Kentucky's Broadcasters

WPSD Local 6 Collects Fans for Neighbors in Need

Date Posted: 7/14/2022

The “Beat the Heat” fan drive from WPSD Local 6 in Paducah, Ky., surpassed its goal, collecting donations of 864 fans for neighbors in need during the summer heat. " The economic stress right now, many people, particularly the elderly often won’t turn their air conditioning on because they need to buy medicine and food and so, so many people need a fan this summer,” said Paducah Bank Marketing Director Susan Guess in an appearance on the station to promote the campaign.

Louisville’s WDJX Raises More Than $100k for Children’s Hospital

Date Posted: 3/4/2022

WDJX’s 13th annual "Radiothon for Norton Children’s Hospital" raised $102,649 over the course of two days. Listeners donated enough funds to purchase transport wagons, important pediatric medical equipment, NICU diapers and specialty iPads. The radiothon also helped fund end-of-chemo parties and provide each child in the hospital a teddy bear and other child life items.

Louisville Turns Out For Sista Strut

Date Posted: 10/16/2021

iHeartMedia’s WTFX-FM Louisville hosted the annual Sista Strut on Saturday, Oct. 16. The mission of this 3k breast cancer charity walk is to increase awareness to the benefits of breast cancer screenings and other breast cancer resources in the Kentuckiana area.

The event was hosted by REAL 93.1 personality Lina J, and with music provided by DJ Z-Nyce. The event included live performances by Safiyyah Dance Company and Lanita Rocknettes School of Dance, a pink balloon release and a survivors’ lounge -- an exclusive room where Sista Strut attendees who are battling or have survived breast cancer can meet and find support in the community.

iHeartMedia Louisville Hosts Community Town Hall

Date Posted: 8/23/2021

iHeartMedia Louisville, Ky., hosted the first annual “Community Voices Town Hall” on June 10 to address issues identified by the iHeartMedia Louisville Local Advisory Board, including child abuse, racial equity and mental health. The one-hour virtual event was hosted by WHAS on-air personality Terry Meiners and Kentucky-Indiana Metro Community Engagement Manager Gabriela Espino and featured a panel of local leaders. The iHeartMedia Louisville Local Advisory Board also offered eight 501(c)(3) organizations three-month, in-kind media campaigns to support local programs that address these issues.

WLKY-TV Louisville Profiles Black Leaders

Date Posted: 2/2/2021

Hearst Television’s CBS affiliate WLKY-TV Louisville, Ky., is participating in “Project CommUNITY: History & Hope,” an effort to give voice to the experiences of Black seniors by uniting them with young Black journalists for probing, in-depth interviews and conversations exploring the state of race in America. The project features 28 stories, one for each day of Black History Month, with each of the company’s television stations producing at least one story for the project. WLKY will showcase a conversation between morning Anchor Caray Grace and Reverend Charles Elliott, as well as a profile of civil rights activist Mattie Jones by weekend morning Anchor Marvis Herring.

“In addition to the perspective ‘Project CommUNITY: History & Hope’ will provide viewers across Greater Louisville, WLKY is proud to continue our tradition of celebrating Black trailblazers who have worked to transform our communities,” said Glenn Haygood, WLKY president and general manager. “This year, WLKY is showcasing the strength of the spoken word by partnering with local author and poet, Hannah Drake, whose thought provoking poem “Dawn” imagines a world of transformation and unity.”

WKYT’s Ongoing Coverage Informs Community During COVID-19 Crisis

Date Posted: 4/7/2020

Gray Television’s CBS/CW affiliate WKYT-TV Lexington, Ky., aired a one-hour special entitled “Coronavirus: A Community Conversation” on March 16 as a part of the station’s on-going coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic. The following day, WKYT aired a one-on-one special interview with Governor Andy Beshear on March 17 about steps being taken to protect Kentuckians. The COVID-19 special featured medical experts, politicians and community leaders, who answered questions regarding the impact of COVID-19.

The station has also developed a new nightly segment, “Breaking Down Coronavirus,” to highlight the effects on the community from varying perspectives, including the homeless population, laundromats, churches and many others.

Other steps WKYT has taken include:

• •Practicing safe social distancing and working from home when possible
• •Interactive tracking of COVID-19 cases in the state
• •Streaming educational science content with station meteorologist to engage students displaced from schools
• •Airing daily updates on COVID-19 from the Governor’s office

Cromwell’s Owensboro Stations Unite Community

Date Posted: 4/6/2020

Cromwell Media Owensboro wants to help bring Owensboro, Ky., and surrounding cities together for a few minutes to sing together! All seven stations will play “My Old Kentucky Home” on April 11 at noon. They are asking listeners to join the city-wide choir and post a video using the hashtags #owensborosings and #cromwellmedia.

WAVE Thanks Heroes With New COVID-19 PSA

Date Posted: 4/1/2020

Gray Television’s NBC affiliate WAVE-TV Louisville, Ky., began airing a new public service announcement campaign in April to thank essential workers in the COVID-19 shutdowns. The PSA, available here, honors police officers, grocery store and restaurant employees, firefighters and healthcare personnel, among others, who are developing a new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Broadcasters Demonstrate Social Distancing

Date Posted: 3/24/2020

TEGNA’s ABC affiliate WHAS-TV Louisville, Ky., implemented changes in mid-March to inform and educate local audiences on how to best protect themselves during the coronavirus outbreak. One such changes includes using overhead cameras so viewers can see social distancing in action. Other steps taken include limiting interviews to medical and health professionals and adding a daily 4 p.m. broadcast.

"This is what we do. We keep the community informed and thank goodness we had a plan in place," said WHAS Anchor Doug Proffitt. "I can say what we are experiencing reminds me of anchoring during September 11th or the tornado, snowstorm and ice storms that we’ve covered in the past, but they all eventually melted away. This feels very different."

Cumulus’ WVLK-AM Airs Opioid Special

Date Posted: 11/29/2019

Cumulus’ WVLK-AM Lexington, Ky., aired “Enough: Opioid Awareness Day” on November 13. The nine-hour broadcast addressed different facets of how the opioid crisis impacts Central Kentucky and the entire commonwealth. The program featured representatives from the Lexington city government, local organizations and businesses.

Televised Debates: Kentucky Gubernatorial Race

Date Posted: 10/29/2019

Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin and Democratic challenger Andy Beshear participated in five televised debates in October that aired on:

• October 3rd: Paxton Media Group’s NBC affiliate WPSD and Bristol Broadcasting’s WKYX-FM Paducah. Watch here.
• October 15th: Gray’s CBS affiliate WKYT Lexington
• October 26th: Hearst’s CBS affiliate WLKY Louisville
• October 28th: Kentucky Educational Television’s KET Lexington
• October 29th: Hearst’s NBC affiliate WLWT Cincinnati

WQNU-FM Collects Thousands of Bikes for Kids

Date Posted: 11/30/2018

Summit Media’s WQNU-FM Louisville and its “Dingo in the Morning” show collected over 2,500 bikes for the Salvation Army and Toys for Tots during its “Bikes or Bust 2018.” To draw attention to the drive, personalities Dingo and Magic Mike lived on scissor lifts 40 feet in the air from November 15-18, despite freezing temperatures. In three years, WQNU has collected over 6,000 bikes.

“The power of radio is alive and well, so use it to make a difference!” said Dingo.

WHAS Produces ‘Voter Voices’ Series

Date Posted: 11/1/2018

TEGNA’s ABC affiliate WHAS-TV Louisville produced and aired a multi-part series, “Voter Voices,” in the weeks before the midterm elections. WHAS’ mobile voting booth traveled across the area to find out why people vote. People feel that voting makes a difference, it’s better than complaining, it’s a lesson to their kids and we are lucky to have the right.

Alpha Media Louisville Raises $130,000 for Children’s Hospital

Date Posted: 12/5/2017

Alpha Media’s WXMA-FM, WDJZ-FM, WGZB-FM, WMJM-FM and WGHL-FM Louisville, Ky., raised $131,000 during a radiothon for Norton Children’s Hospital November 16 – 17. The radiothon helps the hospital purchase equipment, expand care and develop life-saving research for more than 170,000 children yearly. “Norton Children’s Hospital is an integral part of this community and we are proud to partner with them,” said Market Manager Bill Gentry. “The entire Alpha Media staff once again went above and beyond all expectations and helped deliver some outstanding results.”

WBVR-FM Raises $92,000 for St. Jude

Date Posted: 1/27/2017

Forever Communication’s WBVR-FM Bowling Green, Ky. raised $92,000 in its 25th annual Country Cares for St. Jude Kids radiothon, held January 26-27. In the radiothon’s 24-year history, WBVR has raised more than $2,000,000 to fight childhood cancer.

Radio Stations Raise $890,000 for Norton Children’s Hospital

Date Posted: 12/1/2016

Alpha Media’s Louisville stations WXMA-FM, WDJX-FM, WGZB-FM, WMJM-FM and WGHL-FM raised more than $890,000 in support of Norton Children’s Hospital during a two-day radiothon.

WPSD-TV Covers Opioid Crisis

Date Posted: 11/15/2016

Paxton Media’s NBC affiliate WPSD-TV Paducah, KY addressed the opioid crisis that affects the community by highlighting the story of 28-year-old Douglas Koon, who has been struggling with addiction for 11 years. Many adolescents and young adults face the decision of whether to abuse prescription drugs before they turn 18. WPSD-TV shared the message that people should not be scared to ask for help. Watch video here.

WNKY Encourages Diverse Community to Vote

Date Posted: 11/3/2016

Max Media’s NBC affiliate WNKY Bowling Green, Ky. airs “Get Out the Vote” PSAs in multiple languages. The spots ran at least once an hour on a rotating basis in the 10 days leading up to the election. View PSAs in English, Bosnian and Spanish.

WAVE Launches ‘Taking Back Your Streets’

Date Posted: 8/31/2016

Raycom’s NBC affiliate WAVE Louisville will host a community event later this month as part of “Taking Back Your Streets,” an on-air and online initiative to address the area’s growing violent crime problem. WAVE dedicated its 7:30 p.m. newscast on August 31 to a special program that launched the campaign. “Taking Back Your Streets” investigates reasons for the increase in violence, uses former police officers as safety experts to inform viewers about how to protect themselves and highlights successful tools to effect change. In the first nine months of 2016, Louisville had more than 80 murders.

WFPL-FM Louisville Investigates Wrongful Jail Sentence

Date Posted: 7/7/2016

Louisville Public Media’s WFPL-FM Louisville won a 2016 Society of Professional Journalism Award for “Kentucky Man Banished to Florida Sues Police, Alleges Harrowing Ordeal.” Local police had been ordered by a judge to transport Adam Horine, who has a history of mental illness, to a state hospital for treatment. After Horine landed in Florida, the police chief and one of his officers were indicted.

WHAS-TV Provides Grants to Non Profit Organizations

Date Posted: 7/7/2016

TEGNA’s ABC affiliate WHAS-TV Louisville accepts grant proposals from non-profit organizations that serve Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Grants are awarded through the TEGNA Foundation, whose mission is to invest in the future of the communities it serves and in the future of the industry.

WAVE-TV Spurs Construction on Stalled Road Project

Date Posted: 7/7/2016

Raycom Media’s NBC affiliate WAVE-TV Louisville investigated a stalled $14.5 million road construction project. Area residents were frustrated by a five-mile stretch of road clogged with orange barrels and other safety concerns. The station discovered the project was held up to a water company not submitting paperwork on time. Soon after, the problem was rectified and construction began.

WHAS-TV Louisville Telethon Raised $5.5 million

Date Posted: 6/4/2016

TEGNA’s ABC affiliate WHAS-TV Louisville raised $5.5 million in its 63rd Crusade for Children, held June 4-5. All donations fund grants for agencies, schools and hospitals that improve the lives of children with special needs. Since 1953, the event has raised more than $165 million.

WLOX-TV Continues Storm Coverage After Lightning Strike

Date Posted: 5/17/2016

Raycom Media’s ABC affiliate WLOX-TV Biloxi-Gulfport was providing wall-to-wall coverage of severe weather on May 17 when the station was struck by lightning. Station employees continued to inform residents of the weather via Facebook Live and other social media. On-air signals were restored a few hours later.

WAVE Raises Funds and Awareness for Alzheimer’s Research

Date Posted: 4/12/2016

Raycom Media’s WAVE-TV Louisville held a phone bank on April 12 to benefit Alzheimer’s research. Nine employees of the Alzheimer’s Association answered phones from 5 – 8 p.m., taking 110 total calls. The Association was able to refer viewers to their 24-hour hotline, which is key to spreading important reference and assistance material.

Townsquare Media Raises $1.4 Million for St. Jude

Date Posted: 4/6/2016

Townsquare Media, Inc. raised $1.4 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the group’s third national Country Cares radiothon, March 3-4. Townsquare stations in 16 markets, including Albany, NY; Owensboro, Kentucky; Lafayette, Louisiana; and Tyler, Texas, participated to help St. Jude continue their life saving treatments. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.

WLKY-TV Toy Drive Sets World Record

Date Posted: 1/14/2016

Hearst Television’s CBS affiliate WLKY Louisville broke a world record with its toy drive on December 16. WLKY collected 6,223 gifts, which equates to eight toys collected every minute for 12 hours. Watch video.

Celebrity Concert Raises $187,000

Date Posted: 1/14/2016

Paxton Media Group’s NBC affiliate WPSD-TV Paducah, Ky.’s 59th annual "Telethon of Stars Celebration Concert" raised $187,000 on November 14 to support local Easter Seals programs for children and adults with special needs. Performers included Lee Greenwood, The Talleys, Brian Hyland, The Chiffons, Johnny Tillotson and Shirley Alston Reeves of The Shirelles.

Broadcasters Across the Country Host and Air Debates, Critical Election Coverage

Date Posted: 11/5/2015

An Oct. 6 debate between Kentucky gubernatorial candidates Jack Conway and Matt Bevin aired on Cordillera Communication’s NBC affiliate WLEX-TV Lexington, Ky.; Gray’s WSAZ-TV Huntington, W.V.; iHeartMedia’s WHAS-AM Louisville; Raycom Media’s NBC affiliate WAVE-TV Louisville; Fox affiliate WXIX-TV Newport, Ky.; and NBC affiliate WFIE-TV Owensboro, Ky. (watch video).

Kentucky Stations Air Debates

Date Posted: 10/19/2015

Gray Television’s CBS affiliate WKYT-TV Lexington hosted a debate on September 15 between the state’s three gubernatorial candidates: Jack Conway, Matt Bevin and Drew Curtis. Topics included same-sex marriage licenses and Medicaid funding. In another hour-long debate, held September 23, WKYT and Hearst Television’s CBS affiliate WLKY-TV Louisville hosted candidates for lieutenant governor, Jenean Hampton and Sannie Overly. WLKY has earned Walter Cronkite Awards for Excellence in Television Political Journalism for eight consecutive years for its coverage of local politics.

WAVE-TV Telethon Aids ’Supporting Heroes’

Date Posted: 10/19/2015

Raycom Media’s NBC affiliate WAVE-TV Louisville, Ky., raised $15,000 for the non-profit organization Supporting Heroes on September 11. Supporting Heroes provides families of public safety personnel killed in the line of duty with $3,000 to cover financial needs until state or federal benefits arrive.

WLKY-TVLouisville Station Raises $7,000 for Juvenile Diabetes

Date Posted: 9/14/2015

Hearst Television’s CBS affiliate WLKY-TV Louisville raised $7,000 on August 25 during a telethon for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. As many as three million Americans are living with the chronic disease, which is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. The telethon featured children living with the disease, as well as experts who discussed diagnosis, treatment and research.

WBKO-TV Supports St. Jude’s Dream Home Giveaway for Tenth Year

Date Posted: 3/15/2015

Gray Television’s ABC affiliate WBKO-TV Bowling Green, Ky. partnered with local building contractor Sweets Design Build to give away a St. Jude Dream Home for the tenth year. A large portion of the building materials for the home were donated or purchased at a reduced rate. WBKO-TV promoted the giveaway on-air and raised $600,000 through a raffle. In the past ten years, the station donated more than six million dollars to St. Jude Children Hospital, which helps ensure that families do not pay for treatment.

WLKY Tells Inspiring Helmet Safety Story in Half-Hour Special

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.

WAVE-TV Raises $136,000

Date Posted: 1/20/2015

Raycom Media’s NBC Affiliate WAVE-TV Louisville, Ky. hosted an all-day telethon that raised more than $136,000 for Kosair Children’s Hospital Foundation. The telethon helps children from Kentucky and southern Indiana to receive hospital treatments regardless of their ability to pay. WAVE anchors, including Shannon Cogan, participated.

WAVE-TV Raises Awareness for Breast Cancer

Date Posted: 1/20/2015

Raycom Media’s NBC Affiliate WAVE-TV Louisville, Ky. supported the American’s Cancer Society during breast cancer awareness month. Anchor Dawne Gee emceed the annual “Making Strides to End Cancer Walk” and conducted live interviews before and after the event. Also, the station donated air time for hundreds of PSAs to broadcast, encouraging people to register for the cancer walk. WAVE employees also formed a team for the walk to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Alpha Media Louisville Raised Almost $1 Million

Date Posted: 12/4/2014

Alpha Media’s Louisville, Ken., stations - WGZB-FM, WDJX-FM, WMJM-FM, WXMA-FM and WGHL-FM - raised $945,000 during its 6th Annual Kosair Children’s Hospital Radiothon on Nov. 20 and 21. In the past five years, the stations raised over $1 million. This year, they far exceeded their goal of $300,000, raising almost as much as the past five years combined. "This wonderful event has driven our team for six years and we look to do many more in the future," said Alpha Media Louisville Market Manager Dale Schaefer.

WAVE-TVWAVE Raises $136,000 for Children’s Hospital

Date Posted: 11/15/2014

Raycom Media’s NBC Affiliate WAVE-TV Louisville, Ky. raised more $136,000 for the Kosair Children’s Hospital foundation during a telethon in late October. The funds help children from Kentucky and southern Indiana receive hospital treatments. In preparation for the telethon, WAVE-TV produced and aired PSAs and sold raffle tickets.

Military Family Gets Bedroom Makeover

Date Posted: 9/15/2014

Raycom Media’s NBC Affiliate WAVE-TV Louisville, Ky. surprised a local family with two military parents with a bedroom makeover. The station surprised the Roberts family with a new playground, a complete bedroom makeover - filled with new toys and furniture – and a new dishwasher. Both parents have served in the National Guard for over ten years.

WHAS-TV, WHAS-AM Raise $5.6 Million for Special Needs Kids

Date Posted: 8/11/2014

Clear Channel’s WHAS-AM and Gannett-owned ABC affiliate WHAS-TV Louisville hosted the 61st annual "WHAS Crusade for Children" radio- and telethon. The event helped fire departments collect donations across Kentucky and southern Indiana for special needs children. This year the fundraiser raised more than $5.6 million for area children. Since its inception in 1954, the Crusade has collected more than $160 million.

Kentucky Broadcasters to Air U.S. Senatorial Debates

Date Posted: 6/9/2014

The Kentucky Broadcasters Association (KBA) will help coordinate a series of debates between the candidates running for Kentucky’s U.S. Senate seat later this year. Block Communication’s FOX affiliate WDRB-TV Louisville has extended an offer to all Kentucky radio and television stations to participate. The first debate is expected later this summer.

WDHR-FM Pikeville, Ky. Wins 2014 NAB Crystal Radio Award

Date Posted: 5/14/2014

In 2013, East Kentucky Broadcasting’s WDHR-FM Pikeville, Ky. achieved its primary mission of keeping eastern Kentucky informed of all local events, winning it a 2014 NAB Crystal Radio Award. Throughout the year, WDHR-FM took a stand against bullying in the community and organized the region’s first anti-bullying rally. When the station realized its community had the highest number of automobile crashes in Kentucky, WDHR-FM launched the most ambitious campaign in its history called “Drive Down” which aims to reduce those numbers. In 2013 alone, through the events WDHR-FM’s staff and company helped promote, organize and work, more than $300,000 was raised for various local charities and nonprofit organizations.

WLKY-TV Raises $64,000 for Adoptions in Louisville

Date Posted: 1/10/2014

Hearst’s CBS affiliate WLKY-TV Louisville hosted its 27th annual Wednesday’s Child Adopt-athon to help provide supportive services to children awaiting adoption in Kentucky and further recruitment efforts for adoptive families. The event raised nearly $64,000 and generated 40 calls from prospective adoptive parents. Since 1980, WLKY-TV has helped find permanent homes for more than 4,000 special needs children.

WHAS-TV, WHAS-AM Raise $6 Million for Children with Special Needs

Date Posted: 7/8/2013

Belo Corporation’s WHAS-TV and Clear Channel Media and Entertainment’s WHAS-AM Louisville, KY hosted the annual Crusade for Children. For the second time since the Crusade for Children began 60 years ago, the event raised over $6 million for children with special needs in Kentucky and Indiana. In addition to the event’s telethon, firefighters go door-to-door to collect money in fireman’s boots. Local businesses and civic groups also contribute to the cause.

Cincinnati Broadcasters Provide Lifeline During Storm

Last week, as severe storms and tornadoes moved across the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky DMA, the area’s four local broadcast television stations were live on air, commercial free, until nearly 3 a.m. providing weather updates and information to keep their viewers safe. According to Nielsen, between 1 and 2:30 a.m. the four local stations had a combined household ratings of more than 30. To put that in context, more people were awake from 1 to 2:30 a.m. watching weather coverage provided by local broadcasters than would be watching a Sunday afternoon Bengals game. Scripps Television-owned WCPO-TV, Cincinnati’s ABC affiliate, had a household rating of more than 10 between 1 and 2:30 a.m., the second highest rated programming of the day only behind "Dancing With The Stars."

Kentucky Cares Telethon

Gray Television’s WKYT-TV Lexington joined a team of organizations including Clear Channel Radio, The Lexington-Herald Ledger, the American Red Cross and UK IMG Sports Marketing, among others, in hosting the "Kentucky Cares Telethon" for tornado victims. WKYT-TV opened its doors for volunteers to come in and answer donation calls. In total, the event raised $404,682 on March 5.

WAVE-TV Raises $431,000 for Tornado Relief

Employees at Raycom Media’s WAVE-TV Louisville manned the phones during the "WAVE 3 Call to Help" telethon for families impacted by the tornadoes. Viewers generously responded to the call, pledging $431,300 during the drive. Additionally, WAVE-TV partnered with the local A. Arnold Moving Company who set up a large truck outside the station’s studios. Viewers were encouraged to drop off non-perishable food, paper products, toiletries, cleaning and first-aid supplies and volunteers from the local Salvation Army staffed the truck to collect the goods. Click here to watch how viewers hit the road and delivered their donations to WAVE-TV.

WHAS-TV Raises $85,000 in Storm Relief Telethon

Belo’s WHAS-TV Louisville broadcast a four-hour "Storm Aid Telethon" on March 5 to raise money for storm victims living in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. According to one of WHAS-TV’s anchors, "The phones were ringing so rapidly. In fact, each time we put the receiver down, someone else was ringing in." In total, WHAS-TV viewers raised $85,125 during the live broadcast. All relief funds were donated to the Red Cross. Click here to watch clips from WHAS-TV’s Storm Aid Telethon.

Lexington Broadcasters Host Red Cross Telethon

The four commercial television stations in Lexington, Ky. – Cordillera Communications-owned WLEX-TV; Media General’s WTVQ-TV; Gray Television-owned WKYT-TV and Sinclair’s WDKY-TV – teamed up with the American Red Cross to host a telethon to raise money for victims of the storms, tornadoes and floods in Kentucky and other states. Each station promoted the drive during their newscasts and other programming. Winn Stephens, relief coordinator with the Red Cross in Lexington noted, "We wanted to make sure folks had an outlet to give to all of the victims of this recent string of deadly storms." Doug Hogan, news director at WTVQ-TV, said "We thought it would be nice if all the stations in town came together to make a difference… Helping storm victims is the only goal."

Kentucky Radio Stations Air Crucial Storm Information

When a snow and ice storm left hundreds of thousands in the dark and caused a statewide emergency declaration, radio stations WBIO-FM, WXCM-FM, WLME-FM, WKCM-AM and WVJS-AM in Owensboro, Ky., and WTJC-AM/FM in Tell City, Ind., powered on. Throughout the day and the night, the sister stations broke from all regular programming to get crucial information out to their listeners, many of whom had no power, no heat and no other means of getting emergency information. Phones at the stations began to ring; callers needing kerosene and generators got word out through the radio. The stations stayed on air continuously with updates until the crisis passed. “People will come up to me and thank us for being a lifeline, because there was no other way to get information," said Mike Chaney, news director for the seven stations. "When the power is out, you have radio."

WKDZ-FM Supports Rotary Club Auction

For a week each year, those behind the microphone at WKDZ-FM in Cadiz, Ky., become auctioneers during the Rotary Radio Auction. Both the station and the local Rotary Club were founded in 1966 and have been partners since the beginning. The 41st annual auction brought in bids from across the country and raised more than $160,000. Fifty percent of this money funds grants and scholarships for students in Trigg County; the other half supports youth and senior programs. The auction takes place over a week with 27 hours of live broadcast. A full series of promotional spots plays for weeks before the event, and on the first night of the auction, the station runs a one-hour program about the work of the Rotary Club. The money raised through the auction has quadrupled in the past eight years. General Manager Beth Mann attributes some of this success to a daily effort by WKDZ to talk on the air about where money raised by the auction has gone and who it has helped. "The money is filling a need every day," said Mann, who also serves on the Rotary committee for student grants.

WUGO-FM Produced and Aired "Historical Views of Carter County"

Through a 22-part series, WUGO-FM in Grayson, Ky., passed down the 170-year history of the county to the 3,800 people who live there. General Manager Francis Nash spent a year researching and writing "Historical Views of Carter County." The segments aired twice each day for a month, and daily promotional spots alerted listeners to the opportunity to tune in. At the conclusion of the broadcasts, the series was published as a 75-page history book, and 2,100 free copies were given out as a gift from the station on the 100th anniversary of the courthouse. The station broadcast live from book distribution sites and aired promotional announcements about where to pick up a free copy. Every book was taken within five days. In a letter of thanks to the station, Linda Low, a board member of Olive Hill Historical Society, wrote, "It will be on the book shelves in many Carter County homes for years to come reminding them of their rich history and heritage, and of a community-minded, hometown radio station that cares about its roots." WUGO was a 2008 National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Award winner.

WAVJ-FM Works With Local High School Students on Anti-Smoking PSA, Food Drive

With its staff of five dedicated to supporting the community, WAVJ-FM in Princeton, Ky., worked with local high school students on two important campaigns in 2007. First, the station raised awareness about the dangers of smoking by playing anti-smoking public service announcements produced by the students at Caldwell County High School. For the second effort, the station provided key on-air support for the Caldwell County High School Food Drive, an annual month-long competition between schools in the area. WAVJ aired more than 100 promotional announcements and broadcast live from the kick-off event at a neighborhood market, where more than 500 canned items were collected for the needy. The station also opened its doors to the students, inviting them to come to the studio and record announcements in support of their food-donation team.

WBKR-FM Hosts "WBKR Christmas Wish" Program

More than 350 volunteers put on their Santa hats for WBKR-FM in Owensboro, Ky., last year as part of the station’s 31st annual "WBKR Christmas Wish" program. The volunteers read each wish request from a family in need, verified its accuracy and handed it off to an on-air personality who encouraged listeners to "adopt" the family by fulfilling their Christmas wish. Community members were able to apply for the program through WBKR’s Web site. Between online applications and those received by mail, more than 1,400 requests arrived at the station. To grant as many wishes as possible, WBKR conducted an on-air auction to raise additional funds during the last week of the effort. When all was said and done, the community of only 100,000 people had donated nearly $100,000 in cash and another $100,000 worth of donated toys and merchandise. The giving spirit of WBKR listeners made it possible for the wishes of 1,280 families to come true.

WXKQ-FM Supports Lions Club

People in need of eye care in a rural area of the state have gotten it with the help of a long-time partnership between WXKQ-FM in Whitesburg, Ky. and the local Lions Club. For more than 30 years, the station has donated airtime for the Whitesburg Lions Club’s annual auction. Proceeds go toward eye care for needy children and adults in the area. In 2007, the station donated airtime for a second auction for the Neon Lions Club. The station provided a total of 16 hours of live broadcast between both auctions. In addition to handing over the airwaves and providing all equipment, the station promoted each event with 75 minutes of promotional spots encouraging listeners to bid. The staff put 20 hours into the events, which raised $14,000 to help ensure good sight. "We are a small club with only 24 members," said Kester Halcomb, who serves on the Eyeglass Committee of the Whitesburg Lions Club. "We just couldn’t make it without the radio station."

WXMA-FM Covers Derailed Train

When a train derailed in January 2007 causing one of the biggest railway fires in the state’s history, WXMA-FM in Louisville, Ky., immediately broke into programming with live reports. The 12 train cars involved in the wreck contained flammable liquid, gases and accelerant compounds, which created a hazardous fire visible from 2 miles away. Authorities shut down an 18-mile stretch of Interstate 65. During the emergency, the station interviewed representatives from the American Red Cross, police and eyewitnesses. On the days following, the morning show conducted five interviews with local Red Cross officials and used live talk to solicit donations to aid the relief effort. Headline articles were posted on the station’s Web site, as well as details on how to help. WXMA’s efforts resulted in more than a hundred people volunteering to help in the first days of the disaster and $70,000 in contributions.