Date Posted: 9/29/2023
The “Coffee’s On US” campaign from Spokane, Wash., TV station KHQ highlights the work of local community organizations by gifting them with coffee delivery from a local shop, Craven’s Coffee. Recent recipients include CASA Partners, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the lives of abused and neglected youth in Spokane County’s foster care system, and the Boy Scouts of America Inland Northwest Council.
Date Posted: 4/6/2022
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, King County Executive Dow Constantine and 36 mayors from across King County hosted the “Mayors’ Concert for Ukraine and Refugees Worldwide” to raise money to help Ukrainian refugees in Europe as well as Ukrainian and other refugees in King County. Funds raised by the concert benefited the Seattle Refugee Fund.
The event was livestreamed on King 5 Seattle’s digital properties and broadcast live on sister station KONG. King 5 anchor Joyce Taylor also served as emcee.
Date Posted: 3/22/2022
Seattle Sports and Bonneville International raised a reported $41,000 in just one day for the John Clayton Memorial Fund. The Fund, created in memory of longtime NFL reporter and radio host John “The Professor” Clayton, will benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society, a MS research organization. Clayton passed away March 18, 2022.
“Part of our company’s mission is to give back in the communities where we serve,” said Darrell Brown, President of Bonneville International. “John was a valued employee who used his own powerful voice for good. We believe this is the best way to honor his memory.”
Bonneville International seeded the fund March 20 with $10,000. The Seattle Seahawks donated $12,000.
Date Posted: 5/6/2021
TEGNA’s NBC affiliate KING-TV earned a 2021 Edward R. Murrow Award for their reporting on an undetected mold problem in the air handling system in some of the operating rooms at Seattle Children’s Hospital that led to several infections and deaths, and the station’s legal fight to release public health records. The Edward R. Murrow Awards are announced each year by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) for outstanding achievements in electronic journalism.
Date Posted: 4/2/2021
Fox-owned KCPQ Tacoma, Wash., is putting experts on the air to provide factual information to their viewers about the vaccines and the next steps once more people are vaccinated.
On April 2, anchor Liz Dueweke interviewed Dr. John Dunn of Kaiser Permanente Washington Research Institute about the new trials for an investigational vaccine by Moderna to combat the South African COVID variant. KCPQ also interviewed Dr. Scott Lindquist, Washington State Department of Health’s epidemiologist for communicable diseases, on March 24 about travel restrictions as vaccinations continue.
Date Posted: 9/16/2020
Stations across Washington state, including Seattle’s TEGNA-owned NBC affiliate KING-TV, Sinclair-owned ABC affiliate KOMO-TV, Cox Media Group’s CBS affiliate KIRO-TV, FOX owned-and-operated KCPQ-TV and Cascade Public Media’s PBS affiliate KCTS-TV, will air a televised gubernatorial debate on October 7 between incumbent Governor Jay Inslee and challenger Loren Culp. The debate will occur live with the two candidates safely distanced in the state capital, and provide state residents a chance to hear candidates speak and respond to questions regarding statewide issues.
Date Posted: 7/18/2020
Cowles Company’s KHQ Spokane In the first example (in three parts), we partnered with the City of Spokane to create a three part virtual town hall discussion on race and policing. The panel involved civil rights activists, minority youth, the Police Chief and Mayor (among others). The station took viewer questions by phone, Skype, and social media during the two-hour event that aired on the primary and secondary stations and streamed on the website.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
KHQ also hosted a community conversation hosted by one of their anchors. People with diverse backgrounds to discuss the Black Lives Matter movement and diversity as it specifically relates to the Spokane region.
Date Posted: 7/14/2020
Morgan Murphy Media’s KXLY Spokane has provided viewers with critical news during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Broadcasts and digital content covered safety measures and detailed the struggles many local businesses are facing. Read more here.
Date Posted: 7/7/2020
iHeartRadio Seattle is supporting businesses and the local economy here in Seattle:
Date Posted: 7/6/2020
Morgan Murphy Media’s KAPP-TV and KVEW-TV Yakima, Wash., are working to encourage and support local businesses impacted by COVID-19 with a daily 30-minute show, “Yes, We’re Open” and listing open businesses on their website. Businesses are able to promote and highlight any updates or altered hours during the pandemic. The stations also hosted a “Bounty of the Valley” telethon to support a local University, and helped raise more than $800,000 to support student scholarships.
Date Posted: 7/6/2020
Townsquare Media Tri-Cities, Wash., partnered with Morgan Murphy Media’s ABC affiliates KAPP-TV and KVEW-TV to raise nearly $75,000 during a two-day radiothon in support of local non-profits. The donated funds will help provide funds and goods for those affect by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Date Posted: 6/30/2020
Hubbard Radio’s KRWM-FM Seattle, Wash., was nominated for a Service to Community Award in the Radio – Major Market category.
In collaboration with KING-TV and in partnership with AT&T, Safeway and Albertson’s supermarkets, KRWM-FM supported KING-TV’s 19th annual Home Team Harvest food drive to help the Northwest Harvest food bank organization. This annual campaign included supermarket $10 hunger bags, a text to give campaign and a live televised and radio broadcast held on December 7, 2019. As a partner of this annual campaign, KRWM-FM raised a total of 7.98 million meals for 475 food banks, meal programs and high-need schools in Washington.
Date Posted: 6/30/2020
Bonneville’s KIRO-AM Seattle, Wash., was nominated for a Service to Community Award in the Radio – Major Market category.
With a goal of ending domestic violence, KIRO decided to take the issue back to where it starts, focusing on homes, schools and role models within a local community. In partnership with Coaching Boys into Men, this campaign aimed to prevent domestic violence by teaching high school coaches and athletes how to be community leaders. The station hosted a training program for winter sports coaches, offering incentives for those who completed the program. Through this partnership, KIRO has reached more than 33,000 students with a 42% implementation rate throughout the Seattle area. Thanks to the team at KIRO and the Coaching Boys into Men training, this local community is closer to developing leading examples of role models and athletes for the next generation and putting an end to the cycle of domestic violence.
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Date Posted: 6/29/2020
From the initial “Stay at Home” decision, KRKO-AM/FM Everett. started an on-going campaign to explain the importance of supporting local businesses in the community we serve. All local Chambers were contacted and encouraged to help spread the message. Check out the spots here.
Date Posted: 6/17/2020
Christa Ministry’s KWZP-FM supported businesses re-opening after COVID-19 in a number of ways:
Date Posted: 5/14/2020
Hubbard’s KNUC-FM Seattle morning show "98.9 The Bull’s Fitz In The Morning" partnered with the National Guard, the Washington State Potato Commission and the Farmers of Washington to give away 200,000 pounds of potatoes in the Tacoma Dome North Parking Lot on May 14
Date Posted: 5/12/2020
Hubbard Broadcasting’s KQMV-FM Seattle celebrated nurses on May 11, National Nurses’ Day, as a special thank you during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses were treated a catered lunch from a local BBQ restaurant.
“Thank you to all of the amazing nurses, doctors and medical staff,” said on-air morning personality Brooke Fox. “We are so proud of every member of our medical community who have gone above and beyond to keep our community safe during this time.”
Date Posted: 5/4/2020
Stephens Media Group’s KIOK-FM Richland, Wash., is thanking the truckers keeping stocks shelved for local communities. Through their ’Truckers Lunchables’ program, they are providing free hot lunches for truckers every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the COVID-19 shutdown.
Date Posted: 4/24/2020
Hubbard Radio Seattle - KQMV 92.5 FM, KNUC 98.9, KRWM 106.9 FM, and KIXI 880 AM – created the “Fight Back, Give Back” program in April to support non-profits during the COVID-19 pandemic. To help connect them to listeners, Hubbard Seattle committed to donate up to $500,000 worth of commercial airtime.
Date Posted: 4/15/2020
Hubbard’s KRWM-FM Seattle collected more than 36,000 teddy bears during its 31st annual Teddy Bear Patrol program, which ran from March 1 through mid-April. Teddy bears are donated to local first responders, EMTs and police officers, as well as organizations focusing on children and families, including foster programs, shelters, hospitals, counselors, and schools.
“This year’s Teddy Bear Patrol may be the most memorable. WARM 106.9 listeners and Bartell’s patrons came together during a unique national crisis and gave their time and resources to bring joy to others,” said Brand and Content Manager Ron Harrell.
Date Posted: 4/13/2020
Hubbard’s KQMV-FM, KWM-FM, KNUC-FM, KIXI-AM and KKNW-AM Seattle created the “Fight Back, Give Back” program to help local charities raise awareness and funds during the COVID-19 crisis. The stations are donating up to $500,000 worth of commercial airtime in April to air messages from non-profit partners.
“By inviting listeners to engage with a radio station that supports their favorite charity, we are empowering them to make an impact through our audio platforms,” said WARM Brand Content Director Ron Harrell.
Date Posted: 4/10/2020
Hubbard’s KNUC-FM Seattle supplied the community with 1,000 free rolls of toilet paper during the COVID-19 pandemic on April 10. Those in need were able to drive through a social-distance safe giveaway and receive a free roll. Extra toilet paper was donated to local hospitals and healthcare organizations.
Date Posted: 4/6/2020
Hubbard’s KNUC-FM Seattle donated 3,000 medical masks to Virginia Mason Hospitals, Evergreen Health, Cottesmore Life Care, PacMed and Seattle Children’s to help nurses and doctors on the frontlines of COVID-19.
“We are incredibly grateful for The Bull’s generosity,” said Chief Nursing Officer, EvergreenHealth Mary Shepler. “This donation represents an imperative resource that allows our providers to continue to provide the safest, best possible care for all of our patients. The support we continue to receive is a heart-warming reminder that we are all in this together.”
KNUC-FM also handed out 1,000 rolls of toilet paper, free to the community, on April 9. To observe social distancing guidlines, listeners drove up to the donation location and rolled down their windows to receive a roll. Leftover rolls were donated to a local hospital.
Date Posted: 4/1/2020
Bonneville’s Seattle stations are taking steps to thank healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. KIRO-AM started a “Letters of Hope” project to send messages of encouragement to the elderly who are isolated due to COVID-19 and the workers who care for them. KTTH is also highlighting businesses who are helping healthcare workers by delivering meals to hospitals.
Date Posted: 3/27/2020
Bonneville’s KIRO-FM Seattle launched on March 24 “COVID-19: Seattle Podcast” to provide daily updates for Washington state residents during the coronavirus pandemic.
“I couldn’t be more excited about this project,” said KIRO Radio Program Director Bryan Buckalew. “I think [on air personality] Dave Ross, with his decades of news experience, and Aaron Granillo, with his reporter’s sensibility, are uniquely capable of examining the effects of the coronavirus pandemic as it expands in Washington state and across the nation.”
KIRO-FM has also partnered with Hubbard Radio’s KQMV-FM, KWRM-FM and KNUC-FM Seattle to offer expanded news coverage. KIRO broadcasts an hourly news update regarding COVID-19 on the each of Hubbard stations and encourages listeners to listen to music programming as a mental break from news coverage during a stressful time.
Date Posted: 3/20/2020
TEGNA’s NBC affiliate KING-TV Seattle has changed a weekday 4 p.m. lifestyle program to news coverage, in response to growing need for information regarding novel coronavirus. The station also dedicated their website to promoting “Facts Not Fear” about the virus starting on March 11.
“There is a certain set of expectations when KING[-TV] is on the air,” said KING President and General Manager Jim Rose.
Date Posted: 3/20/2020
Sinclair Broadcasting’s ABC affiliate KOMO-TV Seattle aired on March 15 a one-hour special to help people plan, not panic, during the coronavirus pandemic. The program, hosted by weeknight anchor Preston Phillips, included medical experts, patients and family members impact by the virus. The townhall also provided information about testing, social distancing and preventing the spread of coronavirus.
Date Posted: 2/28/2020
KTTH-AM Hosts GOP Gubernatorial Forum (sent) (ktth_debate) (ktth_debatelong)
Bonneville’s KTTH-AM Seattle hosted and aired a two-hour GOP Gubernatorial debate on February 28. All four Republican candidates participated: State Senator Phil Fortunato, former Bothell Mayor Joshua Freed, Republic police chief Loren Culp, and businessman Anton Sakharov. They discussed important issues, including gun rights, homelessness, the opioid epidemic and transportation.
“This will be an in-depth look at the issues that matter to voters most,” said Moderator Jason Rantz ahead of the event. “Candidates will be challenged, the pace will be quick, and solutions to Washington’s biggest problems will be demanded of all the Republican candidates.”
Date Posted: 1/20/2020
TEGNA began training its journalists in mid-January to combat disinformation in partnership with First Draft, a nonprofit that supports journalists, academics and technologists in the digital age. First Draft will train TEGNA’s journalists across the company’s 49 newsrooms to identify false information online.
TEGNA is also expanding its fact-checking initiative "Verify" by adding additional regional fact-checkers to provide transparency in the reporting process and authenticate information submitted by viewers.
Date Posted: 1/15/2020
Hubbard Broadcasting’s KRWM-FM Seattle collected over 6,500 teddy bears for the local children during the annual “Fred Meyer Teddy Bear Toss” on January 11. The toss occurred at the Seattle Thunderbirds hockey game, immediately following the first goal of the night. The toys will be distributed by the Salvation Army.
Date Posted: 1/8/2020
TEGNA’s NBC affiliate KING-TV and Hubbard’s WARM-FM Seattle collected a record 7.9 million meals during the 19th annual Home Team Harvest food drive, held throughout November and December. The food drive has provided more than 55 million meals in 19 years.
Date Posted: 12/29/2019
Sinclair’s Seattle stations KPLZ-FM, KOMO-AM/FM and KVI-AM, along with ABC-affiliate KOMO-TV and Univision-owned KUNS-TV, held their annual toy drive on December 13 to benefit the Salvation Army. Each station encouraged listeners to donate online and drop off toys and cash donations at three collection centers. The stations collected $125,000 and over 7,000 toys during the event.
“The toy drive has been a nine-year tradition for our stations,” said Gary Greenberg, station manager at Sinclair Radio of Seattle. “Our team builds an amazing campaign every year, and our listeners continue to come out to support the Salvation Army in a big way – it’s what local radio is all about.”
Date Posted: 11/6/2019
Hubbard Broadcasting’s KNUC-FM Seattle raised more than $260,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the station’s Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon event on December 5 – 6. St. Jude initially challenged the station to raise $250,000, which the station exceeded by $10,000. In addition to the money raised, KNUC secured 667 new pledge partnerships for St. Jude.
Date Posted: 10/20/2019
TEGNA’s NBC affiliate KING-TV Seattle received a national Emmy award in the Outstanding Regional News Story: Investigative Report category for “Sick and Forgotten in Hanford.” Investigative Reporter Susannah Frame and Photojournalist Steve Douglas exposed the federal government for denying worker compensation claims related to the Hanford Nuclear Site, which is cited as the most toxic worksite in America. The report led to passage of the first state law to help Hanford workers made sick from exposure to chemicals and radiation, obtain medical care and compensation.
Date Posted: 10/17/2019
iHeartMedia Seattle’s Classic Rocker KZOK-FM raised over $101,000 during its 22nd annual Rock The Harvest radiothon on October 17. The money benefits Northwest Harvest, a hunger relief agency in the state of Washington, which supports a statewide network of 375 food banks, meal programs, and high-needs schools. Over the last 22 years, 102.5 KZOK raised over $1.2 million to benefit Northwest Harvest.
Date Posted: 3/30/2019
Sinclair’s ABC affiliate KOMO Seattle’s documentary on homelessness raised awareness for and sparked discussion about the crisis throughout the state. Originally aired on March 16, Seattle is Dying generated over 3.5 million views on broadcast and social.
“Our report sparked hearings in the State Capitol and questions in the Seattle City Council, as well as community meetings in towns around the market. From the Governor, to Seattle’s Mayor, to neighbors in coffee shops, the state is still talking about [the documentary],” said Creative Services Director Scott Altus.
Date Posted: 12/19/2018
Hubbard’s KNUC-FM Seattle collected 12,300 pounds of food during a series of 13 drives that culminated in the “Bull Nation Appreciation Holiday Concert” on December 7. KNUC far surpassed its goal of 10,000 pounds of food. The campaign benefited statewide hunger relief agency NW Harvest and the Sky Valley Family and Community Resource Center.
Date Posted: 11/1/2018
TEGNA’s NBC affiliate KING-TV Seattle aired three live debates in October that were open to the public. U.S. Senate debates were held October 8 and October 20. The broadcast of October 17 debate between candidates for the WA-8 U.S. Congressional District included 30 minutes of post-debate analysis.
“Our viewers and voters deserve fair and robust debates that allow us to ask tough questions and probe candidates beyond just a sound bite,” said Political Reporter Natalie Brand. “I hear from the community how much they appreciate the in-depth political coverage that we provide.”
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Date Posted: 8/3/2018
Bonneville’s KIRO-FM Seattle won a Murrow award for its story “Homeless Girls Join Their First Girl Scout troop at Mary’s Place.” Mary’s Place, a Seattle homeless shelter, hosts Girl Scout meetings on Wednesday nights, providing many girls with their first opportunity to participate in scouting. The troop welcomes girls of all ages, from four to 18. A 13-year-old scout said that through the troop, she has learned to be kind, respect others and to refrain from bullying. “Kids just want to have a sense of normal,” said Tanita Horton, one of the troop’s leaders. “I think that this certainly brings some of that to them.” Listen to the story here.
Date Posted: 4/1/2018
Cox Media Group’s CBS affiliate KIRO-TV Seattle investigative reporter Jesse Jones won his fight for "Free Credit Freezes for All" on March 13, when Governor Jay Inslee signed Senate Bill 6018 into law.
Jones began producing an investigative series after credit bureau Equifax’s data breach impacted the personal and financial data of 147 million people. The company waited months to notify consumers. Within a few months, Washington residents will be able to freeze and unfreeze their credit file with the three major credit agencies without having to pay a $10 fee.
“It’s why we do this. It’s why I do this. Making real, actual, and lasting change,” Jones said.
“Every news story we report on, every investigative piece we pursue, every element of our local programming is produced with the need of the viewer as our primary focus,” said Vice President and General Manager Greg Bilte. “We couldn’t be prouder of Jesse’s team for their passion and dedication on behalf of Western Washington consumers. KIRO 7 will continue to provide the resources and platforms for Jesse and everyone in the newsroom to pursue the issues that will positively impact people’s lives.”
Date Posted: 4/1/2018
Cox Media Group’s CBS affiliate KIRO-TV Seattle hosted, aired and streamed “KIRO 7 Live Town Hall: An Urgent Conversation About Guns” on March 14. The dialogue from the one-hour special provided new perspectives from a variety of viewpoints on the gun controversy, including Governor Jay Inslee, Sen. Tim Sheldon, Sen. Manka Dhingra, high school teachers, professors, students and journalists.
“KIRO 7 is committed to taking our viewers in-depth on important local issues, and delivering the story in balanced and impactful ways like we did with the Live Town Hall,” said Vice President and General Manager Greg Bilte.
Date Posted: 3/1/2018
Cox Media Group’s CBS affiliate KIRO-TV Seattle relieved $1 million in viewers’ medical debt following consumer Advocate Jesse Jones’ investigation into the medical debt collection system. Medical debt is the top cause of bankruptcy in the U.S., with 19 percent of Americans in collections. KIRO-TV and Jones then worked with RIP Medical Debt to purchase $1 million worth of medical debt for $12,000.
More than 1,000 viewers received a letter informing them that their debt was paid. The original segment on February 5 received an extraordinary response by viewers wanting to help. As a result, KIRO-TV is seeking a platform to allow viewers to donate toward helping others pay off medical debt.
“I am a cancer survivor who has survived medical debt,” said Jones. “I’ve been on payment plans. I also have a job and insurance, but there are others out there not as fortunate as I am. It’s important to me to share their stories… and make a difference.”
“We are proud to support Jesse’s commitment to consumer advocacy and our entire news staff will continue to deliver in-depth and investigative reporting to help our viewers stay informed about major stories that impact their lives,” said Vice President and General Manager Greg Bilte.
Date Posted: 12/25/2017
iHeartMedia’s KBKS-FM Seattle raised $817,000 in a radiothon held on December 13. In 15 years, “Bender’s One Big KISS for Seattle Children’s Hospital Radiothon” has raised more than $15.7 million. “This wouldn’t happen without the amazing Bender and Molly on 106.1 KISS FM,” said Michele Smith of the Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation board of trustees. “They have such passion for Seattle Children’s and I think it really shows in the way their listeners contribute to the hospital every year.”
Date Posted: 12/5/2017
Hubbard Radio Group’s KRWM-FM Seattle partnered with TEGNA’s NBC affiliate KING-TV for their 17th annual “Home Team Harvest” campaign benefitting Northwest Harvest. With four live broadcasts on December 2, day one of the campaign generated enough food for 4,156,321 meals. Home Team Harvest will continue to collect donations through the end of December in order to reach their goal of providing five million meals to community members in need.
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Date Posted: 10/16/2017
Tenga’s NBC affiliate KING-TV Seattle aired a seven-minute segment on October 16, prompted by the #MeToo movement, in which anchor Amity Addrisi shared her story of sexual abuse. Addrisi told a narrative about a little girl who was sexually abused by older cousins in a basement in exchange for candy. She later revealed that girl was her and that she hid her story for decades.
Watch the entire segment here.
Date Posted: 12/1/2016
Alpha Media’s KKRV-FM Wenatchee, Wash. purchased $10,000 worth of holiday presents for children at the local Women’s Resource Center. The station received Christmas lists from 36 children and every item on the lists was received. Several local businesses assisted by purchasing items for every child’s stocking.
Date Posted: 6/20/2016
TEGNA’s ABC affiliate KING-TV Seattle held a special community forum on June 20 with local leaders and law enforcement. Participants discussed how to move forward as a community in the wake of the events in Orlando. Viewers watched "Pride and Peace" at 7 p.m. on air, online and on the KING 5 app.
Date Posted: 5/12/2016
Cox Media Group’s KIRO-TV Seattle partnered with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Seattle Guild to raise funds and awareness in the pursuit of a cure for type 1 diabetes. The station was the official media partner for the 27th Annual Dream Gala, which brought together more than 900 community leaders and committed JDRF supporters to raise nearly $3 million. To date, the event has raised more than $68 million to fund research to prevent, treat and ultimately cure type 1 diabetes.
Date Posted: 2/1/2016
Tegna’s NBC affiliate KING-TV Seattle investigated wait times that developmentally disabled residents face when accessing services, including speech, occupational and physical therapy, adaptive equipment, transportation, medical supplies, training and counseling. The problem was first documented in 1950, Washington state created a wait list for people who met the criteria to be deemed eligible for assistance. At launch, 1,000 people were on the list. Today, there are nearly 15,000.
Date Posted: 1/14/2016
Bonneville International’s KIRO-FM Seattle raised $512,000 during its 27th annual "Holiday Magic Radiothon" on December 10. The money supports year-round programs at Treehouse, an organization focused on education for kids in foster care. It also provides each child in the program with a holiday gift.
Date Posted: 1/14/2016
iHeartMedia’s KBKS-FM Seattle raised $804,236 for Seattle Children’s Hospital on December 17. "The impact of ’Bender’s One Big KISS’ over the past 14 years has been so significant to Seattle Children’s for so many reasons," said Seattle Children’s Hospital Chair Michele Smith. "Bender and Molly in the Morning and the 106.1 KISS FM listeners have raised awareness of the hospital’s needs, given the patients a voice to share their incredible stories with the community, and is one of Seattle Children’s largest fundraisers. We have been so lucky to have this incredible partnership that has had such an impact on so many lives."
Date Posted: 9/3/2015
Cox Media Group’s CBS affiliate KIRO-TV Seattle anchor Jesse Jones delivered a truckload of groceries and supplies on Aug. 24 to a command center in Okanogan, WA, as firefighters battled the largest wildfire in state history. Jones realized that in addition to food, the volunteers needed gas cards for travel and to run generators. On Aug. 27, Jones collected gas cards for residents and volunteer firefighters, many of whom worked for 14 days straight. Jones also teamed with iHeartMedia’s KBKS-FM Tacoma personality Bender to raise more than $13,000 for firefighters and evacuees. This powerful video shows how the community benefited from Jones’ efforts.
Date Posted: 8/3/2015
Morgan Murphy Media’s KZZU-FM Spokane Program Director and morning show host Ken Hopkins lost the use of his legs in a bike accident on July 13. Despite having no feeling below his chest, he plans to return to KZZU as soon as possible. Colleague Dave Sposito set up A GoFundMe site, which has raised $15,000 for his medical bills. Hopkins is an integral part of the KZZU family, having been with the station since before it flipped to KZZU in September 1984.
Date Posted: 6/15/2015
Bob Massey, also known as “The Classy Bob Massey,” celebrated his 90th birthday on March 9. An announcer for KSQM-FM of Sequim, Washington, Massey is believed to be the oldest active on-air broadcaster in the country.
Date Posted: 6/4/2015
Saga Communications’ KAFE-FM Bellingham, WA’s "Dave and Mandy in the Morning" show held a "Drive-By Giving" event on May 8 at local coffee shops to raise money for the Royal Family Kids Camps. KAFE-FM collected $31,755 during the event to support the camps in serving abused children that are now in foster care in Washington’s Whatcom and Skagit counties.
Date Posted: 4/20/2015
Congratulations to Hubbard Radio LLC KLCK-FM Station in Bellevue, Wash. for becoming a 2015 Crystal Radio Award finalist.
"Click 98.9 welcomed a new morning show mid-year and their collective energy, passion
and dedication to our community is unmistakable. Several of our on-air hosts are new
to the Seattle area but became immersed and involved from the start, giving their
personal time and making donations. This year, staff has given their time helping with
events, finding those local organizations that resonate with them. Some examples are
cancer prevention and treatment; animal rescue; shelters and adoption; youth programs;
preparing and serving meals for the homeless; and participating in several run/walk events
this year, some individually and some as a team. As a station, our commitment to serving
and making a difference continues to be a priority. This year we supported over
30 charities."
Date Posted: 12/4/2014
Sinclair’s KPLZ-FM and KVI-AM Seattle collected $14,000 to help Northwest Christian School in Puyallup replace musical instruments and other equipment stolen during a burglary. The burglars took guitars, hand bells, trumpets, other instruments, a laptop computer and a TV.
Date Posted: 9/8/2014
Idavend Broadcasting and Inland Northwest Broadcasting in Pullman, Wash., hosted the sixth annual "Stuff the Bus Drive" to collect K-12 school supplies for local students. The drive helped collect backpacks filled with school supplies for more than 650 area students.
Date Posted: 9/8/2014
Gannett’s NBC affiliate KING-TV Seattle received a Peabody Award for its investigative reporting that uncovered an underground tank leak at a nuclear dump located 200 miles from Seattle. KING-TV found the leak had run into one of the region’s main source of drinking water. KING-TV’s program, "Hanford’s Dirty Secrets," also found that the site’s contractor, the company responsible for the nuclear site’s maintenance, had received a large payment despite failing to address the leak for over a year.
Date Posted: 6/9/2014
Gannett Broadcasting’s NBC affiliate KING-TV Seattle was active in supporting local relief efforts in the wake of the Oso mudslides. The station’s efforts took a non-traditional turn when KING-TV learned that the local high school in Oso was having difficulty raising enough money to host their annual high school prom. KING-TV responded by hosting the Darrington High School prom. The station procured tuxedos, dresses, catering, décor, entertainment, photography, flowers and more. KING-TV made a memorable evening for Oso students and their community, which has experienced great tragedy in recent months.
Date Posted: 2/11/2014
Gannett-owned NBC affiliate KING-TV Seattle held the 13th annual Home Team Harvest food drive to collect meals for those in need in the Western Washington community. The 2013 drive collected a record 4.5 million meals, which have been donated to hundreds of food banks and meal programs in Washington state. "We are so appreciative of KING 5 viewers who donated to Home Team Harvest," said Shelly Rotondo, CEO of Northwest Harvest, a local food pantry. "The need for food is high, but so is the generosity of people here."
Date Posted: 1/10/2014
Bonneville’s KIRO Radio Seattle partnered with Treehouse, an organization that helps kids in foster care, to host the 25th annual Holiday Magic Radiothon. The 12-hour event raised more than $489,000 through listener donations and sponsor matching funds. All the proceeds helped to purchase a gift for each child in the program, along with financial support for Treehouse’s other programs and services throughout the year.
Date Posted: 11/22/2013
Belo Broadcasting-owned KING-TV Seattle broadcast a debate between candidates in Seattle’s mayoral race. Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn and State Senator Ed Murray discussed issues including complaints regarding Seattle’s police department, increasing the minimum wage and gun control. KING-TV news anchor Dennis Bounds moderated the debate, while a panel of reporters including KING-TV’s Linda Brill and Dave Ross of Bonneville International’s KIRO-FM Seattle also asked the candidates questions.
Date Posted: 7/8/2013
Entercom’s KISW-FM Seattle’s afternoon show, "The Men’s Room," partnered with Elysian Brewing to create a beer called Mens Room Original Red in 2009. Based on the beer’s success, KISW-FM and Elysian Brewing have donated $300,000 to Puget Sound Fisher House and Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) Fisher Houses. Fisher House programs honor and assist veterans and active military personnel.
Sandusky Radio’s KRWM-FM Seattle’s Teddy Bear Patrol maintains an ongoing partnership with Multimedia Seattle in supporting local youth survivors of domestic violence. “A Bear for Me?” provides Infant and Toddler Arrival Bags to young children entering Domestic Violence Shelters with their mothers. The bags contain necessary personal items for infants and toddlers such as diapers, baby wipes, a soft new baby blanket, a new pacifier and a new teddy bear. The items comfort children during a vulnerable and traumatizing period. For the last two decades, the Teddy Bear Patrol has provided quiet outreach to Seattle’s critical organizations, including Providence Hospice and Home Care of Snohomish County, Multimedia Seattle’s Children’s “A Bear for Me?” program and regional police and fire departments.
Bonneville International Corp.’s KIRO-FM Seattle raised almost $320,000 during its 23rd annual foster child holiday magic radiothon. Listeners donated online and via phone during the 14-hour drive. Donations were used to purchase holiday gifts for 4,431 children in Washington.
"On behalf of everyone at Treehouse, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the producers, hosts, reporters and staff at KIRO-FM for another incredible year of Holiday Magic,” said Treehouse CEO Janis Avery. “Thanks to the generosity of KIRO listeners, many kids in foster care will find the gift they were dreaming of on their doorstep this holiday, sending a powerful message that there is an entire community out there that cares."
Treehouse strives to improve the lives of foster children by filling the gaps that other agencies don’t address: fees for extra-curricular programs and summer camp, educational support services, and clothing and other supplies children need for everyday life. Major contributors to the radiothon included GEICO, Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Mariners and Seattle Sounders FC.
Inland Northwest Broadcasting’s KZZL-FM Pullman, Washington, recently donated two weeks of recorded public service announcements for the Washington State University Career, which were broadcast in a full commercial rotation. The expo provides regional students with exposure to potential career, internship, service and graduate school opportunities. KZZL-FM also broadcasted live from the event and hosted a recruiter booth where students interested in pursuing a career in broadcasting could learn more about the station. At this year’s event, 1,100 students met 96 different companies.
Cox Media’s KIRO-TV Seattle announced the winner of the station’s 2012 Cox Conserves Hero on July 26. Since its inception in 2007, The Cox Conserves Heroes program, through a partnership between The Trust for Public Land and Cox Enterprises, the parent company of KIRO-TV, has honored everyday conservationists. This year, Laura James, an eco-friendly scuba diver who volunteers her time to removing batteries and other pollutants from the Puget Sound, received Western Washington’s 2012 award. The program also runs in Arizona, Atlanta, Orange County (Calif.), San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara and Virginia. More than $200,000 has been donated to local nonprofits through the Cox Conserves Heroes program.
Belo Corporation’s KING-TV Seattle’s "Home Team Harvest" food drive raised more than 3.4 million meals for local people in need. On December 1, KING-TV crews broadcast live from six area malls, collecting enough food to feed Washington’s population of hungry people for two months. Home Team Harvest has become the state’s single largest food drive of the year.
Fox Sports Radio affiliate KRKO-AM Everett, Wash., held a two-hour drunk driving awareness program as part of the station’s Health Matters series. On-air talents Maury Eskenazi, Shannon O’Kelly and Stitch Mitchell interviewed several Everett officials including two members of law enforcement, a prosecuting attorney, a state liquor control board representative and a DUI victim. KRKO-AM staff members were given sobriety tests to demonstrate the effects alcohol has on perception and motor skills. Click here to listen to the broadcast.
KQMV-FM in Bellevue, Wash., is a year-round supporter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Involved in several events to raise breast cancer awareness each year, the station is especially proud of organizing a mobile mammogram service to provide free screenings to underserved women. The mammogram vehicle, which tours for 10 days during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, covers the entire listening area, from Everett to Tacoma. Dates and locations for the mobile mammogram program are broadcast well in advance, and live broadcasts are aired from each of the mobile mammogram stops. Women are asked to visit the station Web site for more information and to make an appointment in advance. Every appointment available is usually booked, and often there is a waiting list.
With frequent earthquakes occurring in the Puget Sound area, KKMO-AM in Tacoma, Wash., a Spanish-language station, wanted to make sure people were prepared. The station partnered with the Red Cross to compile and distribute more than 300 earthquake survival kits to people in the Hispanic community. The Red Cross had some of the kit elements available, and the station worked with its contacts to secure the donation of the additional items needed. The kit included necessities for a family of four to get through several days in the event of a natural disaster. During the two-month campaign, the station aired broadcasts from several remotes related to the distribution of kits, as well as public service announcements and discussion segments about earthquake awareness and preparedness.
Animal-loving morning show hosts Dave Ettl and Lance Tormey of KIT-AM in Yakima, Wash., started a campaign to get pet oxygen masks for every fire department in Yakima County. Pets, like people, can suffer from smoke inhalation, and in such cases, pet oxygen masks can be life-saving. Using on-air announcements featuring Yakima Pet Rescue, which Tormey founded, enough money was raised to place pet oxygen masks on fire trucks up and down the Yakima Valley. "It really works," said Ettl. "Just last week we had a news story about a dog that was saved by use of one of these masks, and we were all high-fiving in the studio because it was one of the masks that was purchased with money we raised." Tormey has been honored with a Red Cross Real Hero Award for his work on behalf of pets.
To make sure those struggling with alcohol addiction know where they can get help, KZTA-FM, KZML-FM, KMMG-FM, KZTB-FM and KDYM-AM in Yakima, Wash., made a group-wide commitment to support their local Alcoholics Anonymous group on the air. The stations produce a new public service announcement for the AA group on a monthly basis. Since the beginning of the on-air campaign in 2007, the group has grown from working out of the basement of a small house to a community center, where it holds sober events and other activities. "They’re so happy with the results they come by the station two or three times a month just say thanks and to let us know they got five new people the previous week because they heard about it on our stations," said General Manager Keith Teske.
When a devastating windstorm battered the state, KING-TV in Seattle, Wash., was able to stay on the air, providing up-to-the-minute weather information, safety tips and emergency contact information for all its viewers. The windstorm was the state’s worst in 13 years, affecting 19 counties and causing tens of millions of dollars in damage to homes, parks, roads and businesses. Throughout the crisis, KING provided continuous coverage both on television and online. The station provided video of the damage and acted as an informational clearinghouse on where to seek relief, how to report damage and where to turn for aid. "When reporters and photographers are working in horrible winds with frigid temperatures, they know that what they’re doing is making a difference," said Pat Costello, vice president of news for KING.
With the intention of building a stronger community, KRKO-AM in Everett, Wash., has developed the Northsound Fund to assist local nonprofit groups in a meaningful way. The annual grant provides $100,000 in airtime, divided equally among 10 local non-profit organizations. The airtime is focused "on the organization itself: What they do, why they do it and how they are involved in the community," said General Manager Andy Skotdal. "It’s not about a fundraising plea. Fundraising gets tuned out by the listeners after a while. Our goal is to focus on the great work of these organizations." In addition to the Northsound Fund, free airtime is given to charities to publicize specific events. At the end of 10 years, the Northsound Fund will have dedicated $1 million in airtime to area non-profit groups.
Morgan Murphy Media’s KZZU-FM Spokane Program Director and morning show host Ken Hopkins lost the use of his legs in a bike accident on July 13. Despite having no feeling below his chest, he plans to return to KZZU as soon as possible. Colleague Dave Sposito set up A GoFundMe site, which has raised $15,000 for his medical bills. Hopkins is an integral part of the KZZU family, having been with the station since before it flipped to KZZU in September 1984.
When flooding devastated a large area in the southwest portion of the state in December 2007, KOMO-TV in Seattle, Wash., quickly organized an emergency drive. The one-day event, for which the station partnered with the Salvation Army, lasted 17 hours and brought in $180,000 in relief supplies and monetary support. During the drive, the station broadcast live from the collection site. All of its news anchors were there, unloading cars that pulled up with donations. One woman drove up with animal feed and new blankets. She said her husband had died earlier that year, and she could think of no better way to spend the money that would have purchased his birthday and Christmas present than to help those now in need. It is a moment that has stayed in the minds and hearts of KOMO staff. A week after the emergency drive, the station broadcast a 30-minute news special about the flooding. At the end of the program, KOMO shared with its viewers that there was still a great need for donations and directed them on how to give. The news special raised an additional $46,000.
Fisher Communications Inc., in partnership with the Red Cross, launched a fundraising campaign to help the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan via Fisher’s television, radio and online media properties across six markets and all of the company’s online and mobile platforms. To date, the company has collected more than $550,000 in funds that will support the Red Cross’ relief work and other disaster management experts to continue to deliver food, shelter and emotional support to those in need in Japan. Randy Hutson, CEO of Seattle Red Cross said, "The fundraising effort launched between the Red Cross and Fisher Communications is one of the most successful I’ve seen during my time with the Red Cross. The idea was created and launched within days of the disaster and the amazing work of both Fisher’s staff and Red Cross volunteers made it happen! The multi-faceted nature of the campaign enabled us to reach people not only through television, but radio and the Internet, providing a lot of flexibility for the general public."
Bonneville International Corp.’s KIRO-FM Seattle raised almost $320,000 during its 23rd annual foster child holiday magic radiothon. Listeners donated online and via phone during the 14-hour drive. Donations were used to purchase holiday gifts for 4,431 children in Washington.
"On behalf of everyone at Treehouse, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the producers, hosts, reporters and staff at KIRO-FM for another incredible year of Holiday Magic,” said Treehouse CEO Janis Avery. “Thanks to the generosity of KIRO listeners, many kids in foster care will find the gift they were dreaming of on their doorstep this holiday, sending a powerful message that there is an entire community out there that cares."
Treehouse strives to improve the lives of foster children by filling the gaps that other agencies don’t address: fees for extra-curricular programs and summer camp, educational support services, and clothing and other supplies children need for everyday life. Major contributors to the radiothon included GEICO, Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Mariners and Seattle Sounders FC.
In the wake of a tragic shooting that took the life of police officer Timothy Brenton, talk show duo Ron Upshaw and Don O’Neill of KIRO-FM in Seattle, Wash., planned “Arms Around Our Officers,” a community event to raise funds for the fallen officer’s family and honor the sacrifices police make to protect their community. During the four-hour live broadcast from the base of the Space Needle, cards and messages from school children and neighbors poured in along with donations of more than $19,000 for the Brenton Family Assistance Fund. Upshaw and O’Neill were awarded the Citizen Appreciation Award by the Seattle Police Officers Guild for their support following Brenton’s death and for their extensive on-air coverage of the story, which helped locate the officer’s alleged killer. Later in the year, when another tragedy struck and four police officers lost their lives in the line of duty, the station planed a second “Arms Around Our Officers” event, which raised more than $48,000 for the families.
Rain didn’t stop hundreds of people from helping fulfill a dying boy’s wish that the hungry be fed. Donations poured in at the “Stuff the Truck Thursday” food drive, which KOMO-TV in Seattle, Wash., dedicated to Brenden Foster, an 11-year-old with leukemia whose last wish was that people in need be helped. His words caught the heart of viewers near and far, bringing lines of cars to the event. More than six semi-trucks were filled with food and nearly $90,000 was collected for Northwest Harvest and Food Lifeline. Foster saw television coverage of the amazing turnout his wish inspired just before he passed. “The remarkable thing about the event was that so many people turned out to donate, even people who don’t have much themselves. They wanted to support Brenden’s dream," said Holly Gauntt, KOMO news director.
Providing up-to-the-minute election results on the hotly contested race for governor, among other notable federal and local races, KREM-TV in Spokane, Wash., was among one of the 15 news-producing Belo stations that extensively covered the election, hosted debates and provided free air time to candidates. In total, Belo stations averaged 115 election stories per week and dedicated over 210 hours of news time to election coverage. Additionally, stations donated over 14 hours of airtime to 140 candidates campaigning for various political offices.
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