Date Posted: 9/19/2022
When a low-flying plane began moving erratically over a populated area in Tupelo, Miss., calm coverage from Allen Media’s WTVA kept the community safe and informed. Meteorologist Matt Laubhan used his experience to report on the plane’s flight pattern. He and anchor Craig Ford “stuck to the facts, demonstrating why people still trust local television more than any other media,” according to TVNewsCheck’s Hank Price.
Date Posted: 1/21/2022
Beasley Media Group’s first quarter companywide Community of Caring Initiative is focused on traffic safety. Through on-air public service announcements, digital content on station websites and interviews on public service shows, the campaign reminds drivers to slow down and move over on busy roadways to provide first responders and construction workers with the necessary room to work.
Every day, an average of two emergency responders are struck by vehicles while helping people on the road. Some are critically injured and can no longer work. Every fifth day, one dies. Beasley Media Group is thrilled to help protect the hardworking police, firefighters, emergency first responders and construction workers who support their communities.
Date Posted: 3/8/2021
WYFF, Hearst’s NBC affiliate in Greenville, S.C., and Safe Harbor raised $105,000 in a virtual telethon to continue providing critical programs that help victims of domestic violence on March 3.
“These donations will bridge a huge gap in our funding deficits this year,” says Becky Callaham, Safe Harbor’s executive director, “and will allow us to continue our work during one of the toughest times for families in crisis.”
Date Posted: 10/3/2019
TEGNA’s CBS affiliate KHOU Houston Reporter Tiffany Craig and Photographer Greg Ramirez helped rescue children during flooding. They were covering the flooding on September 19 when they stopped to help an SUV stranded in flood waters, with a mom and two children inside. Ramirez pulled out a little girl and a baby wearing only a diaper from the car. Another passerby pulled the car to dry ground.
“I’m like a proud mom. My KHOU11 team ALWAYS ready to help OUR community. We live here too. Neighbors help neighbors. #ThisIsJournalism Thank you Photojournalist G-Ram & @TiffanyKHOU," tweeted News Director Sally Ramirez.
Date Posted: 10/3/2019
TVB, a trade association for local television broadcasters, commissioned a proprietary Hurricane Dorian Media Usage Study. The study, performed by market research firm Dynata, showed that people overwhelmingly chose local broadcast TV stations as their preferred news source. Key insights include:
Date Posted: 10/1/2019
Beasley Media Group (BMG) launched a company-wide relief effort across its 65 radio stations asking listeners to donate money to Hurricane Dorian relief efforts and give blood to the American Red Cross.
Cox Media Group’s WEDR-FM, WFEZ-FM, WFLC-FM and WHQT-FM Miami partnered with local Winn-Dixie stores to collect donations for victims of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas as part of its “Labor of Love Bahamas Relief” event held September 5 – 6. Donations included non-perishable food, battery-powered radios, batteries, sunscreen and infant formula and diapers.
Entercom Miami’s WPOW-FM, WKIS-FM and WQAM-AM have joined forces with “Neighbors 4 Neighbors” to raise money for the families affected by Hurricane Dorian.
Hubbard’s WRMF-FM West Palm Beach raised $200,000 – double their original goal - during a radiothon held September 11 for relief efforts in The Bahamas. Watch video here and here.
iHeartMedia South Florida radio stations held several donation drives in September as part of its #iHeartBahamas Relief Effort. Listener contributions filled more than 21 semi-trucks with water, non-perishable food, generators, building materials, hygiene products, tents, pet food and blankets. iHeartMedia staffers also planned to travel to The Bahamas with local law enforcement agencies and volunteers to deliver donations when the infrastructure allows.
Date Posted: 9/4/2019
Hurricane Dorian slammed the Bahamas as a Category 5 and later Category 4 hurricane on September 1 and 2, killing seven as of press time with the death toll expected to rise. Television networks, local affiliates and radio stations provided extensive, potentially life-saving coverage as Hurricane Dorian approached Florida.
CBS News, NBC News, ABC News and Berkshire Hathaway’s ABC affiliate WPLG-TV Fort Lauderdale sent reporters to the Bahamas to cover the damage, while also keep eyes on Dorian’s approach towards Jacksonville, Fla. Deadline detailed the challenges faced in covering a storm that was so difficult to track. iHeartRadio, Entercom, Cox Media Group, Hubbard and JVC were also among the multitudes of broadcasters prepared to deliver emergency information to their local communities.
The Orlando Sentinel highlighted on September 2 the role local TV stations in Florida have played as Hurricane Dorian approached landfall in the state.
“In Orlando, we have many fine meteorologists who deliver the information clearly and simply. Thanks for doing your jobs effectively — and we’re counting on you,” wrote Orlando Sentinel columnist Hal Boedeker.
“It’s vitally important television,” Boedeker continued. “It could keep you alive.”
In addition to coverage, stations quickly planned relief efforts in the Bahamas. WPLG-TV partnered with two South Florida relief efforts that supported the Bahamas. Hubbard Radio’s West Palm Beach, Fla., cluster - WRMF-FM, WIRK-FM, WMBX-FM, WEAT-FM, WFTL-AM, and WMEN-AM - held a supply drive on September 4 - 5. iHeartMedia Miami stations WHYI-FM, WZTU-FM, WMIA-FM, WMIB-FM, WBGG-FM, WIOD-AM and WINZ-AM planned to broadcast live and collect goods on September 5 - 6 for the #iHeartBahamas Relief Effort. Items collected included new generators, plywood, construction materials, tents, gas cans, baby diapers and food, blankets, cots, sleeping bags, air mattresses, tarps and pet food.
Date Posted: 9/1/2019
Nexstar’s ABC affiliate WKRN Nashville has recently promoted safety in the community:
Date Posted: 7/31/2019
Graham Media’s CBS affiliate WKMG-TV Orlando received a proclamation from Jimmy Patronis, Chief Financial Officer for the State of Florida, declaring the station a first informer for the community after WKMG received the NAB Leadership Foundation (NABLF) Service to Community Award. The award recognized WKMG’s series of impactive investigative reports that featured first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and led to new legislation.
“WKMG-TV showed its deeply rooted commitment to public service and epitomizes a broadcaster’s devotion to positively impacting their community and creating a lasting difference,” reads the declaration.
Date Posted: 6/28/2019
Scripps’ NBC affiliate WPTV West Palm Beach Chief Meteorologist Steve Weagle took a 120-mile bike to raise awareness about the beginning of hurricane season. The 21st annual “Steve’s Ride,” which lasted from May 27 – 31, raised more than $164,000 for the American Red Cross.
Date Posted: 5/7/2019
Hearst’s ABC affiliate WCVB Boston aired a half-hour special on April 2 examining the underground world of human trafficking in Massachusetts, the dire situations that victims encounter, how local survivors escaped that life, and how they’re helping others.
The special brought to light the disparate treatment of those who have been trafficked and the traffickers themselves. As the women who have been prostituted are increasingly seen as powerless victims, some are still being treated like criminals by police and courts in Massachusetts. The special also explored why and how women are lured into this work and the subsequent consequences that often follow including addiction, beatings, shame and despair.
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: 8/1/2018
ABC News aired a special edition of “20/20” on July 10 to cover the rescue efforts of 12 boys and a coach who were stranded in caves in Thailand. Anchored by David Muir and Amy Robach, the hour-long program included interviews with classmates of the boys; Carl Henderson, an English teacher at a local school in the boys’ community; Nopparat Kanthawong, the boys’ head soccer coach; and Bill Whitehouse, Vice Chairman of the British Cave Rescue Council. The special also featured on-the-ground reporting from James Longman, Matt Gutman and Adrienne Bankert.
Date Posted: 7/1/2018
Maricopa Community College’s KJZZ-FM Phoenix acknowledges those who serve in our community by taking its mobile production unit Soundbite to fire and police stations across the area and providing coffee and doughnuts. KJZZ-FM also gives first responders the opportunity to share how they serve the community by recording interviews in the studio.
Date Posted: 4/30/2018
Graham-owned WJXT-TV Jacksonville, Fla., aired a live town hall discussion, “Generation Under Fire,” on March 14 in partnership with the Public Policy Institute at Jacksonville University. Students, parents, educators and law enforcement officials discussed how dangerous situations are handled in local school districts, and how students can get involved. View WJXT’s wrap-up discussion.
“No matter your personal feelings, there is a common thread that we at New4JAX have determined is worth spending our airtime and efforts trying to solve, and that is keeping our families safe,” said General Manager Bob Ellis.
Date Posted: 4/1/2018
Univision-owned WLTV-TV and WAQI-AM Miami and its digital platforms hosted “Ni Una Muerte Más,” (Not One More Death) on March 22, a town-hall meeting to address school safety concerns. Award-winning anchor Ambrosio Hernandez moderated the event, which featured Miami-Dade Public Schools (MDPS) Superintendent Alberto Carvalho and a panel of experts, elected officials, student leaders, and parent. Panelists addressed questions from the audience and those sent via Facebook.
Date Posted: 4/1/2018
Cordillera Communications’ NBC affiliate KOAA-TV Colorado Springs hosted, aired and streamed a town hall meeting, “School Threats: A Community Action Plan,” on March 12. Education professionals and law enforcement agencies discussed threat investigations, responsible reporting and actions parents can take during a crisis. “We always watch out for our community and sometimes that means bringing the right people together to create change,” said News Director Ryan Hazelwood. “We may not be able to stop school threats but we can give parents the tools and information they need to respond.”
Date Posted: 4/1/2018
Cox Media Group’s CBS affiliate KIRO-TV Seattle hosted, aired and streamed “KIRO 7 Live Town Hall: An Urgent Conversation About Guns” on March 14. The dialogue from the one-hour special provided new perspectives from a variety of viewpoints on the gun controversy, including Governor Jay Inslee, Sen. Tim Sheldon, Sen. Manka Dhingra, high school teachers, professors, students and journalists.
“KIRO 7 is committed to taking our viewers in-depth on important local issues, and delivering the story in balanced and impactful ways like we did with the Live Town Hall,” said Vice President and General Manager Greg Bilte.
Date Posted: 4/1/2018
Bonneville’s NBC affiliate KSL-TV Salt Lake City aired an in-depth special report, “In Search of Safe Schools,” on March 22. It ran commercial-free for the first 20 minutes of KSL’s 10 p.m. newscast and examined nationwide and local efforts to improve school safety. KSL and Bonneville’s KSL-AM, KSFI-FM and KRSP-FM also partnered with Stand Up for a Safe Utah to promote the free SAFEUT app that lets users call or text tips of bullying, threats or other school safety concerns anonymously to school administrators. More than 15,000 parents, students and educators across Utah downloaded the app.
“Our Stand Up for a Safe Utah campaign, special KSL TV programming and support of SAFEUT is indicative of our dedication to helping our viewers, listeners and users face challenging issues when they arise,” said General Manager Tanya Vea.
Date Posted: 3/1/2018
Radio and Television stations across Montana have dedicated significant airtime to a public service announcement (PSA) campaign to prevent suicide. Dewey Bruce, president and CEO of the Montana Broadcasters Association received a report from Karl Rossten with DPHHS Suicide Prevention Program Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services on the impact of the campaign:
"We recently received a report from the Crisis Text Line, where we have seen a significant jump in the number of conversations and active rescues from 2016 to 2017. In 2016, there were 291 conversations, 212 texts, and 3 active rescues. In 2017, that number jumped to 540 conversations, 446 texts, and 11 active rescues. So, in terms of the text line, we have to think that the current PSAs have played a role in getting the message out there and shows that people are using this tool. Also, you can add to the info the number of calls related to suicide that went to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline have also gone up by 39% from 2016 to 2017. So, more calls going there as well."
Date Posted: 3/1/2018
CBS-owned KDKA-TV Pittsburgh investigative reporter Marty Griffin addressed bullying onair after a local mom reached out to him. Her 15-year-old daughter, Cassie, received this Instagram message: “I told her she should of killed herself last year when she went to the loony bin, and everyone in school laughed about it, and no one cares if she does it now.” Griffin had Cassie read the taunts on camera to raise awareness of the issue. He also contacted an attorney to meet with school officials.
Date Posted: 3/1/2018
Beasley Media Group unveiled on February 18 the “See Something- Say Something” company-wide initiative following the tragic shooting of 17 people in Parkland, Fla. On-air personalities are creating PSAs for radio, sharing videos on social media and providing resources to help families discuss gun violence. Stations aim to encourage listeners to speak up if they see something suspicious on social media, at school or elsewhere in the community.
Date Posted: 1/1/2018
Sinclair’s Fox affiliate KSAS-TV and MyNetworkTV affiliate KMTW-TV Wichita have partnered with Wichita Government Officials for an ongoing safety campaign. The stations produced Fire Safety PSAs with the Wichita Fire Department. They also produced a Cyber-Safety PSA with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office. Soon, they will work with the Wichita School District and the Wichita Police Department on a bus safety spot.
Date Posted: 7/26/2017
Cox Media Group’s ABC affiliate WSB-TV Atlanta helped Cobb County police rescue two hostages in a bank on July 7. Brian Easley called the station and told Assignment Editor Stephanie Steiger, “I have a bomb and I’m holding people hostage.” Steiger listened to Easley’s complaints about the Department of Veterans Affairs for 45 minutes while WSB conferenced in a police negotiator. Chief Mike Register said Steiger did a "great job" keeping Easley calm. Police the information from the call to rescue all hostages.
WSB did not report the story on air or via social media during the incident. "These hostages and that man’s safety were our first concern,” said News Director Misti Turnbull. “We were behind our competition in reporting the story publicly, but ’winning’ the reporting race was not the priority at that moment."
Date Posted: 7/5/2017
Scripps’ NBC affiliate KSHB-TV Kansas City used its helicopter to help rescue a three-year-old girl who disappeared during a carjacking. KSHB pilot Greg Bourdon and photojournalist James Moore found the girl and directed police officers to her location before an Amber Alert could be issued.
Date Posted: 6/30/2017
NBC-owned WCAU-TV Philadelphia streamed a digital-only exclusive half-hour report “Preventing Suicide: Breaking the Silence” on June 6. The special examined suicide in the Greater Philadelphia region to help raise awareness, remove the stigma and highlight the role of local government and health organizations.
Date Posted: 6/2/2017
Salem Media Group’s WGTK-FM Greenville, S.C. hosts a weekly segment, “Week N Pulse,” which includes information on local law enforcements’ Crime Stoppers program. The segment and program highlights ongoing investigations of homicides, robberies and thefts and missing persons. Local law enforcement agencies use the airwaves to ask citizens for help solving crimes.
Date Posted: 2/13/2017
Nexstar’s NBC affiliate KARK-TV and Mission Broadcasting’s Fox affiliate KLRT Little Rock launch “Victory over Violence” campaign in early February in response to the shooting of a local toddler.
The campaign’s goal is to cover crime in a responsible manner and to be a resource for issues including education, jobs, mentoring and hunger. “We decided we needed to be part of the solution,” said KARK News Director Austin Kellerman.
Date Posted: 4/12/2016
E.W. Scripps’ ABC affiliate WXYZ Detroit created the 27-minute documentary “Beyond the Bullet: The Cost of Gun Violence in Detroit” for its website. It features interviews with a 9-year-old girl who was hit by a random bullet and a woman whose son was killed over a cell phone. WXYZ also takes viewers for a rare look inside the Detroit Police Department gun vault, where police keep guns seized in homicide investigations. “At WXYZ, we’re digging deeper to create unique digital content that provides background and context for the issues that impact our local community and communities across the country,” said General Manager Mike Murri.
Date Posted: 4/5/2016
Scripps’ ABC affiliate WMAR-TV Baltimore broadcast "Community in Crisis: Violence Against Women," a 30-minute special about sexual assault and sexual assault prevention. The WMAR original special, which aired and live streamed April 14, also addresses how Maryland’s first responders, hospitals and schools are fighting the problem. "Once again we’ve built a show that is designed to start a conversation at home," said News Director Kelly Groft. "The show is designed to educate, provide resources and be a starting point for meaningful dinner table conversations." Earlier this year, WMAR’s "Community in Crisis: Chasing the High" reported on Maryland’s growing heroin epidemic.
Date Posted: 3/7/2016
Raycom’s NBC affiliate KHNL Honolulu partnered with the Hawaii office of the Joyful Heart Foundation and a dozen local organizations for the 2nd annual "Hawaii Says NO MORE" week, March 6 – 13, as part of the national "NO MORE" campaign to raise public awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault. KHNL promoted events, ran PSAs and aired news stories, including interviews with Mark Herzlich of the New York Giants and Joyful Heart founder and star of NBC’s "Law & Order: SVU" Mariska Hargitay.
Date Posted: 2/1/2016
Nexstar Broadcasting’s CBS affiliate WMBD-TV and Cunningham’s Fox affiliate WYZZ Peoria, Ill. hosted a Smoke Alarm Phone-a-Thon on Jan. 9, through which viewers requested free smoke alarms to be installed in their homes. The effort is part of the national Home Fire Campaign, which aims to reduce the number of deaths and injuries from fires by 25 percent by 2019.
Date Posted: 2/1/2016
ABC-owned WPVI-TV Philadelphia partnered with local firefighters on “Operation 6abc: Save a Life,” to educate viewers on fire prevention and distribute 10,000 smoke alarms low income, elderly and other residents. The alarms contain a battery proven to last a decade. In 15 years, “Operation 6abc: Save a Life” has distributed nearly one million smoke alarms. WPVI also produced PSAs that aired in January.
Date Posted: 2/1/2016
Hearst’s NBC affiliate WESH-TV Daytona Beach, Fla. conducted an 11-month investigation into a rule intended to curb drug abuse in Florida that prevented dying patients from getting pain medication their doctors had lawfully prescribed. The investigation forced change at pharmacies and in Florida’s capitol.
Date Posted: 11/5/2015
Sinclair Broadcast Group promoted the American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign as part of Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 9 – 15. Through the campaign, the Red Cross has installed more than 125,000 smoke alarms in nearly 2,400 communities.
"Local broadcasting is one of the most important ways we share life-saving information with the communities we serve. Our campaigns are local, our volunteers are local, our supporting partners are local, and broadcast TV just connects all those dots," said Red Cross Executive Director of Community Preparedness Russ Paulsen. "Being able to speak to over 43 million homes at once through Sinclair’s media network allows us to scale our effort to educate families about preventing home fires and keeping loved ones safe."
Date Posted: 11/5/2015
Graham Media owned WJXT Jacksonville exposed unsafe conditions at the Eureka Gardens Apartments, including crumbling staircases, mold and gas leasks. WJXT brought attention to residents’ frustration, which they voiced when the complex passed a Department of Housing and Urban Development inspection. Eureka Gardens’ owner subsequently announced plans for major changes.
Date Posted: 7/17/2015
Former CBS Radio President Dan Mason established the Dan Mason Family Audio Scholarship at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications to provide financial assistance to a Newhouse senior majoring in television, radio and film with an audio concentration. The first recipient will be chosen for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Date Posted: 6/15/2015
Raycom Media’s CBS affiliate WAFB-TV Baton Rouge hosted Severe Weather Action Day on February 21. The WAFB First Alert Weather Team partnered with Midland Radio and local homeland security and National Weather Service representatives. The event discussed how to prepare for weather emergencies and gave participants the opportunity to present the weather on a portable green screen.
Date Posted: 6/4/2015
Raycom Media’s ABC affiliate KLTV-TV Tyler, TX aired investigative stories on the murder of Kari Hunt, a mother of two, who was killed by her estranged husband in a hotel room. Hunt’s children witnessed the crime, while one tried unsuccessfully to dial 9-1-1, not knowing she had to dial 9 first to get an outside line. KLTV-TV’s story helped bring this to the attention of State Senator Kevin Eltife, who sponsored a bill requiring direct access to 9-1-1 from certain telephone systems. Representative Chris Paddie introduced Texas Statehouse SB 788 (aka Kari’s Law) in the House. It is now ready for the Governor’s signature. Other states are now working on passing this law or variations. Read more here.
Date Posted: 5/6/2015
Justice Network airs 90 seconds of original content each hour that features wanted criminals or missing children. After one of these segments, a viewer identified a missing girl and contacted the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The girl, who had been missing since 2013, was returned safely to her family. The network launched January 20.
Date Posted: 3/13/2015
Hearst Television’s ABC affiliate WCVB-TV Boston continued to provide viewers with critical weather information as multiple storms buried the area in snow. Over a three-day period from Feb. 13-15, the station’s mobile and desktop news websites garnered 2.7 million visits, 11.9 million page views and 180,000 total live streams.
Date Posted: 2/9/2015
Hearst Television’s CBS affiliate WLKY-TV Louisville, Ken. shared an inspiring story in mid-January about helmet safety. One day in 2010, TJ was riding his bike and crashed it. He was not wearing a helmet, and suffered a life-altering brain surgery. “It’s the ‘good news,’ inspirational type of story viewers always say they want,” says Andrea Stahlman, news director of WLKY. Stahlman wrote and co-produced the special with WLKY photojournalist Scott Echhardt. Click the link to view the story, The Invisible Journey.
Date Posted: 1/13/2015
Four stations received Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards for investigative reporting.
Date Posted: 12/4/2014
CBS Chicago‘s local television, radio and digital media platforms, including WBBM-AM and WMVP-AM, raised nearly $800,000 during their third annual Day of Giving on Nov. 25. For 13 hours, CBS hosted a live telethon/radiothon to raise money for the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago’s home fire relief efforts. Each year, the Red Cross provides food, shelter and comfort to 1,400 local families whose homes are damaged or destroyed by fires. CBS and the Red Cross also distributed free smoke alarms.
Date Posted: 12/4/2014
Lin Media’s ABC affiliate WTNH-TV New Haven, Conn., partnered with Kidde Fire Safety on Operation Save A Life, a program that increases awareness of fire and carbon monoxide (CO) dangers and distributes smoke alarms to low-income and elderly residents. From Sept. 15 through October, WTNH-TV aired educational vignettes to increase fire safety education and CO awareness. This year, Kidde donated 5,000 smoke alarms and 3,000 CO alarms, which local fire departments distributed throughout the state.
Date Posted: 10/2/2014
Broadcasters ramping up domestic violence initiatives through special news reports, telethons and tributes to victims following recent NFL incidents include E. W. Scripps’ WEWS Cleveland, WFTS Tampa and Raycom’s Honolulu stations, CBS affiliate KGMB and NBC affiliate KHNL, according to Broadcasting & Cable. In addition, Capitol Broadcasting launched the "eNOughNC" campaign, with WRAL-TV and WRAZ-TV Raleigh, NC producing two PSAs that debuted during an NFL game featuring Ray Rice’s former team, the Ravens, and ran on WILM Wilmington and Capitol radio stations. "eNOughNC" provides education on how to break the domestic violence cycle.
Date Posted: 10/2/2014
Broadcasters ramping up domestic violence initiatives through special news reports, telethons and tributes to victims following recent NFL incidents include E. W. Scripps’ WEWS Cleveland, WFTS Tampa and Raycom’s Honolulu stations, CBS affiliate KGMB and NBC affiliate KHNL, according to Broadcasting & Cable. In addition, Capitol Broadcasting launched the "eNOughNC" campaign, with WRAL-TV and WRAZ-TV Raleigh, NC producing two PSAs that debuted during an NFL game featuring Ray Rice’s former team, the Ravens, and ran on WILM Wilmington and Capitol radio stations. "eNOughNC" provides education on how to break the domestic violence cycle.
Date Posted: 10/2/2014
Broadcasters ramping up domestic violence initiatives through special news reports, telethons and tributes to victims following recent NFL incidents include E. W. Scripps’ WEWS Cleveland, WFTS Tampa and Raycom’s Honolulu stations, CBS affiliate KGMB and NBC affiliate KHNL, according to Broadcasting & Cable. In addition, Capitol Broadcasting launched the "eNOughNC" campaign, with WRAL-TV and WRAZ-TV Raleigh, NC producing two PSAs that debuted during an NFL game featuring Ray Rice’s former team, the Ravens, and ran on WILM Wilmington and Capitol radio stations. "eNOughNC" provides education on how to break the domestic violence cycle.
Date Posted: 10/2/2014
Broadcasters ramping up domestic violence initiatives through special news reports, telethons and tributes to victims following recent NFL incidents include E. W. Scripps’ WEWS Cleveland, WFTS Tampa and Raycom’s Honolulu stations, CBS affiliate KGMB and NBC affiliate KHNL, according to Broadcasting & Cable. In addition, Capitol Broadcasting launched the "eNOughNC" campaign, with WRAL-TV and WRAZ-TV Raleigh, NC producing two PSAs that debuted during an NFL game featuring Ray Rice’s former team, the Ravens, and ran on WILM Wilmington and Capitol radio stations. "eNOughNC" provides education on how to break the domestic violence cycle.
Date Posted: 8/12/2014
Clear Channel Communities and Clear Channel-owned WUSL-FM Philadelphia held the 11th annual "Peace on the Street Jam," a three-part series featuring activities that promote peace and provide resources to help curb violence. The events included jam sessions featuring local artists and an essay contest that involved a partnership with Philadelphia Futures, a local nonprofit that provides college admission resources to first-generation college students.
Date Posted: 8/11/2014
Nineteen radio stations across Indianapolis came together on July 7 to promote and produce "Indy United on the Circle," a rally in downtown Indianapolis to support law enforcement and take a stand against violence. The event was in response to a Fourth of July holiday weekend mass shooting, in which seven people were shot on a main street in one of the city’s most popular nightlife districts and a local police officer was killed. Seven radio groups – Emmis, Entercom, Clear Channel, Radio One, Cumulus, Continental and Sarkes Tarzian – promoted the event for a week leading up to the rally. "Indy United" included speeches from business leaders, local elected officials and five members of the Indianapolis clergy. The event was capped off by a moving performance by the Indianapolis Children’s Choir.
Date Posted: 6/9/2014
Fifteen Chicago radio stations from four different owners – Clear Channel, Univision, Crawford Broadcasting and Midway Broadcasting – have partnered with Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the city of Chicago to launch the "Put The Guns Down" radio initiative. The anti-violence campaign promotes safety in local communities and aims to reduce gun violence that has plagued Chicago. Stations have agreed to air PSAs featuring their on-air talent, host weekly news segments and monthly radio simulcasts to discuss the importance of community responsibility and accountability.
Date Posted: 10/4/2013
Following a summer with a heightened level of violence, three urban music radio stations in Milwaukee, Saga Communications’ WJMR-FM, Clear Channel’s WKKV-FM and Courier Communications’ WNOV-AM joined together to launch the "Urban Radio United for Peace" PSA campaign. Laurie Jones, WJMR-FM’s brand manager said, "Our stations share many listeners. So it makes sense for the stations to be united and consistent in our message. As listeners flip around the dial, they are going to hear our message, regardless of which station they tune into."
Chicago,
like many cities across the United States, was hit by a massive
snowstorm earlier this year that brought sleet, ice and record
inches of snow from western Texas to Maine. While most Chicagoans
hunkered down in their homes to weather the storm, local broadcasters
were hard at work providing round-the-clock coverage of the blizzard.
Television stations across the market offered expanded reporting
during the storm, including one station, Tribune’s WGN-TV, providing
a "Blizzard of 2011 Special Report" starting as early
as 3 a.m. CBS-owned WBBM-TV canvassed the city in its Mobile 2
video truck, providing live footage
of the storm’s aftermath. Meanwhile, Fox’s WFLD-TV included viewers’
snow videos, in newscasts throughout the day. NBC-owned WMAQ-TV
utilized its multicast station to deliver continuous blizzard
coverage, while ABC’s WLS-TV relied on social media and mobile
video to update viewers with up-to-the-minute bulletins. Click
here
to learn more about Chicago broadcasters’ efforts.
Beasley Broadcast Group-owned WWNN-AM Boca Raton, Fla., broadcasts
a weekly community-minded radio show, "All Points Bulletin
with Sheriff Al Lamberti." During the program the Broward County,
Fla., Sheriff speaks with law enforcement experts about local crime
trends and issues. To date, the show - which debuted February 2010
- has been directly responsible for the capture of eight fugitives
and has profiled more than 70 additional criminals. Recently, WWNN-AM
welcomed "America’s Most Wanted" host John Walsh who contributed
to the "You’re on Our List" segment of the show, which
is dedicated to apprehending South Florida’s most wanted criminals.
LIN Media-owned WUPW-TV Toledo, Ohio is working with the Red Cross
and area fire departments to distribute free smoke detectors to
those in need. WUPW-TV invites area residents to visit select locations
across Northwest Ohio on assigned dates to receive a free smoke
detector. More than 2,500 devices have been distributed in the past
15 months.
Ray Robicheaux, his brother Tyler Robicheaux and Promotion Director Daniel Hawkes of Citadel Broadcasting’s KXKC-FM Lafayette, La., recently participated in the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes March for rape prevention. The mission of the walk is to create a unique and powerful public experience that educates individuals and communities about the causes of sexualized violence and provides prevention and remediation strategies. KXKC-FM promoted the event by inviting listeners to vote for the dress Ray would wear to the walk. Listeners were encouraged to join Ray and the stations’ team to support the campaign to end sexual assault.
Clear Channel Media and Entertainment’s KLAC-AM Los Angeles raised $135,000 during its 5th annual "Help a Hero" radiothon. The seven-hour, commercial-free broadcast and online auction set a station record. Proceeds benefited the Paralyzed Veterans of America, which provides rehab, access to medical services, job training and continuing research to find a cure for paralysis.
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!"
In a remote 100,000 square miles of signal area, KNOM-AM/FM in Nome, Alaska, acts as a critical communications link. The police chief walks to the station when he has safety information, and KNOM immediately starts broadcasting announcements. "Community service is 24-hours a day for us," said General Manager Ric Schmidt. "We are the emergency access point, and the only communication entity that has a back-up power source." This community-based emergency system can be life-saving in a place where temperatures and weather can be extreme. You can travel to Nome only by plane, boat, snow mobile or dog sled, so the KNOM travel report is crucial to residents’ safety and includes reports from listeners and local police of places where trails have become "soft" due to thawing. Because there have been several cases of unexplained disappearances in the past 10 years, KNOM staff are very proactive at getting missing people reports on the air. This past year, there were four reports, and all four people were found in fairly short order. "The radio saves lives," said Schmidt. "It keeps folks connected."
Nationally, Alaska ranks second per capita in homicide of women by men and first in rape, which is why KTVA-TV in Anchorage, Alaska, has dedicated extensive on-air time to the subject of domestic violence. From information on obtaining legal protection if in an abusive relationship to the issue of elder abuse, the station dedicated its "Break the Cycle" segments to different aspects of domestic violence for a three-month period. Playing off the Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis (AWAIC) acronym, the station produced a series of "Are you awake?" public service announcements asking viewers to open their eyes to the problem. During October, Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, the station produced and aired nearly $10,000 worth of announcements for AWAIC. The station also inspired an outpouring from viewers when it broadcast an on-air donation drive to provide the AWAIC shelter with needed items. "Per a public opinion survey done last year, 89 percent of Alaskans are concerned about interpersonal violence," said Judy Cordell, executive director of AWAIC. "KTVA has responded to that concern and has become an active partner by airing the victim hotline number, promoting awareness of services and linking donors with the mission." KTVA’s commitment earned the station a Victims for Justice Media Award. Each quarter, KTVA dedicates its "Break the Cycle" news segments to a problem of major local concern. In addition to domestic abuse, the segment has been dedicated to alcohol addiction, child abuse and the emergence of gangs.
Each Sunday, KPKX-FM in Phoenix Ariz., helps its community fight crime. Its weekly "5-0 Info" show is hosted by the director of the Phoenix Police Department’s Silent Witness Program, which offers monetary awards to community members who provide information about unsolved cases. In addition to updating listeners about crimes, the show brings in expert guests to give information on how to improve both personal and public safety. Topics have included how to avoid auto theft, how to become involved in Neighborhood Watch and what to know before making a 911 call. The station also made its first annual Peak Festivus Concert, at which Don Henley, Stray Cats and The Pretenders took the stage, an opportunity to fundraise for the Silent Witness Program. All money rewarded by the program comes from donations. Prior to the show, the station provided more than $30,000 worth of airtime to sell raffle tickets for a new Harley Sportster. The winner was announced at the concert, and $11,000 was raised for the Silent Witness Program. KPKX was a National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Award finalist in 2008.
To highlight the importance of emergency preparedness to viewers, KMGH-TV in Denver, Colo., partnered with the Mile High Chapter of the American Red Cross to broadcast its "Save a Life" campaign during National Preparedness Month in September. The station built an entire month of news stories to get Coloradans ready in case of an emergency and opened the Call 7 phone lines during newscasts to allow viewers to ask questions of Red Cross professionals. One segment that was a staff and viewer favorite covered pet emergency preparedness. Parker, the 7News Canine Correspondent, went to a Red Cross first aid class for pets, where animal owners were taught pet CPR, the Heimlich Maneuver and what to do in case of a snake bite. In addition to segments on various preparedness topics, 30-second public service announcements on how to put an emergency preparedness kit together ran regularly. Viewers were directed to the Red Cross for more information during news coverage and to the station’s Web site, which supported the campaign with story recaps and even a blog from Parker about the first aid class for pets. The campaign also was translated and launched on KMGH’s affiliate Spanish-language station.
In response to several teens losing their lives in traffic accidents, WSTW-FM in Wilmington, Del., launched "SmartDrive," a student driver education reinforcement program, which is now in the majority of Delaware high schools. In addition to airing public service announcements (PSAs) featuring local students and safe driving tips each week, WSTW’s on-air personalities kick off the program at school assemblies. A multitude of prizes, from $4,000 post-secondary scholarships to having your name mixed into a song and played on the air during prom season, help engage students. The program has its own Web site, www.smartdrivede.org, where students and their parents complete monthly safe driving activities. Approximately 2,000 students participated in 2007. The mission of the program is "for a significant number of young drivers to make the right decisions every time they are behind the wheel so they will never put themselves, their passengers or their vehicles in harm’s way." Pete Booker, general manger of WSTW and founder of "Smart Drive," received the Governor’s Highway Safety Association Peter K. O’Roarke Special Achievement Award in recognition of his achievement in highway safety.
When two women in the community were tragically killed by domestic abuse during the first 17 days of 2008, morning show host Ed Kanoi from KGMZ-FM in Honolulu, Hawaii, knew something needed to be done. The first step involved broadcasting an interview with Carol Lee, executive director of the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The broadcast raised awareness of the problem, gave discussion to how violence was affecting the community and proposed ways in which people could address it. Lee also was interviewed on the public affairs shows of sister stations KHUI-FM and KHCM-FM. A public service announcement (PSA) featuring Lee and resources for those needing help runs regularly on all seven stations in the Salem Media of Hawaii radio cluster. "As a result of the PSA, we have received dozens of calls from individuals who want to become part of the solution," said Lee. "Salem Media is helping us reach thousands of individuals who can work with us to make Hawaii’s communities safer."
An escalating number of senseless crimes leading to violence and murder among school-age students prompted WLS-TV in Chicago, Ill., to look for solutions. First, the station engaged viewers with an hour-long, commercial-free broadcast of a town hall meeting organized by the Chicago Foundation for Women’s "What Will It Take?" campaign. Next, the station produced a three-part special series, "Stop the Violence." Each 30-minute, commercial-free program explored a different aspect of the problem and possible solutions. Starting two weeks before each broadcast, the station ran a heavy promotional schedule to encourage its viewers to watch. Press releases were sent out to print media, and the station also reached out to local radio. Hosted by key WLS evening anchors, the specials included interviews with the local superintendent of police, the president of the Chicago Board of Education, school counselors, a father whose son was murdered and a local pastor. The specials have helped start a dialogue about how to find resolutions to conflicts before they escalate into violence.
Tens of thousands of pounds of paper have gone into the shredder with the help of WNCN-TV in Raleigh, N.C. To protect its viewers from becoming victims of identity theft, a crime approximately 300,000 North Carolinians are affected by each year, the station became media sponsor and organizer of a community-wide "Shred It" event two years ago. Due to a growing need, "Shred It" has been expanded and now occurs twice each year. At the spring event, 1,500 community members brought more than 55,000 pounds of personal documents to be shredded to three event locations. For a month prior, public service announcements reminded viewers of the opportunity. To arm viewers with additional information on protecting themselves from what has become the fastest growing crime in the country, the station also ran a week-long series of segments about identity theft during newscasts. The station has a page on its Web site that features resources and tips on how to keep personal information safe.
"Lock it, remove it or lose it." That’s the message WIBW-TV in Topeka, Kan., got out to its viewers during its winter campaign to help law enforcement fight back against property theft. In addition to a 30-minute primetime special featuring the Topeka police chief and the sheriff of Shawnee County, the station produced an aggressive public service campaign, including regular announcements and stories in morning and evening news casts. The on-air effort educated viewers on how to prevent becoming a victim of theft. The online component of the campaign included tips, statistics and interactive maps of areas with the highest property crime rates. The impact of the "Lock It, Remove It or Lose It" campaign was dramatic. When the crime statistics came out for December, car thefts were down 40 percent from the previous year, and there was a 29 percent decrease in the overall crime rate. "Property theft usually spikes in December because there are more targets and opportunity," said Capt. Ron Brown of the Topeka Police Department. "Not only did we not see a spike, we saw a double digit reduction. We’ve never seen reductions like that in the 27 years I have been here."
When millions of toys were recalled in 2007, KYTV-TV in Springfield, Mo., took steps to help parents decipher which items in their children’s toy box were safe. Weeks of special segments from consumer reporter Cara Restelli alerted parents to the issues and results of a station investigation found many toys not included on the government recall list tested positive for lead. In partnership with the Students in Free Enterprise organizations from Missouri State University and Ozarks Technical Community College, the station organized a free lead-testing event at the studio. A 30-second public service announcement invited viewers to bring up to five toys. Restelli reported live from the event, where more than 300 toys were tested and four percent turned up positive for lead. A database of toy makes and models was collected to further safety efforts. Parents and grandparents who came to the lead-testing event said they would sleep sound knowing the results.
To help law enforcement catch the bad guys, KTVQ-TV in Billings, Mont., has started airing "Be On the Lookout Alerts." Although less than a year old, this new program has led to the arrest of 16 out of the 20 fugitives featured. U.S. Marshal Dwight McKay voices the alerts, which run once a week on the 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts. This information is also packaged as public service announcements, which air throughout the week. KTVQ produces the alerts and then feeds them to seven sister stations throughout Montana, making the reach of the alerts statewide. "It has really provided a service to the people in Montana," said KTVQ’s Monty Wallis. "And one capture happened in another state, so this program has even gone beyond state lines."
A twice-weekly segment about unsolved crimes that runs during the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. news on KTVL-TV in Medford, Ore., has aided in the arrest of more than 80 criminals, making the city a safer place. Both segments, "Crime Stoppers MethWatch" and "Crime Stoppers," are backed by the station, Crime Stoppers of Southern Oregon, local law enforcement and the local newspaper. With a goal of stopping the spread of drugs in Southern Oregon, "MethWatch," specifically targets people who manufacture and distribute methamphetamine. These reports aren’t just about the "bad" guys. As an eye-opener to the far-reaching effects meth has on the community, "MethWatch" segments also feature stories about the drug’s affects on the workforce, youth and the community. Success stories of addicts who have received treatment and taken back their lives also air, and once a year, a MethWatch half-hour special summarizes all the people profiled and lists resources for users to get help. "With KTVL’s support and assistance, both ‘MethWatch’ and ‘Crime Stoppers’ have made a huge impact on the safety of our community," said Deputy Chief Tim George, president of Crime Stoppers of Southern Oregon. "It takes a communitywide effort to beat an epidemic like methamphetamine, and KTVL has done more than their share as a community partner."
A working fire alarm doubles the chance of surviving a house fire, which is why WNEP-TV in Moosic, Pa. has teamed with local fire departments to install 15,000 free smoke alarms in 2008 as part of the station’s "Operation Save A Life" campaign. In its third year, the smoke alarm project was developed to help make homes safer in northeastern and central Pennsylvania, where many houses are nearly a century old. Elderly residents, families with children and people living in low-income neighborhoods have all benefited. On-air prevention messages and fire safety news packages are part of the effort, too. Topics have ranged from how to create a fire escape plan to how to use a fire extinguisher. A half-hour special hosted by the WNEP news crew and local firemen has aired twice this year. "We believe very strongly in this program," said WNEP news director Dennis Fisher. "We expect that someday down the road, someone’s life will be saved by an alarm they received from ‘Operation Save a Life.’" The effort has been honored with the Partner In Prevention Award from the Burn Prevention Foundation and the 2006 James A. Miller Memorial Award from the Firemen’s Association of the State of Pennsylvania.
Preparing for life’s emergencies became a little easier for the listeners of WSBA-AM of York, Pa., thanks to the station’s special series, "The Dangers Around Us, Keeping Your Family Safe," which was produced in partnership with the York Chapter of the American Red Cross. Every Thursday and Friday morning from early October through the end of November, the station aired segments that included issues such as personal preparedness, carbon monoxide poisoning prevention, first aid training, fire safety and blood donation needs. The nine-part, 18-segment series also covered holiday concerns such as toy and Halloween safety, and travel and weather issues. To make sure the information reached the greatest number of area residents, audio recordings of the segments were posted on the station’s Web site. WSBA was a National Association of Broadcasters’ Crystal Award Finalist in 2008.
After the tristate area lost several teens in car crashes, the news team at WXIX-TV in Cincinnati, Ohio decided to take action to help reduce deaths and injuries among young drivers. Their "Street Safe Teens" campaign involved a monthly news package highlighting different aspects of driving safety. Topics have covered everything from parent-teen driving contracts to car care for new drivers. Twice, the news crew have headed to a local high school and broadcast live seat belt checks as student drivers pulled into the parking lot. Those who were wearing seat belts won prizes; those who weren’t received a brochure with potentially life-saving information. Public service safety announcements aired in addition to the news features, and the station Web site hosted an entire section on teen driving safety, including a downloadable contract, driver education resources and news video clips.
Every Monday, during the 11 p.m. news, WKYC-TV in Cleveland, Ohio, profiles a "Fugitive of the Week" and points viewers to a call-in tip line. U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott approached the station five years ago after a local police officer was killed in the line of duty. Elliott was creating a task force to track down the most violent fugitives and he needed the station to let viewers know how they could assist. Together, the task force and the station have helped arrest 15,000 fugitives. In addition to weekly newscasts, a section of the station Web site is dedicated to information about the fugitives, including photos and regular updates on arrests. The station and task force have expanded the campaign with "Fugitive Safe Surrender" and "Operation Second Chance," two programs aimed at helping clear the courts of minor warrants so law enforcement can concentrate on the more violent criminals. Neutral ground for people with outstanding warrants to turn themselves in has been established with several inner city churches, and the station runs stories and promotional spots to get the word out. The station also runs longer news stories about both fugitives and the task force itself. "The Marshals’ partnership with WKYC has been absolutely tremendous," said Elliott. "Countless fugitives including murderers, rapists and robbers are off the streets as a direct result of our teamwork together."
KXMT-FM, KKIT-FM, KKTC-FM and KVOT-AM in Taos, N.M. have made it hard to stay a fugitive from the law for long. Since the four stations launched their "Fugitive of the Week" program in 2003, 214 fugitives have been featured and only nine are still at large. The joint effort involves the stations, the Taos County Sheriff’s Department, the Taos Police Department and the New Mexico State Police. Segments play daily on all four stations and are voiced by a police officer from one of the three agencies, most often the Taos Police Department. "It’s not just bank robbers and murders we are looking for, but also those that haven’t paid their child support or failed to show up in court after a DWI," said Jeff Singer, operations manager for the stations. In related efforts, the chief of police is interviewed by Singer on KKTC each Monday morning, and the all four stations air public service announcements about DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols.
WTLC-AM in Indianapolis, Ind., is advocating for an end to street violence. Broadcasting live from a location where multiple homicides took place, on-air talent hosted a public forum for concerned citizens to discuss how to stop the senseless killing. Regular music programming was suspended for two hours so listeners and citizens could have their voices heard. For the week leading up to the broadcast, the station aired recorded public service announcements about the event every day. Making sure the discussion could reach as many community members as possible, WTLC distributed a press release and secured live broadcasts from its four network affiliates as well as coverage in the local newspaper. The station’s staff worked 50 hours to organize the event.
Within a week of WGNO-TV, New Orleans, La., launching "Wheel of Justice" and "Crime Tracker," two new segments focused on bringing the community together to fight the rising tide of crime in the area, two featured suspects were behind bars. The station launched both initiatives to take an active role in making the city safer. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the police chief comes into the studio and spins the "Wheel of Justice" for the 10 p.m. newscast. The wheel features the names and photos of four wanted criminals, and details are given about the suspect the wheel lands on. This information is also turned into a 10-second spot that plays regularly. Viewers are asked to call the station, the police or Crime Stoppers with any information. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the "Crime Tracker" segment maps where crimes and acts of violence have been committed, calling residents’ attention to safety issues within neighborhoods across the region. As part of "Crime Tracker," the station also has called upon an experienced local bounty hunter to assist in the investigation of crimes and capture of suspects. "We recognize that the people of metro New Orleans want more done (to battle crime)," said Larry Delia, vice president and general manager of Tribune Television New Orleans. "We’re taking the initiative to join the community and make change happen that will benefit all of us."
In a year that proved difficult for the coastal search and rescue teams, which were called out for water rescues more times than in any previous year, KOZT-FM in Fort Bragg, Calif., did its part to improve safety by airing a series of advisories on fishing, diving and beach activity dangers. The mini-programs were produced in partnership with the Ocean Safety Coalition and aired four times a day during tourist, abalone and sport fishing seasons. KOZT provided the segments to other radio stations at no charge. In a related safety-awareness effort, the station was a sponsor of a community "Disaster Preparedness Day," where station staff, first responders and personnel from county emergency services invited listeners to learn how to prepare and cope with natural disasters. In addition to promoting the event with public service announcements, the station aired remote broadcast segments and updates from the event throughout the day. More than 500 people took home newly developed emergency plans and skills to keep their families safe in the case of an emergency. KOZT was a National Association of Broadcasters’ Crystal Award Finalist in 2008.
Experts believe millions of Americans will have their identities stolen in the next five years, which is why WCAU-TV in Bala Cynwyd, Pa., is taking action to make sure its viewers know how to protect themselves. For the past four years, the station has held quarterly "Great Shredder Events." The station broadcasts live from each event as hundreds of community members dispose of documents containing personal information. The station disseminates information on additional ways to protect identity both through paper materials at the event and through the broadcast of feature stories. To alert viewers of the service, the station runs public service announcements and airs segments throughout its newscasts. Consumers also can visit the station’s Web site and sign up for email alerts regarding future shredding events. The "Great Shredder Event" was the brainchild of a WCAU consumer reporter, and its success has led to duplicate efforts at stations throughout the country.
Situated in the path of Atlantic hurricanes and located in the state hit by the most tornadoes each year, WPBF-TV in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., has a commitment to preparing and protecting the people in its community when severe weather threatens. The station produces an annual hurricane special and devotes a special series to protecting families, pets and property in the face of a storm during newscasts. A "Hurricane Homepage," which includes an interactive radar map to track weather activity and a Hurricane and Storm Survival Guide, makes up a comprehensive section of the station Web site. Viewers are invited to meet the WPBF Weather First meteorologists in person to discuss the latest in hurricane protection and awareness at three major hurricane expos each year. In addition, the Weather First team goes into the classroom and in front of groups to talk about severe weather and how to stay safe throughout the year.
Drowning is the number one cause of death for young children in Florida. To help reduce that number, WMOR-TV in Tampa Bay, Fla., started its "Pool Patrol" initiative. The station has run hundreds of spots covering four different topics: pool safety and what to do in case of an emergency; swim safety and the benefit of swim classes; securing pool areas with proper fencing and alarms; and the importance of "Water Watchers" supervising all children younger than 14 when near a pool. The station doesn’t stop at the microphone. It also prints and distributes 20,000 water safety activity books through the Pinellas County Health Department and member agencies of the Hillsborough County Water Safety Team, which includes a wide variety of civic, community and public health groups. "We feel these books are a valuable asset for informing children and their caregivers about staying safe in and around water," wrote Kathy Moes of the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County in a letter to the station. "Thank you so much for producing this valuable community resource."
LIN’s WTNH-TV Builds Awareness of Texting While Driving Danger With W82TXT Campaign
LIN Media-owned WTNH-TV New Haven, Conn., recently launched the W82TXT (Wait to Text) community awareness initiative that encourages drivers not to text while behind the wheel of a car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finds drivers who text are six times more likely to cause an accident than intoxicated drivers, making texting the most dangerous form of distracted driving. As part of the campaign, WTNH-TV is handing out red thumb bands with the W28TXT message. The bands serve as a reminder for drivers to focus on the road and avoid messaging while in their cars. WTNH-TV’s traffic reporter Teresa LaBarbera recently visited a local car wash to distribute W82TXT bands. Station Vice President and General Manager Mark Higgins said, "This campaign will augment [WTNH-TV’s] commitment to producing stories relevant to the safety and well-being of our viewers. Simply waiting to text could prevent numerous accidents and have a positive effect on our community."
CBS Radio’s KCBS-AM and KFRC-FM San Francisco, with sponsor CSE Insurance, staged a cooking competition to raise money for firefighters. Three teams led by celebrity chefs competed at Lafitte Restaurant.
CSE and the Los Angeles Fireman’s Credit Union and Firefighter Insurance Services donated $10,000 to the California Fire Foundation and Fire Family Foundation on behalf of the winners and $2,000 in the name of the runners-up.
CBS-owned KCBS-AM’s "Foodie Chap" and CBS’s KPIX-TV host Liam Mayclem emceed the event. State Senators Mark Leno and Leland Yee attended.
To improve the safety of children throughout the community, WWMT-TV in Kalamazoo, Mich., worked with police and volunteers to provide 600 families with free child identification cards at the 29th Annual Bronson Family Health Fair. The cards provide critical information needed if a child is missing, such as a current photo, contact information and thumbprint. Together, WWMT staff and volunteers assisted with thumbprints, took photos and laminated the finished cards. The station ran promotional announcements featuring morning anchor Jeff Varner more than three times a day for two weeks prior to the event. News coverage aired on both the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. news and the station used banner announcements on its Web site. These combined efforts equaled more than $10,000 worth of promotional support. For the past decade the station has participated in the fair with safety as its focus.
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