July 20, 2020
Local radio and television broadcasters are playing an important role in supporting their local economy by keeping audiences informed about what businesses in their area are open during the pandemic and helping businesses stay connected to their customers.
Gray Television’s KVLY recently ran a segment spotlighting a local nonprofit that provides services to seniors and discussed how residents can support the organization during these uncertain times.
Hubbard Radio Group’s KTMY-FM partnered with the Neighborhood Development Center to help bring awareness and support to businesses owned by people of color that were destroyed during the recent protests along the Lake Street corridor in Minneapolis and the Midway and Frogtown areas of St. Paul. To date, nearly $150,000 has been raised.
iHeartMedia stations in Seattle are supporting the local economy in multiple ways, including free spotlight ads featuring local business owners and discussing the impact COVID-19 has had on their operations. iHeartMedia Seattle has also stepped in to make sure listeners are aware of businesses that are open under the new guidelines through a dedicated website and are promoting the site through on-air announcements and social media posts. Sports Radio 950 KJR is giving local restaurants support by airing interviews with local restaurant owners and business shout outs.
Gray Television’s WBRC created a special on-air campaign allowing local businesses to send messages of support to their community. The station also created a directory website where local businesses can create free profiles to let consumers know they are open and what services they currently provide.
Scott Communications’ WALX-FM and WJAM-AM has implemented the “Local Business Protection Program” that offers area businesses and the local economy a boost by donating the unsold inventory on their stations to any local business that would like to participate.
TEGNA’s WZDX-TV has dedicated ongoing news coverage to keep viewers informed and support local businesses with information to assist them with their recovery efforts during the COVID-19 crisis.
Allen Media Broadcasting's WAAY 31 Huntsville is now producing a daily video newscast in Spanish to ensure that Spanish speaking viewers have the latest news, including information about businesses in their community.
Sinclair’s WJLA is providing a database on their station’s website that lists local businesses that are still up and running during the pandemic.
Cox Media Group’s WICZ is continuously updating a list of local businesses open in their area and the services they are providing.
Heartland Media’s WTVA has posted a list of open local businesses searchable by type of business.
Cox Media Group’s WFXT is maintaining a map and listing of local businesses open in the Southwest Florida area.
Your local broadcasters are on the front lines providing critical support to their communities, even as they struggle from a steep decline in advertising revenue. Read more stories about broadcasters’ public service at BroadcastPublicService.org.
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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