Rhode Island's Broadcasters

Target 12 Investigates Congressional Candidate

Date Posted: 9/27/2023

Nexstar Media Group’s WPRI 12 in Providence, R.I., aired an in-depth investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior by a congressional candidate while teaching at a local college. The candidate, Don Carlson, eventually suspended his campaign. “Target 12 revealed last week that Williams officials had told Carlson in 2019 he couldn’t return to teach there in the future after he broached a romantic relationship with a student in a text message that referenced a website used by people who pay to go on dates,” the station reports. “Before the initial report aired, Carlson and his representatives spent a week trying to kill the story behind the scenes, then denied its accuracy until a second report aired Thursday with more details.”

Cumulus Media Providence Raises Money for Pediatric Hospital

Date Posted: 8/23/2021

Cumulus Media’s Providence, R.I., stations held their annual Hasbro Children’s Hospital radiothon on May 13 to raise funds to support patient care, research and programs like the Healing Arts, pet therapy and Child Life. The 12-hour event broadcasted simultaneously on Cumulus Providence stations WPRO-FM, WWLI, WPRO-AM, WEAN-FM and WWKX, and Hasbro Children’s patients, families and staff took to the airwaves to share their inspiring stories of hope and healing. This year’s event raised $453,151 for the area’s only pediatric hospital and since its inception has raised more than $9.2 million.

WPRI Produces ‘War on Alzheimer’s’

Date Posted: 11/3/2020

Nexstar’s WPRI Providence, RI produced a digital original program called "War on Alzheimer’s" that premiered on October 28. The piece offers an inner look into the world of Alzheimer’s by telling the story of real people affected by Alzheimer’s, including some who are dealing with the disease during the COVID-19 pandemic. WPRI also provided resources for those affected.

Rhode Island Broadcasters Air Mental Health Special

Date Posted: 12/14/2019

The Rhode Island Broadcasters Association, Governor Gina Raimondo and First Gentleman Andy Moffit launched a mental health awareness campaign, “It’s Okay Not to Be Okay.” Stations, including Nexstar’s CBS affiliate WPRI-TV, Standard Media’s ABC affiliate WTEV-TV and Sinclair’s NBC affiliate WJAR-TV Providence are airing stories from people across Rhode Island who found help for mental health or substance abuse issues through statewide programs. On December 14 at 7:30 p.m., TV and radio stations across the state aired a commercial-free half-hour special that provided information on mental health resources, including a 24/7 hotline. Viewers and listeners were also encouraged to visit BH Link, a behavioral health facility that provides immediate assistance to people in crisis.

WPRO Airs Opioid Awareness Day

Date Posted: 10/1/2019

Cumulus’ WEAN-FM and WPRO-FM Providence dedicated its broadcasts on September 13 to covering the opioid crisis in Rhode Island and southern New England. “Enough: WPRO’s Opioid Awareness Day” started at 6 a.m. during the morning show and continued throughout the evening. Guests included former Boston Celtics player Chris Herren, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo and First Gentleman Andy Moffit, former Congressman Patrick Kennedy, recovery advocate John Tassoni and first responders.

WLNE-TV Launches “Opioid Crisis: Addiction Hitting Home”

Date Posted: 2/28/2018

Citadel Communications’ ABC affiliate WLNE-TV New Bedford, Mass., launched “Opioid Crisis: Addiction Hitting Home” to address the prescription drug abuse epidemic. The two-week series began February 5 with a report on opioid use in the local community. Nightly segments examine different aspects of the issue, including facts about addiction, where the drugs come from, how they devastate families from every income bracket and community, and existing resources.

WLNE’s series culminates February 20 with a prime-time Town Hall special featuring parents, students, mental health and addiction experts, law enforcement and addicts from across Southern New England. The hour-long special will raise awareness, generate ideas and combat stigmas.

“We need to address the Opioid Epidemic and provide the community with critical information on how to seek support, and I am proud of the ABC6 team for shining a light on this urgent public health crisis,” said General Manager Tina Marie Castano.

Radiothon Raises $436,000 for Hasbro Children’s Hospital

Date Posted: 4/7/2016

Cumulus’ WPRO-AM/FM, WWKX-FM and WWLI-FM Providence, RI raised $436,000 for Hasbro Children’s Hospital in its 11th annual radiothon, held April 7. In the past 11 years, the event has brought in more than $7 million.

WPRI-TV Raises $1 Million for Meeting Street

Date Posted: 2/16/2016

Media General’s CBS affiliate WPRI-TV Providence, R.I., raised more than $1 million in its Jan. 31 telethon for Meeting Street’s educational programs. Meeting Street serves almost 5,000 children each year, many of whom have significant learning disabilities. The annual telethon attracts hundreds of guests and tens of thousands of viewers and is Meeting Street’s largest fundraiser. The telethon included special segments featuring children in Meeting Street’s programs. Seven-year-old Molly, who has cerebral palsy, hosted a significant part of the broadcast. Watch video.

WJAR-TV Raises $83,000

Date Posted: 1/14/2016

Sinclair Broadcasting’s NBC affiliate WJAR-TV Providence, R.I., raised $83,000 in the "10 Cares Thanksgiving" telethon for The Salvation Army in October. Proceeds provided Thanksgiving food baskets to families in southern New England. (Watch video.)

Rhode Island Gubernatorial Candidates Meet in WPRI-TV Debate

Date Posted: 11/20/2014

LIN Media’s CBS affiliate WPRI-TV Providence hosted Rhode Island gubernatorial candidates Republican Allan Fung, Democrat Gina Raimondo and independent candidate Robert Healey on Oct. 21. The hour-long event covered health care, tax reform and voter identification, among other issues.

WLNE-TV to Host Rhode Island Gubernatorial Debate September 16

Date Posted: 9/8/2014

Cox Communications’ ABC affiliate WLNE-TV Providence, R.I., announced it will broadcast the first gubernatorial debate for candidates in Rhode Island’s race live at 7 p.m. on September 16. WLNE-TV’s News Anchor John DeLuca will moderate the debateamong Attorney General Martha Coakley, state Treasurer Steve Grossman, former federal healthcare professional Donald Berwick, and the incumbent Governor Charlie Baker.

WJAR-TV Hosts Two Gubernatorial Debates in Rhode Island

Date Posted: 8/12/2014

Media General’s NBC affiliate WJAR-TV Cranston, R.I., hosted two pre-taped debates for the leading candidates in Rhode Island’s gubernatorial race. The first, one-hour debate aired in primetime at 7 p.m. and featured the four Democratic candidates. The following night, WJAR-TV aired a half-hour debate between the two leading Republicans in the race.

WPRI-TV Hosts Debates for R.I. Gubernatorial Candidates

Date Posted: 8/12/2014

LIN Media’s FOX affiliate WPRI-TV East Providence, R.I., partnered with the Providence Journal to host two debates on June 10 and June 17. Both debates broadcast live in primetime at 7 p.m. The first featured the Democratic candidates running for governor, while the second involved the Republican candidates. Both events were moderated by WPRI-TV reporters and a Providence Journal political columnist.

WPRI-TV to Host Two Rhode Island Gubernatorial

Date Posted: 5/14/2014

LIN Media’s CBS affiliate WPRI-TV East Providence, R.I., and The Providence Journal will jointly produce two televised debates this June for the candidates running in Rhode Island’s gubernatorial race. The Democratic candidates will debate live on June 10, while the Republicans will meet on June 17. Both events will be moderated by WPRI-TV’s Tim White.

LIN Media to Award Two Media Scholarships This April

Date Posted: 3/1/2013

LIN Media has established the Minority Scholarship and Training Program and will award one broadcast television scholarship/internship and one digital media scholarship/internship in April 2013, to commence in summer 2013. Each student will receive a two-year scholarship for up to $10,000 per year, which can be used toward school expenses. In addition, LIN Media will provide each student with hands-on training through a paid internship program at one of its television stations around the country. The Minority Scholarship recipients will be assigned full-time positions at LIN Media upon graduation and successful completion of the training program. LIN Media has been awarding these two-year scholarships to ambitious students since 1998.

WJAR-TV Hosts Four Debates for Rhode Island Candidates

Independently-owned WJAR-TV Cranston, Rhode Island hosted three congressional and senatorial debates on Nov. 1. All were held at Rhode Island College and open to the public. The 2nd Congressional District debate featured Rep. Jim Langevin, Republican Mike Riley and Independent Abel Collins. The U.S. Senate debate pitted incumbent Sheldon Whitehouse against Republican challenger Barry Hinkley. The 1st Congressional District debate with Rep. David Cicilline, Republican Brendan Doherty and Independent David Vogel broadcast live on WJAR, C-SPAN and streamed live online.

LIN to Award Training Scholarships, Internships

LIN Media will award one broadcast television scholarship/internship and one digital media scholarship/internship in April. LIN has awarded two-year scholarships as part of its Minority Scholarship and Training Program since 1998.

LIN Media said the Minority Scholarship and Training Program "is an integral part of the company’s strategy to strengthen its talent base and deepen connections within its local communities by building on the cultural diversity of its workforce."

Each student will receive a two-year scholarship for up to $10,000 per year to use toward tuition, fees, books and room and board. In addition, LIN will provide each student with a paid internship at one of its television stations and a full-time position at LIN Media upon graduation and successful completion of the training program.

WHJY-FM Rhode Island Pitches In With Relief To Retirees

Clear Channel’s WHJY-FM 94.1 Providence, Rhode Island jumped into a local debate with “94 HJY’s Pension Relief Fund.” The station gave listeners 10 chances every weekday to win $1,000 and entered each winner into a $75,000 grand prize drawing. "The station likes to give its cash contests titles that are relatable to our audience, topical, and even a little edgy if possible,” said Program Director Chris Tyler. “With the Rhode Island pension fund being local headline news, we knew ’94 HJY’s Pension Relief Fund’ would connect with our listeners and even bring a little levity to a frustrating situation for so many Rhode Islanders." Boch Toyota South is the main sponsor.

WJAR-TV Provides Hurricane Irene Relief

While residents in Providence, R.I. waited for the electricity to be restored in their homes after Irene cut off power to many in the state, Media General’s WJAR-TV Providence simulcast the audio portion of its newscast on Clear Channel’s WHJJ-AM Providence. The arrangement allowed locals to receive the TV stations’ round-the-clock coverage on battery-operated radio. According to WJAR-TV’s General Manager, Craig Jahelka, "This was yet another instance of local broadcasters working together to serve the public interest, protect lives and deliver emergency information in a time of life-threatening conditions."

Job Seekers Turnout for WPRI-TV’s Eyewitness News Job Fair

LIN Media-owned WPRI-TV Providence, R.I., hosted the Eyewitness News Job Fair, a state-wide event for job seekers throughout the region. When Rhode Island’s unemployment rate reached double digits, WPRI-TV President and General Manager Jay Howell noted, "In these tough economic times…it’s critical to be proactive members of our community." With that aim, WPRI-TV ran extensive promos during the weeks leading up to the Fair. WPRI-TV’s morning show also offered job seekers tips and insights on how to prepare themselves for their search. More than 100 hiring companies participated in the Job Fair, hosting interviews and providing resume critiques to 5,000 individuals.

WKKB- FM Raises Funds for Research Hospital

This past fall, listeners tuned into WKKB-FM in Providence, R.I., for its two-day Promesa y Esperanza (Promise and Hope) Radiothon, which raises funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The broadcast is carried out in partnership with 15 sister stations in the Davidson Media Group throughout the country to raise awareness of childhood cancer within the Hispanic community and help St. Jude continue to offer treatment to all children, regardless of their families’ ability to pay. This year’s effort raised more than $100,000 in WKKB’s listening area alone, and more than $633,000 between the 16 stations combined. In addition to the live broadcast, the stations promoted the radiothon several months in advance, using on-air mentions, press releases and its Web site to reach a larger audience. "We are so grateful to these dedicated Spanish language radio stations and their generous listeners who have embraced the St. Jude mission of finding cures and saving children," said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising organization of St. Jude. "It is heartwarming to see the Hispanic community rally around our cause every year, and I know that the funds raised during Promesa y Esperanza will inspire hope in our precious patients and their families."

WJAR-TV Continues ’Champions in Action’ Campaign

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Every quarter, WJAR-TV in Cranston, R.I., selects a grassroots organization championing change in the community and helps it grow by providing extensive on-air support. Now in its fifth year, the "Champions in Action" campaign, a partnership between the station and Citizens Bank, has provided funding and media exposure for dozens of organizations. Through the program, viewers have seen the work of former gang members turned counselors at the Institute for Study and Practice of Nonviolence; volunteers have been recruited to help the Welcome House Shelter; and students have learned about New Urban Arts, an after-school arts mentoring program. WJAR produces public service announcements and news stories about each "champion," and a quarterly breakfast hosted by the station provides recipients with networking opportunities. "When we became a ‘Champion in Action’ recipient, it really catapulted us into a new era," said Robert Cardeiro from the Norman Bird Sanctuary. "It enabled us to reach out to a larger audience and garner more volunteers." In celebration of the program’s fifth anniversary, the station produced a 30-minute special about the many "Champions in Action," both past and the present.

WPRI-TV Holds Telethon in Support of School Children

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Meeting Street, an organization that provides individual learning programs for thousands of children with developmental delays, gets to tell its story to the community each year during its annual telethon on WPRI-TV in Providence, R.I.The four-hour, commercial-free telethon preempts primetime programming, and all production for the event is done in-house by the station. Planning alone requires six months, and all departments, from engineering to the newsroom, are involved. Last year, the telethon generated nearly $500,000 from phone donations and long-term corporate commitments tied to the event. WPRI gives Meeting Street more than $150,000 of in-kind support every year, and with the station’s help, the organization keeps growing in both resources and the number of children using its services. "We couldn’t do the work we do without WPRI’s support," said Meeting Street President and Chief Executive John Kelly. "Their talent does an amazing job of showing people what we do."

WNRI-AM Continues ’Milk Fund’ Charity Effort

The local newspaper and WNRI-AM in Woonsocket, R.I., carry on the "Milk Fund," a local tradition that started in 1936 as a way to help struggling families. Each year, throughout the month of December, multiple fundraising efforts in Woonsocket raise money toward the purchase of milk vouchers. For the past 20 years, the station has given airtime to promote related events and to urge its listeners to give monetary donations when they see the familiar milk bottles placed at businesses throughout the area. In addition, it organizes its own fundraiser, a daily on-air auction during the morning drive. From 6 – 9 a.m., station staff auction off items WNRI has secured through working with local businesses. On average, the "Milk Fund" brings in $80,000 annually, which helps feed 1,400 local families.

WNAC-TV Develops Telethon for Homeless Organization

When a documentary was made about a homeless man finding help at Crossroads, the largest homeless services organization in the state, WNAC-TV in Providence, R.I., secured the rights and took the opportunity to create a telethon around its airing. During documentary breaks, the two-hour primetime broadcast switched to station-produced vignettes about the shelter and its residents. Viewers were asked to open their hearts and their pocketbooks and pledge by phone or online. The effort raised $85,000 for the shelter, providing greatly needed funding as the housing crisis and economy create an ever-growing demand for the shelter’s services. WNAC also has lent support to Crossroads by donating airtime for public service announcements and moving the station’s purchases for print orders to the Crossroads Copy Center, an in-house business where residents of the shelter receive professional training in print production and computer and graphic skills.

WBRU-FM Assists with Blood Drive

The Rhode Island Blood Center got a boost in lifesaving donations when WBRU-FM in Providence, R.I., offered anyone who rolled up their sleeve a free ticket to the Paramore show, an event that was part of the station’s Summer Concert Series. It was the third consecutive year that the station offered tickets to donors, and more than 300 listeners came to give blood along side WBRU staff. The station aired live remotes from the drive and began promoting the event with public service announcement (PSA) two weeks prior. To draw as many donors as possible, the station also sent an email blast and posted announcements on its Web site. At the Paramore show, the station provided the blood center with a booth and made promotional mentions to remind all concert-goers of the continual need to replenish our blood supply. Multiple times each year, the station meets with the center to see what additional support it can provide. To keep the need for donations on listeners’ minds, WBRU runs additional PSAs, and conducts interviews with cancer survivors and others who have needed blood transfusions.

WSBE-TV Highlights Women Veterans

The valued contributions of women veterans will not be forgotten thanks to the efforts of WSBE-TV in Providence, R.I."New England Portrait: Rhode Island Women of World War II: In Their Own Words" uses footage from interview sessions to chronicle the experiences of female World War II veterans from Rhode Island. The women profiled in the special speak candidly about their experiences and service some 60 years ago. Two panelists, the curator of the Naval Historical Collection and a local professor, author and historical consultant, round out the one-hour program by providing context and additional information about the roles of women during World War II. By working with high school students on the tribute, WSBE made the program a hands-on learning experience for aspiring historians and journalists. Furthering the opportunity for learning, WSBE hosted and facilitated meetings between high school students and female veterans.