Tennessee's Broadcasters

Holston Valley Radio Raises $500,000 for Local Children’s Hospital

Date Posted: 3/10/2022

Kingsport, Tenn., -based Holston Valley radio raised $515,000 for Niswonger Children’s Hospital. Stations 98.5 WTFM, 959 The Hog, Classic Hits 1027, and ESPN Tri-Cities took part in the event. The two-day radiothon wrapped up with a special live broadcast with the WTFM morning team of Steve Mann and Lynda Fontaine from the hospital in Johnson City, Tenn. This was the 10th year for the Radiothon which has raised almost $4 million in the Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol TN/VA market.

Beaver 100.3 Camp Rainbow Radiothon Raises More Than $65,000 for Kids with Medical Needs

Date Posted: 2/19/2022

The 2022 Beaver 100.3 Camp Rainbow Radiothon raised $65,777 in support of Camp Rainbow, a camp for children with medical needs. The two-day event featured Beaver on-air personalities, led by Fletch and Mandi from the “Fletch and Mandi Morning Show,” who shared heartwarming stories from campers, counselors and parents about how Camp Rainbow has touched their lives.

Now in its 13th year, this annual radiothon has raised more than $800,000 for the kids of Camp Rainbow.

WLX, WDXE and WKSR Radio Raise Funds for New Doppler Radar Site in Tennessee

Date Posted: 11/1/2021

When Lawrence County, Tenn., was struck by three unwarned tornadoes in February 2020, WLX, WDXE and WKSR Radio quickly began raising funds to build a new doppler radar site in Lawrenceburg. The National Weather Service radar over the area at the time did not detect the tornadoes because the twisters were below the radar beam. The stations quickly raised the more than $500,000 needed to build the site, and within months a new radar was in operation. Raising funds to build a new doppler radar site more capable of detecting dangerous tornados, WLX, WDXE and WKSR helped provide a crucial lifesaving service to the Lawrenceburg community. Read more.

WRLT Nashville Celebrates Local Musicians

Date Posted: 8/23/2021

Tuned In Broadcasting’s WRLT-FM Nashville, Tenn., continuously demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to celebrating and promoting local musicians on air and through special events. The station plays more unsigned local artists in daily rotation than any other commercial station in the country and features an expanded block of local specialty programming every week dedicated exclusively to playing music from local talent. This commitment was highlighted during the 10th annual “615 Day,” held June 15 and featuring an all-day lineup of local music, including some local musicians who performed live in the studio. “I never have to question whether it’s worth the effort to find great local music to play on the radio,” said Dan Buckley, WRLT’s program director. “Whether it’s an act that was born and raised here, has released 10 albums and can sell out venues, or an up-and-coming act that just had all their friends tell them they heard them on the radio, everyone making music loves to hear it on the radio.”

Tennessee Legislature Recognizes Local Broadcasters

Date Posted: 8/13/2021

On April 28, 2021 the Tennessee State Legislature passed a resolution to recognize local radio and television broadcasters in Tennessee for the valuable public service they have provided to their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, tornado outbreak, civil unrest and the Nashville bombing.

Chattanooga Station Honored For Investigative Journalism

Date Posted: 5/6/2021

Sinclair Broadcast Group’s ABC/Fox affiliate WTVC won a 2021 Edward R. Murrow Award for their series investigating a near-fatal incident at a motorcar festival when a motorcar crashed into an orange traffic barrier that was not filled with water, causing it to go airborne and striking people working on the course. The station investigated the improper use of this barrier and what the city of Chattanooga is planning to do to regulate these types of events. The Edward R. Murrow Awards are announced each year by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) for outstanding achievements in electronic journalism.

WMOT Discusses Vaccine Concerns from Immunocompromised

Date Posted: 4/10/2021

Middle Tennessee State University’s WMOT-FM Murfreesboro, Tenn., reported on the concerns from immunocompromised people regarding the vaccine and whether it’s safe to take it due to their health conditions.

Senior Science and Health Editor/Correspondent Maria Godoy spoke with several doctors about the safety of the vaccine for people with weakened immune systems, such as patients with rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, organ transplant recipients and cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The report also stressed the importance of these patients getting vaccinated and discussing when would be the best time to get the vaccine with their doctor. Dr. Sharon Dowell, a rheumatologist at Howard University Hospital, said the bottom line for immunocompromised patients is the same as for everyone else, and “really, truly, everyone should get vaccinated.”

Nashville Stations Lead Coverage Through Flood Emergency

Date Posted: 3/30/2021

Radio stations across Nashville in stayed on-air and broadcasting through emergency flooding during the end of March flooding.

“I am pleased that all five of our stations stayed on without any issues,” Cumulus Media VP and Nashville area manager Charlie Cook told Country Insider. “103.3 Country” WKDF, one of the cluster’s country stations along with “95.5 Nash Icon” WSM-FM, had a 15-second blip Saturday night that Cook says may or may not have been weather-related.

“Our engineering staff has worked hard over the last year to get the stations to a point where we are confident about their stability,” he said. “Because everything is being done remotely right now it is more difficult than just doing current information over song intros, so the jocks had to stay on top of the changing weather and get into the RVT system to keep the listeners informed, but they know the drill and I was pleased with their performances.”

WCJK Donates 748 Bikes to Local Children

Date Posted: 11/25/2020

Midwest Communications’ WCJK-FM Nashville collected 748 bikes during the 10th annual "Bikes or Bust" holiday donation drive on November 20–23. Station employees, including station morning personality Moose, partnered with members of the United States Marine Corps to promote and oversee the donation site for all four days. The collected bikes will be distributed to local children by Toys for Tots during the holiday season.

WVLT Investigates Drowning Dangers

Date Posted: 8/7/2020

News anchor Brittany Tarwater with Gray’s WVLT Knoxville has spent the last year working with families across the country who have lost children and loved ones to drowning. The investigation dove into questions around the high prevalence of drowning deaths and strict swimming guidelines. Read more here.

WBIR Addresses the Reality of Suicide

Date Posted: 6/28/2020

TEGNA’s WBIR-TV Knoxville, Tenn., was nominated for a Service to Community Award in the Television – Medium Market category.

Following six teen suicides from one local high school in three years, WBIR felt something more than another news story was needed to change the stigma surrounding mental illness and help save the lives of students. The station started by telling the stories of three mothers who lost their own teens to this tragedy and expanded to discussions with local experts to help begin the difficult but necessary conversations about teen suicide. To connect with younger viewers, the station launched a documentary streamed on YouTube and the WBIR website. In addition, this news team curated a resource guide to help families with difficult conversations and opening the discussion around mental health. Through this campaign, WBIR started a movement to help save the students of the Knoxville community.

WFSK-FM Supports Community During Unrest

Date Posted: 6/9/2020

Fisk University’s WFSK-FM Nashville is primarily a jazz station, but has also historically been a hub for news and organization in Nashville’s black community, a role that has become even more important during the recent protests followed by the death of George Floyd at the hands of police. General Manager Sharon Kay spoke about the station’s role here.

WDKN-FM Focuses on Mental Health During COVID-19 Crisis

Date Posted: 4/20/2020

R & F Communications’ WDKN-AM/FM Dickson, Tenn., produced a five-part series of radio programs focused on coronavirus-related mental health issues. Mental health issues, often related to social isolation, loneliness and joblessness stress are occurring during stay at home orders. Spousal and child abuse are on the rise. Joblessness is causing stress and fracturing families. The hour-long programs ran over a three-week period during mid-day and are also available online. The programs feature experts and professionals in a variety of mental health fields, including student health, substance abuse and suicide prevention.

"The community is hurting and it’s our mission to give residents information and encouragement,” said Co-owner and General Manager Kenneth Forte.

Tennessee Broadcasters Provide Lifeline Tornado Coverage

Date Posted: 4/20/2020

Radio and television stations provided lifeline coverage of tornadoes that touched down in Chattanooga on April 12. The EF-3 tornado reached winds of 145 miles an hour, killing two and causing significant damage to homes and businesses. Members of the community expressed their appreciation to broadcasters for their potentially life saving coverage. Watch video from the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters here.

WKRN Supports Second Harvest

Date Posted: 4/8/2020

Nexstar’s ABC affiliate WKRN-TV Nashville acted as the media partner to help money for Second Harvest of Middle Tennessee’s COVID-19 response efforts. Beginning April 8, Kroger started asking customers to round up their totals order to the nearest dollar or choose to donate $1, $5 or $10 to support the food bank. Kroger Zero Hunger Zero Waste Foundation is ensuring that all funds go to Second Harvest, an organization that serves 46 counties. They are feeding kids daily through Metro Public Schools and supporting partner agencies to distribute food.

WGNS-AM/FM Airs Wall-to-Wall COVID-19 Coverage

Date Posted: 3/31/2020

The Rutherford Group’s WGNS-AM/FM Murfreesboro, Tenn., has dedicated all of its morning programming (4:00 -11:00 a.m.) to focus on the local impact of COVID-19. This includes daily guest conversations with local parents, area physicians, and elected officials, including Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland, Rutherford County Mayor Bill Ketron and Murfreesboro Police Chief Michael Bowen. Health experts cover the fluid changes in the types of coronavirus testing recommended by the Rutherford County Health Department. Three to four times each week McFarland has also gone live on WGNS to talk to the city about the changing news.

WGNS continues to emphasize increased handwashing, social distancing and shopping locally. The station also covers how local business owners use "out of the box" thinking to stay open; speaks with lawyers, judges and District Attorney General about how COVID-19 impacts the courts; and airs information on solid waste and spring related issues. In addition to over-the-air coverage, WGNS has seen a 200 percent increase in web traffic.

On April 2, Chief Medical Officer Julian Yang, MD, of St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital answered listener questions via phone calls and text messages during a one-hour program. A frightened 30-year old mother sent a text and said she felt she had coronavirus and was isolated from her children, but there have been no results of the test she took on March 9. After the broadcast, WGNS connected her with help.

WMC Offers Lessons for Kids

Date Posted: 3/27/2020

Gray’s NBC affiliate WMC-TV Memphis has partnered with Shelby County Schools (SCS) to offer broadcast programming and accompanying digital resources to support continued at-home learning and provide greater access to educational resources. SCS is Tennessee’s largest public school district and among the 25 largest public school districts in the United States. During the school closure, more than 113,000 students are home and many have limited access to technology or internet. For children living in homes without broadband internet service, the lack of schooling cannot simply be replaced by online distant learning substitutes. Watch here.

“As more districts address the potential for long-term school closure, it is essential to find ways to address digital disparities and continue to provide learning opportunities and critical services to our students,” said Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Joris M. Ray. “We appreciate WMC for partnering to support distance learning.”

WPRT-FM Donates More Than $100,000 to Local Teachers

Date Posted: 2/15/2020

Cromwell Radio Group’s WPRT-FM Nashville partnered with local nonprofit PENCIL to donate more than $100,000 in cash and school supplies, including digital learning devices, to teachers and students on January 23. Money and supplies were collected in December as part of the station’s “Season of Giving” fundraising drive.

WXMX and WGKX Raise Almost $800,000 for Children’s Medical Care

Date Posted: 1/22/2020

Cumulus-owned WXMX-FM and WGKX-FM Memphis raised nearly $800,000 for children’s medical care during two holiday season fundraisers.

WXFM-FM raised $315,800 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during a radiothon held December 12 - 13. WGKX-FM raised $465,700 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Memphis during a radiothon held November 1.

WIVK Raises Over $340,00 for St. Jude

Date Posted: 12/15/2019

Cumulus-FM WIVK Knoxville raised nearly $342,000 for St. Jude during its annual radiothon, held December 12 - 13. This total represents a record for the event.

WREG-TV Recognized at the Service to America Awards

Date Posted: 10/1/2019

Tribune Media’s WREG-TV Memphis, Tenn., received the Service to Community Award for Television – Medium Market at the NAB Leadership Foundation 2019 Service to America Awards Gala in Washington, D.C. WREG received the honor for their continued support of the LeBonheur Children’s Hospital through Go Jim Go!

To support the hospital’s mission to provide care to children in need, WREG meteorologist Jim Jagger bikes 333 miles through the community each fall. Along the way, he and his team collect donations raised by churches, schools and other community organizations. While Jim rides, WREG highlights the lifesaving work performed at LeBonheur. In 2018, the event raised $370,000. Since the inaugural ride, the station has donated $2.9 million.

WTVF Nashville Wipes Out Medical Debt

Date Posted: 10/1/2019

E.W. Scripps’ CBS affiliate WTVF Nashville has wiped out $4 million in medical debt for more than 1,000 people across Middle Tennessee through its "Medical Debt Rescue" program. WTVF achieved this using a total of $35,000 in donations, $15,000 from WTVF and another $20,000 from viewers. There are no strings attached. Recipients include a grandmother who had $4,852 in medical debt paid following her open heart surgery.

WKRN Promotes Safety

Date Posted: 9/1/2019

Nexstar’s ABC affiliate WKRN Nashville has recently promoted safety in the community:

• In May, WKRN launched “Lock It and Pocket” public service campaign in partnership with the local law enforcement community. News Director Elbert Tucker suggested the campaign after noticed an increase in reported vehicle thefts where the vehicle owners left their keys in their cars. In the 30-second on-air and digital spots, the law enforcement officers ask people to be sure and lock their vehicles and take their keys with them to prevent vehicle thefts.
• WKRN and law enforcement raised over $18,000 to benefit the family of Metro Nashville Police Officer John Anderson, who was killed in the line of duty on July 4. Officer Anderson left behind a fiancée and a son.

WTVF Hosts Nashville Mayor Debate

Date Posted: 6/25/2019

Scripps’ CBS affiliate WTVF Nashville, along with The Tennessean and Belmont University, held a debate for the leading candidates for Nashville mayor on June 25. The debate is part of their commitment to provide voters with critical news and information on the issues impacting Nashville.

Morris Multimedia Employees Help Salvation Army Set Record

Date Posted: 2/18/2019

Morris Multimedia’s CBS affiliate WDEF in Chattanooga, Tenn., continued its partnership with the Salvation Army for the 2018 Angel Tree program. As a result of the on-air and online giving campaign, all of the “angels” were adopted in record time. Morris Multimedia employees distributed gifts to more than 4700 children and seniors in total.

Nexstar Produces ‘Tennessee Governor Debate Series’

Date Posted: 6/30/2018

Nexstar Media Group is producing and hosting the three-part “Tennessee Governor Debate Series.” ABC affiliate WATN-TV Memphis and the Greater Memphis Chamber produced the first live debate, held April 18, with a focus on business and infrastructure. It aired on Nexstar’s WATN-TV Memphis, ABC affiliate WKRN-TV Nashville, ABC affiliate WATE-TV Knoxville, CBS affiliate WJHL-TV Johnson City, Fox affiliate WJKT-TV Jackson and Fox affiliate WZDX-TV Huntsville. It also aired on Sinclair’s ABC affiliate WTVC-TV Chattanooga, plus radio stations and Spanish language television stations across Tennessee. 

Part two of the “Tennessee Governor Debate Series,” held June 20 in Nashville, will focus on legislative and crime issues. The third debate on July 20 in Knoxville will focus on education and health care.

“The Tennessee Governor Debate Series is a unique opportunity for local voters to hear directly from the candidates on the issues that matter most to them before heading to the polls this summer,” said Nexstar President Tim Busch. 

Memphis Radio Stations Roadblock for Food Bank

Date Posted: 5/2/2018

Twenty-one Memphis radio stations aired a “roadblock” announcement on April 2 to promote the Mid-South Food Bank’s “Hunger to Hope” campaign, encouraging listeners to donate towards the construction of a new food distribution center. “Food insecurity is a real issue across the Mid-South and this unprecedented effort by our local radio stations and Kroger gives everyone a chance to contribute to help build our new distribution center. We cannot thank them enough,” said Mid-South Food Bank President and CEO Estella Mayhue-Greer.

WSMV Investigates Sexual Misconduct Accusations Against State Rep.

Date Posted: 4/1/2018

Meredith’s NBC affiliate WSMV-TV Nashville aired on March 27 an investigation into three women’s accusations of sexual misconduct by State Rep. David Byrd while they were teenagers on the high school basketball team he coached. WSMV obtained a secretly recorded phone conversation in which Byrd apologized to one of his accusers. Two hours before WSMV’s investigation aired, Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell asked Byrd to resign. Lt. Gov. Randy McNally has also called for Byrd to resign.

Tri-Cities Stations Raise Over $395,000

Date Posted: 2/28/2018

Holston Valley Broadcasting’s WVEK-FM, WTFM-FM, WRZK-FM and WKPT-FM Johnson City, Tenn., raised $395,000 for the only children’s hospital in the region during their sixth annual Niswonger Children’s Hospital Radiothon, held February 26 - 27. Since its inception six years ago, the radiothon has raised more than $1,400,000.

“Our radio stations are always looking for ways to give back to our community,” said Holston Valley Broadcasting President David Widener. Since its beginning, the radiothon has raised more than $1,400,000.”

WIVK-FM Raises Over $307K For St. Jude Children’s

Date Posted: 12/11/2017

Cumulus Media Inc.’s WIVK-FM Knoxville raised $307,319 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through their two-day “Country Cares for St. Jude Kids” radiothon. Radio professionals from stations WIVK-FM, WNML-FM and WOKI-FM offered support, answering phones and recording donations throughout the radiothon.

WHBQ-TV Visits School

Date Posted: 11/15/2017

FOX’s WHBQ-TV Memphis employees presented to Hillcrest High School Journalism Class students about television career paths. Representatives from the station’s engineering, sales and news teams shared their education and career paths with students, followed by a lively question and answer session.

WHBQ-TV Helps Community

Date Posted: 7/18/2017

Cox Media Group’s Fox affiliate WHBQ-TV Memphis has held several events in the community. In July, WHBQ collected school supplies for Communities in Schools, Teacher Toolbox and United Way. Through the supplies collected, more than 35,000 Mid-South students will receive necessary items for the school year. In April, WHBQ’s “Family Focus” collected non-perishable food items for the Mid-South Food Bank, serving more than 16,000 people.

WFFH-FM Hosts "You Matter Saturday" Events

Date Posted: 6/25/2017

Salem Media Group’s WFFH-FM Nashville hosts monthly “You Matter Saturday” events. “You Matter” events are hope-filled events which provide free food distribution, health screenings, dental care, extended health care, financial counsel and live music to the area’s economically challenged. These service events include a coalition of partners brought together by 94FM the Fish (WFFH), including One Generation Away food distribution ministry, area hospital and medical service providers, dental providers and financial services providers.

Bones Raises $2 Million for St. Judes

Date Posted: 1/30/2017

iHeartMeda’s WSIX-FM Nashville hosted the “Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots’ Million Dollar Show For St. Jude” on January 9, which raised $2 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Country music superstars Garth Brooks, Brothers Osborne, Thomas Rhett Craig Campbell, Lindsay Ell, Sam Hunt, Rascal Flatts, Caitlyn Smith and The Band Perry performed at the event.

WIVK-FM Raises $815,000 for Smokey Mountain Wildfires

Date Posted: 1/11/2017

Cumulus Media’s WIVK-FM Knoxville raised $815,000 on December 5, in the 18-hour on-air and online #SmokyMtnStrong Radiothon benefiting victims of the Gatlinburg wildfires. All funds stayed in East Tennessee to support areas affected by the fires.

Cumulus Nashville Collects Thousands of Toys

Date Posted: 12/28/2016

Cumulus Media’s Nashville stations WKDF-FM, WGFX-FM, WQQK-FM, WWTN-FM and WSM-FM brought the community together on December 6 to create a "Toy Field" at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium. The stations collected thousands of gifts during the 9th annual event, benefitting The Salvation Army’s “Forgotten Angel” program, which reached almost 9,000 people.

WMC-TV Helps Provide 200,000 Meals to Viewing Area

Date Posted: 12/7/2016

Raycom Media’s NBC affiliate WMC-TV Memphis held its annual “Holiday Food Drive” benefitting Mid-South Food Bank on December 7. The station collected enough food and money to provide 200,000 meals across the viewing area.

WREG-TV Exposes Government Scam

Date Posted: 7/14/2016

Tribune’s CBS affiliate WREG-TV Memphis aired “Scam Alert: Government Grant Scam Picks Up Across Mid-South.” The station discovered more than 1,300 reports of people receiving calls claiming they were eligible for a free government grant.

WMC Supports Family of Fallen Officer

Date Posted: 6/7/2016

Raycom’s NBC affiliate WMC-TV Memphis partnered with the Memphis Police Department (MPD) to support the family of Police Officer Verdell Smith, who was killed in the line of duty on June 4. In 12 hours on June 7, WMC and MPD staff members raised $43,000 in front of the WMC studio.

WTVF Raises $2.7 Million for Children’s Hospital

Date Posted: 6/5/2016

Scripps’ CBS affiliate WTVF Nashville raised a record $2.7 million on June 5 in its Children’s Miracle Network Hospital Telethon. Funds support research, equipment and patient programs at Vanderbilt’s Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital. WTVF features interviews with patients, families, faculty and staff.

WMC Raises Funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Date Posted: 5/19/2016

Raycom Media’s WMC-TV Memphis held its eighth annual “St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway” to support the hospital’s pediatric cancer research and treatment efforts. The station sold all of its giveaway tickets and raised $1.3 million for St. Jude.

Tennessee Broadcasters Deliver Lifeline News and Community Support

Date Posted: 5/4/2016

The Tennessee Association of Broadcasters recently provided great examples of how the state’s local radio and television stations serve their communities.

Midwest Communications Media contributed 65 hours in donated airtime and raised collected $900,000 for the American Cancer Society. In Knoxville, Scripps Radio Group’s WWST-FM, WKHT-FM, WCYQ-FM and WNOX-FM raised $251,000 for the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.

In 2016, Nexstar’s Memphis stations ABC affiliate WATN-TV, CW affiliate WLMT-TV and Fox affiliate WJKT-TV expect to air at least 5,000 hours in investigative journalism, 120,000 hours in news coverage and 100 hours in election coverage. Morris Multimedia’s CBS affiliate WDEF-TV Chattanooga anticipates 200 hours in investigative journalism, 1,400 hours of local news, 200 hours in Emergency Weather coverage and 500 hours dedicated to elections.

Additional information is available in this report.

WMC-TV Holds Fundraiser for Fallen Firefighter’s Family

Date Posted: 4/19/2016

Raycom Media’s NBC affiliate WMC-TV Memphis joined with the Memphis Fire Department and Cumulus Radio Group to hold a fundraiser for the family of Lt. Rodney Eddins, who died while fighting a fire. WMC Action News 5 employees and Memphis Firefighters stood in front of the studio from 6:00 a.m. -6:30 p.m. with donation buckets. More than $13,000 was raised for his family.

WMC Teaches Area Students About Meteorology

Date Posted: 4/14/2016

Raycom Media’s WMC-TV Memphis partnered with the Memphis Redbirds for “First Alert Weather Fest” on April 14. More than 3,000 area students learned about weather and meteorology before attending a free baseball game.

Chattanooga Station Raises $1.2 Million in final telethon for Ronald McDonald

Date Posted: 3/3/2016

Sinclair’s ABC affiliate WTVC Chattanooga raised $1.2 million in the final telethon for Ronald McDonald House Charities, held March 5. For the past 20 years, the telethon has raised money to help families with critically ill children who are receiving medical treatment.

WATN-TV Raises $24,000 Following Tornado

Date Posted: 1/14/2016

Nexstar Broadcasting’s ABC affiliate WATN-TV Memphis raised $24,000 for the American Red Cross’ tornado relief efforts, in a telethon held December 30. The money raised will help more than 100 families affected by tornadoes that killed 18 people in Arkansas, Tennessee and Mississippi on December 23. Watch video.

WMC Brings the Holidays to At-Risk Youth

Date Posted: 12/17/2015

Raycom Media’s WMC-TV Memphis held its eighth annual “St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway” to support the hospital’s pediatric cancer research and treatment efforts. The station sold all of its giveaway tickets and raised $1.3 million for St. Jude.

WMC Helps Feed the Hungry

Date Posted: 12/17/2015

Raycom Media’s WMC-TV Memphis partnered with the Mid-South Food Bank for the “WMC Action News 5 Holiday Food Drive.” The day-long event collected more than 25,000 pounds of food and more than $60,000, which translates to more than 200,000 meals.

Meteorologist Receives National Honor

Date Posted: 11/5/2015

Meredith Corp.’s NBC affiliate WSMV Nashville Chief Meteorologist Lisa Spencer received the National Weather Association’s 2015 NWA Broadcaster of the Year Award, which recognizes broadcasters who contribute significantly to the dissemination of critical weather information. Spencer and WSMV’s weather team regularly travel across Tennessee promoting severe weather preparedness via their "4WARN Weather Alert Tour." Spencer has helped raise thousands of dollars through tornado and flood relief telethons. She also leads "Warm Coats from Warm Hearts," which collects thousands of coats each year, and "Heat Wave Help" to collect air conditioners. (Watch video).

Tennessee Telethon Raises $1.3 Million

Date Posted: 9/3/2015

Tennessee Telethon Raises $1.3 Million Bahakel Communications’ ABC affiliate WBBJ-TV Jackson, Tenn.’s 32nd annual "Circles of Hope" telethon on Aug. 16 raised $1.3 million for The Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse. Each Carl Perkins Center provides therapy, forensic interviews, parenting groups and community education related to child abuse. In Henderson County, the Perkins Center served about 1,100 children and 1,900 parents in the past year. Therapeutic programming would not be available to many families due to insurance restrictions, but these clinics offer all services free of charge.

’Friends Across the Mountains’ 2015 Telethon Raises $202,000

Date Posted: 9/3/2015

"Friends Across the Mountains" 2015 Telethon Raises $202,000 Tegna Media’s NBC affiliate WBIR-TV Knoxville, Tenn., and Sinclair Broadcasting Group’s ABC affiliate WLOS-TV Asheville, N.C., raised $202,000 on Aug. 20 to support the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In 21 years, the event has raised more than $3 million. The money will support the rehabilitation of Alum Cave Trail, suppression of invasive species and black bear and elk management.

Coffee, Country, Cody with the Candidates

Date Posted: 8/3/2015

Ryman Hospitality Properties’ WSM-AM Nashville broadcast live interviews with candidates for mayor on Aug. 4 in advance of the Aug. 6 election. Candidates were invited to visit a local deli, where morning show hosts Bill and Charlie aired the live show Coffee, Country & Cody with the Candidates! <

Several Debates Scheduled in Nashville

Date Posted: 7/17/2015

Three Nashville stations scheduled televised debates in advance of a potential runoff in the mayoral election. The first debate will air Aug. 19 on Meredith Corporation’s NBC affiliate WSMV-TV. On Aug. 24, Scripps’ CBS affiliate WTVF-TV will air another debate. The final debate is set for Sept. 2 on Sinclair Broadcast Group’s Fox affiliate WZTV-TV. On May 21, WSMV aired a debate with all seven candidates, who covered topics such as traffic, transportation, preserving Nashville’s history and gentrification.

Safe and Supportive Schools in Tennessee

Date Posted: 3/13/2015

The Tennessee Association of Broadcasters (TAB), Tennessee Department of Education and Vanderbilt Peabody College collaborated on the documentary "Saving Lives: Safe and Supportive Schools in Tennessee" for television and radio stations to air in February and March. Students and teachers at four high schools, including Taylor Swift’s alma mater, discussed their school’s programs aimed at reducing violence and increasing academic performance. At Hendersonville High, students watched the music video for Swift’s "Mean" before launching into a discussion on bullying with their classmates.

iHeartMedia’s WUSY-FM Chattanooga Raised $147,000 for St. Jude

Date Posted: 1/20/2015

iHeartMedia’s WUSY-FM Chattanooga, Ten. raised $147,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research hospital with their “No Shave November” fundraiser. During the annual “Beard Bash,” individuals and teams were recognized for their fundraising efforts. Amongst those that were recognized, KRWQ-FM Medford, Tenn. won the award for largest radio fundraising team with more than $15,000 collected.

Cumulus Nashville Builds Field of Toys

Date Posted: 1/13/2015

Cumulus Radio’s Nashville stations WNFN-FM, WKDF-FM, WSM-FM, WGFX-FM, WWTN-FM and WQQK-FM collected 5,000 toys for the Salvation Army’s Forgotten Angel Program. On Dec. 9, the stations formed a "field of toys" at LP Field. The Salvation Army in Nashville reached more than 9,000 "angels" during the 2014 holiday season.

iHeartMedia Stations Support St. Jude

Date Posted: 12/4/2014

iHeartMedia’s Memphis, Tenn. stations, WHRK-FM, KJMS-FM, WHAL-FM and WDIA-AM, raised $201,000 to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during their annual two-day radio broadcast in October. This year’s event nearly doubled the amount the stations raised in 2013.

WTVF-TV Uncovers "Cronyism" in Governor’s Administration

Date Posted: 9/8/2014

Journal Broadcasting’s CBS affiliate WTVF-TV Nashville received a Peabody Award for its year-long investigation into the outsourcing of government projects within Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam’s administration. WTVF-TV presented more than three dozen reports that outlined questionable government activities described as "cronyism." The "Questions of Influence" series has led to a state audit, a review of several state contracts and hearings within the Tennessee legislature.

WGKX-FM Raises $308,000 During St. Jude Radiothon

Date Posted: 3/17/2014

> Cumulus-owned WGKX-FM Memphis hosted the station’s 25th anniversary Country Cares Radiothon to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospitals. The event raised more than $308,000 to support pediatric cancer research. Over the past 25 years, WGKX-FM has raised more than $4.6 million for St Jude.

WWTN-FM’s Radiothon Raises S111,000 for Those in Need in Nashville

Date Posted: 12/6/2013

Cumulus Media’s WWTN-FM Nashville hosted the Hunger to Hope Radiothon to support the Nashville Rescue Mission which provides food, clothing and shelter to Nashville’s poor and homeless. WWTN-FM broadcast commercial-free for 14 hours outside the Rescue Mission, challenging listeners to donate to those in need. In total, the radiothon raised more than $111,000.

WCMT-AM/FM Collects $20,000 for Special Needs Adults

Date Posted: 12/6/2013

Thunderbolt Broadcasting’s WCMT-AM/FM Martin, Tenn., hosts Chris Brinkley and Paul Tinkle of the "Good Times in the Morning" program held a four-hour radiothon for the local St. John’s Community Development Services Center. The event raised $17,000 for St. John’s CDS, which serves approximately 100 special needs adults and provides opportunities for them to perform skills that allow them to remain productive in society. An additional $3,200 was mailed or delivered to the radio station. The total campaign raised more than $20,000.

WBIR-TV / WLOS-TV’s Telethon Raise $201,000 for National Park

Date Posted: 9/10/2013

Gannett-owned WBIR-TV Knoxville, Tenn., and Sinclair’s WLOS-TV Asheville, N.C., broadcast the 19th annual "Friends Across the Mountains Telethon" to benefit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which houses a half-million acres of wilderness between the North Carolina-Tennessee border. The telethon raised more than $201,000 for the park. Since 1995, the event has raised $2.9 million.

WRVW-FM Nashville Raises $22,500 for Hospital-Bound Patients

Date Posted: 8/8/2013

Clear Channel-owned WRVW-FM Nashville hosted the "Star Party," a concert featuring Ed Sheeran, that benefited Musicians on Call (MOC), an organization that brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in medical centers. The event raised $22,500 for the local MOC chapter, enough money to fund one bedside performance program for a full year.

WMC-TV

Date Posted: 6/7/2013

Raycom Stations Raise More Than $100,000 and Collect Truckloads of Supplies

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.