June 16, 2021
As a founding member of the COVID-19 Community Corps, NAB urged all local television and radio stations to kick off a national month of action on June 4, focusing on the goal of vaccinating 70% of adults across the U.S. by Independence Day. Below are just a few examples of broadcasters’ vaccine education efforts that kicked off the national month of action.
Meredith Corporation’s CBS affiliate WGCL-TV Atlanta, Ga., aired several stories and interviews with medical experts throughout the day. They also promoted a vaccination event that night at a local theater and provided resources to help people find other vaccination sites.
Nexstar Media Group’s Fox affiliate WFXR-TV Roanoke, Va., featured an all-day mass vaccination clinic hosted by Centra Health in honor of the national Vaccine Day of Action.
Hearst Television’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore, Md., aired several interviews with experts to explain the importance of vaccination, the progress in the state of Maryland and discuss how long the antibodies will last and the potential side effects of the vaccine.
Graham Media Group’s CBS affiliate WKMG-TV Orlando, Fla., reported on vaccine hesitancy in Daytona Beach and discussed the importance of dispelling vaccine myths and expanding outreach to vaccine hesitant communities.
Sinclair Broadcast Group’s CBS/CW affiliate WKRC-TV Cincinnati, Ohio, focused on some of the most common side effects of the vaccine to help educate those who might still be considering getting the shot.
Cumulus Media’s WPRO Providence, R.I., highlighted the month of action and detailed the numerous vaccination incentives, including free childcare and late hours at pharmacies.
Nexstar Media Group’s WHNT-TV Huntsville, Ala., encouraged people to get vaccinated to combat the spread of new variants of COVID-19. CDC research suggests vaccine antibodies offer stronger and longer protection against the mutant strains of the virus.
Sinclair Broadcast Group’s CBS affiliate WPEC West Palm Beach, Fla., aired a report on the importance of the vaccine and discussed with a local medical expert other diseases, such as polio and smallpox, that were abated because of vaccines.
Hearst Television’s ABC affiliate WCVB-TV Boston, Mass., reported on the month of action and the new focus on smaller vaccination clinic locations.
TEGNA’s Fox affiliate KIDY San Angelo, Texas, reported on the decreasing demand for the vaccine and cautioned against thinking the pandemic is over because hospitals are still admitting people with severe symptoms. The report also highlighted how the vaccine can help prevent hospitalization and death.
University of Washington’s KUOW-FM Seattle, Wash., reported on the month of action and highlighted the importance of having personal conversations about the vaccine with trusted sources such as faith leaders, community health workers and primary care doctors.
Graham Media Group’s NBC affiliate WDIV-TV Detroit, Mich., highlighted which countries are still seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases to educate those who are considering traveling.
Hearst Television’s NBC affiliate WVTM-TV Birmingham, Ala., hosted a live digital Q-and-A with a local medical expert at The University of Alabama at Birmingham to answer viewer questions about the vaccine.
Hubbard Broadcasting’s NBC affiliate WHEC-TV Rochester, New York, interviewed a local medical expert who discussed how to talk to those who are skeptical about the vaccine and lagging rates in rural areas.
The E.W. Scripps Company’s CBS affiliate WTVF Nashville, Tenn., reported on the month of action and discussed with a local medical expert how incentives can help increase Tennessee vaccination numbers.
TEGNA’s ABC affiliate WOI-DT Des Moines, Iowa, highlighted the importance of vaccinating children over the age of 12 and answered frequently asked questions about the vaccine.
The E.W. Scripps Company’s ABC affiliate KNXV-TV Phoenix, Ariz., aired a report on Arizona’s efforts to increase vaccination rates and shift away from state-run vaccination sites to community-focused pop-up events.
TEGNA’s NBC affiliate WCNC-TV Charlotte, N.C., reported on the importance of access and equity to increase vaccination rates among those who are hesitant. The report also featured a local community food truck event that offered vaccines as a way to see people you know and trust also get vaccinated.
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