New Hampshire's Broadcasters

NHPR Honored For Investigative Journalism

Date Posted: 5/6/2021

New Hampshire Public Radio won a 2021 Edward R. Murrow Award for exposing over 80 legal settlements agreed to by municipalities in New Hampshire following allegations of civil rights violations by police officers since 2010. These settlements were shielded from public scrutiny and cost taxpayers more than $4.35 million. The Edward R. Murrow Awards are announced each year by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) for outstanding achievements in electronic journalism.

WHEB’s ’Lend A Helping Can’ Raises $247,000

Date Posted: 12/1/2020

iHeartMedia’s WHEB-FM Portsmouth, N.H. held the 30th annual "Lend A Helping Can" radiothon on November 19--20 and raised more than $247,000 to benefit 12 charities working to combat local hunger and homelessness in the local community. The two day radiothon encouraged listeners to donate directly or participate in an online auction to raise the total funds.

“We were quite literally blown away by the response—especially this year," said Greg Kretschmar, host of station’s syndicated show, The Moring Buzz Show. “We had far fewer auction items due to the pandemic, but the phones never stopped ringing! It was amazing to see our audience step up to help to help their neighbors.”

WMUR-TV and iHeart Raise Over $760,000 for Food Bank

Date Posted: 4/20/2020

Hearst’s ABC affiliate WMUR-TV and iHeartRadio to produce a one-hour broadcast and stream on April 17 featuring celebrities with New Hampshire ties, including Adam Sandler, Seth Meyers, Tom Bergeron and other local talent. As of April 20, over $760,000 had been raised for local food banks in the “Project Community: NH Together From Home” initiative. An additional donor stepped forward following the event with a pledge to match additional donations up to $100,000.

“This fundraiser was a perfect NH collaboration between TV and radio, celebrities, musicians, athletes and of course the people of NH who understood the need and contributed,” said WMUR-TV President and General Manager Jeff Bartlett.

WFTN Hosts Successful ’Cash and Cans’ Event

Date Posted: 12/15/2019

Northeast Communication’s WFTN-FM Concord, N.H., collected over 20,000 food items and $43,000 during the annual "Cash and Cans" event, held December 6 - 13. The Drive benefits ten local non-profit organizations.

WMUR Hosts Youth Summit on Opioid Abuse

Date Posted: 4/4/2017

Hearst’s ABC affiliate WMUR-TV Manchester, N.H. hosted a summit on March 14 to address the opioid crisis ravaging the community. Thousands of students attended the event to hear from actors, athletes and parents about the epidemic. Following the event, WMUR received phone calls from viewers saying the effort is assisting them with getting help.

WMUR Airs ‘Home Base Veterans Day Special’

Date Posted: 11/11/2016

Hearst Television’s WMUR-TV Manchester, NH aired “Home Base Veteran’s Day Special” on November 11 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. The broadcast aimed to educate the local community about the invisible wounds of war in an effort to reduce stigma. The broadcast included personal testimony from veterans.

iHeartMedia Manchester Raises $156,000 For Vets

Date Posted: 3/8/2016

iHeartMedia’s WGIR-AM/FM Manchester, N.H. raised $156,000 for Veterans Count, an organization that provides financial assistance, services and resources to New Hampshire veterans, service members and their families. On-air personality Jack Heath hosted the 12-hour radiothon, which featured interviews with service members, ranging from World War II veterans to those who currently serve.

WBIN-TV WBIN-TV Debate Features New Hampshire Gubernatorial Hopefuls

Date Posted: 11/20/2014

Independently owned-and-operated WBIN-TV Derry, N.H., aired a debate on Oct. 22 between Gov. Maggie Hassan and challenger Walt Havenstein. Top issues in the discussion included Medicaid and budget expansions.

Hearst Television’s WMUR-TV and WCVB-TV Air Debates in Statewide Races

Date Posted: 11/20/2014

Hearst Television’s Commitment 2014 campaign featured several debates. Hearst’s ABC affiliate WMUR-TV Manchester, N.H aired debates in the races for the U.S. House of Represenatives, U.S. Senate and New Hampshire governor on Sept. 3, 4 and 5, respectively. Hearst’s ABC affiliate WCVB-TV Boston and Sunbeam Television’s NBC affiliate WHDH-TV Boston aired a debate on Sept. 3 between Massachusetts gubernatorial candidates Martha Coakley, Donald Berwick and Steve Grossman.

WMUR-TV Airs Three Debates in State-Wide Races

Date Posted: 10/2/2014

Hearst Television’s Commitment 2014 campaign continues. ABC affiliate WMUR-TV Manchester, N.H aired debates for U.S. House, U.S. Senate and New Hampshire governor on September 3, 4 and 5, respectively. Hearst’s ABC affiliate WCVB-TV Boston and Sunbeam Television’s NBC affiliate WHDH-TV Boston aired a debate on September 3 with gubernatorial candidates Martha Coakley, Donald Berwick and Steve Grossman.

WZID-FM Raises $175,000 for New Hampshire Kids

Date Posted: 1/10/2014

Saga Communications’ WZID-FM Manchester, N.H., held its 15th annual "Christmas is for Kids Radiothon," to support the Child and Family Services of New Hampshire, which is dedicated to advancing the well-being of children by providing an array of social services to strengthen family life and by promoting community commitment to the needs of children. The event raised a record-breaking $175,000. The proceeds provided gifts for children this Christmas and critical support for the Child and Family Services’ programs.

WGIR-FM, WHEB-FM Raise $82,000 for Locals in Need

Date Posted: 12/6/2013

Clear Channel’s WGIR-FM Manchester and WHEB-FM Portsmouth, N.H., along with Saga Communication’s WKNE-FM Keene, NH and a few other local radio stations broadcast the 23rd annual Lend a Helping Can Radiothon hosted by New Hampshire’s morning show, "Greg & The Morning Buzz." The two-day event raised more than $82,000, and the proceeds were given to 11 local agencies that feed New Hampshire’s needy and homeless.

WMUR-TV Features Back-to-Back New Hampshire Debates

Hearst Televison’s WMUR-TV Manchester, NH and The New Hampshire Union Leader hosted debates on Nov. 1 and 2. The Nov. 1 hour-long debate featured gubernatorial candidates Ovide Lamontagne and Maggie Hassan. On Nov. 2, WMUR-TV aired back-to-back congressional debates. The first featured Rep. Frank Guinta against Carol Shea-Porter, whom Guinta replaced two years ago. In the second hour, Rep. Charlie Bass faced challenger Ann Kuster.

WBIN-TV Goes Presidential Primetime

Station owner Bill Binnie’s WBIN-TV Derry, N.H., was a broadcast partner of the Republican presidential debate at Dartmouth College. As the first debate focused solely on the economy, the debate was a chance for many viewers to see WBIN-TV, a new station, for the first time.

"We are the only broadcast station that has the rights to air it in New England," Binnie said.

The debate also broadcasted live on Bloomberg Television and Bloomberg Radio. Presidential candidates Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, Jon Huntsman, Ron Paul, Rick Perry, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum participated.

“It’ll be something of a coming out party for WBIN,” said Charlie Arlinghaus, president of the Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy in Concord. “This is their big chance.”

As more voters start to choose a candidate, debates allow WBIN to start a conversation with New Hampshire residents. WBIN-TV will host more debates in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. For Binnie, a successful businessman who unsuccessfully ran for the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate in 2010, it stems from his fascination with political theater.

“I joke that it’s the sport of New Hampshire,” he said.

WMUR-TV Elevates Political Coverage

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

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

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

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

NHP-TV Promotes Healthy Eating, Exercise

To combat the obesity epidemic, NHP-TV in Durham, N.H., created LiveFIT NH, a project aimed at engaging the community in healthy eating and physical activity habits. The two-year initiative involves broadcast segments, outreach activities and online resources for individuals, families and schools. The LiveFIT multi-part series airs on the station’s public affairs show and has tackled many topics, including brown bag lunches, physical activity in schools and how to read food labels. The community has been invited to do the "LiveFIT challenge," which involves six actions to improve health. The station broadcasts regular "Fit Tips," public service announcements aimed at helping those trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle. A broad range of information and resources has been posted on the station Web site. In 2007, more than 30 LiveFIT community events were held across the state. The station gave away beach balls, jump ropes and pedometers to the more than 3,500 people who attended to help motivate them to get fit. "I eat fruits for snacks and lots of colors at every meal," said Alexandra K., a girl from Stratham, N.H., whose family is participating in the program. "And I like to play outside and get exercise." The station has been recognized for its efforts with the 2007 Outstanding Achievement Award from the New Hampshire Governor’s Council on Physical Activity and Health.

WFRD-FM Raised $41,000 for Breast Cancer

As one of radio’s own battled breast cancer, stations throughout the Upper Valley united with WFRD-FM in Hanover, N.H., for the inaugural "Polly’s Think Pink Radiothon." Pauline "Polly" Loyd, an on-air personality who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 29, listened from her hospital bed as nearly every radio station in the market joined in a 13-hour simulcast from the Norris Cotton Cancer Center. In just one day, the stations raised more than $41,000 for the fight against breast cancer. On-air personalities from more than 20 radio stations participated in the live broadcast, encouraging listeners to call in pledges to honor Polly and advance cancer research. Polly lost her fight to cancer in January 2008. WFRD plans to continue the radiothon every October in memory of Polly and all those touched by breast cancer.

WBNC-AM Airs Vital Community Reports

WBNC-AM in Conway, N.H., partnered with the Mount Washington Chamber of Commerce and the Mount Washington Observatory to create a station with a new format; Mount Washington Valley Visitor Information Radio plays no music and doesn’t report any news. Instead, the station provides community reports to support the millions of tourists that flock to the area each year. Every 10 minutes, listeners hear weather reports for the summit. Every half hour, depending on the season, a ski or climbing report broadcasts. When the weather isn’t cooperating, a rainy day report gives visitors information about the Children’s Museum and other indoor activities. The National Forest Service and the Appalachian Mountain Club go on air to provide hikers with trail and safety information. Residents share insider tips, such as how to spot a moose." About 60 percent of what we air is pure community service," said WBNC’s Ron Frizzell. The station was recognized with the 2007 merit honor for the New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters Station of the Year Golden Mike Award.

WLNH-FM Raised a Record $235,000 in its Children’s Auction

Every December, WLNH-FM in Gilford, N.H., raises hundreds of thousands of dollars to support local organizations that help the youngest members of the community. The 2007 holiday season marked the 25th anniversary of the WLNH Children’s Auction, which brought in a record $235,000. The auction airs live for five days and has generated more than $1.2 million for charities in the Lakes Region since its inception. The Greater Lakes Child Advocacy Center and Moultonborough Children’s Christmas Fund are just two of the many organizations that have benefited. Leading up to the auction, the station runs public service announcements and sends out press releases. In the months following the auction, the station airs stories as money is distributed to local organizations. The event inspires community-wide action year after year, including numerous fire departments heading out with boots to collect donations. The event requires more than 500 volunteers and is planned by its 50 member WLNH Auction Committee, which includes station staff and community leaders. This past December, Mayor Lahey proclaimed December 10 WLNH Children’s Auction Day in the city of Laconia.

WMUR-TV Names a "Champion in Action"

With the help of ,WMUR-TV in Manchester, N.H., the Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network, an organization that provides business development classes for local artisans and business owners, has gained a public presence. The station selected the Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network as a "Champion in Action," a title bestowed on four local organizations each year, all of which receive media support and financial assistance. The station began "Champion in Action" in partnership with the Citizens Bank Foundation to help nonprofits in the community gain momentum. Each recipient is given airtime for public service announcements (PSA) and news stories, and a professionally produced DVD that can be used for marketing and fundraising. The "Champion in Action" also receives an unrestricted grant of $25,000 from the Citizens Bank Foundation. News stories highlighting the Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network have profiled the organization, highlighted an entrepreneurial success story and reported on a farmer’s market started by the organization to provide small business owners a place to sell their wares. The exposure has helped the nonprofit organization grow. "The PSAs, which run several times a day, are helping to make us a recognizable resource for improving lives and livelihoods through entrepreneurial training and assistance," said Marilinne Cooper, executive director of the Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network. "‘Champions in Action’ has helped to broaden the reach of WREN with statewide promotion of who we are and what we do."

WGIR-FM Hosted its "Morning Buzz Classic"

Once again, WGIR-FM in Manchester, N.H., hosted its annual "Morning Buzz Classic," bringing community members together for a friendly round of golf while raising money for the local United Way. The station encouraged participation with 200 promotional announcements, adding up to 100 minutes of airtime, during the weeks leading up to the fundraiser. The promotions also were streamed online. To garner additional community support, the station featured the fall golf tournament in email blasts and on the station’s Web site. On the day of the tournament, the "Morning Buzz" show broadcast live from the golf club. Now in its 12th year, the event raised more than $9,000 from entry fees, raffles and auctions related to the event. WGIR’s staff dedicated 80 hours of time to make the event a success.