June 25, 2024
From hosting food drives and fundraisers, to issuing public safety alerts and breaking news, from severe weather updates to investigative stories, local television and radio stations are part of a critical infrastructure that keeps communities safe, heard and informed. Every year, the NAB Leadership Foundation hosts the Celebration of Service to America Awards to recognize these local television and radio stations and honor their hard work and commitment.
Gray Television’s Atlanta News First investigated seizures of cash at airport gates across the United States by DEA agents who were taking money from passengers, even when no drugs or evidence was found. As a result of the investigation, House Resolution 1525, known as the FAIR Act, has 18 cosponsors and bipartisan support in reaching the House floor.
After a mass shooting at a large downtown party occurred in the early hours of July 31, 2023, in Muncie, Ind., one person was dead, 19 people were injured and many were in critical condition. Woof Boom Radio’s 104.1 WLBC searched for an opportunity to bring Delaware County together, and they created, funded, hosted and produced a free concert on September 8, “Muncie You-Nite,” to use the power of radio to bring people together as a true community.
The news team at Gray Television’s WJHG in Panama City, Fla., began the “Chapter Chat” initiative to share the love of reading with the community after recent challenges left many struggling with poverty and living paycheck to paycheck, including Hurricane Michael, the pandemic and the loss of tourism. The station knew if the community was struggling with basic needs, then buying books for their children might not be at the top of the list.
The 2023 Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) radiothon on Zimmer Radio Group’s Y107 in Columbia, Mo., raised a record-setting total of $260,014, a $30,000 increase over the previous year. It marked the 17th year the station has partnered with CMN through MU’s Children’s Hospital to help benefit sick kids in mid-Missouri. Every dollar stays local, and no child is ever turned away regardless of a family’s ability to pay.
Hearst Television’s KETV in Omaha, Neb., spearheaded the “Voices of Gen Z – Teen Summit,” which became a shining example of community engagement, cross-generational understanding, innovation and multiplatform journalism. Teens opened up about bullying, racism, mental health, foster families and suicide. This led to initiating new channels of communication with community partners and parents.
“Acts of Love” encourages listeners to nominate a person in need, and the community team at Salem Media Group’s 104.7 The Fish in Atlanta delivers well-deserved support, donations and gifts. In 2023, 340 wishes were granted, putting more than $500,000 in the community equaling 93 months’ worth of mortgage/rent payments, 11 adaptive bikes for children with special needs, $18,550 worth of groceries and furnishings for three homes.
When the wildfires swept through Maui leaving behind mass destruction, families displaced, homes lost and lives forever changed, Bonneville International’s stations across the country used their collective voice to launch the “Maui Strong” fire relief fundraiser. The effort supported the Hawaii Community Foundation.
Cox Media Group’s investigative report into a national real estate business revealed deceptive practices to swindle customers out of their home equity. The reporting alerted and warned homeowners and sparked legal action by Florida’s attorney general and the Federal Communications Commission, ultimately escalating the matter to leaders in the Senate.
NAB and the NAB Leadership Foundation are proud to support and recognize the valuable work of local stations and broadcast groups and networks all year round. Learn more about the exemplary public service of the award winners and finalists here.
More than 2.47 million American jobs depend on broadcasting, and the local broadcast radio and television industry - and the businesses that depend on it - generate $1.17 trillion annually for the nation's economy.
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