The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation named the recipients of its Celebration of Service to America Awards over the weekend, recognizing community service by local broadcasters.
Below are the radio recipients of the Service to Community Awards for Radio, with details of their service campaigns and the announcement text from the NABLF describing them:
Ownership Group
Zimmer Radio of Mid-Missouri, “Miracles for Kids Radiothon“
For the Zimmer Radio & Marketing Group team, the annual Children’s Miracle Network radiothon is personal. Raising money and awareness for MU’s Children’s Hospital to help sick kids is the main reason “why we do the radiothon,” but this radiothon also happens because many staff members have needed this hospital for their own children at some point. As the self-proclaimed “crown jewel event for the company,” this radiothon showcases the power of radio and love for local communities. The 14th annual 2020 Miracle for Kids radiothon raised over $248,000 and awareness for the phenomenal work of the doctors, nurses and staff every single day at the local Children’s Hospital.
Major Market
KTMY(FM), St. Paul, Minn., “KTMY Rebuilds the Neighborhoods,” Hubbard Broadcasting
Minority-owned businesses in Minneapolis and St. Paul that were already disproportionately affected by COVID-19 restrictions were dealt a brutal blow during the uprising that took place in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd. During the civil unrest across the cities, many of these places were vandalized, looted and burned to the ground. In partnership with the Neighborhood Development Center, KTMY launched “10 Stories in 10 Days” to tell the stories of these local businesses hurting and inspire the community to lend a hand. Their show hosts turned their mics over to these business owners, many of whom came to this country chasing the American dream, so they could share their stories with the audience. As a result of this partnership and campaign, KTMY raised over $145,000 for these businesses to rebuild and highlighted the local community’s power and small business owners’ resilience.
Medium Market
WYCT(FM), Pensacola, Fla., Hurricane Sally Relief Efforts, iHeartMedia Inc.
In September 2020, Hurricane Sally meandered into the Gulf of Mexico and 36 hours out, this slow-moving storm was forecast to make landfall 200 miles away from Pensacola. Instead, it took a slow right turn and became the first direct hit for Pensacola in 16 years. Following the devastation of this hurricane, the team at WYCT(FM) wanted to do something to help the community rebuild and recover from the storm. In partnership with United Way of West Florida and their TV partner WEAR(TV), this local station launched “Mission Restore Hope” to raise over $300,000 to help local organizations fund rebuilding efforts and help the community feel at home again.
Small Market
KNDE(FM), College Station, Texas, “136 Charities, $794,573, One Day and the KNDE Team,” Bryan Broadcasting Corp.
Amid canceled events and poorly attended virtual fundraisers, many local nonprofits found themselves on the brink of extinction. In partnership with the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley, the KNDE team decided it was time to showcase local radio’s power. During the 18-hour virtual giving event held on Oct. 27, 2020, this local station educated its audience on the work of 136 charities and solicited donations to help keep the community members afloat. In one day, this team raised $794,573 and proved that local broadcasting does matter.
Television stations and groups were honored in similar categories. Recipients included the E.W. Scripps Company; WISN(TV), Milwaukee; WMC(TV), Memphis, Tenn.; and KTVB(TV), Boise, Idaho.
