Delaware/DC/Maryland's Broadcasters

Telemundo Launches “Decision 2020”

Date Posted: 9/10/2020

Telemundo encourages civic discourse through its company-wide initiative “Decision 2020,” a nonpartisan multiplatform effort to provide Latinos with comprehensive information on the issues and the candidates at play in the 2020 election. “Decision 2020” features in-depth news coverage, virtual town halls and hyper-local online voter registration drives with national and local partner organizations. Telemundo has also launched new digital shows in English and Spanish.

In addition, Telemundo released on September 10 an in-depth study examining a wide range of political and social views of young Latinos, the driving force behind Hispanic voter growth. In partnership with BuzzFeed News, the report titled “Young Latinos: A Generation of Change” includes a national online survey of registered Latino voters aged 18 to 34 and provides a detailed look at one of the country’s fastest-growing and most dynamic voting groups in this year’s historic election.

WJLA Airs ’The Racial Divide: Time for Change’

Date Posted: 7/7/2020

Sinclair’s ABC-affiliate WJLA Washington, D.C., hosted a second town hall focused on racial justice on July 7. “The Racial Divide: Time for Change" was moderated by WJLA anchors Jonathan Elias and Michelle Marsh and featured religious leaders and health professionals from the local area.

WJLA Promotes Businesses Reopening

Date Posted: 6/30/2020

ABC’s owned-and-operated WJLA-TV Washington, D.C., released an "Open for Business" directory on April 21st to help promote small businesses reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic. The directory has been continuously updated and provides a valuable resource to small businesses and the local community as the city reopens.

Radio One Hosts Virtual Town Hall Meeting

Date Posted: 6/18/2020

Radio One’s Washington, D.C., cluster aired a virtual town hall meeting on June 17 titled “The Beat Don’t Stop: Don’t Mute My City” to discuss the importance and history of Go-Go music in the region. The town hall was hosted by syndicated Radio One personality DJ Quicksilva and featured guests, including D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, CNN Political Analyst and White House Correspondent April Ryan, local activist Ron Moten and Howard University professor and author Dr. Natalie Hopkins, among others. The panel discussed the music’s impact on Black culture and how it can be used to address issues including class struggles and gentrification.

WJLA-TV Hosts Live Virtual Town Hall “The Racial Divide: Time For Change”

Date Posted: 6/8/2020

Sinclair’s ABC affiliate WJLA-TV Washington, D.C. announced on June 8 that it would broadcast on June 9 a live virtual town hall addressing the current affairs of race relations, police brutality and political unrest amid a national pandemic. The special, “The Racial Divide: Time For Change,” would feature a one-hour virtual panel discussion with community influencers, county and city officials, law enforcement, clergy, university leaders and legal experts from the Washington D.C. region.

“We believe it’s vital to bring community leaders from different backgrounds together in an honest, open forum to discuss these important and sensitive issues facing our communities and share ideas in a productive conversation,” said Vice President and General Manager Michael Miller.

WJLA Hosts Virtual Graduation for Local Students

Date Posted: 5/15/2020

Sinclair Broadcast Group’s ABC affiliate WJLA-TV Washington, D.C., will host a virtual graduation ceremony for seniors in Prince George’s County schools on May 30. The ceremony will include a graduation address from actress Taraji P. Henson, an alumna of Oxon Hill High School.

Along with the award-winning film and television actress, the celebration will feature community leaders, celebrities and school administrators with special music and congratulatory messages. The ceremony will be additionally rebroadcast on May 31.

WBAL-TV Raises $1.3 Million for Maryland Food Bank

Date Posted: 5/8/2020

Hearst’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore raised $1.3 million for Maryland Food Bank during the “Project CommUNITY Virtual Food Drive,” which began on April 13. Baseball Hall of Famer and Baltimore Orioles great Cal Ripken Jr. and Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews appeared in television spots encouraging viewers to donate.

"The need for food in our community is at an all-time high. We knew that our viewers and listeners would respond in a generous way," said Dan Joerres, President and General Manager of WBAL-TV. The funds raised will provide more than 3 million meals to Maryland residents affected by the COVID-19 crisis. In a statement, Maryland Food Bank President and CEO Carmen Del Guercio said "WBAL-TV’s virtual food drive will provide a vital source of financial support that allows us to aggressively respond to the need today.”

iHeartMedia DelMarVa Promotes Local Businesses

Date Posted: 5/4/2020

iHeartMedia Stations in Delaware and Maryland have been providing critical news about the COVID-19 pandemic and updating listeners on local businesses.

iHM Delaware Broadcast:
60-second COVID-19 hourly updates airing 24/7 on WDSD & WRDX beginning on 3/16/2020

Presidential coronavirus daily updates airing on WILM-AM and WDOV-AM.

’Local Coronavirus Updates’ page on all five station websites being updated with local information in real time beginning on 3/12/2020

On-Line:
’Delaware Delivers’ page on all five station websites, highlighting local restaurants that are offering carryout and delivery services.

“Delaware NOW” - Community Awareness Content (on-air, social, podcast) regarding Covid-19 guidance:
Dr Rattay, Director of Delaware Health & Human Services
ChristianaCare’s Chief Information Security Officer interview regarding the rise in cyber-crime
ChristanaCare’s Cloud Director about their work with local business leaders on organizing PPE drop offs for Delaware hospitals.


iHM Salisbury / Ocean City, MD & Salisbury, MD broadcast:

WWFG, WQHQ, WKZP & WSBY airing hourly 60-second COVID-19 updates 24/7 (beginning 3/16/20)

WWFG, WQHQ, WKZP & WSBY airing hourly spot containing local information line for answers to coronavirus-related questions

WJDY airing daily presidential press conferences regarding coronavirus

All stations airing PSA’s

WWFG AMD Show - Whiskey & Randy - interviewed Peninsula Regional Medical Center staff about necessary precautions to avoid the virus, the symptoms of the virus, and where mobile testing was occurring locally.

On-Line:
WWFG Facebook page live-streaming local church service on Easter Sunday

Delmarva Delivers – (launched 3/19/20) an effort to support local restaurants still offering carryout and delivery services throughout the pandemic. All six of the Salisbury market radio stations are encouraging restaurant owners to submit information such as daily specials, updated hours of operation, and contact information.

Delmarva Coronavirus Updates – (launched 3/12/20) dedicated landing page on all six of the Salisbury market radio stations updated with local event cancellations, closures, state-wide mandates from governors, and other relevant information.

iHeartMedia Launches ‘iHeartRadio Small Business Crisis Resource’

Date Posted: 5/1/2020

iHeartMedia launched on May 1 the Small Business Crisis Resource, a new initiative to help local small business owners across the country easily find available benefits and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. Small Business Crisis Resource serves as a centralized source for small business owners and includes a weekly iHeart Small Business newsletter and a website providing critical information on the Federal stimulus package, up-to-date small business news, state by state resources, links to top business-focused podcasts and more – all in one place. The site is available at SmallBusinessCrisisResource.com.

Small business owners also have the opportunity to sign up for special webinars, beginning May 4 featuring iHeartRadio’s Elvis Duran joining senior officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and discussing ways small businesses can find assistance and vital information during this unprecedented time. The webinar included a Q&A session offering small business owners the opportunities to ask SBA questions. In addition, iHeartMedia is offering local business owners bonus media incentive opportunities and extended payment terms to help with their advertising and marketing “re-opening” strategy.

“At iHeart, our focus continues to be about serving our local communities, including the small businesses that support many residents,” said Hartley Adkins Chief Operating Officer for iHeartMedia Markets Group. “We also know that studies show business owners look to radio as their trusted news source more than any other medium, so we want to do everything we can to ensure that these businesses have the important information they need to survive and get through this pandemic as best they can.”

Small Business Crisis Resource is available free of charge online and is promoted across iHeartMedia’s 850 broadcast stations in 150 markets, station social media and websites and iHeartRadio.com – reaching millions of listeners and small business owners nationwide.

WBFF Partners With University of Maryland School Of Medicine to Provide COVID-19 Updates

Date Posted: 4/28/2020

Sinclair Broadcast’s WBFF-TV Baltimore has launched a new public service initiative on April 23 with the University of Maryland School of Medicine. The station will produce educational segments regarding COVID-19, featuring top medical and scientific staff from the university. The segments will answer questions from local viewers and be available to Sinclair-owned newsrooms around the country, to continue informing and guiding local communities across the nation.

WRC Raises Over $60,000

Date Posted: 4/15/2020

NBC-owned WRC-TV Washington, D.C. raised over $60,000 in a virtual donation held in mid-April. The drive supports a number of organizations providing relief during the COVID-19 crisis.

WTOP Honors COVID-19 First Responders, Frontline Fighters

Date Posted: 4/13/2020

Hubbard Broadcasting’s WTOP Washington, D.C., partnered with nonprofit Feed the Fight to launch a “Frontline Heroes” campaign on April 13 and thank first responders fighting the coronavirus pandemic. Listeners are encouraged to nominate those currently fighting the pandemic. Honorees include health care workers and staff, utility workers, trash collectors, grocery store and pharmacy employees, restaurant owners and staff, mail carriers, emergency service personnel and others. The station is additionally working with Feed the Fight to help support essential workers, with over 10,000 meals purchased for healthcare staff.

“WTOP News is so grateful for the opportunity to work with Feed the Fight DC DC to give back to the community in any way we can,” WTOP News and Programming Director Julia Ziegler said. “We want to extend our thanks to all essential personnel and volunteers in our region who are working on the frontlines of this pandemic.”

D.C. Broadcasters Help Educate Students During School Shutdown

Date Posted: 3/26/2020

MyNetworkTV owned and operated WDCA-TV Washington, D.C., will begin broadcasting public school lessons to assist children receiving remote and online education due to COVID-19. The grade-specific lessons are intended to help offset education access disparities, as roughly 30 percent of students in D.C. lack home wifi access. TEGNA’s CBS affiliate WUSA-TV is also promoting the initiative on their 9 a.m. morning program.

"Helping our community’s children to keep learning is one of the greatest public services we can provide during this trying time," said Richard Dyer, president and general manager of WUSA. "We’re glad to partner in this effort to make sure D.C. students have access to various avenues for learning."

D.C. Broadcasters Fill Food Banks During Coronavirus

Date Posted: 3/25/2020

D.C. sports broadcasters began exchanging video shout outs for donations to fill area food banks during the coronavirus pandemic in mid-March. Proceeds from each personalized shout-out video, which are made on the app Cameo, benefit the Capital Area Food Bank, D.C. Central Kitchen and Martha’s Table.

“It’s something that we can do that would be fun for people out there who probably need a smile, and at the same time raise money for the people who need it the most,” said John Walton, the radio voice of the Washington Capitals. “There are a lot of people in this town who are doing hero’s work. We want to help give them the tools to keep doing that.”

WWMX-FM Baltimore Raises $1.4 Million for Kids

Date Posted: 3/2/2020

Entercom’s WWMX-FM Baltimore raised $1.4 Million in its 31st annual radiothon for Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, held February 20 - 21.

“This funding will help our providers and staff provide world-renowned pediatric care and also help our pediatric patients feel like children at a time and in a place where it is anything but normal,” said Tina Cheng, M.D., M.P.H., Co-Director and Pediatrician-in-Chief, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.

WUSA Investigates Amazon CEO’s $17,000 Unpaid Parking Violations

Date Posted: 2/1/2020

TEGNA’s CBS affiliate WUSA-TV Washington, D.C. aired an investigation on January 30 into nearly $17,000 worth of unpaid parking violations allegedly related to the renovation of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos’ Washington mansion. Investigative reporter Eric Flack learned 564 citations were issued on the mansion’s block between October 2016 and October 2019 and witnessed workers leaving the construction site and departing in ticketed vehicles day after day .

WUSA found vehicles were cited for ignoring no parking zones, as well as blocking crosswalks and obstructing pedestrian traffic. Almost $6,000 worth of tickets were unpaid at the time of investigation.

WBAL-TV Supports Special Olympics Maryland

Date Posted: 1/25/2020

Hearst’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore sponsored the Polar Bear Plunge, which raised a record $3.27 million for the Special Olympics Maryland on January 23 – 25. The WBAL-TV, WBAL-FM and WBAL-AM Polar Bear Plunge teams raised $133,404 towards the total. The fundraiser supports programs for 8,000 Special Olympics athletes in Maryland who train and compete year-round for free.

WHUR Collects 1,200 Toys

Date Posted: 12/14/2019

Howard University’s WHUR-FM Washington, D.C. collected more than 1,200 toys during its 17th annual Toy Drive, held December 14. The toys were distributed to children by non-profits, including the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center, YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, Shepherd’s Cove Shelter, Bright Beginnings, Sisters4Sisters, and the Prince George’s County Family Justice Center. WHUR added Women’s Wing as a recipient after thieves stole thousands of dollars in toys from the organization’s truck.

“Without WHUR, the holidays would be very bleak for hundreds of children. We are truly thankful that WHUR steps up to the plate every year to make sure the holiday season is joyous for our children,” said Denise McCain, Director of the Prince George’s County Family Justice Center, a non-profit supporting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

WMAL Raises Over $500,000 for Service Members

Date Posted: 12/6/2019

Cumulus’ WMAL-FM Washington, D.C., raised $523,000 for the Fisher House in a radiothon held December 5 – 6. The foundation provides temporary housing and support for families of injured service members at more than 85 locations across the country. Over past 17 years, WMAL has raised over $7 million for the Fisher House Foundation.

WMAR’s ’Fill the House’ Event

Date Posted: 10/17/2019

Scripps’ ABC affiliate WMAR-TV hosted its “Fill the House” event on October 16 to benefit House of Ruth Maryland, which provides services to victims of intimate partner abuse. Listeners donated enough supplies to fill a truck with items such as diapers, wipes, new women and children’s underwear, comforters, sheets and pillows. They also received $3,500 in donations from and $2,000 in gift cards.

WBAL Fills Backpacks With the Baltimore Ravens for Local Schools

Date Posted: 9/23/2019

Hearst’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore packed 300 backpacks with the Baltimore Ravens for the “Huddle for 100” community service day on September 23. With members of the team, nearly 40 Hearst employees packaged donations for the Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools. The initiative asks participants to dedicate 100 minutes of community service in celebration of the 100th NFL season.

“WBAL-TV is proud to work with our WBAL News Radio and 98 Rock colleagues for the Baltimore Ravens Huddle for 100 day of community service,” said WBAL-TV President and General Manager Dan Joerres. “We’re excited that our hours of community service will benefit local students.”

WBAL-TV Surprises Maryland Campers

Date Posted: 8/15/2019

Hearst’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore surprised young campers at River Valley Ranch in July with a visit from its Skyteam 11. Captain Roy Taylor gave campers an up-close look at how WBAL uses technology to capture captivating footage for its newscasts.

WTOP Covers Major Storm

Date Posted: 7/31/2019

Hubbard Radio’s WTOP-FM Washington, D.C., provided critical coverage of crippling floods on July 8. Traffic reporter Dave Dildine covered the storm amid perilous flooding that would leave Canal Rd NW - a thoroughfare - closed for days. Dildine, who arrived on scene before fire and EMS units, ran from car to car, encouraging drivers to turn around until it was too dangerous for him to wade through rising waters.

Dildine took photographs of cars trapped in the flood and unable to turn around in bumper-to-bumper traffic. The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post featured Dildine’s photographs on the front page of their national editions the next day. Read his account of the historic flooding here.

WBAL-TV Teams with Veterans Organization to Revitalize Baltimore

Date Posted: 7/26/2019

Hearst’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore helped transform an abandoned lot into a peace walk in the Harlem Park West Community. Nearly a dozen WBAL-TV staff members joined veterans-led non-profit The Mission Continues on this initiative as part of its “Operation Charm City Charge.” Volunteers cleared a weed bed, installed poles and painted stones.

WFLS-FM Fredericksburg Raises $135,479 for St. Jude

Date Posted: 5/7/2019

Alpha Media’s WFL-FM Fredericksburg completed its 11th year of their St. Jude radiothon in March. WFLS listeners raised $135,479 in 2 days.With the help of listeners and sponsors, the station broke its previous fundraising records. Beth Vickers, Market Manager, said, "It’s a privilege to lead a team of individuals who are passionate about helping others. Alpha Media Fredericksburg broke last year’s record and raised over $135,000.00 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. A special thank you to our community and our listeners who were so generous with donations. Results like this make a difference!"

WBAL-TV Helps Raise $130,000 for Empty Bowls Baltimore

Date Posted: 5/6/2019

Hearst’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore supported St. Vincent de Paul’s 13th Annual Empty Bowls Baltimore. More than two dozen WBAL-TV employees volunteered to paint handcrafted bowls and ladle soup at the annual fundraiser. The event drew more than 1,500 attendees and raised more than $130,000 to provide 15 programs in Baltimore City and Baltimore County that build futures for those struggling with poverty and homelessness.

WWMX-FM Raises $1.3 Million

Date Posted: 3/31/2019

Entercom’s WWMX-FM Baltimore raised a record $1.3 million in its 30th annual radiothon, held February 21 – 22 to benefit Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. In 30 years, WWMX has now more than $23 million.

“For thirty years, our friends at the radio station have helped capture the world of Johns Hopkins Children’s Center and brought it to listeners throughout Baltimore and beyond,” said Tina Cheng, Co-Director, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.

WTTG Inspires Probe of Missing School Funds

Date Posted: 3/1/2019

Fox-owned WTTG Washington, D.C., aired an investigation on January 31 exposing missing money and possible fraud inside the Prince George’s County Public School system. The next day, the school system announced that they are “referring all cases of missing funds and alleged fraud dating back to 2015 to the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for review and possible prosecution.” “This is a great example of how TV station news operations can, and do, hold community leaders accountable,” said TVNewsCheck reporter Paul Greeley.

WBAL Supports Firefighters

Date Posted: 2/18/2019

Hearst Radio-owned WIYY-FM and WBAL-FM Baltimore delivered a record-breaking $26,000 to the Firefighter’s Widows & Orphans Funds on February 9th. The stations helped raise the money at firehouse tailgate parties for Ravens home games. The pregame events, hosted by WIYY-FM and WBAL-FM radio personalities, also brought an additional $90,000 from food and beverage sales. This is the most ever raised for the Widow & Orphans Funds in foundation history.

NBC and Telemundo Host D.C. Health and Fitness Fair

Date Posted: 1/13/2019

NBC-owned WRC-TV and Telemundo’s WZDC-TV Washington, D.C., hosted the 26th annual “NBC4 T44 Health and Fitness Expo” on January 12-13. The largest attended consumer health and fitness event in the country brought thousands of attendees to the Washington Convention Center to learn new ways to jumpstart their fitness routines, learn how to eat healthy and maintain an active lifestyle while engaging in interactive activities and health screenings. Attendees engage with anchors, reporters and celebrity guests. View photos and video from the event.

WLZL-FM Raises $400,000

Date Posted: 12/19/2018

Entercom’s WLZL-FM Washington, D.C. raised $442,000 on December 7 during its annual Children’s National Radiothon. WLZL has raised more than $4 million for the hospital in 11 years.

Beasley Media Group Stations Collect Turkeys for Families

Date Posted: 11/30/2018

Beasley Media Group’s WJBR-FM Wilmington, DE, collected turkeys and other donations during its day-long “Turkeython 2018” event on November 20 to help the Ministry of Caring provide Thanksgiving meals for local families. The festival-style event featured ice cream, food, music and activities.

NBC Washington Clears the Shelters

Date Posted: 10/2/2018

NBC-owned WRC-TV and Telemundo’s WZDC Washington, D.C., helped more than 1,100 local pets find forever homes during its “Clear the Shelters” event this August. Dozens of shelters in D.C., Maryland and Virginia waived or reduced adoption fees that day. The Animal Welfare League of Arlington saw all 26 dogs at their shelter, plus 17 cats, four guinea pigs, two rabbits and a gerbil, be adopted.

WBAL Spotlights Young Baltimore Percussionists

Date Posted: 10/1/2018

Hearst’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore recently profiled two young, local percussionists from Baltimore, Timothy Fletcher and Malik Perry who are known as A1 Chops, following their stint on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The percussionists caught Ellen’s attention after their Instagram video went viral. On WBAL, they discussed their phenomenal talent, success and future plans.

WBAL-TV Supports Local Students and Arts

Date Posted: 8/1/2018

Hearst’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore held a four-hour seminar on July 27 for the Baltimore City Schools Student Media. Students took a station tour, viewed a live newscast and watched the taping of the weekly public affairs program. They also interacted with and asked questions of WBAL’s media professionals. “We were thrilled to host these incredibly talented students and look forward witnessing their collective contributions to broadcasting in the coming years,” said President and GM Dan Joerres.

WBAL also participated in the 37th annual “Artscape,” a three-day festival drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors every July. Attendees received autographed cards and took pictures with on air personalities at the station’s media booth. “Artscape serves as one of many opportunities throughout the year for WBAL-TV to meet our viewers on their turf – in the communities where they live and work,” said Public Affairs Director Jerome Chester.

WLZL-FM Holds Record Breaking Radiothon

Date Posted: 8/1/2018

Entercom’s WLZL-FM Washington D.C. has raised a record-breaking $357,000 for St. Jude Children’s Hospital in a radiothon held July 19. In three years, the station has raised more than $800,000. Acting Program Director Candy Cintron praised the team effort from on-air talent, the promotions department and volunteers who answered phones.

WMAR Airs Democratic Gubernatorial Debate

Date Posted: 7/1/2018

Scripps’ ABC affiliate WMAR-TV Baltimore aired and streamed the “Your Voice, Your Vote” Democratic gubernatorial debate in primetime on June 13. All Democratic candidates were invited to participate in the 90-minute program. Candidates discussed local law enforcement, health care and national politics.

“This program is yet another example of WMAR’s daily mission to provide Maryland with essential journalism, meaningful storytelling and authentic connections with our coverage and with new specials like this debate,” said Vice President and General Manager Bill Hooper.

WTOP Supports Education

Date Posted: 3/16/2018

Hubbard Radio’s WTOP-FM Washington, D.C., held its “Clicks for Kids” campaign March 5 through March 16 benefitting local area schools. Listeners cast nearly 120,000 votes in a competition to raise money for local schools.

Hallie Wells Middle in Montgomery County was awarded the grand prize of $10,000 for receiving the majority vote with 7,979. In first place, Chesapeake Public Charter in St. Mary’s County was awarded $7500 with 7,949 votes and Stevens Forest Elementary in Howard County was awarded the second-place prize of $5000 with 7846 votes.

WJLA-TV Investigates Lethal Dog Food

Date Posted: 3/1/2018

Sinclair’s ABC affiliate WJLA-TV Washington, D.C., broke a story on February 8 when its investigative team exposed numerous dog food brands for containing the euthanasia drug pentobarbital. This has caused pets to become ill, and in some cases, die. The story ran on Sinclair stations across the country and was amplified by The New York Times and The Washington Post. The J.M. Smucker Co., which produces the dog food, voluntarily recalled the tainted product from thousands of retail stores nationwide.

WMAR-TV ’Fills the House’ for Ruth Maryland

Date Posted: 12/1/2017

Scripps-owned ABC affiliate WMAR-TV Baltimore partnered with House of Ruth Maryland to encourage Baltimore residents to donate money and other items to the women and children who found shelter at the House of Ruth Maryland. WMAR-TV matched all monetary donations made December 1-20 and devoted the entire day of broadcasts on December 20 to promoting the “Fill the House” campaign. Additionally, WMAR-TV presented the House of Ruth Maryland with 595 backpacks filled with teddy bears and books.

NAB Delivers 10,000 Radios to Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands

Date Posted: 11/6/2017

NAB’s Senior Manager of Public Service Suzie Raven recently traveled to Puerto Rico to help distribute 10,000 battery-operated radios to people in the hurricane-ravaged island and the Virgin Islands. Cellphone connections and Internet service are non-existent in many parts of Puerto Rico. Broadcast radio continues to connect people to critical information, weeks after Maria made landfall.

Donations from NAB, the National Alliance of State Broadcasters Associations (NASBA) and multiple U.S. radio companies covered the cost of the project. Logistical support was provided by Pat Roberts, head of the Florida Association of Broadcasters, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). More about the trip can be found in here.

D.C. Radio Hosts Blood Drive for Vegas Victims

Date Posted: 10/11/2017

Cumulus Media’s WRQX-FM and WMAL-AM/FM Washington, D.C. and Inova Blood Donor Services hosted a “Vegas Victims’ Blood Drive” on October 11. “Distance doesn’t lessen the impact of what happened in Las Vegas,” said Program Director Rob Roberts. “This is our chance to help someone and it costs nothing but a little time. We’re proud to do our part.”

WBAL-TV’s “Telethon for Texas” Raises $484,000

Date Posted: 8/28/2017

Hearst’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore raised $484,000 in a telethon, held August 28-31, to raise money for American Red Cross relief efforts. “The results of our telethon have been overwhelming. WBAL-TV has been pleased to offer our viewers an outlet to help in the relief efforts aimed at Texas and the Gulf Coast,” said WBAL President and General Manager Dan Joerres

WBAL-TV Continues to Fight Opioid Epidemic

Date Posted: 7/12/2017

WBAL-TV Continues to Fight Opioid Epidemic Hearst’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore continues its efforts to raise awareness of the opioid abuse epidemic through extensive news coverage.

June Stories

June 29: BPD trains officers to administer naloxone to K-9s

June 27: Hospital system opens dialogue on link between addiction, mental health issues

June 22: Harford County on pace to set record for opioid overdoses

June 21: Video: Expert explains how teens hide marijuana in vapor pens

June 20: Study shows opioid-related emergency department visits highest in Maryland

June 20: HCC ahead of curve in opioid education

May Stories

May 23: Video: Mother explains son’s suboxone use in jail

May 19: Video: Harford County reports first carfentanil overdose

May 19: Video: Big drug bust part of larger opioid enforcement efforts

WTTG Investigates High School Grade Inflation

Date Posted: 6/17/2017

Fox-owned WTTG-TV reporter Washington, D.C Lindsay Watts and photojournalist Van Applegate broke a story on June 17, 2017 about grade inflation in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The station investigated concerns voiced by school board members and local officials, including Delegate Jay Walker, chair of the Prince George’s County Delegation. WTTG-TV uncovered claims that high school teachers and counselors were asked to change grades to boost the graduation rate, leading to record highs. Following WTTG’s investigative reports, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan called for the Maryland State Board of Education to conduct a “complete, thorough, and exhaustive investigation” into allegations of fraud and corruption in Prince George’s County Schools.

WJLA Explores Link Between Breast Implants and Cancer

Date Posted: 5/4/2017

Sinclair Broadcast Group’s ABC affiliate WJLA-TV Washington, D.C., investigated a potential link between textured breast implants and a rare form of lymphoma. Headed by WJLA’s Kimberly Suiters, the investigation was born from a previous story where Suiters discovered that women with breast implants had higher suicide rates than women who did not.

In 2016, the World Health Organization classified breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) as a new type of cancer. However, Suiters reported the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not explicitly stated the implants cause lymphoma, even though the organization warned of an association in 2011 and 2016.

The station submitted a FOIA request to the FDA and discovered 441 related cases and at least 12 confirmed deaths.

The investigation featured Raylene Hollrah, a breast cancer survivor who had received the implants during reconstructive surgery. “I did everything to keep cancer away,” said Hollrah. “Yet I put a device in my body that caused cancer.”

Trudy Lieberman profiled WJLA’s investigative series and noted their history of watchdog journalism in this “Columbia Journalism Review” article.

WBAL-TV Airs Special on Opioid Epidemic

Date Posted: 4/26/2017

Hearst’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore aired “State of Addiction” on April 26. The special report focused on Maryland’s critical heroin and opioid crisis and featured Governor Larry Hogan. A phone line staffed by addiction experts ran for two hours following the broadcast.

WBAL Fights Heroin Epidemic

Date Posted: 3/31/2017

Hearst’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore continues to extensively the opioid crisis affecting the community. On March 9, WBAL aired “3 Dead After 16 other Opioid Overdoses in Anne Arundel County.” WBAL has covered local government action through “Maryland Governor Declares State of Emergency for Heroin Epidemic” on March 1 and “Legislators Hear Slew of Bills on Opioid Misuse” on March 8.

Opioid Abuse Documentary Planned in Maryland

Date Posted: 1/30/2017

More than a dozen mid-Atlantic TV stations will air the hour-long “Breaking Heroin’s Grip: Road to Recovery a Maryland Public Television” on February 11 in prime time. A 40-minute documentary featuring three Maryland opioid users and their path to recovery will be followed by a live 20-minute broadcast from a phone bank staffed by crisis counselors. It will be streamed at breakingheroin.com . Maryland Public Television produced the program in partnership with Maryland state health departments.

RTDNF Announces 2017 First Amendment Award Honorees

Date Posted: 1/26/2017

The Radio Television Digital News Foundation (RTDNF) announced the recipients of its 2017 First Amendment Awards. "At a time when freedom of the press is facing unprecedented challenges, our honorees stand up for values that are critically important to democracy," said RTDNF chair Kathy Walker.

• Bill Whitaker of CBS News won the Leonard Zeidenberg First Amendment Award. The 30-year veteran has covered the presidential campaigns of Mitt Romney in 2008, George W. Bush in 2000 and Michael Dukakis in 1988, the funeral of Nelson Mandela, the Fukushima nuclear disaster and the pro-democracy uprising in Tiananmen Square.
• Steve Jones, Vice President and General Manager of ABC News Radio, won the First Amendment Service Award. Under Jones’ leadership, ABC News Radio has received some of the highest honors in broadcasting including more than a dozen Edward R. Murrow Awards and 10 International Radio Festival Awards. Jones joined ABC News Radio in 1986 and has covered the Iran-Contra affair and the first Gulf War.
• Stanley S. Hubbard, President and Chairman of Hubbard Broadcasting, won the First Amendment Leadership Award. Hubbard oversaw the building of the first successful UHF television station in a VHF market, created the world’s first satellite news gathering organization and established United States Satellite Broadcasting. He is an inductee in the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame and NAB Distinguished Service Award recipient.

WBAL Honors MLK, Local Leader

Date Posted: 1/16/2017

Hearst’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore President and General Manager Dan Joerres produced an editorial honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Jeff Pitts, founding father of the Baltimore Westsiders. The programs aired January 16, MLK Day. Founded in 1962, The Westsiders are the first and oldest community marching band and have provided thousands of youth with a structured, safe environment and the opportunity to travel.

WBAL in the Community

Date Posted: 12/26/2016

Hearst’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore recently hosted several community initiatives. WBAL is partnering with the Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) on the 2017 Baltimore County Public Library Reading Challenge. The challenge includes a different topic each month, including Black History Month and books that were once banned. Participants can post on social media with the hashtag #Bwellread for the chance to win gift cards. "This is an exciting partnership for us, and we are confident that the added exposure will help us to engage more readers than ever," said BCPL Director Paula Miller.

In addition, WBAL partnered with Gilmor Elementary School for their "Christmas Extravaganza" and collected more than 100 coats to be distributed to men, women and children in need through the local non-profit A Mother’s Cry.

WMAR-TV Collects Toys Ahead of Holidays

Date Posted: 12/16/2016

Scripps TV’s ABC affiliate WMAR-TV Baltimore partnered with area businesses for the 18th annual “It’s Kindertime Toy Drive.” The drive has helped distribute more than 800,000 toys during its long history, and generated countless donations to area organizations.

WTTG Helps Grant Young Superhero’s Wish

Date Posted: 12/16/2016

Fox-owned WTTG-TV Washington, D.C. and Make-A-Wish granted a wish to 5-year-old cancer patient Kaheem by having the Superhero Council ask for his help in saving D.C. on December 16. Kaheem spent the day riding in cop cars and fire trucks pursuing his dream of saving people and being a superhero. Station personalities and fellow superheroes cheered him on at all five stops during the all-day adventure, which included WTTG’s studios, Capitol Hill and the Newseum.

WMAL Raises $490,000 for Fisher House

Date Posted: 12/3/2016

Cumulus’ WMAL-AM Washington, D.C. raised a record $491,000 in its 13th annual radiothon, held December 2 – 3 to benefit the Fisher House Foundation. The Fisher House Foundation provides homes away from home for the families of injured servicemen and women while their partners are undergoing treatment and rehabilitation. “I remain in awe of WMAL listeners,” said WMAL Program Director and VP of News Talk for Cumulus. “They have generously donated some $5.4 million over the last 13 years in support of this wonderful organization and its mission.”

WMAR Secures First TV Exclusive with Officer Charged in Freddie Gray Death

Date Posted: 11/17/2016

Scripps’ ABC affiliate WMAR-TV Baltimore News Investigative Reporter Brian Kuebler talked with Baltimore City Police Sergeant Alicia White in the first televised interview of any of the six officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray. The interview aired November 17 at 11:00 p.m. followed by additional reports on-air and online. Sgt. White talked about the charges and her feelings toward Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby, whom White is suing for defamation and invasion of privacy. “This interview is an important element of how we as a station have worked to share all voices of our community in this polarizing case,” said News Director Kelly Groft.

WBAL Collects 816 Coats for Kids

Date Posted: 11/15/2016

Hearst’s WBAL-AM Baltimore collected 816 coats for local kids during the “Warm Coats & Warm Hearts Coat Drive,” held in partnership with Burlington Coat Factory on November 15. "If I don’t have a coat, I’m going to be very cold, and if I do, I’m going to be very happy, because I won’t be cold and I’ll stay warm for the whole winter," said nine-year-old Tristan Jenkins.

WBAL Reporter Interviews Students About ‘Every Kid Votes’

Date Posted: 11/8/2016

Hearst Television’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore’s Education Reporter Tim Tooten interviewed area students about their participation in the “Every Kid Votes” initiative. “Every Kid Votes” encourages political discourse in public elementary schools, culminating in students making a selection for president. Watch the video here and examine the nationwide results.

WBAL Addresses Opioid Crisis and Civic Engagement

Date Posted: 11/1/2016

Hearst’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore Investigative Team aired a report on November 1 on a new implant that fights opioid addiction. The report is part of WBAL’s commitment to educate viewers on the prescription drug abuse crisis.

In addition, WBAL education reporter Dr. Tim Tooten interviewed students at a local elementary school as they participated in a mock election for the “Every Kid Votes” campaign. Watch video.

CBS O&O WJZ-TV Baltimore and American University’s WAMU-FM D.C. to host debates

Date Posted: 10/7/2016

Rep. Chris Van Hollen and Republican nominee Kathy Szeliga, candidates running for Maryland’s open U.S. Senate seat, participated in two broadcast debates. American University’s WAMU-FM Washington, D.C. hosted the October 7 debate. CBS-owned WJZ-TV Baltimore hosted the candidates on October 26.

WJLA Investigates Recalled Air Bags

Date Posted: 9/1/2016

Sinclair’s ABC affiliate WJLA-TV Washington, DC investigated the recall of 70 million Takata airbags that could malfunction and send deadly shrapnel into drivers and passengers. Two years into the recall, Senior Investigative Reporter Lisa Fletcher uncovered critical new information from former Takata employees that raised questions about the safety of the replacement airbags and whether a recall of the recall is needed. View the story.

Hearst’s Baltimore Stations Partner with Ravens on Flood Relief

Date Posted: 8/16/2016

Hearst’s WBAL-AM, WIYY-FM and NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore provided viewers and listeners with crucial information as deadly flooding hit Ellicott City, MD on July 30. The flood killed two people and destroyed numerous residences and businesses. In the weeks following the storm, Hearst held several fundraisers. Hearst also partnered with the Baltimore Ravens on an “I Love EC” t-shirt to support Ellicott City. The stations sold out of their 700-shirt supply during the first fundraiser. Ravens players wore the shirts at an open practice and made 50 autographed shirts available for a raffle. As of August 16, Hearst sold over 3,600 t-shirts and raised $36,720.

WUSA Journalists Find Missing Baby

Date Posted: 7/13/2016

TEGNA’S CBS affiliate WUSA Washington, D.C. Reporter Andrea McCarren and Photojournalist Dave Satchell helped find a missing baby after an Amber Alert was issued for 6-week-old Liz Khatun on July 13. Fairfax County Police said Liz’s mother Flora Khatun fled a family services office in Annandale, Virginia after being informed Child Protective Services would take her daughter. After speaking to several of Khatun’s neighbors, McCarren and Satchel met one person said he thought he knew where Khatun was with her baby. The man was afraid of going to police himself, so McCarren made the call to authorities before she and Satchell drove to the address. Once they arrived, they saw the van and the tags matched. McCarren and Satchell watched as agents emerged from an apartment with the missing baby. "We’ve never had an experience like this," McCarren said.

WMAR Partners With Local Contractors to Renovate Children’s Home

Date Posted: 7/7/2016

Scripps’ ABC affiliate WMAR Baltimore partnered with local businesses and contractors to renovate the local Children’s Home in Catonsville, MD. The Children’s Home is a non-profit Baltimore area foster home for children ages 13-21 who experienced abuse, neglect and abandonment. The Children’s Home underwent a physical makeover thanks to the program “Built Upon A Dream,” and volunteers from the Maryland community. The Children’s Home has received just under $500,000 in goods, services, and donations through “Built Upon A Dream” which airs on WMAR, the Baltimore affiliate of The E.W. Scripps Company. Based on ABC Network’s popular, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” “Built Upon a Dream” offers local non-profit organizations a chance to greatly improve their facilities. The program hopes to capture some of the spirit and good work of ABC’s Extreme Makeover program and complete renovation projects for organizations in need in the Maryland region.

On July 28 sponsors and volunteers from the “Built Upon a Dream” team joined The Children’s Home residents as they unveiled their new facility. The renovations will enable The Children’s Home to better serve the children, families, and local community. An hour-long TV special telling the story of The Children’s Home Dream Build aired on WMAR August 4.

WJLA’s Emotional Tribute To Orlando’s Tragedy

Date Posted: 6/15/2016

Sinclair’s ABC affiliate WJLA-TV Washington, D.C. shared with TVNewsCheck its emotional tribute expressing support for the victims and their families affected by the Orlando massacre. WJLA used the voices of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington spontaneously singing “We Shall Overcome” in front of the White House on June 12. On June 13, WJLA extended a 5’x20’ banner in the middle of D.C.’s historic DuPont Circle, asking viewers and passersby to sign messages of love and hope.

WRC-TV Fights a Viewer’s $189,000 Water Bill

Date Posted: 6/1/2016

NBC-owned WRC-TV Washington, D.C. helped local resident Ricardo Torres fight a $189,000 water bill in late May. Torres’ utility company threatened to turn off his water if he didn’t pay his April bill, which included $180,918.68, plus $9,000 in late fees for 1,500 square feet. Within hours of reporter Susan Hogan contacting the utility company, they admitted it was a meter reader error and dropped the bill.

WTTG Adds Election-Focused Weeknight Newscast

Date Posted: 6/1/2016

Fox-owned WTTG Washington will debut on July 18 a new weeknight newscast primarily dedicated to the presidential election. “This election is unlike any we have ever seen. It deserves unconventional and original political reporting,” said Vice President and General Manager Paul McGonagle. WTTG will broadcast live from the Republican and Democratic national conventions and offer interviews with local and national newsmakers. Although it will focus on the 2016 presidential election, WTTG will also include the day’s top stories. With this expansion, WTTG will produce 57 hours of local news each week.

WJLA Exposes Hospital Hacking

Date Posted: 5/19/2016

Sinclair’s ABC affiliate WJLA-TV Washington, D.C. aired a report on May 19 showing the hacking vulnerability of hospital equipment such as MRI machines, CT scans, infant incubators and drug infusion pumps. WJLA examined why manufacturers do little to correct the issue, despite FDA advisories. Cybersecurity expert Billy Rios has a sophisticated x-ray machine that is typically used during surgery to maneuver around a sedated patient. He uses it to determine how easily a criminal could install malware or control the machine remotely via Wi-Fi, allowing them to debilitate it or deliver fatal doses of radiation.

WJLA-TV Investigates Link Between Soccer Fields and Cancer

Date Posted: 5/12/2016

Sinclair’s ABC Affiliate WJLA-TV, Washington, D.C., examined the potential link between crumb rubber being used on Fairfax County school athletic fields and cancer. When WJLA investigative reporter Joce Sterman approached school leaders to inquire about why the multi-million project moved forward before key health questions were answered, school representatives refused to speak with her. WJLA has since obtained many of the emails between school district staff and others, some of which raised health and safety concerns and the potential need for a Fairfax County Health Department study.

WJLA Holds Police Accountable

Date Posted: 5/9/2016

Sinclair’s ABC affiliate WJLA-TV Washington, D.C. produced “Investigation: Local Cops Caught by Speed Cameras Evade Tickets” on May 9. The report discovered local on-duty cops have had 151 speed camera fines dismissed or reduced since 2013.

WMAR Airs Special on Maryland SPCA

Date Posted: 4/28/2016

Scripps TV Station Group’s ABC affiliate WMAR Baltimore aired “ABC2 March for the Animals Special,” a 30-minute broadcast that promoted the Maryland SPCA’s “March for the Animals” walk on April 21. The special focused on the work the Maryland SPCA does for animals in need across the Baltimore area. “Our pets are our best friends, but there are so many pets that still need a loving home,” said WMAR News Director Kelly Groft. “It’s an honor to highlight the work of the Maryland SPCA and their volunteers.”

WBAL-AM/TV Airs Baltimore Mayoral Debate

Date Posted: 4/12/2016

Hearst’s WBAL-AM and NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore simulcasted an hour-long debate on April 12 between six Democratic mayoral candidates. The debate was also streamed live. "WBAL-TV is committed to making sure our viewers are able to make an informed decision at the polls during this important election year," said General Manager Dan Joerres

WBAL-TV Airs ’Baltimore Rising’ Special

Date Posted: 4/6/2016

Hearst’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore aired a one-hour special, “Baltimore Rising,” on April 27, to mark the one-year anniversary of the day that protesters demonstrating the death of Freddie Gray turned violent. The program explored how far the city has come over the past year and examine where Baltimore is going.

WMAR Airs Special About Sex Assault in Maryland

Date Posted: 4/5/2016

Scripps’ ABC affiliate WMAR-TV Baltimore broadcast "Community in Crisis: Violence Against Women," a 30-minute special about sexual assault and sexual assault prevention. The WMAR original special, which aired and live streamed April 14, also addresses how Maryland’s first responders, hospitals and schools are fighting the problem. "Once again we’ve built a show that is designed to start a conversation at home," said News Director Kelly Groft. "The show is designed to educate, provide resources and be a starting point for meaningful dinner table conversations." Earlier this year, WMAR’s "Community in Crisis: Chasing the High" reported on Maryland’s growing heroin epidemic.

Radio and TV Stations Air Debates

Date Posted: 4/3/2016

CBS-owned WJZ-TV Baltimore partnered with The Baltimore Sun and the University of Baltimore on several debates. Baltimore’s mayoral candidates debated on March 22 and 23. The Republican candidates for U.S. Senate faced off on March 23, with the Democratic debate occurring March 25. Reps. Donna F. Edwards and Chris Van Hollen, Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate, also participated in a debate that aired April 5 on the Larry Young Morning show on Radio One’s WOLB-AM Baltimore.

WMAR Airs Special About Heroin

Date Posted: 4/2/2016

Scripps’ ABC affiliate WMAR-TV Baltimore aired and live-streamed an hour-long special, “Community in Crisis: Chasing The High," on February 25 to highlight the heroin epidemic in Maryland. “My hope is that moms and dads will sit down with their families to watch this, and then start a conversation about the dangers, of not only heroin, but all drugs,” said News Director Kelly Groft.

Delaware and New Jersey Stations Offer Debate

Date Posted: 3/22/2016

PMCM TV’s Me-TV affiliates WJLP Middletown Township, N.J. and KJWP Wilmington, DE offered the Republican and Democrat presidential contenders an hour of primetime in the two weeks leading up to the primaries. Both stations will air the programs regardless of other candidates’ participation at 8 p.m. from April 6 – 15, leading up to the New York primary, and on April 24 before Delaware, Pennsylvania and Connecticut contests. “As longtime broadcasters, we take our public service commitment seriously,” said PMCM President and CEO Robert McAllan.

WBAL-TV and Maryland Special Olympics Raise $2 Million

Date Posted: 3/2/2016

Hearst’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore helped the Maryland Special Olympics raise $2 million in the "Polar Bear Plunge" with a three-day phone bank before the January 30 event. Anchor Jennifer Franciotti was once again a "Super Plunger" who raised at least $10,000 and jumped into the Chesapeake Bay 24 times in 24 hours. The 6,000 participants also included General Manager Dan Joerres and reporter Omar Jimenez. The money supports training and competition for 169 Special Olympics athletes in Maryland. Watch video.

WHAG-TV Announces $1 Million Local News Expansion

Date Posted: 3/2/2016

Nexstar’s NBC affiliate WHAG-TV Hagerstown, MD announced a $1 million expansion of its local news, sports, weather and community programming. WHAG will add field offices, hire a dozen news personnel, develop new on-air graphics and purchase new weather technology and traffic equipment. On July 1, WHAG will add 20 hours of local news each week, bringing the total to more than 50 hours. The investment "highlights the company’s organization-wide commitment to broadcasting excellence and enhanced service to local communities," Nexstar said in a press release. Watch video.

WDCW-TV to Launch Local Nightly 10p News

Date Posted: 3/1/2016

Tribune Broadcasting’s CW affiliate WDCW Washington, D.C. will launch an additional half-hour local news program each weeknight, beginning April 18. The half-hour newscast will include coverage of the local, national and international news of the day, plus local weather and sports. “Tribune Media has a long and deep-rooted history of being at the forefront of excellence in broadcast news coverage,” said Vince Giannini, Senior Vice President and General Manager of WDCW-TV.

WWMX-FM Raises $1.1 Million for Children’s Hospital

Date Posted: 3/1/2016

CBS Radio’s WWMX-FM Baltimore raised a record $1.1 million for Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in its 27th annual radiothon, held February 18. A station representative thanked listeners for helping the station in "impacting the lives of children and their families in our community."

WTOP-FM Values Broadcasters’ Role as a Lifeline

Date Posted: 2/16/2016

Hubbard Radio Group’s WTOP-FM booked hotel rooms for staff to ensure that the all-news station could provide important public safety, weather and traffic information. News Director Julia Ziegler said, "We see ourselves as a lifeline in emergency situations like this historic snowstorm... We become a megaphone for public officials to share life-saving information on every platform we operate: radio, web and social media. In addition, we make ourselves available to our audience via email and phone to answer people’s most important questions and sometimes just be an ear to listen. We take this responsibility seriously."

D.C. News Crews Go Above and Beyond

Date Posted: 2/16/2016

In addition to providing round-the-clock coverage, Tegna’s CBS affiliate WUSA crews helped Montgomery County, Md., residents dig out from under the snow. Watch video.

"It is absolutely ALL HANDS ON DECK here and the round the clock coverage has been underway online all week! I personally have brought a cot to the weather center just in case I don’t care to leave, but we have hotel rooms ready just up the street!" said Fox-owned WTTG Weather Anchor Susan Palka.

Broadcasting & Cable and TVSpy featured articles on the temendous storm coverage broadcasters provided.

The Baltimore Sun Praises Broadcasters’ Coverage

Date Posted: 2/16/2016

Baltimore Sun Reporter David Zurawik praised broadcasters for their coverage of the blizzard. "What I did see was... a sense of public service... As it is every day, the role of the journalist is to give citizens reliable, vetted, accurate information that they can use to make good decisions about their lives. In a weather event like this, it can literally be life and death."

As Baltimore began to dig out from Winter Storm Jonas, Zurawik added, "[Broacasters were] providing a sense of shared experience and even community for some housebound viewers not particularly wired into social media. And I suspect some of those were among the residents who felt most threatened by this storm."

WTTG-TV Grants Wish for 5-Year-Old Cancer Patient

Date Posted: 1/14/2016

Fox-owned WTTG-TV Washington, D.C.’s "Season of Wishes" highlighted local kids in the Make-A-Wish program. Eden, a five-year-old cancer survivor, took a limo ride to the studio on December 15, where she and her sister were dressed like princesses and her brother like a prince. Then, the limo took them to the Washington Ballet, the White House, the Hyatt Regency for a fairytale lunch, and the Smithsonian Castle to meet Rapunzel. WTTG broadcast the culmination of Eden’s day live at 5 p.m. She walked down a red carpet to receive her ultimate wish: a ride on a unicorn. Watch video.

WMAR Collects 85,000 Toys for Children of Fallen Officers

Date Posted: 1/14/2016

E.W. Scripps’ ABC affiliate WMAR-TV Baltimore collected 85,000 toys in the 17th annual "ABC2 It’s Kindertime Toy Drive," held November 26-December 21. In total, WMAR has helped distribute more than 800,000 toys to the children of fallen officers and firefighters. Photojournalist Pete O’Neal started the toy drive to thank the police officers and firefighters who worked to solve his mother’s murder. Learn more.

WBAL Hosts 100,000 Kids at STEM Festival

Date Posted: 1/14/2016

Hearst Television’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore’s "STEM Station" campaign culminated in the first statewide STEM Festival, held November 6-15. More than 100,000 students attended the event, which included labs, robotics and other activities revolving around STEM (science, technology, engineering, math.) The "STEM Station" campaign, launched Feb. 25 by meteorologist Ava Marie, featured weekly stories, 250 activities across Maryland and a website with information, events, photos and videos. Students could upload their own photos and video. A coalition of 32 agencies and non-profit organizations collaborated on the effort. (Watch video.)

WBAL-TV also provided 841 new coats to local kids through the 30th annual "Coats for Kids" drive. WBAL worked with 20 non-profit organizations to identify families and aired the coat distribution live from Burlington Coat Factory. For some kids, it was their first new coat.

WJLA Helps Mom, Eight Kids Living in Car

Date Posted: 1/14/2016

Sinclair’s ABC affiliate WJLA-TV Washington, D.C., aired a segment on November 30 about a mother and her eight children living in a car. Investigative reporter Jennifer Donelan found Maria Herrera and the kids, who range in age from one-year-old twins to 15. After Herrera’s alleged abuser kicked them out of their apartment, five different organizations turned them away because of the family’s size. After the story aired, D.C.’s Department of Human Services placed them in temporary housing until something permanent is found. (Watch video.)

WMAR Investigates School Issues

Date Posted: 1/14/2016

E.W. Scripps’ ABC affiliate WMAR-TV Baltimore regularly investigates issues at local schools, including problems with mold and air conditioning units. WMAR posts stories online under "Classroom Concerns." WMAR was the media partner for the second annual “Get Connected: Special Needs Resource Fair” on Nov. 7. The event featured exhibitors and workshops with resources on speech therapy, sensory integration, summer camps, schools and assistive technology.

Delmarva Broadcasting Stations Raise $300,000

Date Posted: 10/19/2015

Delmarva Broadcasting’s "2015 Help Our Kids Radiothon" on September 9-10 raised $301,000 for the A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children in Delaware. Participating stations included WDEL-FM Canton, N.J., WSTW-FM Wilmington, Del. and WXCY-FM Havre de Grace, Md. and four stations in Lewis, Del.: WXDE-FM, WAFL-FM, WNCL-FM and WYUS-AM. Click here to watch a recap video of the event posted by WDEL-FM.

WTOP-FM Personality Assists with Traffic Jam

Date Posted: 9/14/2015

During a particularly busy evening for Washington, DC area police, WTOP Director of Traffic and Weather Operations Jim Battagliese headed to the heart of the city to report on the subsequent traffic jams. Upon surveying the tie-ups, Battagliese began assisting the police with directing traffic. A letter of recommendation from the police states, “Without being asked, and with no personal gain, Mr. Battagliese sacrificed his time to support the mission of the U.S. Park Police in a time of need.”

WBAL-TV Health Event Features Dr. Oz

Date Posted: 9/3/2015

Hearst Television’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore hosted Dr. Oz’s “The Good Life” presentation on August 29 at a local mall. The presentation provided information on how Americans can achieve long term positive health results. Dr. Oz acknowledged that it’s easy to eat fast food, ignore symptoms or self-medicate, but these actions are not best for the body. He also talked about healthy school lunches and snacks at a Back to School event. Click here to watch video of Dr. Oz rapping to promote healthy lifestyles.

Radio One Baltimore Holds Unity Concert

Date Posted: 8/3/2015

Nearly 18,000 people gathered at Baltimore’s Druid Hill Park on July 25 to attend an eight-hour gospel concert put on by Radio One’s new Gospel station Praise 106.1 (W291BA/WLIF-HD2). Along with the music, by over a dozen artists, the event featured station personalities and local politicians, all pushing for peace in the streets of Baltimore. "I believe this event was a catalyst for change. When 18,000 people can gather peacefully for the purpose of prayer, praise, empowerment, and fun then I know Baltimore is on its way to healing," said Howard Mazer, Radio One Baltimore GM/VP.

WMAR-TV Baltimore Wins AP Awards

Date Posted: 7/17/2015

E.W. Scripps’ ABC affiliate WMAR-TV Baltimore earned two Associated Press (AP) Awards. The "Outstanding Spot News Reporting" award recognized WMAR’s "It’s not Every Day Breaking News Comes to You," its coverage of the day a man intentionally drove a truck through the station’s lobby. The "Outstanding Enterprise Reporting" award recognized the investigative piece "Sex Trafficking: From Survivor to Inside a Sting in Baltimore."

WBAL-AM Sends Kids to Camp after Riots

Date Posted: 7/17/2015

Hearst Television’s WBAL-AM Baltimore’s "Kid’s Campaign" helped send 400 second, third and fourth grade kids to the local Super Kids Camp to help them escape the turmoil in Baltimore after recent riots. The six-week long Super Kids Camp provides transportation, hot breakfast and lunch, academics, sports, arts, swimming and weekly trips. WBAL raised money through a radio and TV campaign to provide scholarships to the 400 kids, reducing the cost for each family from $1,200 to $100. This will be a first-time camp experience for most of the children, as 80 percent of families in their neighborhood live below the poverty line and are eligible for free or reduced-cost school lunches. Click here to watch the video.

WTTG-TV: Wish Comes True for 97-year-old Woman

Date Posted: 6/4/2015

Fox Television’s owned-and-operated WTTG-TV Washington, D.C. helped make a wish come true for 97-year-old local woman Vivian Bailey. WTTG-TV aired this story in April about Bailey’s recent visit to the U.S. Capitol – the first field trip of her lifetime. Bailey, an Army veteran, grew up in the segregated South where only white kids went on field trips. For years, Bailey has raised money for field trips at the school where she volunteers in the D.C. suburb of Columbia, MD. Bailey told the children she’d like to take a trip to the White House. After the story aired, she received an invitation to visit the White House. Click here for photos and video of her visit, during which she met President Obama and Vice President Biden.

WIAD-FM Honors Fallen Heroes

Date Posted: 1/20/2015

CBS Radio’s WIAD-FM Washington, D.C. partnered with Wreaths Across America to cover “Section 60” and other portions of the Arlington National Cemetery with a holiday wreath for each grave. “Section 60” is the final resting place for many Iraq and Afghanistan service members. When WIAD-FM announced that Wreaths Across America was more than 35,000 wreaths short of their goal, hundreds of citizens of D.C. helped fill the gap within three days. The wreaths are all handmade locally through the help of many volunteers.

WDEL-AM Collects $12,000 in Food Drive

Date Posted: 1/20/2015

Delmarva Broadcasting’s WDEL-AM Wilmington, Del., Feed a Friend Food Drive raised nearly $12,000. The event benefitted the Newark Area Welfare Committee, the Sunday Breakfast Mission, the Emanuel Dining Room, YWCA Delaware and the St. Paul’s Church Outreach Center. For each pledge of $11.50, a case of food was donated to those in need.

WMAL-AM D.C. Raises $350,000 for Fisher House

Date Posted: 1/13/2015

Cumulus Media’s WMAL-AM Washington, D.C. raised a record $350,000 to benefit Fisher House during its two-day radiothon. Over the last 11 years, WMAL-AM has raised more than $4.5 million to support the families of local veterans who are recovering from illness and injury. Fisher House has more than 50 group homes across America that provide a comfortable place for families to live while staying close to their recovering veterans.

WMAR Collects 50,000 Toys

Date Posted: 1/13/2015

E.W. Scripps’ ABC affiliate WMAR Baltimore collected 50,000 toys in the annual ABC2 It’s Kindertime Toy Drive. This year’s drive benefited needy families and kids of fallen firefighters and police officers. WMAR has helped distribute more than 400,000 toys in 16 years.

WIAD-FM Honors Fallen Heroes

Date Posted: 12/15/2014

Cumulus Media’s WMAL-AM Washington D.C. collected a record amount of $350,000 during the station’s annual Radiothon. The two-day event benefited the Fisher House. Over the past 11 years, WMAL listeners have donated more than $4.5 million for the charity. Fisher House supports wounded warriors and their families. There are more than 50 locations across the country that provide these heroes’ families with housing as their loved ones recover.

WMAR Investigative Reporting Improves VA Hospital Wait Times

Date Posted: 12/4/2014

Scripps Television’s ABC affiliate WMAR-TV Baltimore’s "In Focus" news program, which provides in-depth reporting and investigations, aired multiple reports highlighting veterans’ health care issues. As of last April, Baltimore’s VA Maryland Health Care System ranked in the top five longest average wait times for veterans new to the system who tried to get a primary care appointment. WMAR-TV spent six months collecting stories from local veterans and their families. During that period, the VA Chief of Staff addressed the issue twice, stating on Oct. 15 that 13 new doctors were hired to reduce wait times.

iHeartMedia Stations Broadcast Veterans Day Concert for Valor

Date Posted: 12/4/2014

Seventy iHeartMedia radio stations broadcast The Concert for Valor, held on Veterans Day at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. More than 100,000 people attended the free concert to honor the courage and sacrifice of veterans and their families. Performers included Jack Black, The Black Keys, Bryan Cranston, Eminem, Jamie Foxx, Dave Grohl, Jennifer Hudson, Jessie J., George Lopez, Metallica, John Oliver, Rihanna, Bruce Springsteen and Carrie Underwood.

WJZ-TV Baltimore Commits Air Time for Political Debates

Date Posted: 11/20/2014

CBS Television owned-and-operated stations produced and aired debates across the country:

• KTXA Dallas, Oct. 5, Governor [Greg Abbott, Wendy Davis]; Lt. Governor [Dan Patrick, Leticia Van de Putte]


• KYW-TV Philadelphia, Oct. 5, Governor [Tom Corbett, Tom Wolf]


• WBZ-TV Boston, Oct. 7, Governor [Charlie Baker, Martha Coakley, Evan Falchuk, Scott Lively, Jeff McCormick]


• WJZ-TV Baltimore, Oct. 7, Governor [Anthony Brown, Larry Hogan]


• WBBM-TV Chicago, Oct. 14, Governor [Pat Quinn, Bruce Rauner]


• WFOR-TV Miami, Oct. 15, Governor [Charlie Crist, Rick Scott]


• KCNC-TV Denver, Oct. 24, Governor [John Hickenlooper, Bob Beauprez]


• WCCO-TV Minneapolis, Oct. 26, Governor [Mark Dayton, Jeff Johnson]


• WCCO-TV Minneapolis, Nov. 2, U.S. Senate [Al Franken, Mike McFadden]

WJZ-TV, Baltimore Sun to Host Gubernatorial Debate October 7

Date Posted: 9/8/2014

CBS-owned WJZ-TV Baltimore recently announced it will partner with The Baltimore Sun to co-host a gubernatorial debate for Maryland candidates Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown and Larry Hogan on October 7. WJZ-TV will host the hour-long event in their Baltimore studio in the morning, and the taped debate will broadcast on WJZ-TV that night at 7 p.m.

WUSA-TV Launches Campaign to Bring Home Missing Kids

Date Posted: 8/11/2014

Gannett-owned WUSA-TV Washington recently launched the "Bring Them Home" project, a multiplatform initiative that aims to significantly raise awareness about missing local children. During Thursday newscasts, WUSA-TV airs photos and information about missing kids and provides the number to contact local police. Viewers are encouraged to share the information on social media or retweet WUSA-TV’s related posts. The project was developed after an eight-year-old local girl, Relisha Rudd, went missing from a homeless shelter earlier this year.

WMAR-TV Launches New Investigative News Program in Baltimore

Date Posted: 8/11/2014

Scripps’ ABC affiliate WMAR-TV Baltimore recently announced the station has launched a new, original news program, "ABC2 In Focus," during its 6 p.m. newscast. The program features original, in-depth community reports from WMAR-TV’s team of investigative journalists and producers. "We’ve noticed a thirst in the market for in-depth stories," said WMAR-TV’s News Director Kelly Groft. "We’ll always cover the news of the day, it’s just now, at 6 p.m., we’ll slow down a bit, dig deeper and ask more questions." "In Focus," promoted as "The Next Level in Local News," intends to ask the hard questions, provide relentless follow-ups and target the issues too often ignored in the Baltimore area and beyond.

WMDT-TV Hosts Forum for Maryland Candidates

Date Posted: 8/11/2014

affiliate WMDT-TV Salisbury, Md., hosted a primary forum in late May for candidates running in the Maryland gubernatorial race. The one-hour event broadcast live in primetime and simultaneously streamed on the station’s mobile website. WMDT-TV extended an offer to all media outlets to participate. Following the debate, a link was provided for interested viewers to replay the event at their convenience. The station followed the event by running a "Get Out and Vote" PSA, which aired on WMDT-TV and its affiliated stations, leading up to the primary election on June 24.

WBAL-TV Hosts Two Debates for MD Gubernatorial Candidates

Date Posted: 8/11/2014

Hearst Television’s WBAL-TV Baltimore partnered with Maryland Public Television to air the only televised gubernatorial debates in the market with all of the Republican and Democratic candidates. In addition to airing live on WBAL-TV, the Democratic debate streamed live online and broadcast twice on WBAL-TV’s multicast station. The Republican debate was also broadcast on the digital station. The League of Women Voters participated in the live studio audience for each debate. Questions to the candidates were provided by the debate moderators and individuals in the audience.

WTOP-FM Raises $25,000 to Send 100 Local Kids to Camp

Date Posted: 8/11/2014

Hubbard Radio’s WTOP-FM Washington partnered with the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington for "Send a Kid to Camp," a one-day, on-air and online fundraising campaign to help local kids in need attend summer camp. The brief initiative raised more than $25,000, which will allow more than 100 kids to spend a week at YMCA summer camp this year. Click here to learn more about the effort.

NBC Washington Launches Mental Health Campaign

Date Posted: 6/9/2014

NBC-owned WRC-TV Washington recently launched a year-long, multi-platform campaign called, "Changing Minds," which focuses on the issues of mental health. WRC’s Assistant News Director Matt Glassman explained the idea for the campaigndeveloped organically among reporters and staff in the newsroom. "Changing Minds" stories run throughout all WRC-TV newscasts and on every platform from on-air and online to social media and the station’s mobile app. Click here to view several of the the campaign’s PSAs that feature WRC-TV on-air talent.

WBFF-TV Hosts Gubernatorial Debate in Baltimore

Date Posted: 6/9/2014

Sinclair Broadcasting’s FOX affiliate WBFF-TV Baltimore hosted a debate for candidates running for Maryland Governor on May 27. The hour-long debate was moderated by WBFF-TV anchor Jennifer Gilbert and broadcast live at 8 p.m. The debate was simulcast on Allbritton’s ABC affiliate WJLA-TV Washington and streamed on WBFF-TV’s website. The gubernatorial candidates have also agreed to participate in a debate on Radio One’s WOLB-AM Baltimore on June 5, which will be moderated by the station’s host Larry Young.

WTOP-FM Hosts Contest for Washington Nonprofits

Date Posted: 5/14/2014

Hubbard’s WTOP-FM Washington sponsored an online contest called "Click for a Cause," in which nonprofit organizations in the D.C. metro area could win money or PSA prizes. Listeners were invited to vote for a week in late April, and the winners received up to $10,000 dollars or $5,000 in PSA donations. WTOP-FM Director of Marketing Mary Kay Lemay told All Access, "’Click for a Cause’ provides an opportunity for all sizes of organizations to fundraise in a fun and easy way, and the social aspect allows for grassroots marketing and exposure. We at WTOP are happy to use our megaphone as a catalyst for helping some great causes." Click here to view the winners.

WRC-TV Airs First Maryland Gubernatorial Debate

Date Posted: 5/14/2014

NBC-owned WRC-TV Washington hosted a debate between the Democratic candidates running for Maryland governor on May 7. The debate was held at the University of Maryland, College Park, and was moderated by "Meet the Press" host David Gregory. Nextstar Broadcasting’s NBC affiliate WHAG-TV Hagerstown, Md. also broadcast the debate. A second debate will be co-produced by Hearst Television’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore and Maryland Public Television. The live debate will air on June 2.

WUSA-TV Hosts Mayoral Debate in Washington, D.C.

Date Posted: 4/13/2014

Gannett Broadcasting’s CBS affiliate WUSA-TV Washington hosted an hour-long, live debate between the candidates running for mayor of the District of Columbia. WUSA-TV’s reporter Bruce Johnson moderated the debate, which included the incumbent Vincent Gray and three of his opponents, Muriel Bowser, Jack Evans and Tommy Wells. The live debate was held less than two weeks before the primary election on April 1. Click here to watch video of the full debate.

WHUR-FM Helps DC Listeners Get Heart Healthy

Date Posted: 3/17/2014

Howard University’s WHUR-FM Washington broadcast live from the Anthony Bowen YMCA to raise awareness during American Heart Month. The four-hour health fair was held in partnership with the American Heart Association and provided listeners with heart-healthy tips, nutritional facts and fun exercise demonstrations featuring several on-air hosts. Video from the event is available here.

WWMX-FM Collects $886,000 for Johns Hopkins Children’s Center

Date Posted: 3/17/2014

CBS Radio’s WWMX-FM Baltimore hosted the 25th annual radiothon to benefit the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. WWMX-FM broadcast live for the two-day event and featured stories from patients, their families and doctors. The radiothon raised more than $886,000. Video from the event is available here.

CBS Stations Aid Victims after Fire in Washington Metro Area

Date Posted: 2/11/2014

CBS Radio Washington and Gannett-owned CBS affiliate WUSA-TV Washington partnered with Safeway and the Women Who Care Ministries to collect donations for victims of a local fire that killed a four-year-old boy and displaced 40 others. Click here to watch video from the fundraiser.

WRC-TV Brings 85,000+ Attendees to Health and Fitness Expo

Date Posted: 2/11/2014

NBC-owned WRC-TV Washington hosted the 22nd annual NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo in early January. The largest attended consumer wellness exposition in the country brought more than 85,000 attendees to the Washington Convention Center to learn new ways to get in shape, eat healthy and maintain an active lifestyle. WRC-TV staff were on hand to promote the event and participate in demonstrations.

WMAR-TV Collects 50,000 Toys for Baltimore Kids

Date Posted: 1/10/2014

img src="http://www.nab.org/documents/newsRoom/photos/LTSJanuary2014/wmar.png" width="120" height="90" border="0" align="right"/> Scripps-owned ABC affiliate WMAR-TV Baltimore hosted the 15th annual "ABC2 It’s Kindertime Toy Drive." Throughout December, WMAR-TV set up several toy donation sites throughout the Baltimore metropolitan area and encouraged viewers to drop off new toys for local families in need and for the children of fallen firefighters and police officers. Nearly 50,000 toys were collected and distributed to Maryland kids. Click here to watch video from the toy distribution on December 23.

NBC Washington Raises $25,000 for Typhoon Relief

Date Posted: 12/6/2013

NBC-owned WRC-TV Washington held a telethon on November 12 to raise money for typhoon relief in the Philippines. From 11 am to 7 p.m., viewers were encouraged to call in the station’s phone bank and pledge a donation to help the millions who need safe water, food and shelter in the Philippines. The telethon raised $25,000.

WUSA-TV Washington Collects $100,000 to Buy Thanksgiving Dinners for Military Families

Date Posted: 12/6/2013

Gannett’s CBS affiliate WUSA-TV Washington teamed up with the USO of Metropolitan Washington to host the fourth annual Turkey for Troops campaign to raise money to thank military families during the holiday season. WUSA-TV held a phone bank during the 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. newscasts on Veterans Day. Viewers were invited to call in with donations. In total, more than $100,000 was raised, enough money to buy 2,000 dinners for families of six.

WHUR-FM Raises $101,000 and a Truck Full of Food for DC Residents

Date Posted: 12/6/2013

The Howard University Radio Network’s WHUR-FM Washington broadcast the 36th annual Food2Feed radiothon to help feed families in the Washington, DC area. WHUR-FM broadcast live from the Old Post Office Pavilion for 12 hours, encouraging listeners to make monetary donations or drop off non-perishable items. The radiothon raised more than $101,000 and a tractor-trailer filled with canned food and other items. The Capital Area Food Bank and Shabach Ministries Inc. distributed the baskets of food to families in need.

WBAL-TV Gives Away 840 Coats to Baltimore Kids in Need

Date Posted: 12/6/2013

Hearst’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore held a Coats for Kids event to provide new coats to needy children. Twenty Baltimore nonprofits submitted the names of children in the region who needed coats to the station. As part of the broader WBAL Kid Campaign, WBAL-TV raised money from viewers and then negotiated with the local Burlington Coat Factory store to purchase the 840 coats. WBAL-TV’s staff filled their orders, and then hosted an event to give away the new coats to the children.

WUSA-TV in DC Helps Raise $60,000 for Breast Cancer Awareness

Date Posted: 11/12/2013

Gannett Broadcasting’s CBS affiliate WUSA-TV Washington, D.C., partnered with FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered) for its 20th "Buddy Check 9" breast cancer awareness program. WUSA-TV aired stories about local men and women who are at risk for the cancer and hosted an advanced film screening of Decoding Annie Parker, a true story about a woman who battled breast cancer, and her doctor, whose research lead to the discovery of the BRCA1 breast cancer gene. The sold-out screening netted $60,000 for FORCE.

NBC’s WRC-TV Hosts Virginia Gubernatorial Debate

Date Posted: 10/4/2013

NBC-owned WRC-TV Washington partnered with the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce to host a debate between Virginia’s gubernatorial candidates, Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and businessman Terry McAuliffe. The debate was moderated by NBC News’ National Political Director Chuck Todd and aired at 7 p.m. on September 25.

CBS Radio’s WPGC-FM Washington Donates Truckloads of Water to Those in Need

Date Posted: 8/8/2013

CBS Radio’s WPGC-FM Washington, D.C., stepped up in a big way when a record summer heat wave and a water main repair left many area residents in Prince George’s County in need of drinking water. WPGC-FM donated truckloads of bottled water to those in need. The station set up three distribution points and invited listeners to come and receive a free gallon of water. Senior citizens were served first, followed by the members of the general public. Photos from the event are available here.

CBS Radio’s WWMX-FM Raises $871,630 for Children’s Hospital

Date Posted: 3/1/2013

CBS Radio-owned WWMX-FM Baltimore’s new morning show featuring Maria Dennis, Reagan Warfield and Jon Boesche raised $871,630 during the station’s annual radiothon to benefit the young patients and their families at Hopkins Children’s hospital. The 2013 total was $4,000 more than last year. WWMX-FM has hosted the annual radiothon for over two decades. During those years, the station has raised more than $15 million for Hopkins Children’s Hospital.

WTOP Supports Education

Hubbard Radio’s WTOP-FM Washington, D.C., held its “Clicks for Kids” campaign March 5 through March 16 benefitting local area schools. Listeners cast nearly 120,000 votes in a competition to raise money for local schools.

Hallie Wells Middle in Montgomery County was awarded the grand prize of $10,000 for receiving the majority vote with 7,979. In first place, Chesapeake Public Charter in St. Mary’s County was awarded $7500 with 7,949 votes and Stevens Forest Elementary in Howard County was awarded the second-place prize of $5000 with 7846 votes.

WBAL-FM, WBAL-AM and WBAL-TV Challenge Marylanders to Make Plunge to Support Special Olympic Oath

Hearst-owned WBAL-FM, WBAL-AM and WBAL-TV Baltimore, Md., recently joined forces to host the 15th Annual Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge at Sandy Point State Park. The event challenged participants to collect pledges from their families and friends for plunging into Sandy Point’s icy waters. The Plunge raised an estimated $3 million for Special Olympics Maryland. All event proceeds support intellectually challenged athletes who participate in the Special Olympics across the state.

Fox’s WTTG-TV Stuffs Trucks Full of Food for D.C. Residents

Fox Television’s WTTG-TV Washington, D.C., held its 11th annual "Stuff-a-Truck" food drive in partnership with Giant Food and CBS Radio stations. WTTG-TV broadcast live from Giant Food locations around D.C. to encourage donations. In 2011,"Stuff-A-Truck" generated over 62,000 pounds of food and almost $128,000 in donations for the Capital Area Food Bank.

WTTG-TV Provides Round-The-Clock Hurricane News

Fox Television-owned WTTG-TV Washington broadcast wall-to-wall hurricane coverage on Monday beginning at 4 a.m. and into Tuesday. Crews were stationed in several low lying areas including Annapolis and Alexandria, and throughout the Washington metropolitan area.

WMAR-TV Hosts Kindertime Toy Drive for Baltimore Children

Scripps’ WMAR-TV Baltimore hosted its annual Kindertime Toy Drive for Maryland families and the children of fallen firefighters and police officers. The drive has helped distribute more than 400,000 toys during its long history. The station encouraged listeners to bring new, unwrapped toys to one of several donation locations. On December 20, a caravan of emergency vehicles picked up the toys and distributed them throughout the community.

Broadcast Networks Utilized All Platforms on Election Night

Major broadcast networks’ election night coverage included multiplatform initiatives and elaborate presentations. NBC turned Rockefeller Center’s ice rink into a massive U.S. map with states turning red or blue as results returned. CBS utilized eight TV studios and three state-of-the-art control rooms to produce its coverage, including virtual reality models of the House and Senate. ABC’s broadcast from Times Square included a special edition of "World News with Diane Sawyer," panels of political analysts, and historical context from Barbara Walters, who has interviewed every President since Nixon. Fox Broadcasting Company’s live coverage included analysis, exit poll data and live reports from the candidate’s campaign headquarters and footage from battleground states. Univision highlighted important topics for Hispanic viewers and offered Tu Cámara for users to upload videos and photos from the polls to share online. ABC and Univision also used YouTube’s Elections Hub.

Radio Networks Offer Election Night Specials

Salem Radio Network offered affiliates a live six-hour Election Night 2012 Special beginning at 6:00 pm. Dial Global’s syndicated NBC News Radio live broadcast from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. featured anchor Brian Williams and simulcast on NBC-TV. CBS Radio News and America’s Radio News Network began extensive live coverage at 7:00 pm and continued into the early morning. Fox News Radio’s coverage on three different channels, which included clean feeds of major speeches, aired between 6 p.m. and noon the following day. ABC News Radio’s election night live anchored coverage aired from 7 p.m. through 1 a.m. with six Election Coverage Status Reports each hour, ABC News "DecisionDesk" analysis, voter turnout from battleground states Florida and Ohio and reports on congressional, senatorial and gubernatorial races.

WUSA-TV Washington Hosts Debate for Maryland Voters

Gannett Broadcasting-owned WUSA-TV Washington, DC aired a live broadcast of a 30-minute debate between Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett and challenger John Delaney to reach voters in Maryland’s 6th District. The discussion covered controversial issues including gay marriage, the federal government’s role in improving the economy and an upcoming ballot question that would allow some illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at Maryland schools.

WRC-TV Taps Reporters to Cover Storm From Local Beaches

NBC-owned WRC-TV Washington provided local storm coverage from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Monday before airing the first half hour of Today. WRC-TV returned to local coverage at 7:30 a.m. and remained on air through the late evening. Several of WRC-TV’s reporters broadcast live from nearby Delaware beaches, including reporter Wendy Rieger. Click here to watch video from Rieger’s coverage.

All Hands on Deck: WBOC-TV GM Mans the Camera to Cover Sandy

Independently-owned WBOC-TV Salisbury, Maryland’s vice president and general manager, Craig Jahelka, told B&C that it was all hands on deck at his station when Sandy blew through the East Coast. Jahelka admitted even he manned the camera for a few hours during the storm. WBOC-TV partnered with Clear Channel Radio and Delmarva Public Radio to simulcast storm coverage on the radio. WBOC-TV, for the first time, provided continuous hurricane news on its smartphone app. Once the storm cleared, WBOC-TV also used the station’s helicopter to survey the damage. Details on road closures, Red Cross efforts and requests for volunteers can be found on the station’s special Sandy section of the website and on the smartphone app.

WMAR-TV Keeps Viewers in Baltimore Informed

Scripps’ WMAR-TV Baltimore streamed news online, provided local emergency alerts via the Storm Shield and Hurricane Tracker apps and explained the trajectory and tracking methods on its weather blog. Additional personnel from sister stations in markets including Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Tampa, Tulsa, Okla. and Phoenix helped with coverage.

WBAL-TV Reporters Remind Viewers of Strong Winds’ Threat

Hearst-owned WBAL-TV Baltimore provided live coverage of the storm from the streets of Ocean City, Maryland on Monday night. During the live coverage, WBAL-TV reporter Lowell Melser and photographer Mac Finney were nearly hit by a piece of metal swept up by the strong winds. Despite the traumatic experience, Melser continued reporting live, while his co-anchor in the WBAL-TV studio, Deb Weiner, used the incident to remind viewers that the storm was very volatile and could instantly create strong winds. The station had prepared reporters with cash in case ATMs stopped, booked hotel rooms with generators for news personnel and gave satellite truck operators ropes to tie down their dishes. "Everybody left home on Saturday prepared to be gone for five to seven days," WBAL’s Michele Butt told TVNewsCheck. "You don’t stop covering the storm just because the sun comes out."

WITH-FM, WWDC-FM, WMZQ-FM Leverage Numerous Platforms for Storm Coverage

Clear Channel Media and Entertainment’s Baltimore/Washington D.C. cluster was busy during Hurricane Sandy. As operating manager Meg Stevens told All Access, "All [the group’s] morning shows," including WITH-FM, WWDC-FM and WMZQ-FM, "started Monday morning setting the scene of what was about to happen and making sure listeners were prepared." The station’s coverage included interviews with NBC-owned WRC-TV Washington’s meteorologists, a dedicated Storm Watch webpage with preparation information and storm path coverage and Facebook and Twitter updates on stations’ pages." After the storm, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment’s radio stations helped to provide "clean-up and power restoration information, road closure and flooding information and other travel info."

Gannett’s WUSA-TV Goes Wall-To-Wall With Sandy Coverage

Gannett’s WUSA-TV provided wall-to-wall storm coverage and served as a huge support for a local family after their power went off during the hurricane. A viewer in Clifton, VA, whose husband Steve has ALS, wrote to WUSA-TV to ask for help. The power had gone off, and Steve, who, relies on a ventilator to breathe, was at great risk with only limited generator power. WUSA-TV went to the viewer’s home and helped them contact the local power company. With WUSA-TV’s support, the power was quickly turned on. Click here to watch video of the event.

WJLA-TV Expands Storm Coverage to 24-Hour News Channel

Allbritton’s WJLA-TV Washington utilized its joint news operation, NewsChannel 8, the regional cable news channel, to provide 24-hour coverage of Hurricane Sandy. On WJLA-TV, the station provided weather cut-ins every half hour, extended the midday news to an hour and aired a special afternoon newscast. Extensive storm coverage was also available on WJLA-TV’s website.

WTOP-FM Sees Huge Traffic on Station Website During Sandy

Hubbard’s WTOP-FM Washington was a key source of information before Sandy even came ashore. On Sunday before the storm, WTOP.com had over two million page views by 280,000 unique users looking for storm coverage. During the hurricane, on Monday, that number jumped to nearly three million page views from 335,000 unique users.

NAB Show Attendees Assemble Donations for Military Overseas

NAB Crystal Award finalists and NAB’s Public Service division joined Operation Interdependence for a packing party at NAB Show last month. The event was a great success, with numerous broadcasters, exhibitors and conference attendees assembling more than 500 civilian rations for service members stationed overseas. The Crystal Award finalists collected hundreds of t-shirts, candy, sports equipment, personalized cards of encouragement and other items for the packing party. Six service members based at nearby Nellis Air Force Base assisted in the packaging of individual rations. All participants were invited to sign a banner thanking America’s military men and women for their service to our country.

PEJ: Presidential Campaign Already Getting Too Much Coverage

According to a nationally representative survey conducted January 5-8 by Project for Excellence in Journalism News Interest Index, 37 percent of respondents say there has been too much coverage of the 2012 presidential campaign by the national news media.

Republicans were following the campaign more closely than Democrats, with 40 percent saying they followed election news very closely, compared with 27 percent of Democrats and 25 percent of independents.

According to PEJ, 39 percent said the 2012 coverage was the right amount. It was also the story respondents were most interested in, with 27 percent saying they followed campaign news the most closely, followed by 19 percent interested in the economy. According to the survey, 30 percent said they hear mostly bad news on the economy, which is down dramatically from the 67 percent in August.

Broadcasters Help Commemorate 10th Anniversary of September 11

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) joined nonprofit organizations MyGoodDeed and the HandsOn Network, Clear Channel Radio and a host of other media organizations to promote the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance, striving to create the single largest day of charitable service in U.S. history. NAB helped to distribute the campaign’s public service announcements (PSAs) to its member broadcasters, while Clear Channel and other stations donated an estimated $15 million worth of free airtime for the spots. The PSAs encouraged viewers and listeners to spend the September 11th anniversary volunteering, reflecting and giving back to their communities.

WMDT-TV Keeps Salisbury, Md., Residents Warm this Winter

Brechner’s WMDT-TV Keeps Salisbury, Md., Residents Warm this Winter
Brechner-owned WMDT-TV Salisbury, Md., collected more than 750 winter coats during the stations’ "Keeping Delmarva Warm" coat drive between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. The station’s Account Executive Teri Monahan explained, "We used the power of our television medium and our website to spread the word of the coat drive. WMDT-TV ran a 30-second promo using our on-air morning news talent asking viewers to take their gently used coats to the local business drop-off sites. The response [was] heart-warming!"

WMDT-TV Promotes Scholarship Opportunities

WMDT-TV Informs Salisbury, Md., Students About Available Educational Scholarships

Brechner-owned WMDT-TV Salisbury, Md., recently joined the Delmarva Education Foundation (DEF) to launch a series of informational segments educating viewers about locally available scholarships and grants. Across Salisbury, numerous graduating students require financial support in order to attend college; however, many students and their parents are unaware of financial opportunities provided throughout their local community. Recognizing the need for broader awareness, WDMT-TV launched the series of announcements during 6 p.m. newscasts on Wednesday and Saturday evenings. All of the scholarships featured in the series appear on the DEF website, and the DEF staff is available to assist interested students with the process at no charge. Click here to watch a recent DEF announcement.

WBFF-TV Honors Black History Month

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Each year during Black History Month, WBFF-TV in Baltimore, Md., gives students the opportunity to pay tribute to those fulfilling Martin Luther King’s dream. The "Champions of Courage Black History Month Essay Contest," now in its 22nd year, invites students in grades six through 12 to salute those making a difference in the world. Thousands of entries are received each year, from which 28 winners are selected. The station produces public service announcements featuring the winners reading their essays. A different tribute airs each day during the month; on its designated day, it runs a minimum of eight times. WBFF then hosts an awards ceremony for all the winning students, where schools of the top three finalists receive cash awards. In a letter of thanks to the station, Deborah Montgomery, principal of Corkran Middle School, wrote, "Your program is an outstanding example of education and community working together to create a better environment for our youth and their communities."

WHUR-FM Sends Love to Our Troops

To make sure troops knew they were loved even if their loved ones were thousands of miles away, WHUR-FM in Washington, D.C., held a collection drive on Valentine’s Day. The station collected phone cards and postage stamps to send to service men and women stationed overseas, and encouraged its listeners to write letters to include in the shipment to let the troops know their community back home was thinking about them. The five-hour fundraiser, which was broadcast live from the National Postal Museum, brought in 1,300 stamps, 570 phone cards and 1,500 postcards. Leading up the event, the station ran more than 150 promotional spots. To make the day even more special, WHUR treated 10 service members who recently returned from their tours of duty to a night out on the town with their loved one, complete with a limousine, flowers, dinner, a concert and tickets to see a future Washington Wizards professional basketball game. WHUR was a National Association of Broadcasters’ Crystal Award Finalist in 2008.

WMZQ-FM Veterans’ Day Event Celebrates American Freedom

Musicians, dignitaries, actors and citizens joined WMZQ-FM in Rockville, Md., for the American Freedom Festival. The fourth annual Veterans Day celebration honored our military while raising both awareness and funds for veterans’ organizations. The event, which was hosted by WMZQ Morning Show team Brian and Jenni, attracted 3,400 people. Proceeds went to the American Freedom Foundation, which has a goal of giving $1 million in support to veterans each year. The day of patriotic fun included concerts by country singers Martina McBride and Darryl Worley. The station jumpstarted enthusiasm before the festival with 200 minutes of promotional announcements and seven emails blasts to its database of 45,000 listeners. On-air interviews with McBride and retired Army Sgt. Maj. Jack Tilley, co-chair of the American Freedom Foundation, also helped spotlight the all-American event. "WMZQ has just been tremendous," said Tilley. "They have helped us educate people about the needs of veterans not only in the D.C. area but nationally. They are real patriots." With the station’s help, the event is expected to draw even larger crowds next year.

WBAL-TV and WBAL-AM Collects 590,000 Pounds of Food

In the springtime, WBAL-TV and WBAL-AM in Baltimore, Md., partner with the Maryland Food Bank for its annual "Harvest for the Hungry" campaign, which collected more than 590,000 pounds of food for distribution throughout Baltimore and 23 surrounding counties last year. WBAL-TV has been involved in the effort for 27 years. For three weeks, the station runs a heavy public service announcement campaign and informational crawls throughout newscasts. Newscasts provide updates about the participation of schools and Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops. Actively engaging as many viewers and groups as the station can, WBAL also organizes its own events, such as its "Pack the Hummer" day where viewers donated enough items to fill up every last inch of space in the vehicle. WBAL also recruits businesses to compete with one another to see which can raise the most money. Station employees go hands-on during the station’s "Day of Caring," which provides each employee half of a work day to volunteer at the drive. Last year, WBAL employees boxed 50,000 pounds of donated food in a single day. "The contribution WBAL makes to our community and ‘Harvest for the Hungry’ is immeasurable," said Larry Adams Jr., founder of the "Harvest for the Hungry" campaign. "They just really come through."

WXCY-FM Empowers Community

WXCY-FM in Havre de Grace, Md., brings a little of Nashville to its viewers each year through its Christmas in the Country concert. Always a sold-out event, the station arranges for up-and-coming country recording artists to come in for a night of live music and fun, and donates all the proceeds to a local charity. The station starts promoting the event in November with on-air announcements, a Web site presence and email blasts. This past holiday season, Christmas in the Country brought $6,500 to Open Doors Career Center, an organization that helps empower women that have been out of the workforce to return through assistance with computer skills, clothing for interviews and support. The organization also has been WXCY’s "Non-Profit of the Month." Every month, a selected charity receives $3,000 in airtime, including the scheduled broadcast of 60-second announcements. WXCY’s Bob Bloom has donated his time as a board member for Open Doors for the past seven years. "Bob Bloom’s belief and advocacy of our mission, as well as the support that WXCY has given to our organization through Christmas in the Country, in-kind donations and public service announcements, has been pivotal in gaining the much needed support of our entire community," said Robyn Burke, executive director of Open Doors Career Center.

WTOP-FM Airs "The Politics Program"

Radio listeners in the nation’s capitol have the opportunity to not only hear about the tough issues but to discuss them with the decision makers thanks to two programs produced by WTOP-FM in Washington, D.C. "The Politics Program," which airs weekly, has hosted the Maryland and Virginia governors, the D.C. mayor, the majority leader of the U.S. Senate and former Sen. John Edwards. The program mixes analysis with news to provide listeners with the most current insider’s view about the men, women and issues shaping our nation. The station’s "Ask the …" series connects listeners directly with local officials such as the police chief and mayor, supervisors from the county board of supervisors and the general manager of the Metro, the area’s local mass-transit system. If listeners miss a broadcast, both programs are available as Podcasts from the station’s Web site. "The Politics Program" and "Ask the …" are part of the 6,000 minutes of public affairs and local programming WTOP aired in 2007.

WSTW-FM Launches "SmartDrive"

In response to several teens losing their lives in traffic accidents, WSTW-FM in Wilmington, Del., launched "SmartDrive," a student driver education reinforcement program, which is now in the majority of Delaware high schools. In addition to airing public service announcements (PSAs) featuring local students and safe driving tips each week, WSTW’s on-air personalities kick off the program at school assemblies. A multitude of prizes, from $4,000 post-secondary scholarships to having your name mixed into a song and played on the air during prom season, help engage students. The program has its own Web site, www.smartdrivede.org, where students and their parents complete monthly safe driving activities. Approximately 2,000 students participated in 2007. The mission of the program is "for a significant number of young drivers to make the right decisions every time they are behind the wheel so they will never put themselves, their passengers or their vehicles in harm’s way." Pete Booker, general manger of WSTW and founder of "Smart Drive," received the Governor’s Highway Safety Association Peter K. O’Roarke Special Achievement Award in recognition of his achievement in highway safety.