December 8, 2025
Radio and television broadcasters live in the communities they work. Because of this, they understand the unique needs of their towns and cities and get personally involved in their communities. Year-round, stations host and promote service projects to support their neighbors in need. They distribute fans in summer and coats in winter, supplies for kids in school and books to read during breaks, and so much more. This service ramps up during the holiday season, when communities come together to help those who need it most. Below are just a few examples of broadcasters helping to feed the hungry this holiday season.
Over the past 16 years, Premiere Networks and "The Steve Harvey Morning Show" have given away more than 120,000 Thanksgiving turkeys to families in need nationwide. This year, more than 7,000 turkeys were distributed to communities throughout the country through show affiliates. Co-host Shirley Strawberry said, "We are happy to do this for the Steve Harvey Nation every year, and we want to shout out all the markets participating this year. Thank you all for your help in getting the turkeys distributed in your communities!"
Volunteers with the Food 4 Families campaign from NBC owned-and-operated News4 Washington in Washington, D.C., packed Thanksgiving turkeys and sides for local families with the Capital Area Food bank. "We started doing this back in the 80s," News4 alum Pat Lawson Muse said, "and the need is still great. That's why we're here."
Also supporting the Capital Area Food Bank with more than $61,000 was the Food2Feed radiothon from Howard University's WHUR. This was the 47th annual event, a remarkable history of service that demonstrates this radio station's deep ties to their community.
Greensboro, N.C.'s WFMY News 2, a TEGNA station, collected more than $100,000 and 4,800 pounds of food for the Second Harvest Food Bank during an emergency food drive this November, translating to 660,248 meals. "Most of the people we serve are working families. Parents with jobs who just can't stretch those paychecks far enough," Second Harves CEO Eric Aft told the station. "Every dollar matters. It helps us get more food out to more people, faster. We can't do it without this community."
Cumulus Media's 104.1 KRBE in Houston, Texas, wrapped its third annual Turkey Tour with Kevin & Audrey, in partnership with Kroger, with more than 10,000 pounds of food for local food banks. "Every year, our community shows up in a big way," said Leslie Whittle, content director at KRBE. "We're so grateful to everyone who donated. This event is a true reflection of Houston's heart and spirit."
Cox Media Group Atlanta partnered with the Atlanta Community Food Bank to collect 10,700 pounds of food, creating 20,128 meals for food-insecure individuals across Georgia. Atlanta Community Food Bank President and CEO Kyle Waide said, "We are grateful to Cox Media Group for continuing to help us amplify the serious issue of food insecurity in our community. The participation and dedication of the Cox Media Group radio station teams and personalities, and the generosity of everyone who donated during the events or online, will make a much-needed impact on those in need this holiday season."
Each year, Radio Ink tallies the millions in food and cash raised by these projects from radio stations across the country each holiday season.
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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