Date Posted: 1/10/2024
Tegna station KARE 11 in Minneapolis, Minn., investigated overbilling and questionable financial practices from companies providing addiction recovery services. The station’s in-depth reporting included reviewing financial reports and Medicaid documents and interviewing clients, providers and legislators. The report drew scrutiny from lawmakers.
Date Posted: 12/18/2023
Audacy’s News Talk 830 WCCO in Minneapolis partnered with the Union Gospel Mission for the 21st annual Hunger Mission Radiothon. They raised $367,000, bringing the overall fundraising total to over $4.3 million since 2003. "We are simply in awe of the incredible generosity of our fans! This is yet another great example of how live and local radio can truly impact lives,” said Brad Lane, brand manager, 830 WCCO.
Date Posted: 2/3/2023
Audacy raised over $447,000 to benefit Second Harvest Heartland during 830 WCCO’s “Let’s Kick Hunger Day Radiothon.” The amount raised during the 14th annual radiothon held on February 2 brought the overall fundraising total to over $3.5 million since 2009. “Year after year, our fans open up their hearts to those in need,” said Jeff Gonsales, senior vice president and market manager, Audacy Minneapolis. “Lives are being impacted in significant ways, and we are incredibly grateful. WCCO’s long-standing partnership with Second Harvest Heartland means so much to us and to so many people who are helped by this community effort.”
Date Posted: 5/31/2022
KEYC partnered with the Minnesota Department of Health to host a phone bank during three newscasts to set viewers up with appointments for cancer screenings and respond to questions. SAGE, Minnesota’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program, partnered with the American Cancer Society and Mankato clinics to answer phone calls live on air. “Early screenings are among the best defenses against cancer,” the station said.
Date Posted: 5/13/2022
From April 30 -May 8, Townsquare Media radio stations in Rochester, Minn., partnered with the Rochester Neighborhood Resource Center’s “A Litter Bit Better” campaign to pick up litter around the city in a spring cleaning event.In 2021, the campaign picked up more than 8,780 pounds of trash.
“It’s always amazing to me just how much trash, garbage and other junk gets tossed into the snow along the roads and highways during our Minnesota winter,” said Quick Country 96.5’s Curt St. John. “And all that stuff is still there now after the snow has melted, and needs to be picked up.”
Date Posted: 5/12/2022
TEGNA’s KARE 11 in Minneapolis, Minn., partnered with Second Harvest Heartland for a Day of Giving to deliver food to those facing hunger in the region.
Nearly half a million Minnesotans – including 1 in every 8 children – are facing hunger. More than 30% of K-12 students in Minnesota rely on free or reduced-price meals during the school year. The arrival of summer break means the kids who rely on free or reduced-price meals face the prospect of going hungry, making this Day of Giving critical.
"We’re trying to raise money to provide a million meals to this community. So, we need this community to stick with us and help us make it happen," said Second Harvest Heartland’s CEO, Allison O’Toole.
Date Posted: 3/28/2022
The 17th annual “Radio for Relief” broadcast with Lakeland Broadcasting and corporate partner Jennie-O Turkey Store was a huge success on Friday, March 25. The radiothon brought in $58,787 in monetary donations and 5,452 lbs. of food for the Kandiyohi County Food Shelf.
Lakeland Broadcasting stations include 102.5 Q102, 1340 AM and 96.3 FM KWLM, 100.1 Big Country and 106.5 The Train.
Date Posted: 3/28/2022
As food insecurity rises in the Minnesota due to the economic hardships caused by the pandemic, WCCO-TV is stepping in to help. In partnership with The Salvation Army, WCCO-TV is hosting a month-long food drive to aid the more than 460,000 Minnesotans in need of food. The goal is to collect two million pounds of food. Throughout the month of March, viewers can drop off food donations at The Salvation Army or make online donations.
Date Posted: 3/12/2022
In response to the humanitarian crisis in Eastern Europe, Hubbard Radio’s KTMY-FM in Minneapolis-St. Paul is partnering with Minnesota-based Alight to raise money that will directly aid refugee care in Poland. The fundraiser, “myTalkers for Ukraine,” which kicked-off Monday, March 7, has already raised $105,000 and will continue through this week.
Alight, formerly known as American Refugee Committee, has a team on the ground at the Ukrainian border in Poland, assisting refugees with relief items and medical supplies for people fleeing Ukraine. They are providing baby food, diapers, sanitary items, blankets and phone chargers so people can stay connected with loved ones. Alight is offering safe transport for families once inside Poland and secure shelter in Poland. Plus, support for host communities who’ve been openly welcoming Ukranians.
Date Posted: 11/19/2021
Audacy’s 830 WCCO held its 19th annual radiothon in Minneapolis on November 16, benefiting Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities. The radiothon raised over $365,000, providing over 186,000 meals and care to those in need. This brings the fundraising total to over $3.6 million since 2003.
Throughout the radiothon, broadcast live from UGM’s St. Paul campus, WCCO conducted interviews and encouraged listeners to donate through phone banks. Donations supported Union Gospel Mission, a Christian ministry dedicated to helping people facing homelessness, poverty and addiction. The radiothon is part of Audacy’s commitment to supporting the communities it serves.
Date Posted: 10/12/2021
Gray Television’s NBC/CW affiliate KTTC Rochester, Minn., highlighted a free community event hosted by the Rochester Police Department (RPD) in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Held at a local elementary school, the event focused on building community connections and featured food, bouncy houses, police cars and fire trucks. "This is an opportunity to not only celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, but also build positive connections between law enforcement and the Hispanic and Latino Community," said RPD Chief Jim Franklin.
Date Posted: 2/4/2021
Leighton Broadcasting’s KZPK-FM St Cloud, Minn. teamed up with the "I’m Not Done Yet" Foundation to raise money for the family of a local child named Eden who is battling pediatric cancer. Managing Director Brook Stephens and the station team raised $1,160 worth of donations in under a week.
"This is Eden," the station shared in a Facebook post promoting the donation drive. "She just turned one in December and is fighting for her little life against cancer...Today, is chemo day for Eden. Let’s give the family something to celebrate."
Date Posted: 1/20/2021
In Minnesota, Quincy Media’s NBC/CW affiliate KTTC Rochester spoke with Sens. Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (MN) the next day. "The United States Capitol must be one of the safest places in the world," Smith said. "Less than 24 hours later, I was running down a hallway in the Capitol with my colleagues."
Date Posted: 11/24/2020
CBS Radio’s WCCO-AM Minneapolis raised more than $330,000 to provide over 169,000 meals and care to those in need through WCCO-AM’s “2020 Union Gospel Mission Hunger Radiothon” on November 17. The annual event, now in its 18th year, has raised in more than $3.3 million since 2003.
Date Posted: 7/1/2020
In partnership with the Neighborhood Development Center, KTMY-FM myTalk 107.1 along with its listeners and advertising partners helped to bring awareness and support to businesses owned by people of color that were destroyed during the recent riots along the Lake Street corridor in Minneapolis, and Midway and Frogtown areas of St. Paul. To date, $148,393 has been raised.
Date Posted: 7/1/2020
In the wake of recent neighborhood demonstrations, protests, and unrest in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, the KSTP-FM “Cares Food Fund” raised funds in response to the devastating property damage and loss that has stripped access to food resources for so many in the community. Funds will be distributed among food shelves serving the affected area by Hunger Solutions Minnesota. Hunger Solutions works to end hunger in Minnesota.
Date Posted: 5/22/2020
Alpha Media’s KLQL-FM Luverne, Minn., and KQAD-AM raised more than $250,000 for small businesses in the southwest region of the state. The "#RockSolid" radiothon campaign encouraged gift card purchasing from small businesses, and stations partially matched all funds raised during the event.
“The power of local radio is amazing, and the listeners and people of our community are equally amazing. What a great effort by everyone involved supporting a great cause during his difficult time,” said Alpha Media, Luverne General Manager Joel Vis.
Date Posted: 5/19/2020
WCCO-TV teamed up with Feeding the Frontline MN which helps to deliver meals to health care providers who are working tirelessly to bring care and support to all patients needing support during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Donations topped $150,000 with the help and support of advertising partners who helped to match donation efforts on May 19.
Date Posted: 5/10/2020
KMSP FOX 9 in partnership with Minnesota Public Radio hosted “Shine on Minnesota”, a broadcast event that brought together Minnesota musicians to benefit Minnesota nonprofits during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The broadcast aired on May 10 and raised $145,509 for local nonprofits like Second Harvest Heartland, Minnesota Central Kitchen, and Springboard for the Arts.
Date Posted: 4/21/2020
iHeartMedia’s KDWB-FM Minneapolis launched on April 21 a campaign to thank nurses fighting the coronavirus on National Nurses Day. Listeners are encouraging to nominate local nurses professionals to receive a gift on and share stories to express thank and honor healthcare workers.
Date Posted: 1/21/2020
Hubbard-owned KSTP-FM Minneapolis held on December 13 its 21st annual “KS95 for Kids” radiothon and raised $774,000 to benefit Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare and Children’s Cancer Research Fund.
On-air personalities Crisco, Dez, and Ryan hosted the 12-hour event, which included a performance by an 8,500-person choir at the Mall of America. The money supports local kids with chronic illness and childhood cancer.
Date Posted: 12/10/2019
Entercom’s WSSP-FM Milwaukee raised over $200,000 to benefit Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and Robyn’s Nest during its 13th annual toy drive, held December 2 – 6. Children’s Wisconsin is one of the top pediatric health systems in the U.S., with more than 40 locations throughout the state. Robyn’s Nest houses and provides clothing, hygiene products, infant items, toys, books, and household goods to families in the foster care system.
Date Posted: 11/28/2019
Fox-owned KMSP Minneapolis aired on November 28 a primetime, hour-long special investigative report, “FOX 9 Presents: The Last Harvest.” Reporter Tom Lyden spent 10 months investigating the crisis affecting Minnesota farmers, who faced the wettest year on record, historically low yields and the trade war with China, which affects commodity prices. Small local farmers have been struggling with debt under a system that encourages them to get bigger.
Date Posted: 11/19/2019
Hubbard’s ABC affiliate KSTP-TV St. Paul, Minn., conducted a six-month investigation that uncovered at least $30,000 in questionable spending by a world-renowned professor of education at the University of Minnesota. Professor Aaron Doering allegedly charged first class flights, expensive meals, vacations and gifts to the university that appear unrelated to his work.
As a result of KSTP’s report, University President Joan Gabel sent an e-mail to all faculty and staff with the subject line "holding ourselves accountable" and asked them to review the university’s expense policy. The university recently launched an internal audit of Professor Doering, but KSTP found administrators were alerted to Doering’s alleged misuse of funds as early as December 2017.
Questionable expenses between 2014 and 2018 included:
Date Posted: 8/28/2019
TENGA’s NBC affiliate KARE-TV Minneapolis’s investigative report revealed the state left several thousand rape kits untested and partially-tested. KARE’s investigation, which aired on August 15, reported that the number of untested kits may be twice what Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) initially stated. Even when kits were sent to the BCA for testing, the station learned that DNA evidence was not collected or submitted to the nationwide suspect database. The investigation also uncovered evidence that the BCA knew of the inaccuracy and expressed concern about what would happen if the public knew.
“It’s just so incredibly disappointing and it’s infuriating,” Minnesota state Representative Marion O’Neill remarked when KARE informed her of their discovery. Rep. O’Neill, who helped pass the 2015 legislation mandating an untested kits count, wishes to revisit the law and require full rape kit testing for anyone who seeks it.
Date Posted: 8/12/2019
Hearst’s ABC affiliate WISN-TV Milwaukee raised more than $46,000 on August 14 in its seventh annual “WISN 12 Class Act School Supply Drive.” WISN, The Salvation Army and Saga Communication’s WKLH-FM partnered on the campaign involving a live, on-air phone bank, online fundraising and in-person donations. The “Stuff the Bus” initiative filled a school bus with backpacks, notebooks and other supplies. In all, the campaign will provide more than 3,000 backpacks full of supplies for students at five local schools. Additional supplies benefit Salvation Army programs including The Emergency Lodge.
Date Posted: 3/31/2019
TEGNA’s NBC affiliate KARE-TV Minneapolis aired on March 11 an investigative report “KARE 11 Investigates: Prosecuting for Profit.” The report showed that city officials paid money from fines intended to combat sexual exploitation to a private attorney as a bonus.
Date Posted: 2/5/2019
TEGNA’s NBC affiliate KARE-TV Minneapolis aired an investigative report in December 2018 showing that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs denied emergency room claims for thousands of local veterans. The confusing rules and bureaucratic oversights burden veterans with unnecessary debt and the continuation of medical issues.
Date Posted: 12/19/2018
Alpha’s KLGR-FM Redwood Falls, Minn., collected 23,857 pounds of food in its 15th annual “Freezing for Food” event, held December 5-7. The donations were split among four local food pantries.
Date Posted: 3/31/2018
Alpha Media’s KYSM-FM and KEEZ-FM Mankato, Minn., held a two-day radiothon in March for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, raising over $77,000. The stations broadcasted live each day for 12 hours. Sister stations KRBI and KMKO also supported with additional promotional activities.
“Each year our greater communities continue to amaze with their generosity,” said Alpha Media Mankato Market Manager Bob Rose. “Year after year it’s a pleasure to say that Southern Minnesota residents are true believers in the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital mission, evident by their enthusiasm to donate and become Partners in Hope.”
Date Posted: 1/1/2018
United Communications Corp.’s CBS affiliate KEYC-TV Mankato, Minn., added an hour-long morning newscast in January 2018. “KEYC News 12 This Morning” will air live weekdays from 6 to 7 a.m.
“With the addition of our new morning newscast, KEYC News 12 will present more than 22 hours of local news, weather and sports each week,” said KEYC-TV General Manager Marvin Rhodes.
Date Posted: 9/11/2017
Hubbard’s KTMY-FM Minneapolis donated 215,000 diapers, blankets, baby clothes, and cash for the people affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The drive, held September 11 – 12, filled a 26-foot truck for the Texas Diaper Bank in San Antonio and the Miami Diaper Bank.
Date Posted: 2/27/2017
TEGNA’s NBC affiliate KARE-TV Minneapolis won a George Polk Award for television reporting for its investigative series “Invisible Wounds.” The George Polk Awards, established in 1949 by Long Island University, honor special achievement in journalism, which emphasis on investigative and enterprising reporting that achieves results. KARE’s year-long investigation showed that the Department of Veterans Affairs used unqualified medical personnel to perform examinations and deny benefits for traumatic brain injuries (TBI) at the Minneapolis VA Medical center. KARE examined hundreds of cases from 2010 to 2014. “Their reporting is a testament to the power of local news and the positive impact we have on our communities,” said TEGNA Media President Dave Lougee.
Date Posted: 12/28/2016
Quincy’s NBC affiliate KTTC Rochester, Minn. collected a truck full of gifts for Christmas Anonymous on December 3. Gail Sauter, Vice President of Christmas Anonymous, said that the drive served more than 600 families – with about 1,600 children – this holiday season.
Date Posted: 12/21/2016
Alpha Media’s KAUS-AM/FM Austin-Albert Lea, Minn. accepted monetary donations from the community to fill grocery bags for local families who otherwise would be able to afford a holiday meal as part of its ninth annual “Feed-A-Family” event. On December 21st, every KAUS radio employee was on hand at the local Hy-Vee to fill the holiday bags alongside volunteers from the community. Over 500 bags were distributed to people who pre-registered through the local Salvation Army and $10,000 in Hy-Vee store credit was given to the Salvation Army Food Shelf. Nearly $32,000 in retail grocery products was distributed to those in need. Each holiday bag provides a holiday meal for four.
Date Posted: 11/1/2016
Hubbard’s ABC affiliate KAAL Austin, Minn. produced and aired the live, local “Super Tuesday Debates” series every Tuesday from September 13 - November 1 at 6:30 p.m. KAAL re-aired all of the debates on its digital channel for 24 hours on November 7 in order to inform the electorate about local races in advance of the election. The series covered every race from U.S. Congress to City Council.
Date Posted: 7/21/2016
Fond Du Lac Band’s WKLK-AM/FM and WMOZ-FM Coquet, Minn. was the “lone voice after the storm” on July 21. All three stations pre-empted programming to share information from emergency management services about cooling centers and downed power lines. They took nearly 500 listener calls with information, questions and messages for loved ones. “People were trying to get information, they had nowhere else to turn,” General Manager Kerry Rodd said. “One guy called us to try to get word to his sister, whose cell phone had died, saying ‘I want my sister to know that I’m bringing a generator so keep your freezer shut. It was exhilarating, gratifying and exhausting, but a great feeling to be able to serve the public that way.”
Date Posted: 7/7/2016
TEGNA’s NBC affiliate KARE-TV Minneapolis aired “KARE 11 Investigates: MN hospitals turn away veterans because VA fails to pay bills.” KARE found evidence that hospitals in Minnesota and across the nation are refusing to participate in the existing $10 billion VA “Choice” program because the VA does not paying its bills. An independent commission has since called for “urgent reforms” in medical care for veterans, including more options for private health care outside traditional VA hospitals.
Date Posted: 6/3/2016
TEGNA’s NBC affiliate KARE-TV Minneapolis aired a report that led Congressman Tim Walz to call for a nationwide investigation into improper brain injury exams done by Veterans Affairs. Unqualified doctors diagnosed more than 300 veterans in Minneapolis, causing many to be denied benefits. Only one of 21 medical professionals conducting initial exams between 2010 and 2014 at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center was qualified according to the VA’s own policy.
Date Posted: 2/16/2016
Quincy’s NBC affiliate KTTC Rochester, Minn., raised $1 million during the 62nd annual Eagles Cancer telethon, Jan. 16-17. The live event included entertainment and refreshments. All money raised funds local cancer research for the Mayo Clinic, the University of Minnesota and the Hormel Institute. Watch video.
Date Posted: 2/4/2016
CBS Radio’s WCCO-FM Minneapolis’ seventh annual "Let’s Kick Hunger Day" radiothon on Jan. 28 raised almost $262,000, pushing the event’s seven-year total to more than $1.4 million for Second Harvest Heartland. "It’s a real honor for all of us at WCCO Radio to be a part of such a meaningful and important effort," said Market Manager Shannon Knoepke
Date Posted: 2/1/2016
Hubbard Radio’s WJJY-FM, KUAL-FM, KLIZ-FM and KBLB-FM Brainerd, Minn. raised almost $67,000 in the 22nd Annual Radiothon to End Child Abuse, Dec. 3-4. All money raised from the auction will stay in Crow Wing County and benefits Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota and local child protection teams.
Date Posted: 1/14/2016
Hubbard Radio’s KSTP-FM St. Paul, Minn. raised $531,000 on December 11 for Children’s Cancer Research Fund and Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare. KSTP’s "12 Hours of Hope" event at Mall of America culminated with 5,500 people singing "Clouds." Written by teenager Zach Sobiech and produced with KSTP’s help, the song went viral before he passed away from osteosarcoma in 2013. "It was absolutely amazing. People of all ages and backgrounds standing shoulder-to-shoulder singing at the top of their lungs to celebrate the season and honor Zach Sobiech and all children who are battling cancer or other childhood diseases and illnesses," Vice President and Market Manager Dan Seeman said. "[It] was a VERY PROUD moment for everyone associated with Hubbard Broadcasting. It speaks to the power and reach of KS95. But even more so, it speaks to the tremendous heart of KS95." Watch video.
Date Posted: 4/20/2015
Congratulations to Hubbard Radio LLC KIKV-FM Alexandria, Minn. for becoming a 2015 Crystal Radio Award finalist.
"KIKV-FM, a 100,000 watt regional country music, news and information station, serves nine
counties located in the heartland of Minnesota, surrounded by vacationland and farm
country. KIKV-FM’s powerful signal reaches 100,000 listeners across 24,000 square miles.
Since 1992, Arbitron has rated KIKV-FM number one of 10 area radio stations. In 2014,
KIKV-FM assisted local charities in raising over $1,295,319.00, collected 20,000 pounds
of food and 2,563 winter clothing items for needy families, helped the Red Cross collect
9,396 units of blood and publicized charitable initiatives across nine counties. The on-air
support for community appeals exceeded $100,000. In addition, over 13,000 public service
announcements valued at $217,000 were broadcasted. KIKV-FM’s public affairs program,
Community Focus, examined issues of local concern and featured 142 guests representing
75 organizations. KIKV-FM’s most comprehensive public service initiative is its annual 23-
hour radiothon to End Child Abuse, raising $48,000 in 2014. Since the first radiothon in
1991, over $967,000 has been raised. KIKV-FM’s positive community image is reinforced
by its dedicated staff of 13, who give generously of their time and energy to the towns,
cities and counties they serve. KIKV-FM, a powerful voice helping to enrich the lives of its
listeners for 44 years."
Date Posted: 4/20/2015
Congratulations to Hubbard Radio LLC KBHP-FM Bemidji, Minn. for becoming a 2015 Crystal Radio Award finalist.
"Bemidji, located at the headwaters of the Mississippi River in Northwestern Minnesota,
is home to professors, health care professionals, lumberjacks, families in poverty and
KBHP-FM. With such a diverse listenership, KBHP strives to remain relevant, offering
programming vital to the area. Listeners of all ages rely on KBHP for comprehensive
weather reports and current local, state and national news. KBHP values involvement in
the community and hosts “Chat- About,” a weekday public service show that examines
issues of local concern. In 2014, “Chat-About” featured 250 guests representing 170
agencies. KBHP also broadcast 4,450 minutes of local public service announcements,
valued at $125,000. University and technical college students can apply for $46,500 worth
of scholarships due to KBHP and its owners’ commitment to education. KBHP helped
community organizations raise $750,743 for their programs and services, collect 21,000
pounds of food and 2,820 winter clothing items. In addition, the 26th Annual Radiothon
to End Child Abuse raised $44,440, bringing its 26 year total to $1.01 million. For 42 years,
KBHP-FM and its dedicated staff have been proud to serve their community and embrace
localism, knowing they play a vital role in their listeners’ lives, striving to make positive
differences for them."
Date Posted: 4/7/2015
The National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (NABEF) announced the winners for the 2015 Celebration of Service to America Awards, recognizing outstanding community service by local broadcasters. Winners will be honored at the Celebration of Service to America dinner held Tuesday, June 16 at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.
“Broadcasters have an unwavering commitment to serving the public, and the Service to America Awards are an opportunity for us to celebrate those radio and TV stations that epitomize what it means to be a broadcaster,” said NABEF President Marcellus Alexander. “This year’s winners have gone above and beyond to create a positive and worthwhile impact on the communities they serve.”
This year’s Service to America Awards will honor the following broadcaster:
SERVICE TO COMMUNITY AWARDS
This category honors radio and television broadcasters for individual campaigns, projects or programs that serve the public good or otherwise provide exemplary service to their local communities.
Radio
WCCO-AM Minneapolis, Minn.
Owner: CBS Radio
Through PSAs, events and fundraisers, WCCO helped the hungry through year-round outreach. With “Let’s Kick Hunger Day,” WCCO engaged listeners, celebrities and charity groups to replenish food shelves across 59 counties. Teaming up with local congregations, civic groups, corporations and listeners, WCCO helped power the month-long Food Share campaign, the largest food drive in the country. In partnership with the National Association of Letter Carriers, WCCO supported the “Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive,” which collected 1.73 million pounds of food. Finally, the 11th Annual Union Gospel Mission radio-thon featured stories of those whose lives had been touched by such efforts and broke a new record, providing help for the homeless, poor and addicted.
Category Finalists:
WGFB/WRTB/WXRX/WNTA Rockford, Ill., Mid-West Family Broadcasting
WRJC Mauston, Wisc., Murphy’s Law Media Group LLC
WSOY-AM Decatur, Ill., Neuhoff Communications
Date Posted: 11/20/2014
Gannett Broadcasting sponsored, hosted and aired 50 political debates nationwide, in addition to producing special news programs during the 2014 election season.
Date Posted: 11/20/2014
CBS Television owned-and-operated stations produced and aired debates across the country:
Date Posted: 5/14/2014
Hubbard’s KSTP-FM St. Paul won a 2014 NAB Crystal Radio Award for its long-term charitable partnerships and commitment to local families. In 2013, KSTP-FM was saddened and inspired by two area kids that died from cancer, Zach Sobiech and Zac Bartz. KSTP-FM’s “Up, Up, Up” Concert for Zach Sobiech sold out and allowed a dying teenager to live out his dream to perform at one of the Twin Cities’ premiere concert venues. Nine months later, 5,000 KSTP-FM listeners filled the Mall of America rotunda to sing and remember Zach and his song “Clouds.” Since the debut of “Clouds” on KSTP-FM, the song has raised more than $350,000 for cancer research. Inspired by the two Zachs, the station’s annual radiothon grew 47 percent over last year’s total, raising $773,049 for children battling cancer and disabilities. KSTP’s Team Moon and Staci recruited 921 listeners to walk in the fight against breast cancer, while 147 joined the station’s Team Mudivor for Multiple Sclerosis.
Date Posted: 2/11/2014
CBS Radio’s WCCO-AM Minneapolis hosted its fifth annual "Let’s Kick Hunger Day" radiothon to generate awareness of hunger in the heartland and to raise funds to help end it. The all-day event raised more than $250,000 for hunger relief, pushing WCCO-AM’s five-year total for the event to more than $1 million. All proceeds were donated to Second Harvest Heartland, one of the nation’s largest food banks.
Date Posted: 1/10/2014
Hubbard Radio’s KSTP-FM St. Paul recently honored a local high school student, Zach Sobiech, who died a year ago from cancer. Before Zach passed away, he wrote a song called "Clouds," which was professionally produced and licensed through BMI. In December, KSTP-FM morning hosts Ryan and Shannon invited listeners to the Mall of America to sing "Clouds" together and remember Zach. More than 5,000 people attended the event. Video of the gathering has been viewed over 9 million times on YouTube, and “Clouds” has been downloaded more than 300,000 times on iTunes. After Zach’s medical expenses, all proceeds from the song downloads have gone into a research fund for Zach’s form of cancer.
Date Posted: 7/8/2013
Hubbard Radio’s KSTP-FM St. Paul staff met Zach, a teenager with osteo-sarcoma, at a radiothon. Market Manager Dan Seeman arranged for a professional recording of Zach’s song "Clouds," which led to a formal signing with BMI. After Zach passed away, "Clouds" reached 26 on the Billboard charts. The Dallas Symphony is doing an arrangement and recording artists are covering the song. "Radio AND the people who work in the industry do really wonderful things and make their communities, the country and the world a little closer and a little better," said Hubbard’s Ginny Morris.
Date Posted: 5/10/2013
CBS Radio’s WCCO-AM Minneapolis remembered the brutal winter of 2012-2013, even as temperatures passed 60 degrees. Capitalizing on listeners’ desire to say "goodbye" to winter, WCCO-AM set up 25 clothing drop-off locations around the city. The station donated the winter clothing collected to The Good Neighbor’s Coats For Kids drive, to benefit needy kids next winter.
Date Posted: 3/1/2013
Leighton Enterprise’s KZPK-FM St. Cloud, Minn., held the Wild About Reading Contest to celebrate "I Love to Read Month" in February. Station personalities traveled to 37 area schools to read with students and encourage them to vote for their school to win a $1,500 check to purchase new books for their library. Earlier this month KZPK-FM awarded Holy Cross School the Wild About Reading prize.
CBS-owned Minneapolis, Minn., stations WCCO-TV, WCCO-AM, KMNB-FM and KZJK-FM held a 13-hour fundraiser at the Mall of America on November 8 to support victims of Hurricane Sandy. All donations benefited the relief efforts coordinated by the America Red Cross. In total, the fundraiser raised more than $185,700.
Midwest Broadcasting Group’s KDAL-AM Duluth, Minn. raised over $750,000 for ALS during the "Blackwoods Blizzard Tour." In three days, almost 200 snowmobile riders battled snow, rain, sleet, ferries and dirt to cover 350 miles from Duluth to Lake Superior. Each rider was required to raise $1200, with the top rider bringing in over $80,000. The event has raised over $4 million in five years.
"Rarely do we see fundraising totals of this caliber, especially from a community of Duluth/Superior’s size," said KDAL-AM’s Johnny Lee Walker. "KDAL is proud to be a part of an event that makes such an impact and to know this money is helping people with ALS right in our community, it’s priceless."
January marks "Remember a Soldier" month on Hubbard Television’s KSTP-TV St. Paul, Minn. This month, the station supported the Veterans of Foreign War, a program that provides calling cards to deployed soldiers and hospitalized troops. In recent years, the program has grown to include two monthly free call days in which deployed military service members can call the United States, Germany and Italy. More than 4 million phone calls have been placed since the start of the program.
For the 19th year, four-time Crystal Award winner KBHP-FM, KKZY-FM and KLLZ-FM in Bemidji, Minn., supported the 24-hour "Radiothon to End Child Abuse." The event, which took place in December 2007, set a record by raising more than $56,000. The radiothon begins with a live broadcast from a local mall where there are informational booths for parents, free child identification kits and child finger printing services from the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Department. In addition, families gather for live music, games and entertainment. "Groups proudly bring in their collected donations, and we invite them to tell how they raised the money on air," said broadcast group owner Mary Campbell. "There are many special stories of how the community becomes a part of the radiothon. It seems to get better and bigger each year." The fundraising continues with a "Pizza Night" emceed by a KBHP announcer and concludes back at the stations. Intervention experts record messages that are repeatedly aired each hour of the radiothon to help increase awareness. Since the radiothon’s beginning, more than $660,000 has been raised to end child abuse. The funds go to four local county child abuse prevention agencies and one statewide organization, Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota.
Hot diggity dog! That is likely the sentiment of the many pets and families who found one another because of a weekly adoption segment aired on WJON-AM in St. Cloud, Minn. Each Friday, midday host Kelli Gorr spoke on the air with the executive director of the Tri-County Humane Society about a pet currently waiting for a home. The shelter is close to Gorr’s heart, as well as the heart of Foo, Gorr’s pet who was once a humane society resident. During the segment, volunteer opportunities and upcoming fundraisers were highlighted as well. Providing pet lovers with more programming, the station currently airs "The Pet Show," a call-in segment featuring veterinarians from a local clinic, where listeners can ask questions about their pet’s health.
Taking on the role of Santa’s elves, KTTB-FM in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn. created the "Breakin’ and Entering Christmas" campaign, where deserving families having financial difficulties come home to a surprise tree and sack of presents. For the past three Christmas seasons, the Tone E. Fly Morning Show has invited listeners to call in and nominate a friend, neighbor or family member who wouldn’t otherwise be able to provide for Christmas. Nominations are read every day on the show. Past winners have included a family whose house burnt down and a married couple that was unable to work while both recovered from a critical kidney donation from wife to husband. A few weeks before the "Breakin’ and Entering Christmas" effort, the station makes sure families in need have a turkey dinner on their table Thanksgiving Day. The station organizes a "Stuck on the Truck" food drive, where an on-air personality camps out on top of a 24-foot truck and broadcasts live until the truck is full. In the drive’s three years, KTTB listeners have donated the equivalent of 30,000 meals. One of the biggest donation drops of the year for the Minnesota Food Shelves, the event has become vital to providing food for the hungry.
On August 18, 2007, when 17 inches of rain caused roads and bridges to collapse and rail and telephone services to shut down, KAGE-AM/FM, KWNO-AM/FM and KHME-FM in Winona, Minn., simulcast emergency reports throughout the night. When local emergency workers called at 10 p.m. to say Garvin Brook and Rush Creek were rising and shelters were being set up, the Winona Radio cluster began broadcasting evacuation information. The next morning, on-the-scene news reports from the flooded communities alerted listeners to the extent of the damage. Intensive news coverage, interviews and public service announcements continued for four months. The stations worked to inform those affected by the flood on where to get help, to recruit volunteers and to get the word out about applying for government aid programs. "FEMA and Homeland Security personnel came for so many interviews they had their own coffee cups at the studios," said owner Jerry Papenfuss. To date, the stations have aired more than 500 news stories related to the flood. Recovery in the area continues with the rebuilding of homes and businesses.
Each spring, KNXR-FM in Rochester, Minn., helps keeps the sounds of music going strong in the community with "The KNXR Rochester Orchestra Radiothon." Now in its 13th year, the two-day event provides an important source of funding for the independent orchestra, which only receives one-fourth of its budget from ticket sales. On-air talent from KNXR and various local radio stations participate in the event, which includes highlights from past concerts, interviews and an online auction. The 2008 fundraiser resulted in more than $80,000, bringing the running total since 1996 to nearly $800,000. Although not a classical music station, KNXR has recorded the symphony’s concerts and broadcast them to listeners since the 1970s. "I can’t state enough that we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the generosity of KNXR," said Rochester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale Executive Director Tony Sertich. "The radiothon saved us from going under 13 years ago. Words fail to describe our thanks."
When KTTC-TV in Rochester, Minn. left the air after the 53rd Annual KTTC Eagles Cancer Telethon, over $708,000 had been raised for cancer research in the area. The longest running, locally produced telethon in the nation, the event benefits the Mayo Clinic, Hormel Institute and the University of Minnesota. Preparation by the station starts five months ahead with production of on-air promotions and news packages. The night of the telethon, dedicated KTTC staff and anchors produce and emcee the 20-hour event, where hundreds of local performers take the stage to help find a cure. In total, the station donates airtime and work hours valued at more than $47,000 each year.
In an effort to help high school students make smart decisions, KEYC-TV in Mankato, Minn., sponsors a "Think Before You Drink" public service announcement (PSA) program. Area youth have the opportunity to write, produce and star in PSAs addressing illegal underage drinking. "The idea is simple," said KEYC’s Jan Ellanson. "The message will be better received if written and delivered by the peers of those listening." The spots are aired on KEYC throughout prom and graduation season when drinking and driving accidents often spike among America’s youth. In 2007, Maple River, Jackson County West, Mankato West and Madelia high schools participated in the program. Each school received at least 100 plays of the announcement its students created. The spots, produced by KEYC production staff, often involve participation from the community and have been filmed in hospitals, jails, schools and cemeteries. This year, the messages are particularly timely, as Minnesota recently lost four of its youth to accidents involving alcohol in a four-month period.
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