Alabama's Broadcasters

WVTM 13 Highlights Community Champion

Date Posted: 10/2/2023

As part of Hearst Television’s Project CommUNITY, WVTM 13 in Birmingham, Ala., highlighted a program from a teacher in John S. Jones Elementary School called “Boys 2 Men.” Male faculty at the school gather monthly to teach students practical life skills. "Since I started teaching, I’ve always had a heart for the boys that don’t have fathers, who need a positive role model,” Matthew Lloyd told the station. “My dad passed away in 2009, and I use the values he passed on to me every day."

104.3 WZYP Collects Turkeys for Families In Need

Date Posted: 12/9/2022

Cumulus Media’s 104.3 WZYP-FM in Huntsville, Ala., brought 104 turkeys to local families in need this Thanksgiving with the 1st Annual Tory’s Turkey Drop. “With the rising cost of living, we wanted to make sure that our neighbors struggling to feed their families this year had a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner,” said midday host Tory Wuycheck, who spearheaded the promotion. “Thanks to the generosity of our partner Landers McLarty Nissan, we were able to buy and distribute 104 turkeys for area families in need.”

“As a local radio station, our job is to entertain and inform the local community, but the most rewarding and important part of what we do is to give back to the community,” said John Lewis, vice president and market manager, Cumulus Huntsville. “I could not be prouder of Tory and the WZYP team for their continued efforts to give back to the Huntsville community!”

Radiothon Raises $1.4 Million for Education

Date Posted: 10/3/2022

The Blount County Education Foundation held its 24th Annual Radiothon on Thursday, September 22 on Our Town Radio-owned WCRL Radio in Oneonta, Ala. They raised $1,409,881.06, marking the largest total ever raised and a significant increase over the previous year, when the $1 million mark was achieved for the first time.

“We are thrilled with this unprecedented response for the Blount County Education Foundation and express our gratitude and thanks to all who gave! These funds create the pathway for our academic focused projects to continue, ensuring Blount County students will be impacted”, said Mitchie Neel, Executive Director.

WKRG News 5 Kicks Off “Stock the Pantry”

Date Posted: 4/6/2022

In April 2022, Nexstar Media-owned WKRG News 5 in Mobile, Ala., is kicking off a new initiative in partnership with Feeding the Gulf Cost called “Stock the Pantry.” Their goal is to make sure children don’t go hungry during the summer. One in four children along the Gulf Coast is food insecure, meaning it may be difficult for them to get access to proper food and nutrition. For students in the Mobile County Public School System receive breakfast and lunch for free, summers present a challenge accessing adequate nutrition. The station is partnering with sponsors throughout the Mobile community to accept “Stock the Pantry” food donations at orange barrels in 31 drop-off locations. A complete list of locations and needed items are available on the station’s website.

Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Partners with Northport Mayor for Kentucky Tornado Relief

Date Posted: 12/21/2021

Northport, Alabama Mayor Bobby Herndon and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa partnered to raise funds and collect supplies to help the victims of the deadly, destructive tornadoes that tore through the state of Kentucky in December. Together they collected enough clothes, toys, food and hygiene products to fill five U-Haul trailers that were delivered to disaster areas Saturday.

Several local businesses donated supplies for the Kentucky relief drive. Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa radio stations also participated in the drive, broadcasting live from drop-off points and encouraging listeners to donate non-perishable goods to the effort. Representatives from Alt 101.7, 95.3 The Bear, 105.1 The Block and 92.9 WTUG were on site at Herndon’s surveying business all Friday afternoon to draw in donations.

Tuscaloosa Station Collects Food for Holiday Donation

Date Posted: 12/21/2021

A gospel radio station in Tuscaloosa collected 2,000 pounds of food this month during its annual Thanksgiving and Christmas donation drives. The station, Townsquare Media’s Praise 93.3 WTSK The Truth, has asked listeners to give to those in need every year since 1965. This year, more than one ton of food was collected, including a donation of 829 pounds of non-perishable food items by Brother J, a longtime host on WTSK.

Lee Greenwood Joins Huntsville Students for Special Holiday Message

Date Posted: 11/22/2021

WAAY-TV in Huntsville, Ala., teamed up with singer-songwriter Lee Greenwood and local elementary, middle and high school choirs to record a special holiday message to be aired on newscasts throughout the season. More than 1,400 students participated in the effort to spread this holiday message of peace.

WVTM Raises $70,000 For Tornado Victims In Single Day

Date Posted: 2/3/2021

A local Birmingham, Ala. tv station raised more than $70,000 in a single day to help tornado victims recover and rebuild. Starting at 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 2, Hearst Television’s ABC affiliate WVTM-TV hosted a donor drive and presented live-cuts and coverage throughout the day to encourage the viewing area to participate.

“Central Alabamians are a generous group and as our neighbors mourn, heal, rebuild and recover, we know these funds will help those impacted by the tornado,” said WVTM-TV President and General Manager Susana Schuler. “In times of need the people of Alabama unite around each other and we truly want to thank our audience...for their generosity.”

Reps. Aderholt and Sewell Provide Context to Insurrection On WVTM

Date Posted: 1/12/2021

Hearst Television’s WVTM-TV Birmingham, Ala. connected with Reps. Robert Aderholt and Terri Sewell following the attack at the U.S. Capitol. During the interviews, the government officials provided a first-hand account of the day and were able to offer context to combat misinformation being spread about the day.

WZYP Takes Over a Station to Fill Tanks for Free

Date Posted: 12/7/2020

In a twist on a classic radio station gimmick, Cumulus Media’s WZYP-AM Huntsville, Al. took over another a gas station on December 4 and provided free gas to the local community. Station employees pumped the gas while customers were able to sit in their cars.

With the holidays approaching during such a difficult year, “We wanted to give away something everyone could use--free gasoline," said WZYP Program Director Steve Smith.

WYEA-AM/FM Hosts Candidate Forum

Date Posted: 10/6/2020

Marble City Media’s WYEA-AM/FM Sylacauga, Ala., hosted a live broadcast on August 4 of a two-night city council and mayoral candidate forum. Members of the Alabama Broadcasters Association selected questions for the 21 candidates to answer from listener suggestions.

WQCR-FM Brings Spanish-Language Covid News Nationwide

Date Posted: 9/16/2020

Rivera Communications’ WQCR-FM Birmingham, Ala., has been delivering coronavirus updates and information to Spanish-speaking listeners and communities across the state. The station has amassed over 200,000 listeners across the country, in part due to their reliable Spanish-language and community-focused updates on the virus. Locally, the station serves as a lifeline resource for Spanish-speaking communities.
"We were working with local businesses to announce whether they were going to be open or just going to be for delivery, or if they already had their doors open to the public, the schedule, etc. We’ve been working with the community and the community has been working with us," said Cinthia Saenz, assistant manager at Rivera Communications.

WAAO Supports Neighbors After Isaias

Date Posted: 9/1/2020

Three Notch Communication’s WAAO-FM and WAAO-TV Andalusia, Ala., reached out to their community over the air, as well as through WAAO social media platforms, requesting hurricane relief supplies and donations for the people of the Lake Charles, LA area last week after Hurricane Laura devastated communities there. Local law enforcement agencies got involved, as did the local Ford dealership which loaned a trailer to transport the supplies. Donations poured in at the Andalusia, Opp and Florala, Alabama, Police Departments, the Covington County Sheriff’s Office and to WAAO Studios.

Monday morning, Sheriff’s Posse Captain Joe Barton (who is also a Covington County Commissioner) and Posse member Frank Butts and his wife left for Louisiana with two trucks, trailers, fuel transfer tanks full of generator gas, diesel fuel, ice and cash to deliver these hurricane supplies to people in need. The residents were very grateful for what these supplies will do for them in their time of need. They were so thankful and humbled that a small community in Alabama would think of them in this trying time.

WYEA-AM/FM Hosts Candidate Forum

Date Posted: 7/30/2020

Marble City Media’s WYEA-AM/FM Sylacauga, Ala., is hosting a live broadcast on August 4 and streaming video of the two-night city council candidate forum. There are 21 people running for six council seats in this small town. members of the Alabama Broadcasters Association will select questions for the candidates to answer from listener suggestions. This radio broadcaster has a huge online presence and a television studio at a local station that allows the stations to connect with their community in unique ways.

WZDX Hosts Town Hall on Race Relations

Date Posted: 7/16/2020

TEGNA’s WXDX-TV Huntsville hosted a virtual town hall on race relations on June 24. The event featured local leaders, activists, and police officers. WZDX encouraged viewers to submit questions.

WAAY Provides COVID-19 News in Spanish

Date Posted: 7/10/2020

Allen Media Broadcasting’s WAAY Huntsville, Ala., is now producing a daily video newscast in Spanish, available here. "With COVID-19 information changing daily, we thought it was important to provide up-to-date information to an underserved audience in Alabama," said VP and General Manager Paul Dughi.

WLAX-FM and WJAM-AM Launch ’Local Business Protection Program’

Date Posted: 7/2/2020

Scott Communications’ WALX-FM/HD2/HD3/WJAM-AM has implemented the “Local Business Protection Program” in which we are offering area businesses and the local economy a boost by donating the unsold inventory on our stations to any local business that would like to participate. We have received very positive feedback from this program which has provided area businesses a free resource who may be in much distress from the negative economic impact of the pandemic. We have been supported by our local communities we serve for nearly a half of a century and we feel like it is our moral obligation to help when it is needed the most.

Big River Broadcasting Runs Shop Local Campaigns

Date Posted: 6/30/2020

Big River Broadcasting’s WQLT-FM, WXFL-FM and WSBM-FM Florence, Ala., is running a “Shop Local” campaign to encourage the community to support small businesses during the pandemic. The station is additionally awarding a $10,000 advertising grant, and providing all businesses free listings on station websites.

WSFA Supports Montgomery Small Businesses

Date Posted: 6/30/2020

Gray Television’s NBC affiliate WSFA-TV Montgomery, Ala., has been airing a new public service announcement campaign featuring 11 mayors from the local area, encouraging viewers to support local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The station also partnered with the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce to financially support and promote the local “Small Business Relief Fund,” which provides funding to small businesses impacted by the crisis.

WBRC-TV Supports Local Businesses

Date Posted: 6/29/2020

Gray’s Fox affiliate WBRC-TV Birmingham supported the local economy during COVID-19:

• The station created a directory website linked here where local businesses could create free profiles that let consumers know if they were open and what services they currently provided (curb-side, drive-thru, delivery, etc.).
• They created an on-air campaign called "Messages of Encouragement" that allowed local businesses to send a special message (with no sales pitch) to their audience free of charge.

WJRD and WMHZ Support Community

Date Posted: 6/26/2020

WJRD-FM and WMHZ-FM Tuscaloosa supported the community during COVID-19:

• We have aired hundreds (probably thousands) of commercials for local businesses absolutely free.
• We have heavily bonused commercials to schedules placed by our clients that have continued to invest their ad dollars with us.
• We have had business owners come by our studio to record 3-5 minute interviews…especially early in the pandemic when there was so much anxiety/confusion as what to do next.

WZDX Supports Community

Date Posted: 6/26/2020

TEGNA’s WZDX-TV Huntsville is supporting the community in several ways during the pandemic:

• COVID TESTING-Partnering with Thrive Alabama for FREE COVID Testing
• Providing quality Local News about the state/Huntsville economy
• Town Hall-Race Relations
• News Stories- People out of Work-Next Steps to receive unemployment
• Informing viewers on Businesses that are Open/Closings -We keep the public informed on what is TRUE and Not True regarding rumors on social media
• Supporting the Census

WFSA Raises Money for Montgomery Area Food Bank

Date Posted: 5/21/2020

WSFA has partnered with the Vance Law Firm in Montgomery, Ala., to raise money for the Montgomery Area Food Bank. The station is running spots, conducting interviews and doing live shots. Every dollar donated provides an additional 6.5 pounds of food directly to those who are struggling to put food on the table.   

By donating $20 or more, viewers receive a #TogetherAlabama t-shirt and have been asked to share photos wearing their new shirts showing support of the community during this time to #TogetherAlabama.

The mission of the Montgomery Area Food Bank is to nourish the hungry by educating and mobilizing the community, engaging in partnerships that advance self-sufficiency, and distribute food and other necessities across 35 Alabama counties.

As of May 21, 2020 they have raised $6,980 – that’s 45,370 pounds of food!

WHNT News 19 and iHeartRadio Huntsville Fill the North Alabama Food Bank

Date Posted: 5/20/2020

WHNT News 19, a Nexstar station, and iHeartRadio Huntsville raised $102,266 for the North Alabama Food Bank. The Fill the Food Bank drive kicked off on May 7,2020 with a blitz day, including live hourly donation pushes and updates, social media shares and for the first time ever, a way for people to text to donate.

When donations slowed down, Carmelita Palmer, Market president, iHeartMedia – Huntsville, suggested the community needed a goal to rally behind. On May 20, the Fill the Food Bank Challenge was issued. The goal was to raise $100,000 or 700,000 meals. Viewers responded, blasting past the goal to $102,266 in donations. 

“The amazing thing is that people who need it will have food on their tables.” said Stan Pylant, WHNT News 19 President and General Manager, said about the drive. 

Sinclair Stations Raise $880,000 for Salvation Army

Date Posted: 5/12/2020

Sinclair Broadcast Group raised $880,000 nationally for its “Sinclair Cares and Salvation Army: Your Neighbor Needs You” to support those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. ABC 33/40 in Birmingham and WPMI-TV in Mobile both participated in the effort.

Gray TV Stations Air “Alabama Strong” to Encourage Food Bank Donations

Date Posted: 5/10/2020

On May 10, WBRC Birmingham produced and aired “Alabama Strong,” an entertainment special that aired on Gray TV owned stations in Alabama, including WBRC, WSFA, WAFF and WTVY. The special encouraged donations to local food banks in each part of the state. The show featured musical performances from Alabama natives Sara Evans, Ruben Studdard, Taylor Hicks, Alvin Garrett, Walker Burroughs and Clinton Babers. It also featured messages of encouragement from Bo Jackson, Clayne Crawford and local comedians Roy Wood Jr., Jermaine “Funnymaine” Johnson and Rickey Smiley.

WIAT CBS 42 Birmingham Helps Fight Growing Food Need in Central Alabama

Date Posted: 5/10/2020

Nexstar’s CBS affiliate WIAT Birmingham, Ala., held a fundraiser on May 7 to support the Community Foodbank of Central Alabama. The coordinated effort helped raise over $18,000, with more pledges for cash and food being sent to the foodbank’s facility. WIAT CBS 42 was live from the Community Foodbank of Central Alabama during the CBS 42 Morning News, Noon News, and the CBS 42 News at 5pm and 6pm newscasts. The station’s effort resulted in an estimated 144,000 meals to those in need in Central Alabama. Along with the all-day event, WIAT CBS 42 continues its support of the Community Foodbank of Central Alabama with an ongoing public service campaign.

“The work of the Community Foodbank of Central Alabama in our region is critical, growing, and WIAT CBS 42 is committed to help in this time of great need,” said WIAT Vice President / General Manager Jimmy Cromwell. ”As local broadcasters, we are fortunate to be able to respond rapidly, supply critical information, and address the needs of our local community.”

iHeart Radio and Tuscaloosa Public Library Partner for Nightly Bedtime Story

Date Posted: 5/6/2020

Tuscaloosa librarians are reading nightly stories to their community that air Monday through Friday, the result of a partnership between the local iHeartMedia radio affiliate WTXT and the Tuscaloosa Public Library. “I pitched this idea to reach Tuscaloosa, but also to help raise spirits in the community, like the fireside chats or old-time radio shows,” said library spokesman Vince Bellofatto. “We wanted an event that could bring the community together (but stay home) while promoting family time.”

WAAY-TV Raises $670,000 for COVID-19 Relief

Date Posted: 5/6/2020

Allen Media’s ABC affiliate WAAY-TV Huntsville, Ala., raised nearly $670,000 in a two-week long coronavirus relief fund effort that culminated on May 5. All money goes directly to frontline responders for coronavirus and nonprofits dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. WAAY hosted a half hour special at 6:30 p.m. on May 5 to thank the community and show people that money is going to grass roots efforts to feed children, newly homeless families, and provide PPEs for health care workers.

Big River Broadcasting Keeps Community Informed

Date Posted: 5/1/2020

Big River Broadcasting in Florence, Ala., started the Mayor’s Minute Podcast in 2019. Mayors from around the Shoals and beyond are invited to come in for a conversation about their city, council meetings and other issues impacting their communities. Special guests who have appeared during the COVID-19 Pandemic include senators, congressmen, doctors and hospital administrators. The regional manager from the Alabama Small Business Center Network at the University of Alabama discussed the CARES Act and specifically SBA loans. This twice monthly podcast has also included several “State of the City” speeches and allowed listeners to send in questions for their elected officials via email.

WBRC’s Interactive Business Directory Supports Local Businesses

Date Posted: 4/18/2020

WBRC FOX6 created “Connect, Shop, Support Local,” a new, free, interactive local business directory to support local businesses during the pandemic. Nearly 200 local business in Birmingham have signed up to use the site so far. The free site includes customizable features for local businesses, such as adjusted daily and weekly hours of operation, carry-out or curbside options, and even job openings. It’s a great feature for consumers as well – businesses are arranged by category, featured on an interactive map. Consumers can also quickly visit businesses’ websites or contact information.

WBRC’s “Singing for Their Supper” Raises Over $1 million for Local Food Banks

Date Posted: 4/18/2020

On April 18, WBRC FOX6 News aired the Gray TV produced special “Singing For Their Supper,” which aired in 50 other Gray markets and raised more than $1 million to benefit local food banks across the country, including food banks here in Alabama. The special featured performances by Charles Kelly of Lady Antebellum, Kristian Bush of Sugarland, Scotty McCreery and more. Our airing of Singing for their Supper generated nearly $14,000 to the Birmingham Salvation Army Food Bank.

ABA Announces COVID-19 Radio News Service

Date Posted: 4/8/2020

The Alabama Broadcasters Association (ABA) partnered with the University of Alabama’s WBHM-FM Birmingham to provide two daily newscasts to Alabama radio stations. The content provided by WBHM produces content that the ABA distributes to stations. In addition to these two newscasts, WBHM-FM will periodically make longer news features available.

WALA-TV Mobile Educates Kids During COVID-19

Date Posted: 4/7/2020

Meredith’s Fox affiliate WALA-TV Mobile, Ala., is partnering with Mobile County Public Schools to provide live lessons for students in grades pre-k through 11 starting April 13. Students can watch the classroom programs produced by the school district’s over the air and through streaming programs.

WVTM Raises $70,000 For Tornado Victims In Single Day

Date Posted: 2/3/2020

A local Birmingham, Ala. tv station raised more than $70,000 in a single day to help tornado victims recover and rebuild. Starting at 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 2, Hearst Television’s ABC affiliate WVTM-TV hosted a donor drive and presented live-cuts and coverage throughout the day to encourage the viewing area to participate.

“Central Alabamians are a generous group and as our neighbors mourn, heal, rebuild and recover, we know these funds will help those impacted by the tornado,” said WVTM-TV President and General Manager Susana Schuler. “In times of need the people of Alabama unite around each other and we truly want to thank our audience...for their generosity.”

Townsquare Tuscaloosa Raises Money for Fallen Officer’s Family

Date Posted: 9/18/2019

Townsquare Media’s WQRR-FM, WFFN-FM, WTUG-FM, WTBC-FM, WTUG-FM, WTSK-FM and WTID-FM Tuscaloosa, Ala., have raised over $8,000 for the family of Investigator Dornell Cousette, a police officer killed on Sept. 16 in the line of duty. Cousette is survived by two daughters and a fiancée. All donated proceeds will benefit a scholarship fund for his children

The eight station cluster reached the original $5,000 goal on their GoFundMe page in under a day and has been recognized by Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox.

Gray TV Stations Serve as Lifeline During Tornadoes

Date Posted: 5/30/2019

Gray Television’s FOX affiliate WBRC-TV, ABC affiliate WTVM-TV and NBC affiliates WSFA-TV and WALB-TV were among the local broadcasters that provided wall-to-wall coverage of the March tornadoes that killed 23 people in Lee County, Ala. Watch this video to get a behind-the-scenes look at the way Gray Television Stations alerted their community prior to, informed viewers during and provided support after the devastating storms.

Townsquare Tuscaloosa Holds Tornado Relief Drive

Date Posted: 4/1/2019

Townsquare Media’s WQRR-FM, WFFN-FM, WTUG-FM, WTBC-FM, WTUG-FM, WTSK-FM and WTID-FM Tuscaloosa held a ‘Tide for Tigers’ drive on March 4 – 12 to support tornado relief efforts. A truck-full of canned foods, bottled water, toiletries, diapers and cleaning supplies was delivered on March 13.

“Tuscaloosa knows all too well the pain a community feels as they start to recover from a storm such as this,” said Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa Market President David DuBose. “We hope the supplies we deliver to Lee County Wednesday will alleviate some small part of that pain.”

Relief Efforts for Southern Tornados

Date Posted: 3/7/2019

Initial calculations show that stations raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for relief efforts. Online donations are still being accepted and totals continue to be tallied, but results include:

• Gray Television stations raised a total of $323,500
Fox affiliate WBRC-TV Birmingham - $129,000
NBC affiliate WSFA-TV Montgomery - $120,000
NBC affiliate WAFF-TV Huntsville - $56,000
ABC affiliate WTVM-TV Columbus, Ga., - $16,000
CBS affiliate WTVY-TV Dothan - $3,000

• Hearst’s NBC affiliate WVTM-TV Birmingham
• Nexstar’s CBS affiliate WKRG Mobile ($29,000 raised)
• Tribune’s CBS affiliate WHNT-TV Huntsville ($27,000 raised)
• iHeartMedia Alabama radio stations
• Marble City Media’s WFXO-FM Stewartville, WYEA-FM Sylacauga, WRFS-FM Rockford and WAUA-FM Waverly
• Little Engine Broadcasting radio stations

Alabama Broadcasters Support Tornado Relief

Date Posted: 3/6/2019

Broadcasters across Alabama partnered with the Alabama Broadcasters Association on a day-long roadblock on March 6 to support American Red Cross relief efforts following the devastating tornado in Lee County on March 4. The mile-wide tornado sustained 170 mph winds and killed 23 people. Participating stations include Hearst’s NBC affiliate WVTM Birmingham, Tribune’s CBS affiliate WHNT Huntsville, Gray’s Fox affiliate WBRC Birmingham and iHeartMedia radio stations. WVTM’s promotional plans include mentions in all newscasts, promotions at the top of each hour, an all-day crawl on air, expanded coverage of damage and relief efforts during the 11 am and 6 pm newscasts, and live-streaming on digital and social properties.

“We will come together for Alabama as a group on Wednesday, March 6th to raise money and collect needed items for those who’ve lost so much. Broadcasters are always there for the communities they serve and at times like these, we bring everyone together in a way like no other,” said President of the Alabama Broadcasters Association Sharon Tinsley.

WAAO-FM Collects Supplies

Date Posted: 11/1/2018

Three Notch Communication’s WAAO-FM Andalusia, Ala., collected supplies in October for Hurricane Michael relief efforts. Items delivered to rural Florida included emergency and cleaning supplies, toiletries, non-perishable food, water, coolers, charcoal, clothes, first aid kits, diapers, baby wipes, blankets, pillows, paper products, batteries, radios and cell phone chargers.

WVTM Hosts Hurricane Relief Drive

Date Posted: 11/1/2018

Hearst’s NBC affiliate WVTM-TV Birmingham and the Central Alabama Chapter of the American Red Cross raised $21,000 in a 14-hour telethon on October 12 for Hurricane Michael relief. Wells Fargo donated $500,000 the American Red Cross during the 5 p.m. newscast.

WHNT Covers Suicide Prevention

    View Video
Date Posted: 8/28/2018

Tribune’s CBS affiliate WHNT-TV Huntsville, Ala., dedicated their June 27th newscast to the topic of suicide prevention. The Alabama Attorney General’s wife had died by suicide two weeks prior, following a struggle with mental illness and opioid addiction.

WSFA Meteorologist Shares Personal Story

Date Posted: 10/26/2016

Raycom’s NBC affiliate WSFA Montgomery, Ala. Chief Meteorologist Josh Johnson shares his powerful personal story on losing his brother to prescription drug abuse. Johnson’s brother, Chris, suffered a sports injury in high school that led to a prescription addiction. Johnson died of a heroin overdose in 2015, leaving behind a wife and a young son.

WCRL-AM Raises $302,000 for Local Schools

Date Posted: 9/22/2016

Our Town Radio’s WCRL-AM Oneonta, Ala raised a record $302,000 for Blount County School System in an annual Radiothon held September 22. All of the money will support the Blount County School System.

WIAT-TV Organizes Flag Signing

Date Posted: 8/4/2016

Media General’s CBS affiliate WIAT-TV Birmingham organized a flag signing to show support for police officers across the country, following the deadly ambush of five Dallas officers. Morning show hosts Matt Murphy and Andrea Lindenberg hand-delivered the flag to Dallas Police Chief David Brown. Watch more here.

WBRC-TV Hosts a Job Fair

Date Posted: 5/11/2016

Raycom Media’s Fox affiliate WBRC-TV partnered with the City of Birmingham and the Department of Labor to host a job fair on May 11. One-hundred-fifty companies representing 4,700 jobs were present. More than 5,000 residents participated.

WZDX Huntsville Launches New Facility and 9 p.m. Newscast

Date Posted: 3/22/2016

Nexstar’s Fox affiliate WZDX Huntsville, Ala. will launch an hour-long local news program at 9 p.m. on April 4 that will air Monday through Sunday from its remodeled studios. Nexstar has invested $3.3 million to renovate the facility, add 20 news and production personnel and purchase new broadcast and weather equipment with early warning technology and advanced alert systems. “The dedicated employees at WZDX-TV have a strong history of responding to the needs of the people and communities of Northern Alabama and the launch of our full-coverage, locally-produced news programming is an extension of that legacy,” said General Manager Mark Overstreet.

WSFA Provides Critical Weather Information

Date Posted: 2/25/2016

Raycom Media’s NBC affiliate WSFA Montgomery Ala. provided continuous coverage of severe storms that ripped through the area in late February. The First Alert Weather Team produced wall-to-wall coverage, which included live reports and cut-ins, in addition to updates on social media.

WTVY Raises $32,000 for Flood Relief

Date Posted: 2/16/2016

Gray Television’s CBS affiliate WTVY-TV Dothan, Ala., raised more than $32,000 for local flood relief efforts, following recent storms that ravaged the region.

WBRC Provides Severe Weather Alerts

Date Posted: 2/15/2016

Raycom’s Fox affiliate WBRC Birmingham declared February 2 a First Alert Weather Day. WBRC aired more than three hours of extended coverage of approaching severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, with no commercial breaks. The station reported on emergency plans, damage and storm shelter areas.

WFSA Hosts Record-Setting Job Fair

Date Posted: 2/15/2016

Raycom’s NBC affiliate WSFA Montgomery, Ala., the Alabama Department of Labor and the City of Montgomery hosted a job fair on February 18. A record 3,300 people and 70 employers attended.

WSFA Answers Viewers Questions Through Phone Bank

Date Posted: 12/3/2015

Raycom Media’s NBC affiliate WSFA Montgomery Ala. held a two hour phone bank regarding renter’s rights. Legal experts fielded calls from more than 150 local viewers and helped them make more informed decisions about how and when to rent.

WALA-TV Expands News Programs

Date Posted: 9/3/2015

Meredith Corporation’s Fox affiliate WALA-TV Mobile, Ala., introduced new Saturday and Sunday morning newscasts on Aug. 8. Reporter Candace Murphy and meteorologist Matt Barrentine anchor the newscasts. On Aug. 24, WALA extended its weekday late newscast to 90 minutes, to broadcast from 9-10:30 p.m. “We are committed to being the place Gulf Coast residents turn to for local news, weather and information — all day, every day,” said News Director Scott Flannigan. “Expanding our 9 p.m. news presence gives us the chance to do more investigations, more weather coverage and be of more service to our viewers.”

WFSA Raises $33,000 for Those in Need

Date Posted: 2/9/2015

Raycom Media owned NBC affiliate WSFA-TV Montgomery, Ala. hosted its annual 12 Days of Giving event this December. The event raised money, food, and toys for families in need during the holiday season. The proceeds benefited the Montgomery Area Food Bank, Christmas Clearinghouse, and Toys for Tots. In total, $33,000 was raised in addition to 10,245 pounds of food and nearly 4,000 toys.

WBRC-TV Birmingham Commendable Public Service Efforts in 2014

Date Posted: 1/15/2015

Raycom Media owned FOX Affiliate WBRC-TV Birmingham, Ala. hosted a variety of community initiatives in 2014, including six Shred-A-Thons that allowed community members to shred 50,000 tons of documents.
The station’s Save First Promoting provided local residents with a crash course in tax preparation. The Do Dah Day Event raised nearly $50,000 for local animal shelters. WBRC-TV held year-long PSA campaigns on literacy, breast cancer research, prenatal care, colon care and prostate cancer.
This holiday season, WBRC Birmingham held a “Gifts for Kids” Christmas event to help the Salvation Army give presents to kids in need.

WSFA-TV Collects 73,000 Pounds of Food for Alabamians

Date Posted: 8/11/2014

Raycom Media’s NBC affiliate WSFA-TV Montgomery, Ala., hosted the Summer Fund and Food Drive to benefit the Montgomery Area Food Bank. The station helped collect non-perishable food items and monetary donations to help feed those in need across Alabama. WSFA-TV promoted the drive, broadcast live from the event and WSFA-TV anchors helped collect donations. In total, WSFA-TV helped collect 2,599 pounds of food and $11,000, which will purchase a total of 73,000 pounds of food.

WALA-TV Uses Multimedia Approach with Sheriff Debate

Date Posted: 6/9/2014

LIN Media’s FOX affiliate WALA-TV Mobile, Ala., hosted a debate for candidates running for Baldwin County Sheriff. The live, one-hour debate was televised live on WALA-TV, simulcast on LIN Media’s CW affiliate WFNA-TV Mobile, streamed live on the WALA-TV website and the station’s news app for smartphone and tablet devices.

WVTM-TV Collects 42,000 Books for Birmingham Students

Date Posted: 6/9/2014

Media General’s WVTM-TV Birmingham collected 42,000 new and gently used books during the Birmingham Reads Book Drive, part of a multi-day annual event held in conjunction with Better Basics, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing literacy. WVTM-TV broadcast live cut-ins throughout the drive, and station employees helped receive book donations from individuals and organizations. The collected books were delivered to students in need throughout the Birmingham area. Gene Kirkconnell, WVTM-TV’s vice president and general manager, said, "We are honored to partner with Better Basics in their important mission to help our community’s children learn to read, comprehend and develop a thirst for knowledge."

WAFF-TV Partners With Kroger to Collect Relief Funds

Date Posted: 5/14/2014

Raycom Media’s NBC affiliate WAFF-TV Huntsville, Ala., has teamed up with Kroger and the American Red Cross to help victims of the recent storm in northern Alabama. WAFF-TV is encouraging viewers to make monetary donations for the tornado relief efforts at the checkout counter at any local Kroger grocery store through May 10. All proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross. Click here to watch a sample promotional piece.

Teacher Thanks God and WPMI-TV Meteorologist After Surviving Storm

Date Posted: 5/14/2014

A Brandon Elementary School teacher, Alicia Jenkins, thanked both God and her meteorologist friend, Derek Beasley, of Sinclair-owned WPMI-TV Mobile, Ala., for supporting her through the recent tornado in Brandon, Miss. "Those were the two who helped me through it," she said. "I’m just thankful I’m here." WPMI-TV’s chief meteorologist told The Clarion-Ledger he is also grateful. "He sees his purpose as warning people about the threat of bad weather." Click here to watch a clip of Jenkins’ remarks.

WDXB-FM Benefit Concert Raises $11,000 for St. Jude

Date Posted: 3/17/2014

Clear Channel’s WDXB-FM Birmingham held the "Heartstring for Hope" benefit concert to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on February 25. The sold-out event featured acoustic performances from several local artists and raised more than $11,000 for the local St. Jude Hospital.

WTVY-FM Event Raises $107,000 for Children’s Miracle Network

Date Posted: 3/17/2014

The Radio People’s WTVY-FM Dothan, Ala., held the 13th annual radiothon for the Children’s Miracle Network. The fundraiser supported the local Children’s Hospital of Alabama in Birmingham. In total, the event raised more than $107,000, bringing the station’s 13-year total to more than $1 million.

WSFA-TV, WAFB-TV, WBRC-TV Raise More Than $100,000 and Collect Truckloads of Supplies

Date Posted: 6/7/2013

Several Raycom Media-owned television stations conducted relief efforts following the tornado. Stations donating to the American Red Cross include WSFA-TV Montgomery, Ala. ($50,232); WMC-TV Memphis ($36,000); WCSC-TV Charleston, S.C. ($10,000); WWBT Richmond, Va. (over $7,000); and KAIT-TV Jonesboro, Ark., organized a statewide telethon. WAFB-TV Birmingham, Ala., collected several storage unit’s full of supplies for the Salvation Army in its one day donation drive. WBRC-TV Birmingham collected 200,000 pounds of water for the Salvation Army. KOLD-TV Tucson, Ariz., filled two semi-trucks with supplies, to be distributed by World Care.

Rick & Bubba Morning Show Raise Big Money For Kids

Syndicated Solutions, Inc.’s Rick & Bubba Morning Show’s two-day radiothon raised over $1 million and allowed 825 children in 45 countries to be sponsored through World Vision, a humanitarian organization that focuses on children and families affected by poverty and injustice. Since 2009, Rick & Bubba have raised nearly $3.5 million for World Vision. Rick Burgess and Bill “Bubba” Bussey commented, “When SSI introduced World Vision and we learned about how impressive an organization they are, we wanted in… The overwhelming response from our listeners and the ability to be part of something so meaningful just blows us away.”

Paul Finebaum, Morning Show Host Makes Surprise Visit to Special Listener

Cumulus Media’s popular sports-talk show host Paul Finebaum recently made a surprise visit to the home of one of his avid listeners, Robert Fisher, who is living with cerebral palsy. Fisher’s mom told the local paper "this was the greatest thing that could ever have happened to him."
Fisher’s regular calls to the station can be controversial. According to the Cedar Valley Courier, "while a couple of hateful callers took issue with Finebaum putting Fisher on the air, the vast majority of listeners embraced him."
Listeners from all over the country sent Fisher packages, including books, letters and a hat from an Eastern Kentucky University coach. Some listeners feel Fisher grows more confident and articulate the more he calls in to the show. An 83-year-old listener wrote a poem and sent it to Fisher, encouraging him to “keep calling the show because everyone enjoys listening."

WXFL-FM Big River Morning Man Jailed for Charity

Big River Broadcasting WXFL-FM in Florence, Ala., behind morning man, Johnny Law, started a holiday food drive four years ago that has raised over 17,000 pounds of non-perishable food items. Over the years, Law has come up with some very creative ideas to help the community.
This year was no exception. Law was handcuffed and arrested live on the air in a ploy to raise awareness for the cause. He was taken to the city jail where he was photographed, printed, and processed into the system. During three days and nights in jail, he endured the same conditions as the inmates. He received no special treatment outside of the following exceptions: a laptop and a cell phone to communicate with radio personalities during their air shifts and listeners via social networks.
Listeners donated gift cards that were used to purchase non-perishable food items. Listeners stopped by the jail to visit Johnny during his visitation hours. After Johnny was released, he shopped for food to divide between eight local church pantries that needed the food.

WHBB-AM and WDXX-FM Create the Safe School Challenge

When Dallas County District Judge Robert Armstrong approached BroadSouth Communications with concern about juvenile crime, WHBB-AM and WDXX-FM in Selma, Ala., committed to making the issue their top public service campaign for the 2006-07 school year. They created the "Safe School Challenge," a competition between schools in Dallas County to see which could achieve the greatest reduction of juvenile incidents per capita. The campaign was based on the idea that creating awareness could deter juvenile crime. The stations provided no less than 2,000 minutes of airtime in the form of 10-, 30- and 60-second announcements and talk show interview time. They also solicited funding to provide schools with banners and T-shirts and paid for printed materials. Court officials attended school assemblies to explain the Challenge, which involved a student pledge to avoid criminal activity and unruly behavior, and the development of a Safe School Challenge Counsel comprised of student leaders. The winning school was awarded a party, trophy and prizes. In September 2007, after evaluating the juvenile incidents involving Dallas County District Court appearances, it was determined that overall juvenile charges decreased by 27 percent and juvenile assault charges decreased by 40 percent. Station staff can sum up their feelings on the program’s impact in one word, "Wow!"

WBMA-LP, WJSU-TV and WCFT-TV Air Critical Safety Information

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When a heat wave hit in the summer of 2007, threatening the health of the young and the elderly, WBMA-LP , WJSU-TV and WCFT-TV in Birmingham, Ala., broadcast safety information on how to avoid heatstroke and started an air conditioner campaign to help those who couldn’t afford one. Viewers were encouraged to donate window units or monetary contributions for the purchase of new units. Nearly $20,000 worth of airtime was donated in public service announcements and on-air support of the drive. In total, 235 families in 31 ZIP codes across central Alabama received air conditioners, providing them protection throughout the several weeks of triple digit temperatures when the combination of humidity and sun sent the daily heat index soaring.

WBHJ-FM Restore Local Buildings

The last Saturday of each month, on-air personality B. Money from WBHJ-FM in Birmingham, Ala., and his listeners head into the community with supplies to clean, paint and restore the beauty of local establishments. The JAMZCorp clean-up crew has donated their time and energy to neighborhoods, parks, schools, churches and community centers. Promotional mentions are run for the two weeks leading up to each of the scheduled clean-up days to recruit and remind the community of WBHJ’s effort. "The program has meant a whole lot to the entire city of Birmingham," said Pastor Steve Green from the More Than Conquerors Faith Church, who has volunteered with members of his church in the JAMZCorp effort. "It is one of the best things I’ve seen happen as a community project in the 25 years I’ve been a pastor." To date, JAMZCorp has reached four neighborhoods and has no plans of slowing down.

WTVY-TV Provide Crucial Information During Tornado

When a deadly tornado hit a high school and elementary school in Enterprise in March 2007, WTVY-TV in Dothan, Ala. diverted its news crews and reached the scene within 10 minutes of the twister touchdown. As a first informer, their live coverage was critical in keeping the community informed. In addition to providing information to parents on where to pick up their children when schools began closing earlier in the day, WTVY provided wall-to-wall coverage throughout the afternoon as the severe weather grew. Key information broadcast to viewers throughout the affected area included power outage notification and instructions on where to get water, how to volunteer and where to give blood. In the days following, the station provided extended coverage, including live broadcasts of visits from Gov. Bob Riley and President George W. Bush to the damaged area. In the aftermath, the station remained a main source of news about disaster relief efforts.

WALA-TV and WBPG-TV Rebuild an Elderly Couple’s Home

As part of the "LIN TV’s Day of Caring," a work day when staff from 30 television stations in 18 markets dedicate their time to people experiencing hardship, 60 employees from WALA-TV and WBPG-TV in Mobile, Ala. rolled up their sleeves and helped in the rebuilding of a an elderly couple’s home, which was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Charlie and Patsy Wagner, like many other residents of Dauphin Island, Ala., were in the process of recovering from Hurricane Ivan when Katrina hit. Their home suffered catastrophic damages and they lacked sufficient insurance. Together with the Southeast chapter of Volunteers of America, the stations’ staff worked with contractors to frame a new home, clear away trash and debris and landscape the yard. "It was an enormous undertaking but a very rewarding day," said WALA’s Kyle Claude. The stations donated $5,000 toward the reconstruction effort and provided a total of 420 volunteer hours.

WIAT-TV Celebrates Black History Month

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Taking an innovative approach to celebrating Black History Month, WIAT-TV in Birmingham, Ala., headed into the classroom for the second year. Using the children as the talent, WIAT helps local schools develop news segments about different figures in black history, which are then broadcast in every newscast throughout the day for the month of February. The Archives Division of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the Birmingham Public Library provide historical graphics, pictures and video for the stories, which the children record at the studio. In one 2008 segment, Keita Scott, a fifth-grader from Restoration Academy, spoke about Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American elected to the U.S. Congress. In another segment, Angelica Jaimes from Homewood Middle School narrated the accomplishments of Coretta Scott King, wife of Martin Luther King Jr. Station staff contributes an estimated 50 hours to the project each year. In 2008, 29 individual segments were recorded. The station produced DVDs of the entire series for each participating school to use in the classroom.

WAFF-TV Equips Homes with Weather Radios

With the help of WAFF-TV in Huntsville, Ala., homes throughout the northern part of the state are now equipped with weather radios. In the wake of tornados that touched down in the middle of the night in February 2008, the station made an initial donation of 200 programmed National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association weather radios to families that were affected. The station had been promoting the importance of weather radios for almost two years and knew there was still a great need, especially in rural communities. To address the issue further, WAFF recruited the University of Alabama Huntsville Meteorology Club and the National Weather Service to help set up 19 weather radio programming events throughout its viewing area. The first radio programming events were in counties hit by the tornadoes. As the WAFF 48 Storm Team arrived, people were lined up with their radios waiting. In response to these events, companies began to purchase weather radios for employees and communities began stepping up to get weather radios into the hands of all residents. WAFF’s initial weather radio donation sparked an outpouring from individuals and businesses throughout the Heart of the Valley. In response, the station created the "WAFF 48 Storm Team Weather Radio Project." To date, it has provided 483 weather radios to families in need.

WQSB-FM Supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

WQSB-FM in Albertville, Ala., got behind the microphone to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. During its annual 13-hour radiothon, the station shared the airwaves with its community. Local children receiving treatment told their stories, and community leaders shared their support on the air; the station interviewed volunteers and local high school children who worked to collect donations. Stories of hope continued throughout the marathon broadcast as people stopped by the studio or called in. In related fundraising efforts, WQSB staff took to the streets for a "Baby Bucket" campaign, accepting drive-by donations from multiple locations during the radiothon, and the station recruited hundreds of area students to participate in its "Tie One On for the Kids at St. Jude’s" project, where each student wore a wristband featuring the name of an actual patient for a week. When the combined efforts were totaled, the "WQSB St. Jude Children’s Hospital Radiothon and Fundraiser" had raised more than $112,000 to further research and help the many local children who travel to St. Jude for treatment. Most of the staff at WQSB has toured the St. Jude facility, 100 miles away in Memphis, Tenn., to gain firsthand knowledge of its important work.

WSFA-TV 12 Days of Giving

The holidays were brighter for those in need thanks to the annual "12’s Day of Giving," organized by WSFA-TV in Montgomery, Ala. Each year, the station fulfills its mission to help local families make the holidays special when they cannot afford to otherwise by hosting a one-day event that benefits three local charities at once: Toys For Tots, Christmas Clearing House and the Montgomery Area Food Bank. A "12’s Day of Giving" record was set this past holiday season with the collection of more than 5,000 pounds of food, 3,000 toys and $21,000, almost double the donations from the previous year. Promotional spots began running several weeks before the event. On the day of the event, WSFA tents staffed with on-air personalities were set up in a community location for 14 hours. Viewers were encouraged to donate during live broadcasts and hourly updates throughout the day. Each year, more than $10,000 in airtime is donated. The board of the Montgomery Area Food Bank recognized WSFA at the end of 2007, stating, "Your extended coverage of our operation and your overall commitment to helping our food bank has been a very big help to the community that we both serve."

Alabma Stations Provides Lifeline Storm Coverage

The New York Times recognized one Birmingham station, Allbritton’s WBMA-TV, for its live coverage. The local ABC affiliate’s veteran Meteorologist James Spann covered the mile-wide tornado as it approached his viewing area. The Times noted that following the storm Spann received hundreds of comments on his Facebook page. One viewer wrote, "I have no doubt that you saved too many lives to count." New Vision Media-owned WIAT-TV’s chief meteorologist Mark Prater also covered the storm for Birmingham’s CBS affiliate. The Times reported Prater relied on traffic cameras and other video sources to keep his viewers informed as the twister plowed through parts of Alabama.
Some broadcasters used their online outlets to inform viewers. Garry Kelly, news director of Allbritton-owned WCFT-TV, the ABC affiliate in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham and Anniston said his station "did several reports via Skype, several where our reporter was in the field and literally did a live report through smart phone."

As power went out throughout the region, some television stations relied on local radio stations to continue covering the tornado. TVNewsCheck interviewed Sarkes Tarzian-owned WRCB-TV Chattanooga’s news director Derrall Stalvey who noted, "When the area started losing power, we were simulcasting on our radio partner WUSY-FM. That was how most people were getting information – battery-operated. That really saved a lot of lives."
Cox Broadcasting’s WAGG-AM, WBHK-FM, WENN-FM and WBHJ-FM Birmingham tracked the storm and stayed on the air throughout the night providing emergency info, opening phone lines, directing rescue teams to the injured, and helping to locate missing people. Cox stations carried live press conferences from Birmingham Mayor William Bell, Gov. Robert Bentley, state FEMA officials and Alabama Power Gas company representatives.
Local broadcasters’ severe weather reporting was so outstanding, Rep. Spencer Bachus, (AL-06), remarked, "I want to congratulate our TV and radio media because you saved many lives." Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley also relied on television broadcasts during the storm. Bentley’s spokeswoman Jennifer Ardis remarked that the governor used television weather radar and live camera feeds to issue storm warnings from the emergency operations center. On May 23, Gov. Bentley signed a commendation thanking Alabama broadcasters for the extensive coverage before, during and after the outbreak of storms that swept through the state.


Numerous stories from the Washington Examiner, The Wall Street Journal, Broadcasting & Cable, Radio Ink, The New York Times and TVNewsCheck discussed the influential role broadcasters played in covering the storm and assisting in the relief efforts in its wake. Additionally, a report from the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) provides a thorough summary of radio and television stations’ outstanding efforts across Alabama.
As communities recover and rebuild, Raycom stations in the affected areas have collectively embarked on a campaign titled Road to Recovery. Road to Recovery delivers critical information on air and online about how to find and provide disaster relief, including how to donate money, blood and other essentials to aid in recovery efforts; how to help children cope with disaster and contact information for local, state and federal agencies providing support.
In addition to providing extended news coverage WBRC-TV aired a special program to help parents talk to their kids about the disaster. The station also gave out 500 free Midland HH-50 portable weather radios to those in need and plans to distribute another thousand.
Media General’s WVTM-TV Birmingham teamed up with the United Way to host a 22-hour tornado relief telethon to support relief efforts for victims. Alabama’s United Way Tornado Relief Telethon raised more than $800,000 as 200 radio and TV stations, websites and other media outlets across the U.S. supported the effort.

Huntsville-based WAFF-TV’s Road to Recovery Valley Volunteer-a-Thon garnered more than 100,000 hours of volunteer time. General Manager Vanessa Oubre pointed out that although many people were unable to donate money, they were more than willing to donate their time to help with recovery and cleanup efforts. "The response to this campaign has been tremendous from our own station staff to community organizations throughout the area," said Oubre.
In addition to collecting nearly $300,000 for the Red Cross, WSFA-TV Montgomery partnered with Life South to collect 553 pints of blood (the equivalent of 1659 lives saved) and also raised $60,000 and more than 70,000 pounds of food for an area food bank.