WISN 12 Raises Over $57,000 for Children in Need
Date Posted: 9/19/2025
As children head back to school, local broadcasters are making sure they’re ready to succeed. Hearst Television’s WISN 12 in Milwaukee, Wis., raised $57,350 through the twelfth annual “Class Act School Supply Drive” to get supplies to children in need. “There’s no end to the generosity, kindness and compassion of our community,” said Shawn Oswald, president and general manager of WISN 12. “Through these donations, our viewers are ensuring kids are set up for success ahead of the new school year.”
The “9 School Tools” campaign from Charlotte, N.C.’s, WSOC 9, owned by Cox Media Group, is the Carolinas’ largest school supply drive. Partnering with Classroom Central, the drive supports over 162,000 eligible students. “It definitely creates kind of like an even playing field for kids,” one local teacher 
ABC owned-and-operated station ABC13 Houston raised over $46,000 in supplies and cash donations during the 2025 Share Your School Supplies Drive, benefiting the Houston Food Bank’s School Programs. "I don’t think people really recognize how many students just don’t have pens and pencils. They need the notebooks, they need other material so they can really get off to a good school start," said Terry Bryant spokesman and former ABC13 anchor Art Rascon. "This helps build the confidence as well in the children, so we’re trying to alleviate that sacrifice from teachers who are pulling out of their own pockets to do so."
As students get ready to go back to school, local stations are stepping up to collect school supplies and other necessary items to make sure their communities are ready to learn. Baltimore, Md., stations WBAL-TV, 98 Rock and WBAL NewsRadio, owned by Hearst, are 
Cumulus Media Albuquerque collected more than 5,100 children’s books during its Rock and Brew Book Drive in April. Listeners who donated children’s books at participating local breweries received discounts on beer, promoting these local businesses as well as children’s literacy. “We’re excited to partner with the Read to Me! ABQ Network to support this important campaign to get books into the hands of children over the summer when many children don’t have access to books,” said Jeff Berry, market manager, Cumulus Albuquerque.
Sinclair has partnered with Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation’s leading children’s literacy nonprofit, to launch Sinclair Cares: Supporting Children’s Literacy. Sinclair launched the campaign with a $25,000 donation to kick off a virtual book drive. “A recent study conducted by the National Institute for Literacy found that twenty percent of Americans read below the level needed to earn a living wage,” said Rob Weisbord, chief operating officer, Sinclair. “Our goal is to help ensure all children can become proficient readers, improving their future, and helping them to reach their full potential.”
In the 56th annual 
Nexstar Media Group’s WAVY in Hampton Roads, Va., collected more than 60,000 school supplies for area students in need this fall. Now in its thirty-first year, “Operation School Supplies” demonstrates the station’s commitment and dedication to helping school children in their community by ensuring that they have the resources necessary to excel. “The local support for Operation School Supplies is truly amazing,” says Carol Ward, general manager, WAVY. “The enthusiasm and generosity displayed by our community and our partners truly exemplify the spirit of unity and compassion that makes our region special.”
The Scripps Howard Fund, in partnership with The E.W. Scripps Company and its employees, is now collecting donations for the eighth annual If You Give A Child A Book campaign to provide books to children in need. Last year, the campaign gave away its millionth book. “We know the sky is the limit when it comes to the impact books can have in a child’s life,” says Liz Carter, president and CEO of the Scripps Howard Fund. “We’re thankful for the generosity of people across the country who have given more than one million new books to children in need since 2017. I can’t wait to see the difference we will make together as we work toward the next million. We’re just getting started.”
Westwood One and Marketplace launched Marketplace Minute on June 24. Marketplace Minute is a 60-second audio program produced and created by Marketplace and distributed by Westwood One, bringing important economic content and context to a commercial audience three times each weekday. Stories focus on providing up-to-the-moment economic news in a quick, digestible format on radio, podcast and smart speakers.
iHeart Media’s syndicated morning show “The Breakfast Club” raised $670,000 during the #Change4Change radiothon, held November 21 – 22. This year’s proceeds will go towards the newly created “Breakfast Club HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Scholarship,” which will be awarded through the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. In three years, #Change4Change has raised more than $1.7 million for various organizations.
Sinclair’s KMTW-TV and FOX affiliate KSAS-TV Wichita, KS, co-sponsored the 5th annual Polar Express Literacy Event fundraiser on November 17 to collect books and raise money for youth literacy. The family-friendly winter carnival welcomed more than 200 adults and children for a ‘breakfast-for-dinner’ event. An auction featuring holiday items raised nearly $3,000 for Head Start Scholarships and another $2,500 for Child Start, Inc.
Graham Media Group’s WKMG-TV shared the story of Savohn Thomas with employees of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, hoping to help Thomas secure a work-study position. Instead, their outreach resulted in the school more than tripling his $40,000 scholarship. Thomas received a scholarship that would cover the entire cost of tuition through graduation, totaling $150,000.
Cox Media Group (CMG) Tulsa, the Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance and the Tulsa State Fair held the inaugural “Flight Night Back to School STEM Expo” on September 14. Approximately 4,000 people attended the event, which encourages a love of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) in students through speakers and exhibits. More than 50 vendors highlighted industries that rely on STEM skills in a dozen themed zones, including the “Aerospace Hangar,” “Energy Field” and “Touch-a-Truck.”
Tribune-owned WGN-TV Chicago, Ill., hosted its 17th annual “WGN-TV Back-to-School Kids Fair” on August 17 at their studios. The free event included health screenings and safety tips, plus fun activities such as live music, face painting, a petting zoo, mascots, inflatable bouncers and a dunk tank.
Manship Station’s ABC affiliate WBRZ-TV Baton Rouge, La., stuffed four buses with more than $34,000 worth of school supplies during the 11th annual “Stuff the Bus” campaign, held July 18.
Raycom’s CBS affiliate KFVS-TV Cape Girardeau, Mo., hosted its annual “
Hearst’s ABC affiliate WISN-TV Milwaukee, Wis. partnered with Saga’s WKLH-FM and the Salvation Army to raise $66,000 in its sixth annual “Class Act School Supply Drive,” held August 21 – 22. Donations to the campaign’s “Stuff the Bus” initiative filled a school bus, ensuring that 4,400 backpacks were filled with supplies. “This initiative has a big impact on the lives of local kids, giving them supplies they need to start the school year equipped to learn,” said WISN President and General Manager Jan Wade.
TEGNA’s ABC affiliate KXTV Sacramento earned its fourth consecutive John Swett Award from the California Teachers Association (CTA) for its “Teacher of the Month” campaign. The award honors individuals, publications, websites, television and radio stations for their outstanding reporting on public education. “The John Swett Award reflects our commitment to quality journalism and our support of this community’s educators,” said General Manager Risa Omega.
Four journalists have been selected for the initial class of the 
All Raycom Media stations aired in February the documentary “
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.
Weigel Broadcasting-owned WCIU-TV Chicago collaborated with Chicago hip-hop artist Che “Rhymefest” Smith to honor Black History Month with a special broadcast, “Black History: The Movement.” The half-hour special focuses on the conversation of being Black in America and will premiere on February 4. A series of in-depth interviews between Che and leaders from Ghanaian, Mexican, Haitian and local black communities will spotlight the individual struggle for independence in each of their native lands, and their correlations to the continued fight for freedom as an American.
NBC has committed $500,000 to support high school theater ahead of the upcoming drama series “Rise,” which follows a teacher who takes over a school’s theater program. The 
Univision Arizona partnered with the Arizona SciTech Festival and Univision’s TECHNOLOchicas to launch #UniAZ Tech Media Day in January. More than 80 students between grades 7 – 12 from different local schools participated and learned about cell phone technology, plus how to record and edit interviews and news stories on cell phones. Univision’s news and social media teams served as facilitators. In addition, the students listened to a panel of women currently working in careers related to STEAM. The students’ edited stories were then aired on “Edición Digital: Arizona” (Digital Edition: Arizona), a 30-minute newscast.
The Scripps Howard Foundation donated 100,000 books on National Reading Day (January 23), as part of their second “If You Give a Child a Book” campaign. Each dollar received from Scripps employees is matched by members of the Scripps family and all proceeds are used to to buy books for children in need. All books are purchased at cost through a partnership with Scholastic, further maximizing the purchase power of every donated dollar.
FOX’s WHBQ-TV Memphis employees presented to Hillcrest High School Journalism Class students about television career paths. Representatives from the station’s engineering, sales and news teams shared their education and career paths with students, followed by a lively question and answer session.
Tribune’s CW affiliate WPIX-TV New York City gave $10,000 to a school for supplies and technology through its “Fuel My School” initiative. Thorne Middle School in Port Monmouth, N.J., was named the winner on November 13.
ABC Radio recently launched a weekly podcast called “No Limits with Rebecca Jarvis.” Jarvis speaks with women in Hollywood, business, technology, fashion, comedy, food, sports and startups about their accomplishments. The first three episodes feature Arianna Huffington; co-founder and former editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post; Wende Zomnir, founding partner of Urban Decay Cosmetics; and actress Danielle Brooks. “Rebecca Jarvis’ No Limits podcast lets listeners learn how success is achieved, whether in business or life, by focusing on a remarkable group of women who inspire and inform with humor and candor,” said ABC Radio Vice President Steve Jones.
Sinclair’s Fox affiliate KSAS-TV and KMTW Wichita helped raise over $90,000 for the Arc of Sedgwick County by co-sponsoring the Arc’s Holiday Lights Display. The holiday lights drive-through has more than 1.4 million lights and 100,000 visitors each year. Funds support The Arc of Sedgwick County hosts programs and services for nearly 4,000 youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Hearst’s NBC affiliate WBAL-TV Baltimore recently hosted several community initiatives. WBAL is partnering with the Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) on the 
Scripps’ NBC affiliate KSHB Kansas City launched a campaign on December 19 to communicate the message that violence, bullying and discrimination are unacceptable. “Kind KC” is a movement that declares that kind of human behavior is not to be tolerated in Kansas City, “not here, not now, not ever.”
California Oregon Broadcasting’s NBC affiliate KOBI Medford, Ore. staff members attended a career day at a local middle school on June 28. They spoke to students about broadcasting jobs and brought professional camera equipment for demonstrations. The kids loved being able to act like reporters.
Raycom’s CBS affiliate KFVS-TV Cape Girardeau, Mo. honored nearly 80 area high school valedictorians on June 11 at the 31st annual “
Hearst’s ABC affiliate WCVB-TV Boston presented the 19th annual “Kirby Perkins A Plus Scholarship” on June 7 to five high school students, many of whom have overcome significant obstacles to achieve academic success and attend college. The scholarship fund honors late WCVB reporter Kirby Perkins and has awarded more than $250,000 to date. “Helping these very deserving young men and women pursue higher education and embark on a new chapter in their lives through Kirby Perkins A Plus Scholarship Fund brings great joy to everyone involved," said WCVB General Manager Bill Fine.
Univision-owned WLTV Miami honored ten local high school seniors with its 19th annual “Orgullo de Nuestra Juventud” (Pride of our Youth) award, presented at a lunch on May 5. Six students received awards for academic excellence and community service, while the other four were recognized for academic growth. The students received college scholarships and gift cards to help with expenses.
Capitol Broadcasting’s NBC affiliate WRAL-TV Raleigh hosted a 
Quincy’s NBC affiliate KWWL Waterloo, IA shared 
CBS-owned KCNC-TV Denver hosted 11,000 young girls and their families at a "
Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) broke ground on April 29 at five new 
Univision El Paso and the El Paso Chamber of Commerce hosted FAFSA fairs at local high schools. Many families are not aware that $150 billion in federal funds is available yearly for higher education, so a lot of money goes unused. FAFSA fairs were attended by 2,370 students and 2,254 parents. More than 3,000 FAFSA applications were submitted.
Hearst’s NBC affiliate WESH Orlando highlighted and honored local black Central Floridians who have made significant contributions to the community.
E.W. Scripps’ ABC affiliate WXYZ Detroit’s "
NBC’s KNBC-TV Los Angeles aired "
Tribune’s CW affiliate WPIX New York City established the “
Sinclair’s ABC affiliate WSET-TV Lynchburg, Va., aired a town hall, "
Meredith’s CBS affiliate WGCL Atlanta aired "
Univision-owned KXLN-TV Houston partnered with the Houston Hispanic Forum on February 13 for the 30th Annual Career and Education Day. Approximately 15,000 students and parents attended the event, which featured information on attending college, careers, financial aid assistance and scholarships.
Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) launched its annual multi-platform campaign, "¡Estudia, Hay Dinero!" (There’s Money to Study!), on Jan. 11 on its radio and television stations to raise awareness about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) program. The campaign features more than 100 workshops and phone banks, a digital FAFSA hub and a digital parent academy. In 2015, 42,000 people attended the workshops.
Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) unveiled the Univision Media Center at the New Venture Middle School in the Bronx on Jan. 29. This first-of-its-kind facility will help more than 300 students understand how a media newsroom operates, by providing experience with production and editing equipment. Univision media professional will also visit the school to provide training. This is the first of several Univision Media Centers planned for middle schools in the U.S.
Sinclair Broadcast Group recently launched "
Hearst Television’s ABC affiliate WCVB-TV Boston has been named the official media partner of the Medal of Honor Society Convention, in Boston Sept. 15-20. WCVB will air PSAs and promotional stories in advance of the event. In addition, WCVB anchors Randy Price (veteran of the US Air Force) and Phil Lipof will emcee two of the convention’s high profile events. Approximately 50 of the nation’s 79 living Medal of Honor Recipients will attend the convention.
ABC stations aired the “We Day” program commercial-free on August 21. “We Day” aimed to encourage families to discuss issues such as bullying, body image, the environment, violence and literacy. First Lady Michelle Obama encourages American youth to make a difference in their communities this school year.The cast also included Selena Gomez, Jennifer Hudson, Common, Tyrese Gibson, Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato, Jennifer Aniston, The Band Perry, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Paul Rudd, Colbie Caillat, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Macklemore and Lupe Fiasco.
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 
Univision Arizona and SEED SPOT held auditions for the Véndeme tu Sueño (Pitch Us Your Dream) competition on May 16, as part of Univision Contigo’s Hispanic Entrepreneurship Campaign. Twenty local entrepreneurs were selected to become semi-finalists and will receive a scholarship and participate in SEED SPOT’s five-day boot-camp in the summer of 2015, where they will receive training and mentorship to translate their talents into viable business ideas.
Sinclair Broadcasting’s CBS affiliate WHP-TV Harrisburg, Pa. hosts Face the State, a weekly political show that airs every Sunday at 11:30 a.m. following Face the Nation. The show features guest interviews, group conversations and a roundtable discussion among a weekly guest journalist, anchor Robb Hanrahan, WHP-TV Democratic Strategist Tony May and WHP-TV Republican Strategist Charlie Gerow. Guests have included policy makers and state leaders such as former Governor Tom Corbett, Senator Bob Casey and Congressman Scott Perry. Issues explored include educational funding, pension reform, medical marijuana, liquor privatization and the state budget. Past episodes are available 
Univision Houston hosted a Citizenship and Immigration Forum on Jan. 24 to provide resources related to pursuing U.S. citizenship. The event, which 300 people attended, featured informational sessions, free attorney consultations and access to service providers. Univision Houston’s Career and Education Day on Feb. 14 provided students and parents informatiosn on college access, careers, financial aid and scholarships. The event complemented a national campaign, ¡Estudia, Hay Dinero! (There’s Money to Study!), that ran on 67 radio stations, 61 television stations and social media. It included PSAs featuring First Lady Michelle Obama, a $1,000 scholarship sweepstakes, a text-message hotline, workshops on the federal student loan program, and digital resources.
The Tennessee Association of Broadcasters (TAB), Tennessee Department of Education and Vanderbilt Peabody College collaborated on the documentary "Saving Lives: Safe and Supportive Schools in Tennessee" for television and radio stations to air in February and March. Students and teachers at four high schools, including Taylor Swift’s alma mater, discussed their school’s programs aimed at reducing violence and increasing academic performance. At Hendersonville High, students watched the music video for Swift’s "Mean" before launching into a discussion on bullying with their classmates.
Univision’s Education Week 2014, held Oct. 4 - 11 across its 128 radio and TV stations and its multimedia platforms, included on-air segments; phone banks that answered more than 3,000 questions from viewers; and online college fairs. More than 2,000 viewers attended a free education fair in San Antonio on Oct. 4, which included exhibits and sessions on scholarships, financial aid, career planning and bilingual education. WLTV Miami’s Education Week events included "Camino a la Universidad," a workshop that educated 11th grade students and their parents on the steps needed for a college education; its 13th annual "Club de Libros 23," a Parent Academy with sessions on enrollment, financial aid and scholarships; and phone banks for questions on education.
Media General’s CBS affiliate WNCT-TV Greenville, N.C., Anti-Bullying PSA Contest launched on Oct. 21 to encourage local students to create PSAs. WNCT-TV viewers will vote on Facebook for their favorite spot. The winning PSA will debut during a Dec. 21 NFL game and air on WNCT for several weeks. The Anti-Bullying PSA Contest was chosen as the 
CBS Radio’s KMVK-FM Dallas gave away 3,000 free backpacks filled with school supplies to Dallas-Fort Worth school children during the station’s "Back to School Fair." The Fair events took place at local supermarkets in El Rio Grande locations from August 13-17. The events drew large crowds of excited, local listeners.
Gannett’s WFAA-TV Dallas hosted a summer-long campaign to encourage kids to read during summer break. WFAA-TV anchor Shelly Slater led the campaign, called "Shelly’s Summer Bookworms." Every Thursday during the 4 p.m. newscast, Shelly featured a Summer Bookworms segment. She visited recreation centers and camps, donated more than 4,000 books that were collected from WFAA-TV viewers and encouraged students to read. Classes that successfully completed reading assignments were welcomed to tour the station and watch a live newscast.
Univision Radio and El Salvador Foundation partnered for a successful Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway event in Winnetka, Calif. on August 9. Univision Radio helped distribute more than 2,000 backpacks and other school supplies to community members and their families.
Beasley Broadcasting’s WXKB-FM Estero, Fla., recently partnered with Lipman Produce to sponsor a backpack giveaway event. WXKB-FM collected more than 1,200 backpacks, 300 bike helmets, 2,000 pounds of food, 50 free haircuts and much more, all of which were donated to students across Southwestern Florida.
Manship Stations’ ABC affiliate WBRZ-TV Baton Rouge hosted the seventh annual "Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive," encouraging viewers to help the station completely fill one East Baton Rouge Parish school bus and one Ascension Parish school bus with supplies for students in need. The drive exceeded expectations. WBRZ-TV raised nearly $73,000 worth of school supplies and stuffed a total of six buses with supplies.
Univision’s WLTV-TV Miami honored 10 outstanding South Florida high school students with its 17th annual Papa John’s Pizza Orgullo de Nuestra Juventud (Pride of our Youth) Awards. The awards luncheon was hosted by WLTV-TV news anchor Alina Mayo Azze. Six of the 10 students were recognized for academic excellence and outstanding commitment to civic duty. The four other students were recognized with the Academic Achievement Award for demonstrating academic growth and overcoming setbacks in their personal life. The students were awarded scholarships by Papa John’s Pizza, and Miami-Dade College offered each student free tuition if they chose to pursue their university education there.
LIN Media’s FOX affiliate WALA-TV Mobile, Ala., hosted a debate for candidates running for Baldwin County Sheriff. The live, one-hour debate was televised live on WALA-TV, simulcast on LIN Media’s CW affiliate WFNA-TV Mobile, streamed live on the WALA-TV website and the station’s news app for smartphone and tablet devices.
Univision’s KXLN-TV Houston participated at the Día de los Niños (Children’s Day) event at the Children’s Museum of Houston in conjunction with the Consulate General of Mexico and other non-profit organizations. The event focused on promoting bilingual literacy. Parents were encouraged to take a pledge, as part of Univision Contigo’s Pequeños y Valiosos early childhood educational program, to commit to engaging with their kids in reading, singing or playing for at least 15 minutes every day. KXLN-TV news talent were present at the event during story time, and engaged with the children, while the Mexican Consulate distributed around 500 bilingual children’s books throughout the event.
Media General’s WVTM-TV Birmingham collected 42,000 new and gently used books during the Birmingham Reads Book Drive, part of a multi-day annual event held in conjunction with Better Basics, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing literacy. WVTM-TV broadcast live cut-ins throughout the drive, and station employees helped receive book donations from individuals and organizations. The collected books were delivered to students in need throughout the Birmingham area. Gene Kirkconnell, WVTM-TV’s vice president and general manager, said, "We are honored to partner with Better Basics in their important mission to help our community’s children learn to read, comprehend and develop a thirst for knowledge."
Entravision recently launched Todobebé, a website focused on motherhood issues for Latinos in the U.S. and Latin America. Todobebé informs, educates and entertains Latino moms and moms-to-be as they celebrate and explore the joys and challenges of pregnancy through early childhood. Additionally, Vanessa Bernal, a reporter at Univision’s KCEC-TV Denver, will be the brand ambassador of Todobebé. Bernal will host special segments during Univision’s morning television show, "Despierta America," which will be featured on Entravision’s local television and radio newscasts.
Univision’s WLTV-TV Miami has visited more than 18 schools and participated at several events as part of the Pequeños y Valiosos (Young and Valuable) campaign, which raises awareness among parents about the importance of actively interacting with their children every day, from birth through the pre-school years, in order to help them learn. During these school visits, education reporter Maria Fernanda Lopez has read to the children and facilitated workshops for their parents. The campaign invites parents and families to make a pledge to engage with their kids for at least 15 minutes each day, without interruption.
Univision’s KXLN-TV and ABC-owned KTRK-TV Houston partnered to host an Affordable Care Act (ACA) phone bank on March 5 at the Univision Houston studios in Texas. The general public was invited to call in to get their ACA questions answered by qualified, bilingual volunteers from the Texas Organizing Project. The goal of the phone bank was to provide the general public with information about the benefits and implications of the health reforms and to explain the registration process. The phone bank receieved 704 calls. Both KXLN-TV and KTRK-TV covered the event live on their evening newscasts.
Univision Los Angeles visited the University of Southern California on March 5 to host the second Feria Prosperidad (Prosperity Fair). An estimated 4,500 people participated in the 55 workshops and seminars that covered topics including financial planning, saving to buy a home and steps to start a small business. Anchor Alejandro Mendoza also co-hosted a town hall discussion with financial expert Julie Stav. Univision Los Angeles later hosted Feria Prosperidad at Cal State University, San Bernardino, on March 22 for a gathering of 2,000 people.
Syndicated Solutions’ "Rick & Bubba Show" created what they named the "World’s Largest Classroom" on March 4 to encourage children to read. The morning hosts read "Green Eggs and Ham" to more than 50,000 students as they broadcast live into 800 schools in at least 13 states. The event was created as part of the National Education Association’s Read Across America program, which challenges children to read a book on March 4 in recognition of the birthday of Dr. Seuss. Click 
Beasley Broadcasting Group Las Vegas employees participated in Nevada Reading Week this March. Several Beasley staff members visited local first graders at Paul Culley Elementary School and Smalley Elementary School to encourage students to love reading by giving them opportunities to read and be read to in school. Nevada Reading Week was created more than 30 years ago by the Nevada State Department of Education and several local teachers. It continues to make an impact today.
CBS-owned KYW-TV, CW affiliate WPSG-TV and CBS Radio’s KYW-AM Philadelphia spotlighted 10 individuals who have "changed the game" for the African-American community in the Greater Philadelphia area in celebration of Black History Month this February. CBS Philadelphia stations aired a series of vignettes and reports about these "Gamechangers" throughout the month.
Hearst’s ABC affiliate WISN-TV Milwaukee held a Health Care Coverage Hotline to assist viewers in southeastern Wisconsin with questions about health care changes due to the new Affordable Care Act. WISN-TV’s News Director Chris Gregg explained, "We want to be a resource to our viewers, provide them with an opportunity to clear any confusion on this complex subject." WISN-TV’s anchors encouraged viewers to call in with questions, and experts from the Milwaukee Enrollment Network were available to provide information.
Univision’s KXLN-TV, KFTH-TV and Univision Radio’s KAMA-FM Houston partnered as media sponsors at the Houston Hispanic Forum’s Annual Career and Education Day. Various universities, colleges, nonprofit organizations and companies joined more than 10,000 students, teachers and parents to share valuable information about different career paths and financial aid. On-air talent participated as panelists in the Broadcasting and Media seminars. They spoke about Univision Scholarships and handed out Univision school supplies to students from booths in the exhibitor area. Students also heard personal accounts about life experiences in the broadcasting industry from news anchors and reporters.
As part of Univision Educación, Univision’s WLTV-TV Miami-Fort Lauderdale launched its fourth year of "Camino a la Universidad" (Road to the University), a series of workshops that pairs exceptional students with professional adults who assist students and motivate them to reach their personal, educational and professional goals. The program focuses on those students who have the desire and skills to succeed, but whom also need extra support to reach their potential. The informational sessions feature inspirational speakers that will provide college and career planning advice to help the students throughout their college application process.
On November 16, Univision Radio and Univision’s KXLN-TV Houston hosted an Affordable Care Act town hall and an enrollment and health fair. The event featured remarks from U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez, Houston Mayor Annise Parker and a panel discussion with Reps. Gene Green, All Green and Sheila Jackson Lee. KXLN-TV’s news anchor Lizzet Lopez and Univision Radio’s on-air host Renzo Heredia moderated the discussion. The event had nearly 2,000 people in attendance, approximately 207 people enrolled on-site and 494 attendees scheduled appointments for future enrollment.
Univision Communications Inc., in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and numerous national and local organizations, announced "Acción por la Educación!," an effort to create awareness of the Common Core State Standards and its impact on the Hispanic student population. Students and parents were encouraged to take a pledge to access information, create awareness with friends, speak with their child’s teacher about the new standards and learn how they can provide support at home. This effort is part of the company’s comprehensive, multiplatform education initiative, Univision Educación.
Univision’s KMEX-TV Los Angeles kicked off the fifth annual Univision Education Week 2013 with "Feria de Educación." More than 30,000 people took part in the 40 educational workshops and seminars on topics including planning for college, financial aid opportunities and money-saving tips for college. In addition, KMEX-TV hosted two town halls on the Affordable Care Act and Immigration Reform.
Univision’s WLTV-TV Miami organized many events during Univision’s Education Week 2013 to inform parents and prepare students for higher education. WLTV-TV held an education town hall moderated by reporter Sandra Peebles to discuss the college application process. The station also kicked off its 12th annual "Club de Libros 23" in which WLTV-TV’s education reporter, Maria Fernandez Lopez, visits schools every week and reads with students.
CBS Radio has teamed with the CBS EcoMedia program to provide more than $170,000 in financial support to children through Blessings in a Backpack, an organization that works to ensure elementary school children are fed during the weekend while they are away from school. Blessings in a Backpack collects and packages backpacks full of food and distributes them on Fridays to children who qualify for the National School Lunch Program. Participating CBS stations include those in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston and Philadelphia.
The Nevada Broadcasters Foundation raised $40,000 for the Tony and Linda Bonnici Broadcasters Scholarship Program during auctions held at its Hall of Fame Gala. More than 600 people attended the event held at the Red Rock Casino.
Personalities from Univision Arizona TV and Univision Radio Phoenix welcomed more than 8,000 parents and their kids to the 2nd Annual Univision Arizona "Es el Momento Preparandose Para El Exito" Education Fair in partnership with Stand for Children Arizona. With the support and collaboration of MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks, NBA’s Phoenix Suns, and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, Central High School in downtown Phoenix was host to more than 30 non-profit organizations. The event offered scholarships to college and university students, laptops, computers, desks and thousands of backpacks. Featured speakers included the mayor of Phoenix, along with the Superintendent of Phoenix Union School District and a motivational speaker on education.
The team at Emmis Communications in Indianapolis, along with the Emmis corporate team and representatives from the group’s local radio stations, participated in the 2013 United Way Day of Caring on August 23. Together, Emmis employees painted the exterior of Indianapolis Public School (IPS) 56, while reorganizing, weeding, mulching and planting flowers outside the school. In addition, Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan read a story to students at IPS 56.
LIN Media has established the Minority Scholarship and Training Program and will award one broadcast television scholarship/internship and one digital media scholarship/internship in April 2013, to commence in summer 2013. Each student will receive a two-year scholarship for up to $10,000 per year, which can be used toward school expenses. In addition, LIN Media will provide each student with hands-on training through a paid internship program at one of its television stations around the country. The Minority Scholarship recipients will be assigned full-time positions at LIN Media upon graduation and successful completion of the training program. LIN Media has been awarding these two-year scholarships to ambitious students since 1998.
Leighton Enterprise’s KZPK-FM St. Cloud, Minn., held the Wild About Reading Contest to celebrate "I Love to Read Month" in February. Station personalities traveled to 37 area schools to read with students and encourage them to vote for their school to win a $1,500 check to purchase new books for their library. Earlier this month KZPK-FM awarded Holy Cross School the Wild About Reading prize.
Over 550 college and high school radio stations in 28 countries participated in the second annual College Radio Day (CRD). Founding Professor Rob Quicke of WPSC-FM at William Paterson University told Radio Ink, that the "college/high school radio is an important and vital medium." The ultimate goal of CRD is to inspire people to tune into their local college and high school radio stations and hear the unique broadcasts offered around the world.
Oasis Radio 1 Group’s WBTU-FM in Fort Wayne, Ind. set up a scholarship fund in honor of Alina Bigjohnny. Bigjohnny and six others lost their lives on August 13 when a stage at the Indiana State Fair collapsed moments before the Sugarland concert. The "Lights for Alina" scholarship fund will be awarded to a student from Bigjohnny’s alma mater whose career focus is education. Alina was a graduate of Wayne High School and soon-to-be teacher at Muncie Community Schools. WBTU-FM also helped organize a memorial event in the week after the tragedy. A video of the remembrance is 
Hearst Broadcasting’s WESH-TV Orlando aired a 30-minute daily political program "Commitment 2012: Extra" from Oct. 8 through Election Day. The show included live conversations and debates with local candidates, election news and campaign developments. The program was an extension of Hearst’s "Commitment 2012," which offers at least 12 minutes of political news per weekday. "WESH 2 News has always taken our role seriously when it comes to informing and educating our viewers before they head to the ballot box," Bob Longo, WESH news director, told Broadcasting & Cable. "This important election season, we’re giving viewers an even greater chance to learn about the candidates asking for their votes and the issues so important to our community."
Clear Channel Media and Entertainment’s WAEB-FM Allentown, Penn., hosted a video contest to address the problem of bullying in schools. The station selected the top 12 videos and invited the winners to WAEB-FM’s Bullying Stops Here event, which featured a live performance by Atlantic Records’ artist Cody Simpson and recognition from Allentown Mayor Ed Pawloski. See the winning 12 videos 
California Oregon Broadcasting’s KOBI-TV and KOTI-TV in Medford, Ore., launched YES (Youth Education Success) to support local school programs affected by budget cuts in Southern Oregon and Northern California. Thus far, YES has awarded thousands of dollars in grants to schools for programs such as swimming lessons for special needs children, chin rests for students’ violins and new school laptops and software.
Young Broadcasting Inc.’s WKRN-TV Nashville donated its news set to Summit High School’s media production program. Members of the WKRN-TV’s team visited the set, answered students’ questions and offered advice on entering the media field. 
Inland Northwest Broadcasting’s KZZL-FM Pullman, Washington, recently donated two weeks of recorded public service announcements for the Washington State University Career, which were broadcast in a full commercial rotation. The expo provides regional students with exposure to potential career, internship, service and graduate school opportunities. KZZL-FM also broadcasted live from the event and hosted a recruiter booth where students interested in pursuing a career in broadcasting could learn more about the station. At this year’s event, 1,100 students met 96 different companies.
Newport Television’s KPGE-TV Fresno is gearing up for its second annual CBS47 On Your Side Collection Drive & Book Sale benefiting 35 Fresno County libraries. Viewers will be invited to drive to the station to drop off new and used books on August 8. After the collection drive, a public book sale will be held to raise money for the local libraries. Proceeds will benefit the libraries’ reading and literacy programs. Last year KPGE-TV reporters and anchors broadcast live outside the station and received nearly 180,000 books.
KVAK-AM/FM in Valdez, Alaska, provides kids from grade school to high school with a hands-on learning experience in broadcasting. Every month, participants in the KVAK Kids Club visit the studio to record public service announcements (PSA). The PSAs air daily and more than 200 are produced each year. The kids are part of the complete process, including helping write the scripts. Everything from manners to fire safety to reading have been highlighted. Three-quarters of the area elementary school population is involved. In addition to learning about broadcasting, club members receive a newsletter and have their birthdays announced on the air. For the older students, KVAK’s high school program involves weekly sessions at the studio and a monthly live broadcast. The station’s good work has not gone unnoticed; the Kids Club has been honored with the both the Alaska Broadcasters Association Service to Children Goldie Award and the National Association of Broadcasters Service to Children Radio Award.
For a week each year, those behind the microphone at WKDZ-FM in Cadiz, Ky., become auctioneers during the Rotary Radio Auction. Both the station and the local Rotary Club were founded in 1966 and have been partners since the beginning. The 41st annual auction brought in bids from across the country and raised more than $160,000. Fifty percent of this money funds grants and scholarships for students in Trigg County; the other half supports youth and senior programs. The auction takes place over a week with 27 hours of live broadcast. A full series of promotional spots plays for weeks before the event, and on the first night of the auction, the station runs a one-hour program about the work of the Rotary Club. The money raised through the auction has quadrupled in the past eight years. General Manager Beth Mann attributes some of this success to a daily effort by WKDZ to talk on the air about where money raised by the auction has gone and who it has helped. "The money is filling a need every day," said Mann, who also serves on the Rotary committee for student grants.
At the third annual "Pat’s Run," KBAY-FM in San Jose, Calif., and a crowd of 6,000 celebrated the life of Pat Tillman, an NFL player who left the game to serve our country and was killed in Afghanistan. Each year, the event pays tribute to the Army Ranger, while raising money for the Pat Tillman Foundation, a nonprofit started by Tillman’s family and friends to inspire people to make positive changes in themselves and the world. The station starts promotions for the race six weeks beforehand, and each year, participation has grown. This year, the station also aired a live remote from the Almanden Valley prior to event day, where listeners were able to register for the race. The general manager and several on-air personalities ran the course, and the "Sam and Lissa Morning Show" helped kick off the festivities. By the time the final participates crossed the 42-yardline of Pat Tillman Stadium at Leland High School, where a young Tillman took the field, $200,000 had been raised for San Jose students accepted into the foundation’s Leadership Through Action program, which aims to help exceptional scholars develop leadership skills.
The Illinois Broadcasters Foundation (IBF) recently announced it will match scholarship funds created by members of the Illinois Broadcasters Association (IBA). Specifically, the IBF will match up to $500 of an IBA-member station scholarship designed specifically for graduating high school seniors pursuing a major in a broadcast-related field. Students applying for the scholarship must be academically eligible and accepted by an Illinois university or community college. The IBF committed up to $100,000 for the scholarship program for the 2012-2013 academic year. 
"The Simpsons" creator Matt Groening donated $500,000 to the University of California, Los Angeles. The artist and creator of the long-running animated FOX series will be the namesake of the Matt Groening Chair in Animation at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. The endowment will "allow visiting master artists to teach classes" and "bring working professionals with wide-ranging expertise" to work with students. Matt gives an annual gift of $50,000 to UCLA to support students who create short animated films with socially conscious themes.
Radio Disney recently announced its stations, which are located in 31 markets, will work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for its first annual Back to School Drive. The Disney stations will host local events through September 15 and encourage attendees to donate school supplies, particularly pre-packaged pens, pencils, markers, crayons and chalk, which will be provided to local Boys & Girls Clubs.
To introduce students to the world of broadcast journalism, WCPO-TV in Cincinnati, Ohio, began its "Careers in Media" program, which provides internships in the studio to minority high school students. The program aims to inspire local minority students to consider television and other media as they begin thinking about college and their future careers. Resume writing, correspondence, interviewing, time management and college planning are also part of the program. Each year, the station sends a letter and application form to all high schools within WCPO’s broadcast area, and the station’s community affairs director makes visits to high school career days and school assemblies to talk about the opportunity. Each student who participates is required to complete a project, which is presented to parents, teachers and station management at the end of the summer. WCPO has joined forces with local radio, newspaper, Internet and advertising agencies to expand internship opportunities to all facets of mass communication. Since the program began in 2001, 50 students have participated, and 93 percent of them have chosen a media-related field of study in college.
Clear Channel Communications named DonorsChoose.org as its quarter one 2012 non-profit partner. DonorsChoose.org raises funds for teachers’ classroom projects. "Tools for Classrooms," a collaboration between Clear Channel Communities, DonorsChoose.org and Chase, will spotlight the lack of educational resources in U.S. classrooms. A three-month radio campaign will air 300,000 radio spots nationally on 850 stations. Personalities and artists such as Ryan Seacrest, Kelly Clarkson, LMFAO and Kris Allen encourage listeners to contribute to DonorsChoose.org. Chase and other partners will match donations for a total commitment of $250,000.
One Connection Media’s WCVO-FM Columbus kicked off its annual Mission Backpack, a drive to collect school supplies for area children. This year Heartland Bank has partnered with WCVO-FM and listeners can donate backpacks filled with supplies at 11 bank locations through August 18th. WCVO-FM aims to collect 1,004 backpacks to donate to the Lutheran Social Services Food Pantry.
Schurz Communications partnered with the computer science and engineering department at the University of Notre Dame on their first "innovation challenge," in which students and faculty will "consider real-world digital solutions and opportunities for 21st century media companies." The challenge begins in the fall and will initially focus on mobile media development. Winning prototypes will receive cash prizes. "New relationships with young developers, designers and database talent – literally blocks away – is a potential game changer," said Todd Schurz, CEO of Schurz Communications. Notre Dame and Schurz have been cornerstones in South Bend for 150 years.
