Iowa's Broadcasters

KCCI Des Moines Telethon Provides 579,645 Meals

Date Posted: 12/18/2023

Hearst Television’s KCCI in Des Moines, Iowa, raised $376,769, which translates into 579,645 meals, during the fourth annual Food Bank of Iowa Hunger-Free Holidays telethon. “The generosity of KCCI’s viewers was once again on full display,” said KCCI General Manager Brian Sather. “Being Iowa’s News Leader means going beyond covering an issue to helping solve it. We’re grateful to our viewers who stepped up to help.”

KCCI Helps Community Mourn Slain Police Officer

Date Posted: 10/18/2023

When Algona, Iowa was rocked with the news that a local police officer was killed in the line of duty, Hearst Television’s KCCI News 8 Des Moines stepped up to keep the community informed throughout. They carried the funeral live, sharing the feed with other stations.

Annual Radiothon Raises $3.4 Million for Iowa Children’s Hospital

Date Posted: 8/26/2022

Eastern Iowa’s 98.1 KHAK, owned by Townsquare Media, raised $136,270 in a two-day radiothon to benefit University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Listeners heard stories from the families touched by the hospital’s work and heard about the care they provide. An annual tradition since 1997, the radiothon has raised more than $3.4 million for the children treated by the hospital and their families.

Cumulus Stations Raise More Than $78K for Kids

Date Posted: 2/22/2022

Cumulus-owned Nash-FM (KHKI) and Classic Rocker (KGGO) in Des Moines set a new fundraising record during their recent “Music Gives to St. Jude Radiothon.” For two days, Nash-FM and Classic Rocker shared St. Jude’s mission and encouraged listeners to pledge support. The community responded with $78,580 in donations.

WOI Anchor with Twins Holds Diaper Drive for Community

Date Posted: 2/9/2022

Sabrina Ahmed, news anchor for WOI in Des Moines, Iowa, is the mother of twins, Beau and Bella, who just turned 2 years old. To celebrate the end of her twins needing diapers, WOI held “Beau & Bella’s Birthday Diaper Drive” in February. Ahmed felt such love and support from the Des Moines community as she became a mother, she wanted to give back to local families.

Iowa TV Stations Raise $207,000 for Derecho Relief

Date Posted: 8/27/2020

Iowa television stations rallied together on August 27 to raise $207,000 for relief efforts following a derecho that hit Eastern Iowa on August 10, destroying massive swaths of crops and wreaking havoc on local communities. Gray’s KCRG Cedar Rapids, Sinclair’s KGAN Cedar Rapids and Waterloo Quincy’s KWWL Waterloo coordinated the “Eastern Iowa United” day-long community fundraiser. The money will help relief efforts through the United Way of East Central Iowa, United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties, and the Cedar Valley United Way.

“Knowing we raised $207,000 to help so many in need today and for a long time to come, is why Local TV is so vital,” said KCRG VP and GM Thom Pritz. “I’m also so very proud of KCRG’s parent company, Gray Television, who stepped up with an impressive $25,000 donation to Eastern Iowa United and The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. “

“This is a prime example of the importance of local broadcasters to their communities,” Regional Vice President Jim McKernan added.

KTIV Provides Community Support

Date Posted: 7/14/2020

KTIV Provides Community Support Quincy Media’s KTIV Sioux City, IA, provided important news coverage and community support in recent months. They provided extensive coverage of racial protests and aired messages of unity. As COVID-19 swept the globe, the station broadcast important safety messages. Read more here.

KWQC Helps Communities Recover After Flooding

Date Posted: 6/28/2020

Gray Television’s KWQC-TV Davenport, Iowa, was nominated for a 2020 Service to Community Award in the Television – Small Market category.

On the afternoon of April 30, 2019, a temporary flood barrier failed, releasing the Mississippi River into Davenport’s downtown. Following the devastation, KWQC launched an all-encompassing campaign to help the community and businesses recover. In the weeks and months that followed, this station orchestrated three major service, donation and business events to help repair the damage and raise the money and resources to recover. In addition to aiding in the recovery, this dedicated news team went one step further, launching an investigation into why the community was so ill prepared and reporting on what could have been done by city officials to inform and prepare the community for the impending devastation.

KTIV Supports Community During Pandemic

Date Posted: 5/1/2020

Quincy’s NBC affiliate KTIV Sioux City supported their community in many ways during the COVID-19 pandemic. They provided extensive news reports with critical information, thanked frontline workers and neighborhood heroes, encouraged donations to the area food bank, and reminded viewers that local businesses are still open. Read more here.

KCCI Raises $560,000 for Food Bank

Date Posted: 4/15/2020

Hearst’s CBS affiliate KCCI Des Moines raised more than $560,000 – enough for two million meals - for the Food Bank of Iowa on April 15. The “KCCI Project CommUNITY Half-Million-Meals Challenge” far exceeded the station’s original goal of a half-million meals. Watch the announcement of final totals here.

“I am surprised by the magnitude of this response and overjoyed by KCCI’s willingness to tell the story on behalf of food insecure Iowans,” said Michelle Book, president and CEO, Food Bank of Iowa.

Iowa Broadcasters Support Community

Date Posted: 3/24/2020

Keokuk Broadcasting’s WCEZ-FM and KOKX-AM Keokuk, IA, created a special section on its website for local businesses to advertise their current availability. The section highlighting local bars and restaurants contains current information, hours, phone number and modes of contact along with their menus for carry out and delivery. Information is also being shared on social media. The stations are offering free on-air ads and live reads to local businesses.

KCAU Raises $37,000 for Families Battling ALS

Date Posted: 2/15/2020

Nexstar’s ABC affiliate KCAU-TV Sioux City helped raise $37,000 for families affected by ALS during the sixth annual “Pete Goede Memorial Concert” on February 9. The event featured four local bands and a live auction. The concert, named for a local musician who died of ALS, has raised more than $100,000 since its conception.

Quincy’s KTIV Supports Local Families

Date Posted: 1/22/2020

Quincy Media’s NBC/CW affiliate KTIV-TV Sioux City, IA supported the community through several initiatives at the end of 2019. KTIV sponsored the annual “Red Shoe Shindig” for the Ronald McDonald House, which raised $107,770 on November 22. Station anchor Matt Breen served as emcee.

The station concluded their annual “Spread the Joy” campaign on December 23 to support the Food Bank of Siouxland. KTIV produced a television spot to encourage donations of peanut butter and jelly. In total, the food drive collected over 5,000 pounds of food.

KTIV also partnered with Goodwill on December 7 to distribute hats and gloves for 3,000 kids during the 79th annual “Shoe and Mitten Party.” Station employees volunteered during the event and the station broadcast spots to encourage donations leading up to the event.

KJJY Des Moines Raises $140,000

Date Posted: 12/12/2019

Cumulus-owned KJJY-FM Des Moines raised more than $140,000 in the “Two Days of Compassion” radiothon on December 11 and 12. Donations benefit Variety’s Compassion Fund to help alleviate the stress and financial burden a family faces while their child is hospitali On-air personalzed.

ities, including Hatfield & McCoy, Tony Conrad and Chad Taylor, along with Jacob Beals, helped collect over $140,000 in support of critically ill children and their families in Central Iowa.

Sioux Falls Cluster Raises $278,000

Date Posted: 12/6/2019

Midwest Communications-owned KELO-FM, KRRO-FM, KTWB-FM and KQSF-FM Sioux Falls, S.D., raised $278,000 during the 14th annual “Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon for Kids,” held December 5 - 6 to benefit Sanford Children’s Hospital. The stations broadcast live for 36 hours from the lobby of the hospital.

KWWL Special Focuses on Iowa’s Family Farms

Date Posted: 12/4/2019

Quincy’s dual NBC-CW affiliate KWWL Waterloo, IA, aired an hour-long special on November 21 focused on the challenges facing farmers. “Growing Forward: The Future of Farming in Iowa” special included a live panel discussion featuring Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. The special examined the impact of the trade war, changes in technology, the uncertainties of weather and markets, and issues with what happens to the family farm if younger generations choose different careers. They also talked about managing the growing size of conventional farm, as farm sizes in the past few decades have grown from a few hundred acres to several thousand acres.

WHO-HD Wins 28 Awards for Excellence

Date Posted: 5/31/2019

Tribune Broadcasting’s WHO-HD Des Moines won 28 awards for journalism excellence on April 13, 2019. The station received the "Best Newcast" first place honor at the Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association annual awards for coverage of the Molly Tibbetts case, in addition to 10 other accolades. The Iowa Broadcast News Association awarded WHO-HD 17 awards, including "Overall Excellence" honors for best news operation state-wide.

KCCI-TV to Host Debates

Date Posted: 5/1/2018

Hearst’s CBS affiliate KCCI-TV, together with The Des Moines Register, will sponsor two live televised debates in the Democratic primary races for Iowa governor and the 3rd Congressional District. Both debates will be broadcast on KCCI-TV and live-streamed on the Register’s and KCCI’s websites and mobile apps on May 30 and 31 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Alpha Media, Fort Dodge Provides More Than 500 Bikes for Tykes

Date Posted: 12/11/2017

Alpha Media’s KIAQ-FM, KXFT-FM, KTLB-FM, KKEZ-FM, KZLB-FM, KWMT-AM and KVFD-AM Fort Dodge held their “Bikes for Tykes” fundraiser November 28 – December 12. This year’s event collected 523 new bicycles to benefit Operation Christmas Church Women United and Upper Des Moines Opportunity. To date, Bikes for Tykes has collected over 3,500 bicycles for less fortunate children in the Fort Dodge area. “It’s great to be able to receive so many donations so we can help less fortunate kids in our community have a wonderful Christmas,” said Alpha Media, Fort Dodge Market Manager Steve Grgossweiler. “Our staff worked diligently to get the word out and help raise donations of cash and brand-new bicycles.  Once again, Bikes for Tykes was a complete success!”

Carroll Broadcasting Hosts Blood Drive

Date Posted: 10/31/2017

Carroll Broadcasting’s KKRL-FM, KIKD-FM and KCIM-FM hosted a Halloween themed blood drive called the "Dracula Drive" and had an overwhelming response. During the drive 88 units of blood were collected from 111 people. This is well beyond the normal attendance of 30 people at blood drives at the Life Serve Blood Center from Des Moines. The drive will benefit 264 people. “All that from a town of ten thousand was a fantastic turnout,” said Operations Manager John Ryan.

KCCI Earns Emmy for Football Concussion

Date Posted: 10/11/2017

Hearst’s CBS affiliate KCCI-TV Des Moines earned an Emmy Award from the Upper Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for its sports special “Impact: Concussions, CTE, and the Fight To Save Football.” Of the over one million students who play football in the United States, an estimate 20 percent suffer a concussion, which often goes undiagnosed. The special explores the effects and what is being done to make the game safer.

Alpha Media Stations Collect Food for The Salvation Army

Date Posted: 11/21/2016

Alpha Media’s North Dallas-Sherman-McKinney, IA stations hosted the “20th Annual Bob Skaggs Memorial Food Drive” November 21-23. Nine U-Haul trucks were filled and 178,920 food items were collected in support of The Salvation Army of Grayson County, which helps community members in need.

KIOA/Des Moines Raises Over $112,000 For American Legion In Radiothon

Date Posted: 11/11/2016

Saga Communications’ KIOA-FM Des Moines raised over $112,000 for the American Legion of Iowa with its "Vets of Valor" radiothon on November 11. All money raised directly benefits the legion and local veterans in need. “Iowans never fail to leave me stunned by their generosity,” said KIOA Brand Manager Alan White. “With the help of our loyal listeners, we vastly outraised last year’s total.”

Cumulus Des Moines Hosts Record-Setting FriendsGiving

Date Posted: 11/6/2016

Cumulus Media Des Moines hosted a world-record setting FriendsGiving on November 6 to bring awareness and donations of food and clothes for local people in need. More than 600 people participated in the Guinness World Record for the "Largest Number of People Breaking Bread" and enjoyed a traditional holiday meal per day. The event benefited Hope Ministries, which feeds about 450 people per day. “We tried to come up with a fun way to get people talking about it and engaged in the conversation of how they can help people right in their community with clothes and food donations," said Event organizer, Elizabeth Stewart.

Senator Grassley agrees to televised debate for Iowa Senate Race

Date Posted: 10/19/2016

Quincy’s NBC affiliates KTIV-TV Sioux City, KWWL-TV Cedar Rapids, KTTC-TV Rochester, Minn. and WGEM-TV Quincy, Ill., hosted a debate on October 19 between Senator Grassley and Democratic challenger Patty Judge. The debate also streamed live online. “Sen. Grassley looks forward to another debate with a statewide audience,” said Grassley’s Campaign Manager Bob Haus.

WHO-AM Helps Veterans One Puppy at a Time

Date Posted: 10/7/2016

iHeartMedia’s WHO-AM Des Moines afternoon drive talk host Simon Conway raised a record $22,000 on October 7 for The Puppy Jake Foundation, far surpassing last year’s total of $6,000. The Puppy Jake Foundation acquires, raises and trains service dogs for physically and mentally wounded veterans. Since the beginning of 2016, they have given 11 service dogs to wounded veterans, with nine more “graduates” scheduled to receive their diplomas in March 2017. “I was speechless … for about two seconds,” joked Conway. “People drove long distances, handed over huge sums of money and donated enough to acquire, train and ultimately hand over a service dog to a wounded Veteran for free!”

KCRG Covers Cedar Rapids Floods

Date Posted: 9/27/2016

Gray Television’s ABC affiliate KCRG-TV Cedar Rapids, IA aired critical flood coverage on September 27. The Cedar River was expected to crest at 23 feet that afternoon, which caused flooding in several neighborhoods throughout the region.

Grassley and Judge Agree to Radio and Television Debates

Date Posted: 8/4/2016

Incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley announced August 5 that he accepted invitations to participate in two face-to-face debates with 2016 challenger Patty Judge. The debates are being hosted by Iowa Public Television and iHeartMedia’s WHO-AM Des Moines.

Radio Dubuque Staffers Honored for Heroism

Date Posted: 6/2/2016

Four Radio Dubuque staff members in Dubuque, IA - Lisa Bennett, Mike Callaghan, Josh Crowell, and Tim Lar - were honored for their heroism by the State Fire Marshall’s Office for helping evacuate Loras College’s Visitation Hall when it caught fire in March. Dubuque Fire Chief Rick Steines has no doubt that they saved lives. Loras College also presented Radio Dubuque with a proclamation from the Board of Regents. Radio Dubuque stations include KDTHA-AM, KATF-FM, KGRR-FM and WVRE-FM.

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.

WHO-TV Earns Regional Murrow Award for Vietnam Vet Story

Date Posted: 4/12/2016

Tribune’s NBC affiliate WHO-TV Des Moines won two Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards in the small market television category. WHO won for The Wounds of War, a story about three Vietnam vets who talk about their experiences and the war wounds they continue to endure.

WHO-TV Wins Awards for Journalism Excellence

Date Posted: 4/9/2016

Tribune’s NBC affiliate WHO-TV Des Moines was honored April 9 by the Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association with 16 awards for journalism excellence in the Medium Market-Television category. The station’s ten first place awards include investigative reporting, hard news and weather excellence. “Their hard work and dedication to excellence continues to be recognized not only by our incredible viewers but also by their peers,” said News Director Rod Peterson. “I am proud to work with them every day.”

KCRG-TV Raises $22,000 for Wildfire Relief

Date Posted: 4/8/2016

Gray’s ABC affiliate KCRG-TV Cedar Rapids, IA raises almost $22,000 for the Red Cross on April 21. The telethon supports Red Cross’ recent efforts following wildfires, plus a program to distribute smoke detectors in nearby Waterloo.

WHO-AM Raises $75,000 for Puppy Jake Foundation

Date Posted: 4/3/2016

iHeartMedia’s WHO-AM Des Moines raised $75,000 during the annual radiothon for the Puppy Jake Foundation, hosted by on air personality Simon Conway. The Puppy Jake Foundation helps military veterans through professionally trained service dogs.

KCCI-TV to Add Three Additional Hours of Live News Every Week

Date Posted: 3/1/2016

Hearst’s CBS affiliate KCCI-TV Des Moines announced an additional half-hour local newscast that will broadcast seven days a week on its multicast channel, beginning March 21. “KCCI is committed to being Iowa’s News Leader,” said KCCI President and General Manager Brian Sather. “We know people are looking for news all day long. So from our expanded, market leading newscasts to our online, social and mobile platforms, we are delivering the same high quality news and weather whenever and wherever our viewers want it.”

KMEG Sioux City, Iowa, Collects Toys and Coats

Date Posted: 2/4/2016

Waitt Broadcasting’s CBS affiliate KMEG and Sinclair’s Fox affiliate KPTH Sioux City, Iowa, collected toys for more than 3,500 children this December, setting a record for the event. They also collected 1,500 coats from a dozen collection points, which were distributed through the Salvation Army of Sioux City.

KCRG Raises $100,000 for Healthy Meals

Date Posted: 1/14/2016

Cedar Rapids Television’s ABC affiliate KCRG-TV Cedar Rapids, Iowa, raised $100,000 on December 6 for the Heritage Area Agency on Aging in the "Fill the Plate" telethon. In 2014, Heritage delivered 330,000 healthy meals to low-income seniors in Eastern Iowa.

KCCI Presents Presidential Debate

Date Posted: 1/14/2016

Hearst’s CBS affiliate KCCI-TV Des Moines presented a November 14 debate between Democratic Presidential candidates at Drake University. The debate was held one day after the terror attacks in Paris, so KCCI adjusted its focus to address the tragedy.

KGLI-FM, KSEZ-FM Fundraise for Hospital

Date Posted: 1/14/2016

iHeartMedia’s KGLI-FM and KSEZ-FM Sioux City, IA raised $44,000 during the St. Luke’s Children’s Miracle Network radiothon, Oct. 15-16. One-hundred percent of the money aids families and kids such as Taytum Thomas, who weighed less than one and half pounds at birth.

WHO-HD Hosts Live Presidential Forums

Date Posted: 1/14/2016

Tribune’s NBC affiliate WHO-TV Des Moines, IA aired three one-hour live presidential candidate forums. On Nov. 17, neurosurgeon Ben Carson discussed education. On Nov. 18, two-term Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal discussed his plan for the nation’s health care system. On Nov. 19, Donald Trump shared ideas on helping the economy. Iowans submitted questions on social media and in person. (Watch video).

KHAK-FM Radiothon Raises $130,000 for CMN

Date Posted: 10/19/2015

Townsquare Media’s KHAK-FM Cedar Rapids, Iowa, raised $130,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) and University of Iowa Children’s Hospital during its 19th annual radiothon, held September 3-4. KHAK told listeners that "these are families from your town — your neighborhood… Every dollar stays here to help us help these families and these kids by building them a new children’s hospital."

WHO-AM Employee Advocates for New Legislation

Date Posted: 5/6/2015

iHeartMedia owned WHO-AM Des Moines, IA afternoon drive host Simon Conway met Kerri Kasem, daughter of the late Casey Kassem, and was inspired by her story about being denied access to her father during his final days. Through radio advocacy, Conway joined Kassem’s state-by-state campaign to develop protective legislation. The work paid off when on April 24, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad signed the “Adult Visitation Bill” into order. Iowa is the first state to enact such legislation.

WHO-AM Passes out 5,000 Pork Loins

Date Posted: 1/13/2015

iHeartMedia’s WHO-AM Des Moines, Iowa morning hosts Van Harden and Bonnie Lucas gave away 5,000 packaged pork loins on Dec. 17 for those in need this holiday season. The drive-through giveaway, held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, attracted thousands. Watch the video here.

WHO-AM Host Supports Service Dogs for Troops

Date Posted: 12/4/2014

WHO-AM Des Moines, Iowa, host Simon Conway held a drive-thru BBQ for the Puppy Jake Foundation, which acquires, raises and trains service dogs for wounded military veterans. In two hours, WHO-AM served 800 sandwiches and raised more than $4,000. "Also on hand were dogs - lots of them - including the first dog to have been given to a veteran, Puppy Jake himself ..." Conway said.

Debates on Iowa TV Stations Feature High Profile Candidates

Date Posted: 11/20/2014

Media General’s NBC affiliate KWQC-TV Davenport, Iowa aired and streamed three debates: on Sept. 20, incumbent Governor Terry Branstad faced Jack Hatch; on Oct. 11, candidates in the race to represent the state’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives Dave Loebsack and Mariannette Miller-Meeks debated; and on Oct. 11, Bruce Braley and Joni Ernst’s debate on KWQC-TV took on national importance, as the outcome of the election affected control of the U.S. Senate.

Nexstar Broadcasting Group aired a debate on Oct. 16 between Braley and Ernst on its ABC affiliate KCAU-TV Sioux City, Iowa and its ABC affiliate WOI-TV Des Moines, Iowa. Nexstar later replayed the debate on its CBS affiliate, WHBF-TV Rock Island, Ill.

KCCI-TV Airs and Streams Live Debates

Date Posted: 11/20/2014

Hearst Television’s CBS affiliate KCCI-TV Des Moines, Iowa, hosted and streamed a live debate on Sept. 28 for candidates running for Iowa’s open U.S. Senate seat, Republican Joni Ernst and U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley. On Oct. 6, KCCI-TV hosted a debate between Staci Appel and David Young, who both ran for the U.S. House of Representatives.

KCCI-TV to Host Debate for Iowa’s U.S. Senatorial Candidates

Date Posted: 9/8/2014

Hearst Television’s CBS affiliate KCCI-TV Des Moines has partnered with The Des Moines Register to host a live debate on September 28 for candidates running for Iowa’s open U.S. Senate seat. Iowa State Senator Joni Ernst (R) and U.S. Representative Bruce Braley (D) will face-off live from Simpson College, and the debate will be moderated by KCCI-TV’s Kevin Cooney and The Des Moines Register’s Kathie Obradovich. The debate will stream live on both organizations’ websites.

Hearst’s KCCI-TV Hosts Two Iowa Debates

Date Posted: 6/9/2014

Hearst Television’s KCCI-TV Des Moines, Iowa, hosted two, 90-minute primetime debates in late May for candidates running in the 2014 Elections. The first debate on May 27 featured Republican candidates running for Iowa’s Third District U.S. House seat. The second debate on KCCI-TV included the Republican candidates running for Iowa’s U.S. Senate seat. Both debates were part of the station’s "Commitment 2014" coverage and were moderated by KCCI-TV anchors. In addition to the live broadcast, the debates were streamed live on the station’s website and app.

KCVM-FM Cedar Falls, Iowa Wins 2014 NAB Crystal Radio Award

Date Posted: 5/14/2014

In 2013, Coloff Family’s KCVM-FM Cedar Falls, Iowa showed its commitment to community service by donating more than 21,400 minutes of air-time valued at $856,000 to nonprofit groups and organizations. The station’s own 501-C3 charity took its 14th group of chronic and terminally ill children on an all-expense-paid, dream vacation to Disney World. The organization raised a record $92,900 in the effort, and organized two community events attended by more than 20,000 people. Station staff donated more than 832 hours to this effort, and an additional 805 hours to many other worthy causes, for a total of 1,637 hours. The same year, the station recognized hard-working and deserving teachers, promoted animal welfare and recognized community heroes and heroes who fought for America in WWII. Overall, KCVM contributed to campaigns that raised $775,000 for area organizations in 2013. KCVM-FM lived up to its mission statement–Service to Listeners. Service to Advertisers. Service to Our Community.–making it a worthy recipient of a 2014 NAB Crystal Radio Award.

WOI-TV Raises $4.1 Million for Variety-The Children’s Charity

Date Posted: 4/13/2014

Nexstar Broadcasting’s ABC affiliate WOI-TV West Des Moines, Iowa, recently aired the 40th Annual Variety Telethon to support Variety-the Children’s Charity, which is dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged, at-risk and special needs children throughout Iowa. This year’s 20-hour telethon raised more than $4.1 million, the highest amount WOI-TV has ever raised for Variety in one year. Since its inception, the telethon has raised nearly $100 million in Iowa.

Iowa Radio and TV Stations Raise $38,000 for Relief Efforts

Date Posted: 6/7/2013

Young Broadcasting’s KWQC-TV Davenport, Iowa, raised more than $38,000 for the American Red Cross’ relief efforts in Moore, Okla. Six radio stations owned by the Clear Channel Radio Group partnered with KWQC-TV in requesting donations through broadcast and social media outlets. "The kindness of the Quad Cities never ceases to amaze me," said Ken Freedman, vice president and general manager of KWQC. Last fall, KWQC received similar levels of support in fundraising following Hurricane Sandy.

Quincy’s KTIV Supports Local Families

Quincy Media’s NBC/CW affiliate KTIV-TV Sioux City, IA supported the community through several initiatives at the end of 2019. KTIV sponsored the annual “Red Shoe Shindig” for the Ronald McDonald House, which raised $107,770 on November 22. Station anchor Matt Breen served as emcee.

The station concluded their annual “Spread the Joy” campaign on December 23 to support the Food Bank of Siouxland. KTIV produced a television spot to encourage donations of peanut butter and jelly. In total, the food drive collected over 5,000 pounds of food.

KTIV also partnered with Goodwill on December 7 to distribute hats and gloves for 3,000 kids during the 79th annual “Shoe and Mitten Party.” Station employees volunteered during the event and the station broadcast spots to encourage donations leading up to the event.

KCAU-TV Collects 800+ Toys for Sioux City Children

Citadel Communications’ KCAU-TV Sioux City, Iowa, held its annual toy drive to benefit The Salvation Army’s Operation Toys program. For a month, viewers were encouraged to donate a new toy to a deserving child. News anchors Tim Seaman and Jenna Rehnstrom were featured in the on-air campaign. With the help of viewers, KCAU-TV collected toys for over 800 families. KCAU-TV has supported Operation Toys for over 20 years.

KCCI-TV Elevates Political Coverage

Hearst Television’s Commitment 2012 will involve an intensified effort at the group’s 25 news-producing TV stations, and on their respective local websites and mobile sites, to provide comprehensive coverage of national, state and local election campaigns. Hearst Television owns the leading television stations in Des Moines, Iowa (KCCI-TV), a centerpiece of the January 3 Iowa Caucus and Manchester, N.H. (WMUR-TV), a focal point of the January 10 New Hampshire primary.

Commitment 2012’s“12 in 12” pledges a minimum 12 minutes’ airtime for daily political news and candidate-discourse per weekday and on weekends (when possible), in the 30 days prior to the primary and general elections. Each station will also produce a “Virtual Town Hall” in the 30 days leading up to the election.

As part of “Commitment 2012 Investigates,” award-winning reporters from the Hearst station group will produce a series of reports throughout the year examining the campaign money trail and other issues important to viewers. The Election App, due for launch in spring 2012, will include customizable content in each market to help voters make informed decisions on-the-go, yet another way Hearst stations are delivering a comprehensive “3-screen experience” for audiences.

“We will continue to urge major political candidates to appear on our television stations,” said David Barrett, president and CEO of Hearst Television Inc. “In return, we pledge to provide the most thoughtful, in-depth and responsible electronic news coverage of the political process in our markets. And we promise to do so in a way that effectively reaches voters of all demographics – on-air, online and on-the-go.”

KFJB-AM Collects Coats for Marshalltown, Iowa’s Kids

David Nelson’s KFJB-AM Marshalltown, Iowa, was proud to hold the station’s 5th annual "Coats for Kids" drive in partnership with Niehouse Cleaners of Marshalltown and the Salvation Army. Coats are dropped off at Niehouse Cleaners, cleaned free of charge and then distributed through the Salvation Army to those in need in Marshalltown.

Toys for Tots Finds Great Support in North Iowa from New Vision-Owned KIMT-TV

New Vision’s KIMT-TV in Mason City, Iowa, invited the station’s "Giving Your Best" partners – Diamond Jo Casino and First Citizens National Bank – to support the Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign during the holiday season. KIMT-TV staff bundled up outside a local Shopko from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. collecting toys for the drive. During those four cold hours staff received 271 toys and several cash donations. Because of the generosity of the viewers in North Iowa, more than 1,000 deserving children had presents under their tree on Christmas morning.

KCAU-TV Sioux City Holds 25th Annual Operation Toys Event

For the 25th consecutive year, Citadel Communications’ KCAU-TV Sioux City, Iowa hosted its annual Operation Toys, partnering with a local business to collect new toys for needy families of Sioux City and surrounding communities. Channel 9 KCAU-TV ran a schedule of promotional spots on-air and within their newscasts for the campaign. The station also sent letters to area schools and pre-schools inviting them to host internal toy drives and featured the schools’ successes during evening newscasts. All the toys were donated to the Salvation Army for distribution in the community.

KMRY-AM Cedar Rapids Helps Pets Find Loving Homes

Independently-owned KMRY-AM Cedar Rapids, Iowa has teamed up with a local hardware store, Edgewood Do-It-Best Hardware, to support the local animal shelter and Humane Society to help find loving homes for adoptable pets. The radio station encourages listeners to visit Cedar Rapids’ PetFinder web site where locals can view photos and receive information about animals ready for adoption in their area.

WOI-TV, KCAU-TV Telethon Raises More Than $3 Million for Children’s Charities

Citadel Communications-owned WOI-TV, Des Moines/Ames, Iowa, KCAU-TV, Sioux City, Iowa and WHBF-TV, Rock Island, Ill., combined to host the 37th Annual Variety Telethon in March, raising $3,016,441 to support the local children’s charity. Since its inception on WOI-TV in 1975, the Variety Telethon has raised more than $84 million. Through the generous support of individuals and the corporate community, the Variety telethon has provided funding for capital projects, essential medical equipment and special programs to more than 300 charities throughout Iowa and neighboring states and has put more than 400 "Sunshine Coaches" on the road transporting children to new adventures.

KSTZ-FM Des Moines Collects 205,000 Pounds of Food

The 19th annual “Combat Hunger” campaign run by KSTZ-FM in Des Moines, Iowa, is proof that even in a tough economy, the hearts of Iowans have stayed big. This year’s drive resulted in 205,000 pounds of food for the Food Bank of Iowa, which helps stock the pantries of more than 245 agencies throughout the state. During the campaign, the station moves its studio to the “Combat Hunger” encampment in downtown Des Moines and replaces normal programming with two days worth of live broadcast for the cause. This year, donations poured in from more than 190 central Iowa schools and businesses. In addition to donating air time and significant staff hours, KSTZ created a campaign Web site, where listeners could donate online and find out what food items were needed the most. “This past year, everyone has had to learn to make do with less—and yet, they’ve given more,” said Scott Allen, KSTZ program director. “After more than a year of bad news about the economy, it seems like Iowans are just determined to make their own good news.” The station prepares for the drive, which is the biggest in the state, for months before the event. Since its inception, “Combat Hunger” has generated donations of more than 1.5 million pounds of food to feed the hungry.

KMEG-FM Sioux City Collects 1,000 Winter Coats

As temperatures dropped near the single digits, KMEG-FM in Sioux City, Iowa, appealed to its viewers to help make sure no child was without a winter coat. The community showed its generosity, donating more than 1,000 coats and setting a new record for the station’s annual “Coats for Kids” campaign. The campaign is a group effort between the station and other community leaders, including Mercy Medical Center and St. Luke’s Health System. In addition to providing airtime to promote the effort, the KMEG studios were used as a donation drop-off location, along with 17 other spots in the community. "Not only is this one of the coldest winters we’ve seen, but with the downturn in the economy more kids need coats than ever,” said General Manager Scott Eymer. “Because of Siouxland’s generosity we’ll be able to give more kids coats with this new, record-setting collection.”

KCVM-FM Cedar Falls Provides Vacations for Families of Terminally Ill Kids

During the past nine years, KCVM-FM in Cedar Falls, Iowa, sent 116 families of chronic or terminally ill children on an all-expenses-paid trip of a lifetime. Magical Mix Kids, a charity founded by the station and operated by its staff, fundraises throughout each year to fly more than a dozen families to Disney World. A doctor and nurse travel with the family to provide health care. In 2007, nearly $80,000 was raised through an auction attended by 600 guests, a chili cook-off and donations from listeners and clients. Station staff put more than 400 hours of work into organizing and managing the fundraisers. Nearly three dozen community members volunteered beside them. The result: huge smiles from 16 families who visited Disney World, many pairs of Mickey Mouse ears and unforgettable memories. In a thank-you letter Bob Harms, a parent of a Magical Mix Kid, said to the station:, "Thanks, a million times again, for the best six days of Ronald’s life. It was a trip of a lifetime for that little man." The station has been recognized by the Waterloo Exchange Club with a Golden Book of Deeds award and was a 2008 National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Award winner.

KWWL-TV Waterloo Organizes Tornado Relief Fundraiser

When tornadoes devastated northeast Iowa in the spring of 2008, killing seven people and flattening hundreds of homes, KWWL-TV in Waterloo, Iowa, responded by organizing a "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" disaster relief drive. The one-day fundraiser began at 5 a.m. the day after the storm and by 10 p.m., Eastern Iowans had contributed more than $335,000 to help survivors in the aftermath. Donations poured in throughout the day by phone, online and "drive-through" style in the parking lot of the KWWL studio. A half-hour telethon special in the evening featured Gov. Chet Culver, who thanked the station for its fundraising efforts on the air. Money raised went to the Hawkeye Chapter of the American Red Cross, a lead organization in recovery efforts. "Pulling this off in less than 24 hours was a challenge, but the incredible response made all of the work worthwhile," said Jon Okerstrom, KWWL news director. "Storm survivors were coming up to our crews thanking them for what we were doing."

KIMT-TV Mason City Inspires Community

KIMT-TV in Mason City, Iowa, works to inspire its community to get involved with good causes through its "Giving Your Best" campaign. The campaign, which launched in 1997, supports several outreach efforts for nonprofits. Twice each year, it funds and organizes a family fair where thousands of residents have the opportunity to learn about local organizations. Every month, it awards someone who exemplifies volunteerism, getting the word out about the good deed through news stories and repeated vignettes. Since many teachers spend their own money to keep their classrooms going, the campaign started "Tools for Schools," which donates durable goods, such as white boards and books, in response to letters students send in nominating their classroom. The station supports "Giving Your Best" with more than $1 million worth of air time each year. "The campaign acts as a catalyst to change things for the better," said KIMT’s Steve Martinson.

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.

WHO-AM Des Moines Supports Teen Golf Challenge

At the 10th Annual Teen Challenge Golf Marathon, WHO-AM in Des Moines, Iowa, broadcast live, and on-air personalities put their athletic abilities to the test to raise funds for Iowans overcoming addictions. One case in point: Mark Allen, the WHO morning sportscaster, took out an iron at a par three hole and hit three balls for each listener who called in a pledge of $50 or more. By the 100th hole in the marathon, more than $126,000 had been raised for Teen Challenge of the Midlands, a faith-based live-in program to help teens and adults trying to turn their lives around and become sober. All team spots were sold out for the event, thanks in part to WHO’s media sponsorship, which included three months of promotional announcements, live mentions and feature stories about people who have gone through the program and beat their addiction. "WHO has helped us transform Teen Challenge from one of the state’s best kept secrets to an organization that many citizens now recognize and think highly of," said Pastor Warren Hunsberger, the regional director of Teen Challenge of the Midlands. "Our golf marathon is our principle fund-raising event, and WHO has put it on the map."