Radio stations are always looking for ways to connect with their local communities. This week, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Chicago did just that by hosting a breakfast to bring together some 200 local leaders.
Participants included members of Clear Channel’s partners, nonprofit organizations and government officials including Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Police Department Superintendent Garry McCarthy and district directors for Illinois U.S. House Democrats Rep. Bobby Rush and Rep. Danny Davis.
The event marked the second annual breakfast organized by Clear Channel Chicago to explore the impact that the engagement division Clear Channel Communities has made through its 2012 Chicago-based community programs a as well as set the path for the remainder of 2013. Clear Channel Chicago said it donated “significant” on-air and digital airtime across its seven station cluster in 2012. Those stations are: WGCI(FM), KISS(FM), WVAZ(FM), WGRB(AM), WNUA(FM), WNUA(AM) and WLIT(FM).
Clear Channel donated to local organizations including La Rabida Children’s Hospital; Rainbow PUSH Coalition; Alliance for Lupus Research; National Museum of Mexican Art; American Red Cross of Greater Chicago; Lone Survivor Foundation; and UNCF Chicago. Clear Channels Chicago cluster President Earl Jones said the broadcaster takes its community involvement seriously. “Community involvement is a longstanding tradition within the radio industry.”
In 2012 Clear Channel streamlined its application and interview process for nonprofits interested in receiving in-kind media that the broadcaster says allows for more collaborative partnerships and equal consideration for Chicago organizations. Additionally, Clear Channel Chicago relies on its local advisory board to help guide their support.
Attendees heard from multiple members of Clear Channel’s local advisory board yesterday morning that have developed various community programs in conjunction with the broadcaster and support issues like education, voter registration, health awareness, volunteerism, women’s concerns and leadership. Clear Channel Chicago’s 2013 partners were chosen through the streamlined application process. Each organization will receive one month of media exposure.
They include: Latino Policy Forum, Rainbow PUSH Coalition, The Chicago Urban League, Access Community Health Network, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, The Alliance for Lupus Research, Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, After School Matters, Better Love Yourself, City Year Chicago, The DuSable Museum, 100 Black Men of Chicago, UNCF Chicago, John G. Shedd Aquarium, A Safe Haven Foundation, Greater Chicago Food Depository, KLEO Community Family Life Center, Metropolitan Family Services, North Lawndale Employment Network and The Salvation Army.
To learn more about Clear Channel’s community efforts, go here.
