Date Posted: 8/16/2023
Covering droughts and extreme heat in their area, Fox 10 Phoenix provided an in-depth report on the effects of these unprecedented conditions on the state’s iconic saguaro cacti. The saguaros are collapsing due to extreme heat and lack of moisture. The report consults local experts and explores the significance of the saguaros as a local symbol.
Date Posted: 2/21/2022
KNXV, a Phoenix television station owned by The E.W. Scripps Company, won a George Polk Award for its original investigative piece, “Politically Charged,” that exposed tactics by the Phoenix justice system to target and frame protestors exercising their First Amendment rights following George Floyd’s murder in May 2020.
The George Polk Awards, which place a premium on investigative and enterprising reporting that gains attention and achieves results, annually honor special achievement in journalism and focus on the “intrepid, bold, and influential work of the reporters themselves.”
For “Politically Charged,” a series of 60 reports and an hourlong investigative special, KNXV reporter Dave Biscobing and the ABC15 Investigators spent a year probing the mass-arrest of more than 100 demonstrators and the attempts by the Phoenix Police Department and the Maricopa County Attorney’s office to distort facts to grand juries to obtain felony charges against them.
The team’s reporting led to the dismissal of every felony protest arrest in the county – 39 in total. Locally, officers and prosecutors have been reassigned – some are under criminal investigation – high-level county attorney’s office officials resigned, the police chief was suspended, and multiple class-action lawsuits have been filed. “Politically Charged” has also triggered a U.S. Department of Justice pattern-or-practice investigation to examine the history of policing policies in Phoenix. Further, when the city of Phoenix tried to subpoena KNXV’s raw materials for its police misconduct stories, the newsroom fought back and won in federal court.
“Politically Charged” also was recently honored with a 2022 Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award along with KNXV’s “Full Disclosure” series, which exposed widespread and systemic problems with Arizona’s so-called “Brady” lists of police officers with documented behavioral problems.
Date Posted: 2/8/2022
ABC15 received a 2022 Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award, one of the highest honors in journalism, for a pair of investigations uncovering police and prosecutor misconduct in Arizona.
ABC15 is being honored for “Full Disclosure” and “Politically Charged,” separate investigations that exposed widespread and systemic misconduct by Arizona police and prosecutors.
In “Full Disclosure,” ABC15 exposed problems with Arizona’s so-called “Brady” lists, which are supposed to track police officers with documented histories of dishonesty, false arrests, crimes and integrity concerns. The series included more than two dozen reports plus a pair of documentary specials. The reporting proved state law enforcement agencies routinely failed to track problematic officers, disclose their misconduct and hold them accountable. For the first time anywhere, ABC15 also compiled and published a statewide database of “Brady” list officers.
In “Politically Charged,” ABC15 dismantled a scheme by Phoenix Police officers and Maricopa County prosecutors to target and falsely charge a group of protesters as gang members. The station’s investigation also proved officials routinely exaggerated and lied in multiple other protest cases throughout 2020. The series directly led to the dismissal of every open felony protest case in Phoenix — 39 of them. The Department of Justice also launched a sweeping pattern-of-practice investigation.
Date Posted: 11/15/2021
ABC15 Phoenix will hold its 21st annual ‘Operation Santa Claus’ charity drive Nov. 18 - Dec. 20 to help local families in need. This partnership between ABC15 and Sanderson Ford collects food, toys, clothes and monetary donations for Arizona charities, including St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, the Military Assistance Mission, the Special Olympics Arizona and more.
Date Posted: 2/3/2021
Over the month of February, E.W. Scripps Company’s ABC affiliate KNXV-TV Phoenix is partnering with the Arizona Children’s Association to assist children in the state’s foster care system and the good-hearted people who care for them. Launched on February 1, the program is collecting donations to supply "Just For Me" bags, which provide necessary, comfort and personal care items to children entering foster care, and helps provide a sense of normalcy and comfort during a difficult transition.
The station is running segments throughout the month to spotlight the organization’s work and the impact of foster care on children in Phoenix and around the state.
Date Posted: 11/5/2020
Salem’s Phoenix cluster (KKNT-AM, KPX-AM, KXXT-AM) is the media sponsor for The East Valley Veteran’s Parade on November 11. The stations have sponsored the event for five consecutive years and are proud to provide the community with the opportunity to show their support for veterans, active military, and their families.
Date Posted: 9/18/2020
Salem’s KKNT-AM, KPX-AM, KXXT-AM Phoenix helped individuals and families who are suffering and have little to no access to resources by supporting the local non-profit HopeFest. HopeFest Phoenix has impacted over 100,000 of the working poor in Arizona and has been the motivator for life change. Over 150 service agencies, plus faith, education, government, and non-profit leaders have created a day of honoring care. Salem’s support helps get the word out about these life-altering resources.
Date Posted: 5/13/2020
E.W. Scripps’ ABC affiliate KNXV-TV Phoenix premiered on May 13 a special episode of The List saluting the graduating class of 2020. The special episode of the nationally-syndicated daily news magazine program The List was produced in response to educational institutions shifting to virtual graduations. Segments included ways to prepare and celebrate graduates, the evolution of the high school photo, the new trend of adopting a high school senior and the best movie graduation speeches.
Date Posted: 4/7/2020
Prescott Valley Broadcasting Co.’s KQNA-FM Prescott, Ariz., held a free “Restaurant Roundtable.” Interviews with restaurant owners encourage listeners to support local businesses during the COVID-19 shutdown. Ten restaurants highlighted their takeout options and dedication to providing free meals to laid off staff. Several participants reported that the event led to takeout orders or donations from listeners.
Date Posted: 4/2/2020
Television and radio broadcasters across Arizona are holding a virtual town hall with Governor Doug Ducey on April 2 to address questions about the COVID-19 crisis. The hour-long event, which broadcast with support from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, aired commercial-free on more than 50 local TV and radio stations statewide. In addition to Governor Ducey, the panel featured Arizona Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ, Arizona National Guard Major General Michael McGuire and Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman. Participants answered virtual questions from viewers and listeners.
“Basic information about COVID-19 is everywhere, but our goal is to cut through the clutter, eliminate any misinformation and let everyone in Arizona be part of an important conversation with our state leaders,” said Arizona Broadcasters Association President and CEO Chris Kline. “Arizona broadcasters are coming together in these unprecedented times and we hope it’s a model for everyone in Arizona to do the same.”
Date Posted: 4/1/2020
Bonneville’s KTAR-FM Phoenix is providing statewide newscasts about COVID-19 for use by other radio groups in partnership with the Arizona Broadcaster Association. These state focused broadcasts allow individuals across the state to access important and timely updates regarding the continued spread of the pandemic.
Date Posted: 3/26/2020
Meredith Corporation’s CBS affiliate KPHO-TV Phoenix partnered with more than 20 local businesses to host “Get That Gig Virtual Job Fair” on March 26. The station worked to connect job seekers with over 9000 immediately available positions, including many work from home jobs, to help alleviate the financial stress experienced due to coronavirus-related job loss.
Date Posted: 3/25/2020
Scripps’ ABC affiliate KNXV-TV Phoenix launched a public service campaign called “We’re Open Arizona” to support local business owners and their workers while operations are limited due to the COVID-19 crisis. The “We’re Open Arizona” campaign celebrates the value these local businesses bring to the community and also includes promotion of #TakeoutTuesday every week to encourage takeout and delivery on a normally slow day for the restaurant business.
“Arizona has a rich history supporting hardworking people striving to succeed,” said Anchor Allison Rodriguez. “I’m looking forward to highlighting our local restaurants and businesses and sharing stories that show Arizonans deep sense of community. We’re all in this together.”
Date Posted: 3/2/2020
TEGNA’s NBC affiliate KPNX-TV Phoenix aired a segment addressing rumors about how coronavirus might spread on international flights on March 2. TEGNA stations are committed to a “Facts Not Fear” approach to reporting on the coronavirus outbreak, with a focus on providing context and perspective, while not downplaying the severity of the situation.
Date Posted: 1/22/2020
Entercom’s KALV-FM Phoenix, raised over $116,000 for Valleywise Health Foundation during the station’s inaugural “LIVE 101.5 GIVE-A-THON,” held December 16 - 17.
“Valleywise Health is a staple within the Phoenix community and we are proud to support them with LIVE 101.5’s first on-air fundraiser,” said Market Manager Dave Pugh. “The organization has been in our community for over 140 years and ensures that every patient receives exceptional care, without exception. Our team is on a mission to inform residents of this amazing resource right in our backyard and we look forward to continuing to support them.”
Date Posted: 11/1/2018
KTAR-FM Phoenix, Ariz. was awarded the 2018 National Association of Broadcasters’ (NAB) Crystal Radio Award. Since 1987, the NAB Crystal Radio Awards have recognized radio stations for their outstanding year-round commitment to community service. Among their outstanding public service, KTAR-FM’s Pay Tribute to a Teacher program recognizes and rewards top teachers across the state every month.
Date Posted: 11/1/2018
Scripps’ ABC affiliate KNXV-TV Phoenix. KNXV-TV Consumer Investigative Reporter Joe Ducey is hosting an event October 17 where viewers can meet with experts on challenges regarding cars, credit, bankruptcy and homeowners’ associations.
Date Posted: 10/2/2018
E.W. Scripps’ ABC affiliate KNXV-TV teamed up with Earnhardt Auto Centers throughout the month of September for the “Recycle Your Bicycle” campaign, which renovates used bikes to donate them, like-new, to Arizona foster children. During a phone bank held September 26, they collected $22,355 for bike supplies like tubes, tires, new seats and cleaning supplies.
Date Posted: 8/1/2018
Scripps’ ABC affiliate KNXV-TV Phoenix collected 106,000 water bottles during a drive held from July 1 – 7. The water bottles will help those in need during the hot summer months.
Date Posted: 7/16/2018
Scripps-owned ABC affiliate KNXV-TV Phoenix and Sanderson Ford and Lincoln teamed up to salute brave Arizona veterans who after serving the country, are now serving the community. KNXV-TV issued a call for nominations to honor veterans who have gone above the call of duty in military volunteerism or activism. From almost 300 entries, a committee of community members helped finalize five honorees: Alan “AP” Powell, Frank Benavidez, Josh Grzywa, Patricia Hernandez and Samantha Bedore.
Each honoree was featured on the KNXV-TV Salutes Arizona Veterans page, here, and was highlighted live on KNXV-TV News. They also received a $500 gift card.
“Veterans have given us the greatest gift of all, the gift of freedom,” said David Kimmerle, president of Sanderson Ford and Sanderson Lincoln. “We all need to say thank you and honor them every chance we get.”
Date Posted: 7/1/2018
Maricopa Community College’s KJZZ-FM Phoenix acknowledges those who serve in our community by taking its mobile production unit Soundbite to fire and police stations across the area and providing coffee and doughnuts. KJZZ-FM also gives first responders the opportunity to share how they serve the community by recording interviews in the studio.
Date Posted: 7/1/2018
The Johnjay and Rich #LoveUp Foundation presented 100 graduating eighth-grade foster kids with new Chromebook laptop computers. They partnered with an Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) pilot program geared towards closing the technology and education gap that children in foster care face. Nationally, fewer than 70 percent of foster youth graduate from high school. The students will participate in training on how to use the laptops and in the Phoenix Police Department’s Internet Safety program.
“This program is groundbreaking,” said #LoveUp co-founder Rich Berra. “Putting technology and training into the hands of these kids will pave the way for their education and their futures.”
Date Posted: 3/23/2018
Raycom’s CBS affiliate KOLD-TV Tucson partnered with the Community Food Bank for the second annual "Hoops for Hunger" food drive, held March 5 - March 23. The campaign successfully raised 1,575 pounds of food.
Date Posted: 2/1/2018
Univision Arizona partnered with the Arizona SciTech Festival and Univision’s TECHNOLOchicas to launch #UniAZ Tech Media Day in January. More than 80 students between grades 7 – 12 from different local schools participated and learned about cell phone technology, plus how to record and edit interviews and news stories on cell phones. Univision’s news and social media teams served as facilitators. In addition, the students listened to a panel of women currently working in careers related to STEAM. The students’ edited stories were then aired on “Edición Digital: Arizona” (Digital Edition: Arizona), a 30-minute newscast.
Date Posted: 12/17/2017
Scripps Television Station Group’s ABC affiliate KNXV-TV Phoenix held their 16th annual “Operation Santa Clause” from November 16 through December 20. KNXV-TV collected food, toys, clothes and monetary donations to benefit local families in need through St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix, Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC) and Military Assistance Mission (MAM). The campaign raised a total of $611,636.
Date Posted: 7/18/2017
Scripps’ ABC affiliate KNXV-TV Phoenix partnered with White Water Bottling Company and St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance for a water drive on July 20 that resulted in more than 1,500 cases of water being donated to the food bank. “Arizona is a fantastic place to live, but we all know that the heat can be deadly during the summer months,” said News Director Chris Kline. “Helping St. Mary’s get enough water to help our neighbors in need aligns with ABC15’s goal of making Arizona a better place to live.”
Date Posted: 5/3/2017
Scripps’ ABC affiliate KNX-TV Phoenix received a regional Edward R. Murrow Award for its investigative series “Cash for Compliance.” Reporters produced more than two dozen stories that highlighted how non-profit Advocates for Individuals with Disabilities exploited a civil rights law to make money. As a direct result of the series, the Arizona Attorney General’s office intervened and the state is now pursuing fraud allegations against the group. “’Cash for Compliance’ is an example of how journalism continues to be a society watchdog,” said KNX-TV News Director Chris Kline. “Every story the ABC15 Investigators produce reflects our commitment to make Arizona a better place to live.”
Date Posted: 3/31/2017
Bonneville’s KTAR-FM Phoenix aired a special report on March 30 on the dangers of opioids on Arizona’s Morning News. Reporter Corbin Carson interviewed Arizona Governor Ducey to shed light on this critical issue.
Date Posted: 3/31/2017
Univision Arizona and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication have partnered on a regular 30-minute news program. “Cronkite Noticias” launched February 17 and airs on KFPH-TV Flagstaff every other Friday during the academic year. Bi-lingual students in the Cronkite School report on the economy, education, sustainability, immigration and other issues important to the region’s Latino communities.
Date Posted: 2/8/2017
Univision Houston and Univision Arizona hosted citizenship and immigration phone banks throughout the month of February. Volunteers received thousands of calls with questions on how to become a U.S. Citizen, requirements, benefits and alternatives to fee payments. They also produced community forums on executive orders on immigration, addressing the concerns of close to 1,000 attendees.
Date Posted: 2/8/2017
Univision Arizona and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication have partnered on a regular 30-minute news program. “Cronkite Noticias” launched February 17 and airs on KFPH-TV Flagstaff every other Friday during the academic year. Bi-lingual students in the Cronkite School report on the economy, education, sustainability, immigration and other issues important to the region’s Latino communities.
Date Posted: 1/30/2017
Radio and television stations across Arizona aired a 30-minute commercial-free investigative report, “Hooked Rx: From Prescription to Addiction,” on January 10 in prime time. All television stations and 97 radio stations aired the program to educate their communities on the dangers of prescribed opioids. It is the follow-up to “Hooked: Tracking Heroin’s Hold on Arizona,” which reached 1 million viewers in 2015 and won a Rocky Mountain Emmy and an Alfred I. du Pont Award.
Date Posted: 12/29/2016
Scripps’ ABC affiliate KNXV-TV Phoenix raised more than $1 million 15th annual "Operation Santa Claus" drive, held December 21. The funds benefit Military Assistance Mission (MAM), Ronald McDonald House, Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC) and St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance. The month-long campaign concluded with a “human chain” of volunteers packing donations.
Date Posted: 12/1/2016
Raycom Media’s KOLD-TV Tucson held its 17th annual “Stuff the Stagecoach” on December 1. The station collected $14,000 in donations and 3,500 pounds of food, which were then donated to the Southern Arizona Community Food Bank.
Date Posted: 12/1/2016
CBS Radio’s KMLE-FM Phoenix morning show hosts Chris Matthews and Nina D., along with Packages From Home, asked area residents to write 53,000 “Thank You” letters to the troops this holiday season in the third annual “Chris & Nina’s Big Thank You.” Packages From Home provides food, personal care, and recreational items to deployed American troops, at no cost to them. “Being away from your family and friends for the holidays is tough,” said Nina D. “We cannot thank the KMLE Nation enough for getting in the holiday spirit and writing letters to our troops. We truly have the best listeners.”
Date Posted: 11/30/2016
Univision Arizona and a panel of judges selected Vanessa Nielsen as the winner of “Véndeme tu Sueño” (Pitch Me Your Dream) season 2 on November 17 at Univision Arizona Studios. “Véndeme tu Sueño” seeks to promote original ideas and startup ventures from Hispanic entrepreneurs in Arizona. Sol Book Box, the winning business idea, is a female-founded subscription-based service that provides culturally appropriate books and items to children of bilingual families to encourage Spanish-language literacy and cultural preservation. Nielsen will be awarded $30,000 in media support from Univision Arizona and SEED SPOT, one of the top social impact incubators in the United States for entrepreneurs.
Date Posted: 8/27/2016
Meredith-owned KTVK-TV Phoenix raised nearly $520,000 in a two-hour pet telethon for the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) on August 27. More than 17,000 homeless pets were taken in by AHS last year.
Date Posted: 7/22/2016
Univision Arizona partnered with Councilman Valenzuela and Silent Witness to produce a special live call-in show to encourage community involvement following the recent wave of crimes in the Maryvale area in Phoenix. The two-hour special, titled “Voces de Maryvale” (Voices of Maryvale), aired July 22. It featured a panel discussion with Councilman Valenzuela, Phoenix Police Commander for the Maryvale Estrella Mountain Precinct Sean Patrick Connolly and local area residents, followed by questions from a live audience.
Date Posted: 6/23/2016
Raycom Media’s ABC affiliate KOLD-TV Tucson hosted a phone bank benefitting the “2016 Tucson Walk to Defeat ALS” and the ALS Association Arizona Chapter on June 23. Funds raised went toward services for ALS patients and their families in Southern Arizona.
Date Posted: 6/23/2016
Univision Arizona and Univision New York offered community support after the Supreme Court’s 4-4 ruling on US versus Texas on June 23, to determine whether President Obama’s 2014 immigration relief programs can go into effect. They organized phone banks, town halls and clinics in partnership with the Arizona State Bar, MFV, The New York Immigration Coalition, the New York State New American Hotline, and Catholic Charities to provide up-to-date information about Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). The DAPA and the expansion of DACA will not be implemented. Arizona saw more than 300 people attend the clinic and 130 families received one-on-one free legal advice from attorneys. New York’s town hall had 600 people in attendance.
Date Posted: 6/1/2016
Raycom Media’s KOLD-TV Tucson launched its first-ever Spanish language news app. The app, called "Noticias KOLD 13", includes local stories, information on events, weather and international content.
Date Posted: 5/19/2016
Raycom Media’s KOLD-TV Tucson served as the media sponsor for the 10th annual “National Alliance of Mental Illness Walk.” The annual event raises funds for NAMI Southern Arizona’s no-cost programs and services and fights against the stigma surrounding mental illness. Ninety-one percent of the raised funds stays in Arizona. The station also produced a 30-minute special titled “Mental Health: Standing up to Stigma,” which aired March 31. Local mental health organizations participated and viewers were able to ask questions via Facebook Live. The show also included a phone bank.
Date Posted: 5/12/2016
Meredith’s CBS affiliate KPHO-TV Phoenix won a regional Murrow award for “Abandoned Mine Pollution.” Arizona has over 100,000 abandoned mines, but no state or federal agency knows how many leak toxic metals into the environment. The KPHO team hiked six miles into the mountains to collect samples from uranium, lead, silver and copper mines. “Viewers rely on them to speak for those who have no voice for seeking justice and exposing wrongdoing when it is happening,” said General Manager Ed Munson.
Date Posted: 4/21/2016
Cordillera Communications’ NBC affiliate KVOA Tucson won a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Investigative Reporting for “Lost in Translation.” The story shows the controversial pictures that one teacher used in a local school that students felt were racist and inappropriate.
Date Posted: 4/21/2016
Scripps’ ABC affiliate KNXV-TV Phoenix raised $540,000 for Phoenix Children’s Hospital, in a telethon held April 12. All donations from the telethon go directly to patient care. As Arizona’s only licensed children’s hospital, Phoenix Children’s will treat one in four Arizona children within a five year period.
Date Posted: 4/18/2016
Telemundo launched "Telemundo Responde" (Telemundo Responds) on KTAZ Phoenix and KHRR Tucson on April 18. The initiative’s consumer advocacy team answers inquiries from local residents who are victims of identity fraud or theft, received fraudulent charges or whose employers refused to pay for their work. "Telemundo Responde will give a voice to the voiceless," said investigative reporter Victor Hugo. "With the expansion of Telemundo Responde to Arizona, our communities will now have an opportunity to get real answers to the consumer problems they face every day."
Date Posted: 4/6/2016
iHeartMedia personality JohnJay of The JohnJay & Rich Show was recently recognized by PetSmart Charities, a non-profit animal welfare organization, for his work to inspire pet adoption. Johnjay, his wife Blake, and their three children have rescued and found homes for 150 dogs in the Phoenix area. They also help with necessary medical care. They spread the word using #LovePup, an extension of The Johnjay & Rich Show’s #LoveUp charity. Click here to read the interview with PetSmart Charities.
Date Posted: 3/1/2016
Meredith’s CBS affiliate KPHO-TV Phoenix discovered observation posts where Mexican drug cartels watch law enforcement. While riding through the desert, investigative reporter Morgan Lowe and Detective Eddie Castro saw distinctive water bottles and trash. The next day, Lowe and his producer pretended to be hikers. After meeting a man dressed in camouflage who had a cell phone, two-way radio and police scanner, they found the observation point. Lowe risked his life to photograph supplies stashed between boulders, including solar panels for charging electronics and a cooking area.
Date Posted: 1/14/2016
E.W. Scripps’ ABC affiliate KNXV-TV Phoenix raised $1 million in its 14th annual "Operation Santa," November 19-December 22. The funds benefit the Military Assistance Mission, Ronald McDonald House of Phoenix, St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance and the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center.
Date Posted: 11/5/2015
E.W. Scripps’ ABC affiliate KNXV Phoenix won 19 regional Emmy Awards for local news. "I’m incredibly proud of our entire ABC15 team," Vice President and General Manager Anita Helt said. "They come to work every day ready to take action on behalf of Arizonans." Honors include:
Date Posted: 8/3/2015
Under its local health initiative, UNASE AL RETO (Join the Challenge) to promote healthiness, Univision Arizona welcomed 150 community members to the Avondale Sports Complex on Saturday, July 25. The event was focused on promoting exercise and a healthy lifestyle where community members were joined by Univision Arizona sports anchor Felipe Corral. Monthly events are held in community centers and schools around the city.
Date Posted: 6/15/2015
Univision Arizona and SEED SPOT held auditions for the Véndeme tu Sueño (Pitch Us Your Dream) competition on May 16, as part of Univision Contigo’s Hispanic Entrepreneurship Campaign. Twenty local entrepreneurs were selected to become semi-finalists and will receive a scholarship and participate in SEED SPOT’s five-day boot-camp in the summer of 2015, where they will receive training and mentorship to translate their talents into viable business ideas.
Date Posted: 2/9/2015
Univision owned-and-operated KTVW-TV Phoenix collaborated with the State Bar of Arizona to help local families receive free legal consultation. An estimated 550 people attended the “Access to Justice” event on Dec. 22, during which 13 attorneys offered free legal advice on consumer fraud issues related to immigration law and deferred action. In addition, 286 families received one-on-one consultations.
Date Posted: 1/13/2015
On January 13 at 6:30 p.m., all Arizona television stations and most radio stations aired "Hooked: Tracking Heroin’s Hold on Arizona," an investigative report produced in English and Spanish by students at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication in partnership with the Arizona Broadcasters Association (ABA). The program focuses on the growing perils of heroin and opioid use in Arizona.
Art Brooks, president and chief executive officer of the ABA, developed the idea after learning of the seriousness of the issue and organized the backing of the state’s broadcast industry.
“The scourge of heroin and opioid addiction is killing hundreds of Arizonans, and the growing problem is reaching epidemic levels,” Brooks said. “Broadcast stations are fiercely competitive, but our industry leaders are bonding together on this public danger in order to save lives.”
Student journalists analyzed data on more than 10 million Arizona hospital emergency room cases, including more than 2,000 heroin overdoses, and studied census information to find patterns in heroin abuse. The ABA has sponsored a call center that will be available during and after the broadcast.
"It is nothing short of extraordinary to have every TV broadcaster in a state come together and jointly agree to air – commercial free in a widely viewed time slot – an important piece of public service journalism," said NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith. "It is a testament to the greater leadership of the Arizona Broadcasters Association and the general managers across the state and their tremendous commitment to their communities. I have no doubt that the Cronkite heroin project will make a real impact on this critical public health issue and save lives."
Date Posted: 12/4/2014
Meredith Broadcasting owned-and-operated KTVK-TV Phoenix, Ariz., raised over $290,000 in cash and food donations, four times last year’s total, in its 2nd Annual Battle Against Childhood Hunger. In Arizona, one in four children struggle with hunger every day. This year, recipients included Association of Arizona Food Banks, AZBrainFood, Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, Kitchen on the Street and St. Mary’s Food Bank.
Date Posted: 12/4/2014
Journal Broadcast Group’s KQTH-FM Tucson, Ariz., raised over $121,000 on Oct. 29 to build a Fisher House at the Southern Arizona Veterans Administration Health Care Center. Fisher House provides locations for military and veterans’ families to stay at no cost while a loved one receives medical treatment.
Date Posted: 10/2/2014
Gannett Broadcasting’s NBC affiliate KPNX-TV Phoenix hosted gubernatorial candidates Doug Ducey and Fred DuVal in a debate on September 10. KPNX-TV encouraged viewers to tune in to see candidates "answering questions and giving opinions that you can’t see in those commercials."
Date Posted: 10/2/2014
iHeartMedia’s KNIX-FM and KZZP-FM Phoenix went live and local to keep residents informed during a record-breaking five-inch rainfall. The rain submerged vehicles and flooded major freeways, forcing some to close. Approximately 10,000 residents lost power. "The reminder for the staff is that in moments like these, our brands are never more relevant," VP/Programming Steve Goefferies told All Access. The storm stranded KZZP-FM morning personality JohnJay, who did part of his show via cellphone. After two hours, he escaped through his car window.
Date Posted: 10/2/2014
The Tuscon League of Women Voters cancelled plans for three televised October debates in races for secretary of state, attorney general and superintendent of public instruction after candidates declined invitations. "When candidates decline to participate in a televised debate in Tucson, it shows disrespect for Pima County and its voters," said the League’s Sue DeArmond in a statement.
Date Posted: 5/14/2014
Bonneville’s KTAR-FM Phoenix won a 2014 NAB Crystal Radio Award for its outstanding public service efforts in 2013. Throughout the year, KTAR-FM dedicated a week of content in primetime to launch a community-based content series, “Voice for a Better Arizona: Arizonans in Need,” with the goal of driving awareness for organizations and individuals in need and offering easy avenues for its listeners to get involved and volunteer. More than 30 local groups were given a platform to share their inspiring stories. As Arizona’s heritage Veterans Day parade was on the financial brink of cancelling, KTAR-FM organized an awareness campaign encouraging donations, and also launched “Honor Our Heroes,” a community-based platform in which listeners nominated local veterans to be selected as one of the seven parade grand marshals. In 2013, KTAR-FM employees also donated more than 700 hours of community service and helped raise close to $2 million in charitable giving.
Date Posted: 2/11/2014
Cordillera Communications’ NBC affiliate KVOA-TV Tucson partnered with local advertisers for the fifth annual Kristi’s Kids Season 4 Hope campaign to collect a variety of items for area children. The event collected more than 13,000 toys, 12,000 pounds of food and enough clothing for 5,000 people. All the donations were distributed to families in Southern Arizona.
Date Posted: 2/11/2014
Independently-owned KAZT-TV Phoenix recently became the 2014 media partner for the Sojourner Center, the largest women’s domestic violence shelter in Arizona. Statistics show that nearly one out of four women is abused in their lifetime. The Sojourner Center sheltered and supported more than 1,500 women and children this past year. KAZT-TV is helping to spearhead an effort to bring awareness, aid and hopefully an end to domestic violence in the future. This past holiday season, for example, KAZT-TV was instrumental in donating hundreds of items to the Center, including more than 1,000 toys for young victims of domestic violence.
Date Posted: 2/11/2014
Clear Channel’s KFYI-AM Phoenix hosts an ongoing campaign, “My Military Hero,” to salute a local member of the military or their family and thank them personally for their service. Each month, KFYI’s afternoon host Mike Broomhead recognizes someone on air, features them on a digital billboard in the Phoenix metro area and gives them a $500 Visa gift card. One of KFYI-AM’s heroes, Sgt. First Class Cory Remsburg, recently joined the First Lady at the State of the Union address.
Date Posted: 1/1/2014
Television stations across Arizona inspired statewide action, including town hall meetings and discussion groups, when they simultaneously aired a commercial-free broadcast of "Crystal Darkness," a 30-minute Emmy-Award winning documentary about the growing problem of methamphetamine addiction, which has ties to 60 percent of non-violent crime in the state. Together, the television stations reached an audience of 1.5 million with the documentary, which was aired in both English and Spanish on April 13, 2008. The reach of this unprecedented effort was augmented by the many Arizona radio stations that ran audio versions of the documentary. KPNX-TV in Phoenix, Ariz., served as the satellite television center, and all participating stations ran promotional spots and local news stories about both the program and the problem of meth in the area. The broadcasters reached out to a local health care system to set up a central phone bank where viewers and listeners of all stations could call to get help. "There is no way in any community that you can have impact on crime without broadcasters’ support," said Sgt. Paul Penzone of the Phoenix Police Department. "Broadcasters went well above the bar with ‘Crystal Darkness’ to make a contribution that was significant."
Date Posted: 11/12/2013
Belo’s KTVK-TV Phoenix teamed up with three local grocery store chains to battle childhood hunger in Arizona. Throughout the month of September, all Bashas, Food City and Safeway stores in Arizona collected donations at their registers. The goal of the campaign was to raise enough funds to provide 1 million meals for Arizona’s hungry children. In total, KTVK-TV’s childhood hunger campaign collected more than $66,000. All the proceeds were donated to five local food banks.
Date Posted: 9/10/2013
CBS Radio’s KMLE-FM, KZON-FM and KOOL-FM Phoenix hosted several drives at a local mall and numerous Dunkin’ Donuts stores to collect donations for the firefighters’ families. The largest contributions came from the Country Cares Concert, which CBS Radio’s Phoenix stations hosted in partnership with another local radio station. The concert, featuring Arizona native Dierks Bentley, raised more than $476,000. All of the proceeds were donated to the United Phoenix Firefighters Charities, which will be distributed to the families of the 19 fallen firefighters.
Date Posted: 9/10/2013
Scripps-owned KNXV-TV Phoenix held a phone bank to raise money for the 100 Club of Arizona, a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to Arizona public safety agencies, officers, firefighters, paramedics, and their families. Local firefighters answered the phone and collected donations from KNXV-TV’s viewers. At the end of the evening, $121,000 was raised. The money will be used to assist survivors, covering the costs for flights of family members of the victims, helping injured firefighters, and purchasing replacement equipment for the Prescott Fire Department.
Date Posted: 9/10/2013
Personalities from Univision Arizona TV and Univision Radio Phoenix welcomed more than 8,000 parents and their kids to the 2nd Annual Univision Arizona "Es el Momento Preparandose Para El Exito" Education Fair in partnership with Stand for Children Arizona. With the support and collaboration of MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks, NBA’s Phoenix Suns, and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, Central High School in downtown Phoenix was host to more than 30 non-profit organizations. The event offered scholarships to college and university students, laptops, computers, desks and thousands of backpacks. Featured speakers included the mayor of Phoenix, along with the Superintendent of Phoenix Union School District and a motivational speaker on education.
Date Posted: 6/7/2013
Several Raycom Media-owned television stations conducted relief efforts following the tornado. Stations donating to the American Red Cross include WSFA-TV Montgomery, Ala. ($50,232); WMC-TV Memphis ($36,000); WCSC-TV Charleston, S.C. ($10,000); WWBT Richmond, Va. (over $7,000); and KAIT-TV Jonesboro, Ark., organized a statewide telethon. WAFB-TV Birmingham, Ala., collected several storage unit’s full of supplies for the Salvation Army in its one day donation drive. WBRC-TV Birmingham collected 200,000 pounds of water for the Salvation Army. KOLD-TV Tucson, Ariz., filled two semi-trucks with supplies, to be distributed by World Care.
Ever since the area was rated as having the highest methamphetamine-related crime problem in the state, KSNX-FM in Show Low, Ariz., and its five sister stations, KDJI-AM, KZUA-FM, KRIM-FM, KVWM-AM and KVSL-AM, have been working to improve the situation. The station produced anti-drug public service announcements featuring local high school students, which ran three times a day on all six stations for half a year. When all the television stations in the state aired "Crystal Darkness," an Emmy-Award winning documentary about the dangers of meth use, KSNX and KZUA simulcast the program and provided a call center staffed with addiction counselors as a resource for those in the area needing help. To raise money for the Arizona Meth Coalition, the stations created a "Drive Away Drugs" fundraiser, where a golf cart signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks was raffled. Together with other station-supported fundraising, the effort resulted in more than $16,000 for the coalition. The stations plan on continuing to fight meth use by partnering with the coalition on future efforts.
Organ and blood donations save lives, and KTAZ-TV in Phoenix, Ariz., uses its time and resources to share this message with viewers. The station produced two 30-minute specials about organ donation, which included testimonials from those waiting for an organ and from families who have donated organs from a loved one. Church representatives and doctors appeared in the programs to talk specifically about donation within the Hispanic community. KTAZ also organized two blood drives at the station. Leading by example, on-air talent donated blood live on the air. Public service announcements and news stories helped to bring in others willing to roll up their sleeves. "Your drive helps to assure that blood is available for patients in need," Keila Estrada of United Blood Services wrote in a letter to the station. "On behalf of United Blood Services’ staff and the many patients who will benefit, thank you for being part of this important community service."
KGUN-TV in Tucson, Ariz., helped make the seventh annual “10K Catwalk for the Bobbi Olson Fund for Cancer Research” the most successful Catwalk to date. By the time all participants had crossed the finish line at the University of Arizona campus, $130,000 had been raised for the Arizona Cancer Center. Hall of Fame Coach Lute Olson started the race in the name of his late wife Bobbi, who died of ovarian cancer in 2001. KGUN inspired viewers to participate in the race by producing and airing public service announcements featuring Olson and former University of Arizona basketball stars Steve Kerr and Sean Elliott. The station also produced an exclusive half-hour special featuring Olson and former players talking about what Bobbi meant to them and the importance of raising money for cancer research. In the history of the Catwalk, more than $1 million dollars has been raised for cancer research in Arizona.
Each Sunday, KPKX-FM in Phoenix Ariz., helps its community fight crime. Its weekly "5-0 Info" show is hosted by the director of the Phoenix Police Department’s Silent Witness Program, which offers monetary awards to community members who provide information about unsolved cases. In addition to updating listeners about crimes, the show brings in expert guests to give information on how to improve both personal and public safety. Topics have included how to avoid auto theft, how to become involved in Neighborhood Watch and what to know before making a 911 call. The station also made its first annual Peak Festivus Concert, at which Don Henley, Stray Cats and The Pretenders took the stage, an opportunity to fundraise for the Silent Witness Program. All money rewarded by the program comes from donations. Prior to the show, the station provided more than $30,000 worth of airtime to sell raffle tickets for a new Harley Sportster. The winner was announced at the concert, and $11,000 was raised for the Silent Witness Program. KPKX was a National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Award finalist in 2008.
The incredible courage of friends, family and neighbors was on full display at the 9th Annual American Red Cross "Real Heroes" program, sponsored in part by KRQQ-FM in Tucson, Ariz. The program recognizes men, women and children who may be as "ordinary" as your next door neighbor, but whose acts were extraordinary and saved lives. Heroes recognized by the station and the Red Cross included a person who pulled a fishermen from a lake, someone who lifted up the front end of a car to free a bicyclist and a bystander who stepped in to perform CPR on a child trapped in the wreckage of a car crash. To highlight the heroes, KRQQ aired 50 minutes of public service announcements promoting the call for nominations as well as the award ceremony. The station created a custom Web page encouraging listeners to nominate deserving people, and it contributed 40 staff hours to help make the event a community-wide success. Overall, KRQQ’s support brought more than 700 people to the awards ceremony, which raised $110,000 for the Red Cross.
There are nearly 100,000 children without health insurance in Southern Arizona. In hopes of changing this reality, KOHT-FM and KXEW-AM in Tucson, Ariz., banded together with four sister stations to host a 12-hour broadcast and phone bank about KidsCare, a state-funded low-cost health insurance program. During the KidsCare Phone-a-thon, listeners heard interviews with experts about the program, as well as stories from families whose children have benefited. Ninety volunteers staffed a phone bank, where listeners could sign up for the program or receive additional information. By the end of the day, more than 1,500 families in need of health coverage had called in, setting a KidsCare Phone-a-thon record. “We have children in our community that need health insurance, but their families may not know where to turn,” said Tom Zlaket, market manager for Clear Channel Radio in Tucson. The KidsCare Phone-a-thon helped change that.
Nearly 50,000 children whose families live below the federal poverty level had a gift to unwrap last Christmas morning thanks to the work of KTVK-TV in Phoenix, Ariz., and The Salvation Army. The two organizations began their annual Christmas Angel program 23 years ago. Now more than two decades later, the program places Christmas trees with the wishes of needy children in 11 malls, mobilizes more than 5,000 volunteers, and serves tens of thousands of children. To sustain the five-week campaign, which is considered the largest of its kind in the country, KTVK commits more than $1.25 million in station resources. This past winter, when angel tags were still unclaimed toward the end of the campaign, KTVK put together a one-day broadcast, “The Forgotten Angel Toy Drive,” bringing in an additional 350 toys and $27,000. “The community support for this program is truly amazing,” said Nick Nicholson, president and general manager. “It is one of those programs that is a holiday tradition for many valley families. Our employees even get in on the action by volunteering, sorting toys in the Christmas Angel warehouse and taking tags from an Angel Tree located in our lobby.” Since the program’s inception, KTVK viewers have donated more than 1 million toys.
Highlighting the true meaning of neighbors, KMXZ-FM in Tucson, Ariz., set out to replenish the shelves at the Tucson Food Bank with its annual “Thanksgiving on the Mayflower” campaign. The station broadcast live from the event, where listeners brought nonperishable food items and donations with a goal of filling a Mayflower moving truck. When the sunset approached, the community had given more than $16,000 in donations and 4,500 pounds of food in 13 hours, a new campaign record. “Our listeners were simply wonderful,” said morning show host Bobby Rich. “I can’t put it into words, but greeting folks who came all the way over just to make their donation gave me a good community feeling.”
Addressing an increased need for supplies to feed Phoenix’s hungry, KNIX-FM in Phoenix, Ariz., crusaded to collect one million cans of non-perishable food items for St. Vincent de Paul. During the holiday season, St. Vincent de Paul reported an unprecedented need for food, with more calls than ever coming in from families needing emergency food boxes. KNIX conducted a series of radio remotes to collect cans during December 2008 and provided a link to an online donation site to benefit those in need. By the end of the month, the morning team at KNIX delivered more than 1 million cans of food to St. Vincent de Paul.
KWMT-FM in Tucson, Ariz., created "Green Tuesdays" to empower listeners to make small changes in their every day lives that could positively impact their community and help protect the planet. Now in its fourth year, the segment continues to feature local leaders and educators in all areas of sustainability. Alternative fuels, eating locally, green building, endangered wildlife and global warming have been explored on the program, which has provided inspiration for a wide variety of green events, including the station’s annual "Green October and the Green Tour." Every Friday during the tour, the station’s morning show broadcasts on solar power from a local restaurant, where an area artist performs live. Listeners are invited to the restaurant for free breakfast and a small Green Expo featuring many of the organizations and guests from "Green Tuesdays." Adding to the effort, KWMT released two "Live in Studio C" compilation CDs from artists recorded in its studio and donated the proceeds to support Tucson Clean and Beautiful. On-air personality Jennie Grabel was named "Extraordinary Citizen" by the mayor and council of Tucson for her role in "Green Tuesdays."
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