Radio is a friend indeed to kids in need. The July issue of Licensed to Serve is available.
Radio broadcasters have made special efforts to raise money for children, ranging from special needs to getting money for camps.
In Louisville, Ky., Clear Channel-owned WHAS(AM) teamed up with its old Bingham family sister TV station, WHAS(TV), now owned by Gannett, to raise $5.6 million for kids with special needs. The WHAS Crusade for Children radiothon and telethon has been going since 1954 and raised over $160 million. That’s hitting a home run (a little Louisville Slugger reference there).
In St. Joseph, Mo., Eagle Communications’ KKJO(FM) held its 10th annual Radiothon for Camp Quality, June 23. The summer camp is for kids with cancer. The event raised more than $20,000. In 10 years the KKJO campaign has raised $168,000.
On the East Coast, in Washington, WTOP(AM/FM) worked with the local YMCA for a Send a Kid to Camp campaign. In a single day $25,000 was raised, making it possible for an estimated 100 kids to spend a week at a summer camp.
Turning from children to veterans, WMGK(FM), Bala Cynwyd, Pa., a Greater Media property, aired the eighth annual John DeBella Veterans Radiothon. The proceeds go to the Veterans Multi-Service Center. The total haul was almost $145,000. Over the eight-year campaign it has brought in nearly $645,000.
In Lewiston, Idaho, Ida-Vend/Inland Northwest Broadcasting’s cluster of radio stations put on a “Four Hour Food Drive.” But the drive had a twist. The proceeds were to support four local charities, however, each charity was given an hour of time to solicit donations. The one with the most would also get $4,000 worth of free advertising on cluster stations. The competition part netted 430 pounds of canned food along with hundreds of household items.
In Virginia, the Virginia Association of Broadcasters launched a year-long statewide food drive and hunger awareness campaign called Feeding Virginia. An estimated 150+ radio and TV stations will participate with food drives and PSAs.
And finally, in remembrance of D-Day, the 70th anniversary In June, the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association held an event on the grounds of the state capital in Madison. It featured salutes to D-Day vets, including those still around, and World War II vets in general.
