Topic: Neighbors in Need
What can a radio station achieve in a single day? With the help of its community, WOMC-FM in Ferndale, Mich., raised more than $2.2 million for the Salvation Army’s Bed and Bread Program. The station’s annual Dick Purtan Radiothon, a 16-hour live event, has raised more than $22 million to support the Eastern Michigan division of the Salvation Army during the past 22 years. In an area that has been particularly hard-hit by the economy and unemployment, demand for the services of the Bed and Bread program, which feeds thousands and houses hundreds each day, has risen greatly. Celebrity callers, including Tim Allen, Al Roker and Kathleen Madigan, went on the air to help with the fundraising. "I have been inspired by the generosity of the metro Detroit community," said Dick Purtan, WOMC’s morning-show deejay and radiothon host. "In our current economic crisis I could not have imagined we would have such an outpouring of donations! This proves how passionate our community is about taking care of their neighbors in need."
Read more stories on Neighbors in Need »
More than 2.47 million American jobs depend on broadcasting, and the local broadcast radio and television industry - and the businesses that depend on it - generate $1.17 trillion annually for the nation's economy.
This site is brought to you by the National Association of Broadcasters. We advocate for the nation's radio and television broadcasters.
