The list of television broadcasting operations conducting fund raising efforts for flood victims in Texas and Louisiana, and the charities that are helping them, continues to grow. From local TV stations in smaller markets to corporate-coordinated efforts by major broadcast companies, millions of dollars are being donated across the country. Like in Palm Springs, Calif., […]
The list of television broadcasting operations conducting fund raising efforts for flood victims in Texas and Louisiana, and the charities that are helping them, continues to grow.
From local TV stations in smaller markets to corporate-coordinated efforts by major broadcast companies, millions of dollars are being donated across the country.
Like in Palm Springs, Calif., DMA 146, at KMIR, the NBC affiliate owned by OTA Broadcasting. “It truly was a remarkable day yesterday,” writes Gene Steinberg, KMIR’s general manager. “We raised over $115,000 from valley residents. In a market the size of Palm Springs, that’s incredible.”
In Syracuse and central New York, local media — television, radio, print and cable — put aside their competitive relationships, and pulled together as one voice to help those in need.
TV stations owned by Sinclair (WSTM, WSTQ and WTVH), Nexstar (WSYR), Northwest Broadcasting (WSYT-WNYS), along with Spectrum News, Cumulus Media, iHeart Radio, Galaxy Communications, Inner Harbor Media and the Syracuse New Times each ran their own localized promotion.
Last week, 41 volunteers from the region deployed to areas affected by Harvey.
Central New Yorkers generously donated $63,065 during the 2½-hour telethon.
In Dayton, Ohio, WDTN, Nexstar’s NBC affiliate and WBDT, the CW affiliate, will host a day-long fund raising event in partnership with the Dayton area chapter of the American Red on Wednesday, Sept. 6.
Last week, in just 90 minutes, WDTN and the Red Cross teamed up and raised nearly $20,000.
“What we accomplished in a very short amount of time is a testament to the compassion our loyal viewers have for those affected,” said Joe Abouzeid, WDTN’s general manager.
“We know there’s still so much more to be done and we’re ready to help.”
In Louisville, Ky., Gray’s CBS affiliate there, WKYT, teamed up with the University of Kentucky basketball squad for a three-hour telethon on Sunday, Sept. 3.
“I have not been able to stop thinking about everyone who has been affected by Hurricane Harvey,” said John Calipari, UK’s head coach.
“Every time I turn on the TV, I’m stunned at the images of devastation in Texas. It hits home for me because of the players we’ve had come from that area.”
In Charleston, S.C., Raycom’s CBS affiliate, WCSC, teamed up with the Lowcountry South Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross on Thursday, Aug. 31, for an 8-hour telethon where more than $100,000 was pledged.
“The Lowcountry knows all about hurricanes,” said Dan Cates, WCSC’s general manager. “We are proud of our partnership with the Red Cross and all of those who are responding to the flooding and devastation from Hurricane Harvey. Service is what Live 5 is all about and we are pleased to help those who are in need.”
In Baltimore on Wednesday, Sept. 6, Scripps ABC affiliate, WMAR, is joining forces with a nursing care company, HCR ManorCare and a moving company, Von Paris, to collect and deliver needed items to those in need in Texas.
Everything from toothpaste to air mattresses, from shampoo to pet food can be donated at HCR ManorCare locations around Baltimore.
“Our station moved quickly this week to set up a phone bank to take monetary donations for the American Red Cross,” said Kelly Groft, WMAR’s news director.
“We wanted to take it further and deliver much-needed supplies and we’ve partnered with two trusted local businesses that will work hard to make sure this effort is a success.”
In Pittsburgh, Hearst’s ABC affiliate, WTAE, and American Red Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania teamed up to accept charitable pledges totaling more than $145,000 in just five hours.
“As broadcasters, we understand the power of television and our responsibilities to the community.” said Charles W. Wolfertz III, WTAE’s general manager. “We are extremely proud to be able to offer immediate assistance to our neighbors.”
Through telethons and other fundraising outreach, viewers of Hearst Television stations have contributed $4.1 million for American Red Cross programs to provide relief to victims of the devastating flooding wreaking havoc in South Texas.
Univision Communications is committing at least $500,000, including a $250,000 cash donation, to three organizations: the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA and the Texas Diaper Bank.
In addition, Univision announced the Unidos Por Los Nuestros campaign to support both immediate-and long-term relief efforts throughout Texas and Louisiana.
The campaign includes live concerts, blood drives, food and clothing drives, phone banks, telethons, and programming efforts at Univision TV and radio stations across the country.
“The areas in Harvey’s path of destruction include major Spanish-speaking communities and we take very seriously our responsibility to provide real-time information to help keep them safe,” said Randy Falco, Univision’s president.
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