TV website and the station’s news app for smartphone and tablet devices.

KXLN-TV Promotes Bilingual Literacy on Children’s Day

Date Posted: 6/9/2014

Univision’s KXLN-TV Houston participated at the Día de los Niños (Children’s Day) event at the Children’s Museum of Houston in conjunction with the Consulate General of Mexico and other non-profit organizations. The event focused on promoting bilingual literacy. Parents were encouraged to take a pledge, as part of Univision Contigo’s Pequeños y Valiosos early childhood educational program, to commit to engaging with their kids in reading, singing or playing for at least 15 minutes every day. KXLN-TV news talent were present at the event during story time, and engaged with the children, while the Mexican Consulate distributed around 500 bilingual children’s books throughout the event.

WVTM-TV Collects 42,000 Books for Birmingham Students

Date Posted: 6/9/2014

Media General’s WVTM-TV Birmingham collected 42,000 new and gently used books during the Birmingham Reads Book Drive, part of a multi-day annual event held in conjunction with Better Basics, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing literacy. WVTM-TV broadcast live cut-ins throughout the drive, and station employees helped receive book donations from individuals and organizations. The collected books were delivered to students in need throughout the Birmingham area. Gene Kirkconnell, WVTM-TV’s vice president and general manager, said, "We are honored to partner with Better Basics in their important mission to help our community’s children learn to read, comprehend and develop a thirst for knowledge."

WLTV-TV Promotes Univision Education Campaign

Date Posted: 5/14/2014

Univision’s WLTV-TV Miami has visited more than 18 schools and participated at several events as part of the Pequeños y Valiosos (Young and Valuable) campaign, which raises awareness among parents about the importance of actively interacting with their children every day, from birth through the pre-school years, in order to help them learn. During these school visits, education reporter Maria Fernanda Lopez has read to the children and facilitated workshops for their parents. The campaign invites parents and families to make a pledge to engage with their kids for at least 15 minutes each day, without interruption.

KCEC-TV Launches Website for Moms and Moms-to-Be

Date Posted: 5/14/2014

Entravision recently launched Todobebé, a website focused on motherhood issues for Latinos in the U.S. and Latin America. Todobebé informs, educates and entertains Latino moms and moms-to-be as they celebrate and explore the joys and challenges of pregnancy through early childhood. Additionally, Vanessa Bernal, a reporter at Univision’s KCEC-TV Denver, will be the brand ambassador of Todobebé. Bernal will host special segments during Univision’s morning television show, "Despierta America," which will be featured on Entravision’s local television and radio newscasts.

Entravision Launches Website for Moms and Moms-to-Be

Date Posted: 5/14/2014

Entravision Launches Website for Moms and Moms-to-Be Entravision recently launched Todobebé, a website focused on motherhood issues for Latinos in the U.S. and Latin America. Todobebé informs, educates and entertains Latino moms and moms-to-be as they celebrate and explore the joys and challenges of pregnancy through early childhood. Additionally, Vanessa Bernal, a reporter at Univision’s KCEC-TV Denver, will be the brand ambassador of Todobebé. Bernal will host special segments during Univision’s morning television show, "Despierta America," which will be featured on Entravision’s local television and radio newscasts.

KXLN-TV and KTRK-TV Host Affordable Care Act Phone Bank

Date Posted: 4/13/2014

Univision’s KXLN-TV and ABC-owned KTRK-TV Houston partnered to host an Affordable Care Act (ACA) phone bank on March 5 at the Univision Houston studios in Texas. The general public was invited to call in to get their ACA questions answered by qualified, bilingual volunteers from the Texas Organizing Project. The goal of the phone bank was to provide the general public with information about the benefits and implications of the health reforms and to explain the registration process. The phone bank receieved 704 calls. Both KXLN-TV and KTRK-TV covered the event live on their evening newscasts.

Univision LA Hosts Feria Prosperidad On Two Campuses

Date Posted: 4/13/2014

Univision Los Angeles visited the University of Southern California on March 5 to host the second Feria Prosperidad (Prosperity Fair). An estimated 4,500 people participated in the 55 workshops and seminars that covered topics including financial planning, saving to buy a home and steps to start a small business. Anchor Alejandro Mendoza also co-hosted a town hall discussion with financial expert Julie Stav. Univision Los Angeles later hosted Feria Prosperidad at Cal State University, San Bernardino, on March 22 for a gathering of 2,000 people.

Rick & Bubba Show Encourages Kids to Read

Date Posted: 4/13/2014

Syndicated Solutions’ "Rick & Bubba Show" created what they named the "World’s Largest Classroom" on March 4 to encourage children to read. The morning hosts read "Green Eggs and Ham" to more than 50,000 students as they broadcast live into 800 schools in at least 13 states. The event was created as part of the National Education Association’s Read Across America program, which challenges children to read a book on March 4 in recognition of the birthday of Dr. Seuss. Click here to watch video from the event.

Beasley Staff Reads to Students During Nevada Reading Week

Date Posted: 4/13/2014

Beasley Broadcasting Group Las Vegas employees participated in Nevada Reading Week this March. Several Beasley staff members visited local first graders at Paul Culley Elementary School and Smalley Elementary School to encourage students to love reading by giving them opportunities to read and be read to in school. Nevada Reading Week was created more than 30 years ago by the Nevada State Department of Education and several local teachers. It continues to make an impact today.

CBS Philly Honors Local Gamechangers for Black History Month

Date Posted: 3/17/2014

CBS-owned KYW-TV, CW affiliate WPSG-TV and CBS Radio’s KYW-AM Philadelphia spotlighted 10 individuals who have "changed the game" for the African-American community in the Greater Philadelphia area in celebration of Black History Month this February. CBS Philadelphia stations aired a series of vignettes and reports about these "Gamechangers" throughout the month.

WISN-TV Helps Milwaukee Viewers Understand New Health Care Laws

Date Posted: 3/17/2014

Hearst’s ABC affiliate WISN-TV Milwaukee held a Health Care Coverage Hotline to assist viewers in southeastern Wisconsin with questions about health care changes due to the new Affordable Care Act. WISN-TV’s News Director Chris Gregg explained, "We want to be a resource to our viewers, provide them with an opportunity to clear any confusion on this complex subject." WISN-TV’s anchors encouraged viewers to call in with questions, and experts from the Milwaukee Enrollment Network were available to provide information.

WRBL-TV Schedules Debates for Georgia Candidates

Date Posted: 3/17/2014

Univision’s KXLN-TV, KFTH-TV and Univision Radio’s KAMA-FM Houston partnered as media sponsors at the Houston Hispanic Forum’s Annual Career and Education Day. Various universities, colleges, nonprofit organizations and companies joined more than 10,000 students, teachers and parents to share valuable information about different career paths and financial aid. On-air talent participated as panelists in the Broadcasting and Media seminars. They spoke about Univision Scholarships and handed out Univision school supplies to students from booths in the exhibitor area. Students also heard personal accounts about life experiences in the broadcasting industry from news anchors and reporters.

WLTV-TV Miami-Fort Lauderdale

Date Posted: 1/10/2014

As part of Univision Educación, Univision’s WLTV-TV Miami-Fort Lauderdale launched its fourth year of "Camino a la Universidad" (Road to the University), a series of workshops that pairs exceptional students with professional adults who assist students and motivate them to reach their personal, educational and professional goals. The program focuses on those students who have the desire and skills to succeed, but whom also need extra support to reach their potential. The informational sessions feature inspirational speakers that will provide college and career planning advice to help the students throughout their college application process.

Univision Educación Designates a Day of "Action for Education"

Date Posted: 12/6/2013

Univision Communications Inc., in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and numerous national and local organizations, announced "Acción por la Educación!," an effort to create awareness of the Common Core State Standards and its impact on the Hispanic student population. Students and parents were encouraged to take a pledge to access information, create awareness with friends, speak with their child’s teacher about the new standards and learn how they can provide support at home. This effort is part of the company’s comprehensive, multiplatform education initiative, Univision Educación.

Univision Radio & KXLN-TV Help with Health Care Enrollment

Date Posted: 12/6/2013

On November 16, Univision Radio and Univision’s KXLN-TV Houston hosted an Affordable Care Act town hall and an enrollment and health fair. The event featured remarks from U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez, Houston Mayor Annise Parker and a panel discussion with Reps. Gene Green, All Green and Sheila Jackson Lee. KXLN-TV’s news anchor Lizzet Lopez and Univision Radio’s on-air host Renzo Heredia moderated the discussion. The event had nearly 2,000 people in attendance, approximately 207 people enrolled on-site and 494 attendees scheduled appointments for future enrollment.

WLTV-TV Miami Celebrates Univision’s Education Week 2013

Date Posted: 11/12/2013

Univision’s WLTV-TV Miami organized many events during Univision’s Education Week 2013 to inform parents and prepare students for higher education. WLTV-TV held an education town hall moderated by reporter Sandra Peebles to discuss the college application process. The station also kicked off its 12th annual "Club de Libros 23" in which WLTV-TV’s education reporter, Maria Fernandez Lopez, visits schools every week and reads with students.

KMEX-TV Reaches 30,000 at Its Fifth Annual Feria de Educación

Date Posted: 11/12/2013

Univision’s KMEX-TV Los Angeles kicked off the fifth annual Univision Education Week 2013 with "Feria de Educación." More than 30,000 people took part in the 40 educational workshops and seminars on topics including planning for college, financial aid opportunities and money-saving tips for college. In addition, KMEX-TV hosted two town halls on the Affordable Care Act and Immigration Reform.

CBS Radio Contributes $170,000 to Blessings in a Backpack

Date Posted: 10/4/2013

CBS Radio has teamed with the CBS EcoMedia program to provide more than $170,000 in financial support to children through Blessings in a Backpack, an organization that works to ensure elementary school children are fed during the weekend while they are away from school. Blessings in a Backpack collects and packages backpacks full of food and distributes them on Fridays to children who qualify for the National School Lunch Program. Participating CBS stations include those in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston and Philadelphia.

Nevada Broadcasters Foundation Raises $40,000 in Scholarships

Date Posted: 10/4/2013

The Nevada Broadcasters Foundation raised $40,000 for the Tony and Linda Bonnici Broadcasters Scholarship Program during auctions held at its Hall of Fame Gala. More than 600 people attended the event held at the Red Rock Casino.

Team Univision Arizona Gets Families Ready for School

Date Posted: 9/10/2013

Personalities from Univision Arizona TV and Univision Radio Phoenix welcomed more than 8,000 parents and their kids to the 2nd Annual Univision Arizona "Es el Momento Preparandose Para El Exito" Education Fair in partnership with Stand for Children Arizona. With the support and collaboration of MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks, NBA’s Phoenix Suns, and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, Central High School in downtown Phoenix was host to more than 30 non-profit organizations. The event offered scholarships to college and university students, laptops, computers, desks and thousands of backpacks. Featured speakers included the mayor of Phoenix, along with the Superintendent of Phoenix Union School District and a motivational speaker on education.

Emmis Communications Joins United Way to Clean Up a Local School

Date Posted: 9/10/2013

The team at Emmis Communications in Indianapolis, along with the Emmis corporate team and representatives from the group’s local radio stations, participated in the 2013 United Way Day of Caring on August 23. Together, Emmis employees painted the exterior of Indianapolis Public School (IPS) 56, while reorganizing, weeding, mulching and planting flowers outside the school. In addition, Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan read a story to students at IPS 56.

LIN Media to Award Two Media Scholarships This April

Date Posted: 3/1/2013

LIN Media has established the Minority Scholarship and Training Program and will award one broadcast television scholarship/internship and one digital media scholarship/internship in April 2013, to commence in summer 2013. Each student will receive a two-year scholarship for up to $10,000 per year, which can be used toward school expenses. In addition, LIN Media will provide each student with hands-on training through a paid internship program at one of its television stations around the country. The Minority Scholarship recipients will be assigned full-time positions at LIN Media upon graduation and successful completion of the training program. LIN Media has been awarding these two-year scholarships to ambitious students since 1998.

KZPK-FM Awards St. Cloud School with $1,500 Library Prize

Date Posted: 3/1/2013

Leighton Enterprise’s KZPK-FM St. Cloud, Minn., held the Wild About Reading Contest to celebrate "I Love to Read Month" in February. Station personalities traveled to 37 area schools to read with students and encourage them to vote for their school to win a $1,500 check to purchase new books for their library. Earlier this month KZPK-FM awarded Holy Cross School the Wild About Reading prize.

LIN Media to Award Two Media Scholarships This April

Date Posted: 3/1/2013

LIN Media has established the Minority Scholarship and Training Program and will award one broadcast television scholarship/internship and one digital media scholarship/internship in April 2013, to commence in summer 2013. Each student will receive a two-year scholarship for up to $10,000 per year, which can be used toward school expenses. In addition, LIN Media will provide each student with hands-on training through a paid internship program at one of its television stations around the country. The Minority Scholarship recipients will be assigned full-time positions at LIN Media upon graduation and successful completion of the training program. LIN Media has been awarding these two-year scholarships to ambitious students since 1998.

Radio Stations Host 2nd Annual College Radio Day

Over 550 college and high school radio stations in 28 countries participated in the second annual College Radio Day (CRD). Founding Professor Rob Quicke of WPSC-FM at William Paterson University told Radio Ink, that the "college/high school radio is an important and vital medium." The ultimate goal of CRD is to inspire people to tune into their local college and high school radio stations and hear the unique broadcasts offered around the world.

WBTU-FM Organizes Scholarship Fund

Oasis Radio 1 Group’s WBTU-FM in Fort Wayne, Ind. set up a scholarship fund in honor of Alina Bigjohnny. Bigjohnny and six others lost their lives on August 13 when a stage at the Indiana State Fair collapsed moments before the Sugarland concert. The "Lights for Alina" scholarship fund will be awarded to a student from Bigjohnny’s alma mater whose career focus is education. Alina was a graduate of Wayne High School and soon-to-be teacher at Muncie Community Schools. WBTU-FM also helped organize a memorial event in the week after the tragedy. A video of the remembrance is available online.

WESH-TV Orlando Airs Special Political Program in Advance of Election Day

Hearst Broadcasting’s WESH-TV Orlando aired a 30-minute daily political program "Commitment 2012: Extra" from Oct. 8 through Election Day. The show included live conversations and debates with local candidates, election news and campaign developments. The program was an extension of Hearst’s "Commitment 2012," which offers at least 12 minutes of political news per weekday. "WESH 2 News has always taken our role seriously when it comes to informing and educating our viewers before they head to the ballot box," Bob Longo, WESH news director, told Broadcasting & Cable. "This important election season, we’re giving viewers an even greater chance to learn about the candidates asking for their votes and the issues so important to our community."

WAEB-FM Advances Anti-Bullying Cause in Allentown Schools

Clear Channel Media and Entertainment’s WAEB-FM Allentown, Penn., hosted a video contest to address the problem of bullying in schools. The station selected the top 12 videos and invited the winners to WAEB-FM’s Bullying Stops Here event, which featured a live performance by Atlantic Records’ artist Cody Simpson and recognition from Allentown Mayor Ed Pawloski. See the winning 12 videos here.

Broadcaster Awards Thousands of Grant Dollars Through YES

California Oregon Broadcasting’s KOBI-TV and KOTI-TV in Medford, Ore., launched YES (Youth Education Success) to support local school programs affected by budget cuts in Southern Oregon and Northern California. Thus far, YES has awarded thousands of dollars in grants to schools for programs such as swimming lessons for special needs children, chin rests for students’ violins and new school laptops and software.

Summit High Receives Donation from News 2

Young Broadcasting Inc.’s WKRN-TV Nashville donated its news set to Summit High School’s media production program. Members of the WKRN-TV’s team visited the set, answered students’ questions and offered advice on entering the media field.
"I don’t know that the enormity of News 2’s generosity can be fully realized," said Summit Principal Dr. Charles Farmer. "To provide us with their ’retired’ set is like icing on the cake to an already amazing media production setup. Our kids are appreciative of the opportunities afforded them by organizations like News 2."

KZZL-FM Broadcasts Live from Washington State University Career Expo

Inland Northwest Broadcasting’s KZZL-FM Pullman, Washington, recently donated two weeks of recorded public service announcements for the Washington State University Career, which were broadcast in a full commercial rotation. The expo provides regional students with exposure to potential career, internship, service and graduate school opportunities. KZZL-FM also broadcasted live from the event and hosted a recruiter booth where students interested in pursuing a career in broadcasting could learn more about the station. At this year’s event, 1,100 students met 96 different companies.

KPGE-TV Collects Books to Benefit Fresno Libraries

Newport Television’s KPGE-TV Fresno is gearing up for its second annual CBS47 On Your Side Collection Drive & Book Sale benefiting 35 Fresno County libraries. Viewers will be invited to drive to the station to drop off new and used books on August 8. After the collection drive, a public book sale will be held to raise money for the local libraries. Proceeds will benefit the libraries’ reading and literacy programs. Last year KPGE-TV reporters and anchors broadcast live outside the station and received nearly 180,000 books.

WTOP Supports Education

Hubbard Radio’s WTOP-FM Washington, D.C., held its “Clicks for Kids” campaign March 5 through March 16 benefitting local area schools. Listeners cast nearly 120,000 votes in a competition to raise money for local schools.

Hallie Wells Middle in Montgomery County was awarded the grand prize of $10,000 for receiving the majority vote with 7,979. In first place, Chesapeake Public Charter in St. Mary’s County was awarded $7500 with 7,949 votes and Stevens Forest Elementary in Howard County was awarded the second-place prize of $5000 with 7846 votes.

WIAT-TV Celebrates Black History Month

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Taking an innovative approach to celebrating Black History Month, WIAT-TV in Birmingham, Ala., headed into the classroom for the second year. Using the children as the talent, WIAT helps local schools develop news segments about different figures in black history, which are then broadcast in every newscast throughout the day for the month of February. The Archives Division of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the Birmingham Public Library provide historical graphics, pictures and video for the stories, which the children record at the studio. In one 2008 segment, Keita Scott, a fifth-grader from Restoration Academy, spoke about Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American elected to the U.S. Congress. In another segment, Angelica Jaimes from Homewood Middle School narrated the accomplishments of Coretta Scott King, wife of Martin Luther King Jr. Station staff contributes an estimated 50 hours to the project each year. In 2008, 29 individual segments were recorded. The station produced DVDs of the entire series for each participating school to use in the classroom.

KVAK-AM/FM Youth Mentoring Program

KVAK-AM/FM in Valdez, Alaska, provides kids from grade school to high school with a hands-on learning experience in broadcasting. Every month, participants in the KVAK Kids Club visit the studio to record public service announcements (PSA). The PSAs air daily and more than 200 are produced each year. The kids are part of the complete process, including helping write the scripts. Everything from manners to fire safety to reading have been highlighted. Three-quarters of the area elementary school population is involved. In addition to learning about broadcasting, club members receive a newsletter and have their birthdays announced on the air. For the older students, KVAK’s high school program involves weekly sessions at the studio and a monthly live broadcast. The station’s good work has not gone unnoticed; the Kids Club has been honored with the both the Alaska Broadcasters Association Service to Children Goldie Award and the National Association of Broadcasters Service to Children Radio Award.

KUZZ-FM Hosts 6,000 Students at

More than 6,000 students were "Rowdy About Reading" last year thanks to KUZZ-FM of Bakersfield, California. The community-wide, three-month program promotes literacy and teamwork for area elementary school children. The station was able to help recruit 250 teachers, athletes from Cal State University of Bakersfield (CSUB) and its own on-air personalities to visit classrooms to discuss the important benefits of literacy and reading. In the program, students competed for prizes from the CSUB Spirit Store, and the classroom that read the most books had the opportunity to join KUZZ in the station’s suite at Rabobank Arena for a CSUB basketball game. The program, which grew 15 percent from the year before, received heavy on-air promotional support and hours of staff work. KUZZ was awarded the National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Radio Award in 2008.

KSMT-FM and KCMV-FM Award Scholarships to High School Seniors

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Every month, sister stations KSMT-FM and KCMV-FM in Breckenridge, Colo., reward high school seniors who have made a difference in their community. Launched last December, the KSMT and KCMV Community Connection Monthly Scholarships provide youth from small mountain towns with a monetary award for their dedication to public service. Both stations have spread the word about the scholarship funds with live mentions and a minimum of 100 recorded promotion spots each month. The result: stacks of applications. After monthly recipients have been selected, each station sends out a press release and has the winner record an announcement featuring his or her contributions to the community. Part of the goal, according to KSMT’s Lisa Cheek, is to allow students to become inspired to do good by one another. In addition, KCMV will award a $5,000 Agricultural Studies Scholarship and a $2,500 Vocational Scholarship to an area student in 2008.

WTIC-TV and WTXX-TV Host "Student News" Program

For 17 years, WTIC-TV and WTXX-TV in Hartford, Conn., have fostered learning with their "Student News" program, which gives teens an opportunity to gain real-world experience in journalism. With the help of the WTIC evening news crew, students produce their own news stories, which are then broadcast on both stations. During this past school year, more than 100 students were able to watch their work on television. WTIC professionals make classroom visits to help students understand the steps involved in preparing a story for broadcast. Students sharpen multiple skills, including research, writing, critical thinking, shooting video and editing. WTIC staff provides feedback on every single story. Each spring, the stations host an Emmy-style Student News Awards Ceremony, emceed by WTIC anchor Susan Christensen. Students who produced standout submissions are given scholarships and equipment grants for their school. Each fall, teachers are invited to attend an annual workshop hosted by the station about the program, where they receive Continuing Education Units for their participation. Students from nearly 250 Connecticut middle and high schools from around the state have created their own news segment. "WTIC’s and WTXX’s ‘Student News’ has given an outlet for students to show their work and their talent on a statewide level," said Eric Larson, technology education teacher at Manchester High School.

WBFF-TV Honors Black History Month

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Each year during Black History Month, WBFF-TV in Baltimore, Md., gives students the opportunity to pay tribute to those fulfilling Martin Luther King’s dream. The "Champions of Courage Black History Month Essay Contest," now in its 22nd year, invites students in grades six through 12 to salute those making a difference in the world. Thousands of entries are received each year, from which 28 winners are selected. The station produces public service announcements featuring the winners reading their essays. A different tribute airs each day during the month; on its designated day, it runs a minimum of eight times. WBFF then hosts an awards ceremony for all the winning students, where schools of the top three finalists receive cash awards. In a letter of thanks to the station, Deborah Montgomery, principal of Corkran Middle School, wrote, "Your program is an outstanding example of education and community working together to create a better environment for our youth and their communities."

KSUX-FM Sioux City Plugs Education

Whether it’s mentoring young children or highlighting the efforts of star teachers, KSUX-FM in Sioux City, Iowa, exemplifies how local radio can support education. Station personalities make yearly visits to area schools and universities on career day. They also head into the classroom to read to school children and have acted as mentors to Girl Scouts. The station doesn’t stop at supporting students. It also celebrates teachers that are making a difference in students’ lives. From September through May, the station recognizes an "Educator of the Month" and broadcasts live from a celebratory breakfast in the teacher’s honor. In June, KSUX uses its Web site and on-air announcements to encourage students and listeners to vote for an "Educator of the Year." The station works with local business to provide awards, including $1,000 for use by the school of the winning teacher.

WFWA-TV Ft. Wayne Hosts "Girls Investigating Science and Technology" program

WFWA-TV in Ft. Wayne, Ind., took learning about science, technology and nature to new heights with its programs for children. The "Girls Investigating Science and Technology" program provided 80 middle school girls the opportunity to work with female scientists and complete their own scientific investigation. "It’s a Big, Big World" enabled 500 preschool children the opportunity to complete hands-on investigations and learn about camouflage in nature. To encourage even more children to learn about science, the station helped create a "Video Field Trip" that uses animation and NASA resources to give students a taste of how they can pursue a space-based career. These educational activities were supported by 690 30-second spots worth more than $22,000. A future program, "Storytelling Festival at the Three Rivers," will use a digital sky to show how early Native Americans used the constellations for guidance.

WBRZ-TV Raises $100,000 for Big Buddy Program

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Inspired by the hit show "Dancing with the Stars," WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge, La., spearheaded a local version to raise money for the Big Buddy Program, a non-profit organization that provides mentoring and programming geared toward academic success for disadvantaged youth. By the end of the last tango, more than $100,000 had been raised to help thousands of children in the community. WBRZ anchor Sylvia Weatherspoon co-hosted the show, and other area "celebrities," including Chief Forecaster Pat Shingleton, "2une-In" co-anchor Whitney Vann, Baton Rouge Mayor-President Kip Holden and Glen "Big Baby" Davis from the LSU basketball team, hit the dance floor. Each performer devoted hours of practice to prepare for the event with their partners, who were professional dancers from local dance studios. The night of the big event, a crowd of 1,500 gathered to watch. In promotion of the fundraiser, WBRZ aired 30-second promotional spots weeks in advance, the news department covered rehearsals during various newscasts, Big Buddy Executive Director Gay Mack appeared on the morning show and the "2une-In" staff gave away tickets on-air to generate enthusiasm. With the funds raised, Big Buddy was able to continue an after-school program for at-risk youth.

Dillon Stations Feature Local High School Students

Youth in the community are often the focus of programming on KDBM-AM and KBEV-FM in Dillon, Mont. Once a week, the class president of the local high school interviews fellow students at the studio for the "Beavs in Motion" segment, which gives area kids real-life experience and keeps the community up-to-date on what’s happening at the school. Early every Wednesday morning, when farmers and ranchers are typically tuned in, both stations air a segment featuring children from the Future Farmers of America who share current projects, from raising a steer for the county fair to proper grooming of horses. The stations also broadcast 250 high school and university games, including football, basketball, volleyball and wrestling, throughout the year. In addition, significant airtime is dedicated to the high school and university Rodeo Clubs, including the regular "Rodeo Roundup Show," which features the rodeo instructor from the University of Montana Western twice each week. "We are a small town with a lot of really good kids," said KDBM/KBEV President Jo Ann Juliano. "The kids and their well-being are very important to us."

WQNZ-FM Brings its Listeners "Live From the Locker Room"

From football season to basketball season, WQNZ-FM in Natchez, Miss., brings its listeners "Live From the Locker Room," a one-hour show that travels to high schools throughout the community to highlight athletic programs and athlete scholars. Hosts Rosco and "Porky" Smith interview the athletes, coaches, cheerleaders, band members, officials, students and parents. In partnership with the local chapter of the National High School Football Hall of Fame Awards, an organization that gives scholarships to outstanding academic athletes in the area, the show spotlights students who have shown strength both on the field and in the classroom. The show broadcasts from schools within a 70-mile radius, giving many smaller communities exposure not often received. In addition to football and basketball, "Live From the Locker Room" has covered soccer, track, tennis, baseball, softball, golf, bowling, cheerleading and a even a chess team. The show has been a Mississippi Association of Broadcasters award winner for four years running, and WQNZ was a National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Awards Finalist in 2008.

KFVS-TV Hosts Record-Breaking Science Day

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A world record was set on Science Day 2007 when 1,000 grade school kids from four states joined KFVS-TV in Cape Girardeau, Mo., and sent 974 Mentos fountains up into the air at exactly the same time. Bringing kids together to experience the hands-on experiment, which involved a chemical reaction between soda and Mentos, was the brainchild of a KFVS meteorologist who wanted to get kids excited about science, as was the idea to dedicate a specific day to the celebration of science. To generate enthusiasm about both, the station ran on-air and online announcements inviting children, parents and teachers to participate. When the Mentos fountains shot up into the air, some as high as 30 feet, KFVS broadcast it live on the 5 p.m. news. Before the event, kids were asked to nominate their favorite science educator. The three winning teachers were announced and follow-up coverage included footage of the teachers with their students in the classroom. Many surrounding communities adopted October 3 as Science Day, leading to a proposal by Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO-08) for Science Day to be officially adopted throughout the country.

KFOR-AM Organizes "Teacher Recognition Day"

Shining light on the significant role of teachers in children’s lives, KFOR-AM in Lincoln, Neb., has been the organizer of "Teacher Recognition Day" each March for the past 26 years. Students are encouraged to nominate teachers who have greatly influenced their lives through live and recorded announcements, which start playing four weeks before "Teacher Recognition Day." The winning teachers and those who nominated them are invited to a celebratory breakfast emceed by KFOR’s Mark Taylor at the Governor’s Mansion. The station airs live call-ins from the breakfast, where each child speaks about his or her teacher. A year-round supporter of education, the station also airs a weekly segment featuring a representative of the Lincoln Public Schools about its "Fund-a-Need" program, where donations from community members are used to make great classroom ideas a reality. "KFOR has simply been invaluable in letting us get word out about our ‘Fund-a-Need’ program," said Lorie Safford from the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools. "This school year we have broken all records in the number of teacher proposals we have been able to provide resources for in large part due to KFOR." KFOR was awarded the National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Radio Award in 2008.

KENV-TV Co-Founds Broadcast Technology Program

In partnership with Great Basin Community College, KENV-TV in Elko, Nev., has helped found a broadcast technology program, giving local students more opportunities to learn than ever before. In addition to providing classroom space at the station, KENV is funding the effort for its first two years. The program, for which KENV staff act as adjunct faculty, involves six classes, including production and writing for radio and television. KENV also offers two paid student internships during the fall and spring semesters. To help with recruitment, the station runs public service announcements before the start of each semester and covers the program in news stories throughout the year. "It’s a big boost to this community," said KENV’s Terry Hriz, who teaches the speech writing class. "It can keep kids who want to go into journalism in the area for their education."

WMUR-TV Names a "Champion in Action"

With the help of ,WMUR-TV in Manchester, N.H., the Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network, an organization that provides business development classes for local artisans and business owners, has gained a public presence. The station selected the Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network as a "Champion in Action," a title bestowed on four local organizations each year, all of which receive media support and financial assistance. The station began "Champion in Action" in partnership with the Citizens Bank Foundation to help nonprofits in the community gain momentum. Each recipient is given airtime for public service announcements (PSA) and news stories, and a professionally produced DVD that can be used for marketing and fundraising. The "Champion in Action" also receives an unrestricted grant of $25,000 from the Citizens Bank Foundation. News stories highlighting the Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network have profiled the organization, highlighted an entrepreneurial success story and reported on a farmer’s market started by the organization to provide small business owners a place to sell their wares. The exposure has helped the nonprofit organization grow. "The PSAs, which run several times a day, are helping to make us a recognizable resource for improving lives and livelihoods through entrepreneurial training and assistance," said Marilinne Cooper, executive director of the Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network. "‘Champions in Action’ has helped to broaden the reach of WREN with statewide promotion of who we are and what we do."

KQAK-FM, KWPK-FM and KLTW-FM Broadcast Regional Spelling Bee

The theater of radio comes alive each year when KQAK-FM, KWPK-FM and KLTW-FM in Bend, Ore., broadcast the Regional Spelling Bee in its entirety. The stations began the annual event four years ago as part of their commitment to education. The broadcast is akin to a sporting event, complete with station talent as commentators and interviews with fans. Together with other local businesses, the stations provide the three best spellers with $1,000 college savings bonds. This past year, 57 students competed, representing three school districts. Promotional announcements air the week leading up to the competition on KQAK, KWPK, KLTW and two additional sister stations from Horizon Broadcasting Group. "I had a neighbor tell me her family started listening to it when they were in the car, and they ended up sitting in their driveway for more than an hour to see who won," said Keith Shipman, president of Horizon Broadcasting Group. "Those are the stories that really make it worth it." The stations air the broadcast the day after the spelling bee so the children can hear themselves on the radio.

WGAL-TV Races Against Racism

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Since the first local YWCA "Race Against Racism" a decade ago, WGAL-TV in Lancaster, Pa., has been its media sponsor. With the station’s support, the 5K race became the largest in the Lancaster area in its inaugural year. Due to its continual growth, the race is now held in two additional metro areas WGAL serves, Harrisburg and York. In 2007, the three races inspired 3,000 runners to participate in honor of their commitment to equality and raised $80,000 to fund education programs to eliminate racism. WGAL anchors participated in all three races, and at the Lancaster race, the station set up a booth and gave participants station bags, pencils and other goodies. The station ran 150 promotional spots in advance of the race. In 2007, the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters awarded WGAL the Outstanding Television Public-Service Announcement award in recognition of their "The More You Know: Race Against Racism" spot.

WFMV-FM Supports Educational Efforts

To raise money for the Future Leader Scholarship Fund, an educational effort of Glory Communications, WFMV-FM in Columbia, S.C., organizes and promotes several events throughout the year. In 2007, local musical groups from Columbia, Lake City, Orangeburg and Sumter took the stage to help the cause. The station used more than 100 minutes of public service announcements and live talk from on-air talent during every shift to get word out about the choir concert series. The station also organized "March Mania," a basketball tournament, where church and community teams were invited to play one another. In addition to promotional spots before the event, live reports and donation updates were given twice an hour during the tournament. To award the students chosen as recipients of the scholarship and thank the community for its support, WFMV organized Family Fest, a large outdoor concert in Columbia’s Finlay Park where six college-bound students were awarded $1,500 checks. In total, station staff put more than 500 hours into events supporting the scholarship fund during the year.

KEVN-TV Funds Scholarship Program

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It’s not your grandmother’s essay contest. A unique scholarship opportunity funded by KEVN-TV in Rapid City, S.D., invites high school students to apply for $2,500 toward their college tuition by submitting a video essay. Applications for the "Rising Star of the West Scholarship" come from the entire viewing area, and the top 20 students visit the KEVN studio to tape an additional essay. For a month, these essays play as segments during the 9 p.m. newscast. Viewers are invited to judge the students on content and presentation, then vote for their favorite online on the station Web site, where streaming video of all 20 students is featured. Four finalists emerge, each of whom records a five-part essay series that airs over the course of a week. For three months during the first half of the school year, KEVN gears students up for the on-air competition with news stories, recorded on-air promotions, newspaper ads, letters sent to principals at all high schools in the community, a press release and a Web site presence. The station’s news crew makes in-school visits as well. This year’s winner, Kaitlyn Hemmingson, plans to study mass communications at South Dakota State University in the fall.

KODA-FM and KRIV-TV Host Annual ’Operation School Supplies’

The 17th annual "Operation School Supplies," supported on the air by KODA-FM and KRIV-TV in Houston, Texas, worked to ensure children were able to head into the classroom with the necessities. Pens, pencils, markers, notebooks, crayons and construction paper were all collected for elementary school children in the greater Houston area, where, in some counties, nearly 20 percent of school-age children are living in poverty. Media sponsorship has helped the campaign gain significant momentum since the program’s inception. News segments, live broadcasts, interviews with staff from "Operation School Supplies," Web site exposure, public service announcements and KRIV reporter Lanny Griffith’s determination to stuff a bus full of supplies at one collection site has resulted in an outpouring of community support. The most recent "Operation School Supplies" collected $150,000 worth of materials and benefited more than 32,000 students in 330 schools and 31 districts.

WMVS-TV and WMVT-TV Inspire Young Authors

The "Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest," an effort sponsored by WMVS-TV and WMVT-TV in Milwaukee, Wis., since 1994, is inspiring kids to be authors. The annual program kicks off in the classroom, where teachers are provided information from the stations on how to start a Reading Rainbow Writers Club. To date, 44 schools are using the contest as a classroom activity and another 11 as an after-school club. In 2008, the stations received nearly 1,200 story entries from students in kindergarten to third grade. Twenty winning submissions were chosen, to which the stations added sound effects and aired together as a 30-minute special. The stories were also broadcast separately as interstitials during the year. Promotional spots for the contest feature the winning children individually, each holding up his or her story with a voiceover that says, "Some of the best stories in the world are written by children. So what are you waiting for? Tell us your story." The spots play 365 days a year. In addition to the Reading Rainbow project, the stations offer community workshops directly addressing issues of family literacy. This service helped more than 5,000 people in 2007. Ten workshops are conducted in English and 10 in Spanish each year.

WBLK-FM Motivates Students to Attend School

Kids weren’t making it to school on time, so WBLK-FM in Buffalo, N.Y., decided to take action. The station’s "Non-Tardy Tuesday" campaign motivated students to make it to their desks before the morning bell. Each Tuesday, just prior to the start of classes, the WBLK staff made special school appearances and handed out gifts to students who arrived on time. The school with the best attendance record at the end the school quarter won an exclusive dance party with a national recording artist, courtesy of WBLK. Hundreds of on-air promotional announcements and space on the home page of the station’s Web site helped get students excited about the campaign. The station staff contributed 60 hours to get the program off the ground. The result: For the first time in several years, area schools’ student tardiness rate dropped by a small percentage.

KVLY-TV Holds ’Students Do the News’ Event

If little Suzy grows up to be a reporter some day, KVLY-TV in Fargo, N.D., might be the reason why. Each year, hundreds of kids come to the station’s "Students Do the News" event, where they have the opportunity to write their own 30-second scripts and present them on camera with one of the KVLY anchors. The fourth- through ninth-graders leave with a tape of their performance, and each video is posted on the station’s Web site so it can be easily shared with relatives and friends across the country. The station runs promotional spots inviting children, parents and teachers to be a part of the event every October. The station’s sports, weather and news personalities are all in attendance, and news coverage of the event includes highlights of potential future broadcasters.

WCMH-TV Inspires School Children to Read

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Using "Find Treasures. Read," as the tagline, WCMH-TV in Columbus, Ohio, helped inspire grade schoolers to keep opening books during their 2007 summer vacation. The "Summer Reading Club," a partnership of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Southwest Public Libraries and Worthington Public Libraries, attracted a record 74,000 young readers last summer. The station has provided media support for the program since 1990. Public service announcements (PSAs) featuring WCMH anchors encouraging children ages 12 and younger to sign up started 10 days prior to the beginning of the program. Station talent participated in the kick-off party, as well, calling bingo and greeting kids. In addition to news coverage, a community page on the station Web site featured the program, as did the station’s special events recorded hotline. Additional on-air support included a live interview guest segment with Columbus Metropolitan Library’s children’s coordinator, additional PSAs and a joint donation with Volunteers of American and Scholastic Inc. of a book to each child reaching a specific incentive level.

WCSH-TV and WLBZ-TV Honor Teens Who Volunteer

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In celebration of young people who are positive role models, WCSH-TV in Portland, Maine, and WLBZ-TV in Bangor, Maine, honor teens throughout the state who give their time and talent by volunteering. Each year, the station airs public service announcements calling for nominations, from which a panel of community leaders selects six teens for special recognition. The station profiles each teen with a three-minute video, which runs during the evening newscast. These profiles are then edited into short “salutes” and aired for two months. This year, the program marked its 10th anniversary with a one-hour primetime special, which included interviews with current and former Teens Who Care honorees and highlights of the award ceremony, which took place at the Portland Museum of Art. Two hundred family, friends and school officials attended the special gathering where recipients of the Teens Who Care Award were given a $2,000 scholarship from Maine Education Services, the nonprofit group that partners with the station for the program. “Teens Who Care” has been cited by the Maine Department of Education and the Maine Commission for Community Service as “inspirational and motivating.” Maryalice Crofton, director of the Maine Commission for Community Service, said, “The program is the premier way in the state to recognize what young people are able to do. It selects teens who can be role models and examples.”

WCRX-FM Launched "Job Outlook 2007"

It made sense for WCRX-FM in Chicago, Ill., a radio station housed within a local college that teaches students the business from top to bottom, to use the airwaves to help graduating students land jobs. So the station took action and launched "Job Outlook 2007," a month-long public service campaign focused on job search strategies, economic news, career development and employment opportunities. The effort included a variety of on-air programming, such as "Job Tips," three daily reports filled with job hunting advice, "The WCRX Job Line," three daily reports featuring local employment opportunities, and a regular live program that brought job experts into the studio to answer questions from listeners and a studio audience. Discussions during the live show covered everything from pre- and post-interview protocols to making the transition from college to the workplace. WCRX was a National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Radio Award Finalist in 2008.

WKDZ-FM Supports Rotary Club Auction

For a week each year, those behind the microphone at WKDZ-FM in Cadiz, Ky., become auctioneers during the Rotary Radio Auction. Both the station and the local Rotary Club were founded in 1966 and have been partners since the beginning. The 41st annual auction brought in bids from across the country and raised more than $160,000. Fifty percent of this money funds grants and scholarships for students in Trigg County; the other half supports youth and senior programs. The auction takes place over a week with 27 hours of live broadcast. A full series of promotional spots plays for weeks before the event, and on the first night of the auction, the station runs a one-hour program about the work of the Rotary Club. The money raised through the auction has quadrupled in the past eight years. General Manager Beth Mann attributes some of this success to a daily effort by WKDZ to talk on the air about where money raised by the auction has gone and who it has helped. "The money is filling a need every day," said Mann, who also serves on the Rotary committee for student grants.

KDFC-FM Airs "Save School Music Week"

Twenty-five school music programs were the focus of the week-long "Save School Music Week" produced and sponsored by classical music station KDFC-FM in San Francisco, Calif. The annual effort includes a series of classical commuter concerts where youth ensembles perform a variety of works in high-traffic areas. The concerts help kick off a week of on-air encouragement for listeners to support school music programs throughout the Bay Area. The station dedicates 60-second promotional announcements, live mentions, live testimonials and a page on the station Web site to the campaign. For its 2008 effort, KDFC also hosted a listener contest where twice each day for five days the 12th caller won the opportunity to designate a school music program as the recipient of a $1,500 donation from KDFC. In total, the station gave $15,000 to 10 school programs. "Save School Music Week" is just one of several KDFC programs that support local music and arts programs. The station’s efforts also have helped support the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art as well as programs featuring the nation’s top young classical musicians.

KRGV-TV Focuses on Education

From promoting the benefits of education to creating academic challenges, KRGV-TV in Welasco, Texas, is doing its part to help improve lives in the Rio Grande Valley, where many families live in poverty near the Texas-Mexico border. For the past six years, the station has actively supported "Gear Up," which encourages parents and students to consider post-secondary education. The program, which serves 21 school districts, provides mentoring opportunities and information regarding college options and financial aid. The station produces a weekly "Gear Up" feature story that airs during the 10 p.m. newscast, and station talent volunteer as mentors. Anchorwoman Letty Garza is spokesperson for the project and spends countless hours speaking to students about education. "I am certain that without the partnership we share with KRGV, communicating the Gear Up message to the entire Rio Grande Valley population would have been nearly impossible," said Tina Atkins, director of Gear Up. "This truly represents an investment in the future of the Rio Grande Valley." The commitment to education also comes through with "Masterminds," an effort in which the station produces an academic quiz for high school students. Teams face off on subjects including history, math, English, current events, art and music. The station donates production time, air time and even makes a $100 library donation to each school. KRGV was honored with a 2008 Service to America Award for its commitment to children.

WDIV-TV Spotlights Education

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.

KBAY-FM Kicks off "Pat’s Run"

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At the third annual "Pat’s Run," KBAY-FM in San Jose, Calif., and a crowd of 6,000 celebrated the life of Pat Tillman, an NFL player who left the game to serve our country and was killed in Afghanistan. Each year, the event pays tribute to the Army Ranger, while raising money for the Pat Tillman Foundation, a nonprofit started by Tillman’s family and friends to inspire people to make positive changes in themselves and the world. The station starts promotions for the race six weeks beforehand, and each year, participation has grown. This year, the station also aired a live remote from the Almanden Valley prior to event day, where listeners were able to register for the race. The general manager and several on-air personalities ran the course, and the "Sam and Lissa Morning Show" helped kick off the festivities. By the time the final participates crossed the 42-yardline of Pat Tillman Stadium at Leland High School, where a young Tillman took the field, $200,000 had been raised for San Jose students accepted into the foundation’s Leadership Through Action program, which aims to help exceptional scholars develop leadership skills.

WIXO-FM Launches “Music Matters” Campaign

Knowing the importance music can play in a child’s life, WIXO-FM in Peoria, Ill., teamed with a local music store to provide three area students with musical instruments and free lessons. During the holidays, the station launched its “Music Matters” campaign, asking listeners for nominations of area youth who would like the chance to learn the electric guitar or drums, but whose families could not afford to buy the instruments on their own. Stories about deserving kids flooded in from family and friends. Three lucky recipients were chosen and given an opportunity to follow their passion for music. “These students are very excited and deserve this gift in economic hard times,” said Matt Bahan, morning on-air talent and operations manager for WIXO. “I’m proud of this project, and we will do it again in 2009.”

WSTM-TV Holds Annual Summer Reading Program

When school is out, it’s time for the highly successful children’s summer reading program sponsored by WSTM-TV in Syracuse, N.Y. The "Book Breaks" program marked its 21st year in 2007, when once again, station reporters, anchors and meteorologists took time out of their hectic lives to go to area libraries to read with local children. In fact, the station talent went to 14 different libraries and read to thousands of children throughout Onondaga County. The program is such a hit with children, parents and librarians that WTSM plans to expand it to another regional library system. This means even more children will be better prepared when summer ends and school is back in session. "WSTM’s ‘Book Breaks’ program is a wonderful way to help us promote reading each summer," said Genie DuPell, director of youth and family services at the Fayetteville Free Library. To promote the events, the station produced three 30-second promotional spots that aired 176 times from June to August. WTSM also created a public affairs segment that ran in a weekend newscast and aired two newscast segments on the reading events themselves.

Stations Help Students Stay in School

In the United States, 42 percent of children of Hispanic descent drop out of high school. That’s a statistic that KDUT-FM, KTUB-AM, KBMG-FM and KBTU-TV in Salt Lake City, Utah, are trying to change. The stations have launched a group-wide effort targeted at keeping kids in school. Each month, nearly 100 public service announcements air on the four stations. Messaging focuses on staying in school; alternative educational programs, such as the general equivalency diploma and night school; and stopping drug abuse and teen pregnancy, two issues that often lead to an end in formal education. The stations produce the announcements in-house with prominent Hispanic leaders, educators and doctors from the area. In addition, topics related to education and staying in school are regularly covered in public affairs programming. Principals have been interviewed about scholarship programs, law enforcement has talked about the dangers of drug abuse and Planned Parenthood has provided information on teen pregnancy. Bustos Media, the Spanish-language radio and television company that owns all four stations, also supports education by contributing both funds and airtime to the Utah Chamber of Commerce Scholarship, which has grown more than 300 percent over the last four years, and now provides assistance to 20 students each year.

WSLQ-FM Provides School Supplies to Area Students

Many children went back to school ready to learn and stocked with school supplies, thanks to WSLQ-FM in Roanoke, Va., and its annual "Pack the Bus" campaign. For five days in August, Dick and Dave from the station’s morning show did a series of live broadcasts from the parking lot of local area stores, where they invited listeners to donate everything from backpacks to pencils to provide for children who would otherwise be without. The crew "packed" the donated supplies in school buses at the event. Officials from the 21 school systems that benefit from the campaign joined the WSLQ team for the live broadcasts. The 2007 event provided $50,000 worth of school supplies, covering children in schools throughout the entirety of the station’s geographic listening area.

WLUK-TV Recognizes Importance of Education

To highlight the importance of education, WLUK-TV in Green Bay, Wis., recognizes the city’s top teachers and students each school year. Eight local teachers who have made a difference in the classroom are awarded the station’s Golden Apple Award. To ensure widespread participation, the station produces and broadcasts public service announcements encouraging students to nominate their favorite educator. The station’s anchors then head into the schools to tape the winning teachers with their students. Each winner is profiled in a two-minute news story, and the station airs a one-hour live telecast of the black-tie awards banquet. WLUK also pays tribute to top students with its "Best of the Class" awards, in which the station invites 108 high schools to send their valedictorians to a ceremony held at the Green Bay Packers’ football stadium, Lambeau Field. Each valedictorian is videotaped in cap and gown, from which the station’s editors develop 30-second vignettes that air 150 times. In addition, all the stories and videos featuring the award-winning teachers and students are posted on the station’s Web site.

WMDT-TV Promotes Scholarship Opportunities

WMDT-TV Informs Salisbury, Md., Students About Available Educational Scholarships

Brechner-owned WMDT-TV Salisbury, Md., recently joined the Delmarva Education Foundation (DEF) to launch a series of informational segments educating viewers about locally available scholarships and grants. Across Salisbury, numerous graduating students require financial support in order to attend college; however, many students and their parents are unaware of financial opportunities provided throughout their local community. Recognizing the need for broader awareness, WDMT-TV launched the series of announcements during 6 p.m. newscasts on Wednesday and Saturday evenings. All of the scholarships featured in the series appear on the DEF website, and the DEF staff is available to assist interested students with the process at no charge. Click here to watch a recent DEF announcement.

Illinois Broadcasters Foundation Launches New Scholarship Program

The Illinois Broadcasters Foundation (IBF) recently announced it will match scholarship funds created by members of the Illinois Broadcasters Association (IBA). Specifically, the IBF will match up to $500 of an IBA-member station scholarship designed specifically for graduating high school seniors pursuing a major in a broadcast-related field. Students applying for the scholarship must be academically eligible and accepted by an Illinois university or community college. The IBF committed up to $100,000 for the scholarship program for the 2012-2013 academic year.

"I can’t think of a better use of IBF funds. Bottom line: we’re positively impacting the lives of tomorrow’s broadcasters," said Illinois Broadcasters Foundation Chair Russ Withers, president of Withers Broadcasting.

’Simpsons’ Creator Matt Groening Gives $500,000 for UCLA Chair

"The Simpsons" creator Matt Groening donated $500,000 to the University of California, Los Angeles. The artist and creator of the long-running animated FOX series will be the namesake of the Matt Groening Chair in Animation at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. The endowment will "allow visiting master artists to teach classes" and "bring working professionals with wide-ranging expertise" to work with students. Matt gives an annual gift of $50,000 to UCLA to support students who create short animated films with socially conscious themes.

WCSC-TV Brings Community Together Through Literature

Surveys show the majority of Americans haven’t pick up a book lately, but that is not the case in the viewing area of WCSC-TV in Charleston, S.C., where the station recently partnered with the local library for its first-ever "Big Read." The campaign, which was centered around a community-wide reading of Zora Neale Hurston’s 1937 book "Their Eyes Were Watching God," promoted literacy and celebrated bringing people together through literature. The novel was a perfect pick for the residents of the lowcountry, who have a rich Gullah heritage and a desire to preserve Gullah traditions. In total, more than 58,000 people attended 60 Big Read events at 30 locations across the county, including local colleges, bookstores, rural community centers and outdoor venues. More than 100 public service announcements featuring WCSC anchor Ann McGill aired in support of the project. News coverage was heavy and included more than two dozen community segments, on-set interviews and live broadcasts from events, some of which were hosted by station talent. McGill conducted the program "Zora’s Insight of the Rural South," where she talked about how growing up in rural South Carolina gave her insight into the characters in the book, and anchor Raphael James emceed a final event, "Their Eyes Were Watching God: Expressions of Praise in the Southern Folk Tradition."

Radio Disney Launches Back to School Drive

Radio Disney recently announced its stations, which are located in 31 markets, will work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for its first annual Back to School Drive. The Disney stations will host local events through September 15 and encourage attendees to donate school supplies, particularly pre-packaged pens, pencils, markers, crayons and chalk, which will be provided to local Boys & Girls Clubs.

WCPO-TV Holds ’Careers in Media’ Program

To introduce students to the world of broadcast journalism, WCPO-TV in Cincinnati, Ohio, began its "Careers in Media" program, which provides internships in the studio to minority high school students. The program aims to inspire local minority students to consider television and other media as they begin thinking about college and their future careers. Resume writing, correspondence, interviewing, time management and college planning are also part of the program. Each year, the station sends a letter and application form to all high schools within WCPO’s broadcast area, and the station’s community affairs director makes visits to high school career days and school assemblies to talk about the opportunity. Each student who participates is required to complete a project, which is presented to parents, teachers and station management at the end of the summer. WCPO has joined forces with local radio, newspaper, Internet and advertising agencies to expand internship opportunities to all facets of mass communication. Since the program began in 2001, 50 students have participated, and 93 percent of them have chosen a media-related field of study in college.

KGW-TV Holds School Supply Drive

When KGW-TV in Portland, Ore., learned that more than 40 percent of families in the state struggle to afford basic school supplies, and that teachers spend an average of $1,200 out-of-pocket for classroom supplies, it went to work on a new campaign. In its inaugural year, the KGW School Supply Drive sent more than 5,500 children to their first day of school wearing a backpack filled a year’s worth of supplies. Forty-five area school districts benefited. News stories, a special Web page, public service announcements featuring the station’s anchors and a video blog by reporter Drew Carney all helped make it easy for the community to get involved. The School Supply Drive is one of three drives the station supports annually. Last year’s Spring Food Drive brought in more than 1 million pounds of food and more than 60,000 toys were collected during the station’s Christmas Toy Drive, setting a new record.

LIN to Award Training Scholarships, Internships

LIN Media will award one broadcast television scholarship/internship and one digital media scholarship/internship in April. LIN has awarded two-year scholarships as part of its Minority Scholarship and Training Program since 1998.

LIN Media said the Minority Scholarship and Training Program "is an integral part of the company’s strategy to strengthen its talent base and deepen connections within its local communities by building on the cultural diversity of its workforce."

Each student will receive a two-year scholarship for up to $10,000 per year to use toward tuition, fees, books and room and board. In addition, LIN will provide each student with a paid internship at one of its television stations and a full-time position at LIN Media upon graduation and successful completion of the training program.

DonorsChoose.org Chosen for Clear Channel Push

Clear Channel Communications named DonorsChoose.org as its quarter one 2012 non-profit partner. DonorsChoose.org raises funds for teachers’ classroom projects. "Tools for Classrooms," a collaboration between Clear Channel Communities, DonorsChoose.org and Chase, will spotlight the lack of educational resources in U.S. classrooms. A three-month radio campaign will air 300,000 radio spots nationally on 850 stations. Personalities and artists such as Ryan Seacrest, Kelly Clarkson, LMFAO and Kris Allen encourage listeners to contribute to DonorsChoose.org. Chase and other partners will match donations for a total commitment of $250,000.
"I am really excited to partner with other great musicians in an effort to help teachers like my wife in communities all around the country," said Kris Allen, platinum recording artist and 2009 American Idol winner.
Approximately 40 percent of U.S. classrooms use DonorsChoose.org. Teachers use the website to post specific requests for their classrooms, such as pencils for a poetry writing unit, violins for a recital or microscope slides for biology. Visitors to the website decide which project to support and DonorsChoose.org delivers the materials once the funding goal is reached. Contributors receive photos of their selected project, a thank-you letter from the teacher and a cost report showing how each dollar was spent; those who donate $50 or more receive hand-written thank you letters from students.
Each quarter, Clear Channel Communities will spotlight a leading national non-profit organization that addresses critical issues in one of four focus areas: family and social impact; health and wellness; education and literacy; and music and arts.

WCVO-FM Collects Backpacks for Columbus Students

One Connection Media’s WCVO-FM Columbus kicked off its annual Mission Backpack, a drive to collect school supplies for area children. This year Heartland Bank has partnered with WCVO-FM and listeners can donate backpacks filled with supplies at 11 bank locations through August 18th. WCVO-FM aims to collect 1,004 backpacks to donate to the Lutheran Social Services Food Pantry.

Schurz Communications, Notre Dame Partner on "Innovation Challenge"

Schurz Communications partnered with the computer science and engineering department at the University of Notre Dame on their first "innovation challenge," in which students and faculty will "consider real-world digital solutions and opportunities for 21st century media companies." The challenge begins in the fall and will initially focus on mobile media development. Winning prototypes will receive cash prizes. "New relationships with young developers, designers and database talent – literally blocks away – is a potential game changer," said Todd Schurz, CEO of Schurz Communications. Notre Dame and Schurz have been cornerstones in South Bend for 150 years.

Broadcast Networks Utilized All Platforms on Election Night

Major broadcast networks’ election night coverage included multiplatform initiatives and elaborate presentations. NBC turned Rockefeller Center’s ice rink into a massive U.S. map with states turning red or blue as results returned. CBS utilized eight TV studios and three state-of-the-art control rooms to produce its coverage, including virtual reality models of the House and Senate. ABC’s broadcast from Times Square included a special edition of "World News with Diane Sawyer," panels of political analysts, and historical context from Barbara Walters, who has interviewed every President since Nixon. Fox Broadcasting Company’s live coverage included analysis, exit poll data and live reports from the candidate’s campaign headquarters and footage from battleground states. Univision highlighted important topics for Hispanic viewers and offered Tu Cámara for users to upload videos and photos from the polls to share online. ABC and Univision also used YouTube’s Elections Hub.





How Broadcasters Serve Their Communities

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