branding

Expect traffic delays around Chicago’s WGN studios tomorrow morning as viewers will be driving up and dropping off toys as part of WGN Morning News Drive-Thru Toy Drive. Last year, viewers and companies donated over 25,000 toys.

KSBW’s 32^nd Share Your Holiday event this year pushed the all-time total to $2,181,000 raised for Central Coast families in need. “Our Central Coast Community came together as one, and this year’s results will make a great impact to those in need” said Joseph W. Heston, KSBW’s general manager. “We are all deeply moved and humbled by the kindness of our viewers.”

As ubiquitous as news promos are when we watch TV, imagine the volume the rest of the world sees. How does a news promo from say, Australia, stack up against a good old American one? You decide. Better, the same, or off the mark?

Working at or owning a local TV station is temporary. Many worked there before you, leaving their impression on the viewers who live in the market. WTVM in Columbus, Georgia, is celebrating its 65th anniversary through the eyes of the people who worked there through the ages.

WPTV in West Palm Beach teamed up with schools, local businesses and civic and charitable organizations to help fight hunger. “While unfortunately hunger can’t be resolved with one campaign alone, we at WPTV are grateful to our community for stepping up and helping those suffering in our community,” said GM Lloyd Bucher.

WCVB, the Hearst ABC affiliate in Boston, raised more than $350,000 to help those still struggling in the aftermath of a gas line disaster in September that caused explosions and more than 80 individual fires in Massachusetts. “We experienced first-hand the staff’s warmth, sincerity, and generosity; and it is clear why WCVB Channel 5 is such a trusted community partner,” said Carol Lavoie Schuster of the  Greater Lawrence Disaster Relief Fund team.

America’s Wine Country introduces viewers to some of the growers, innovators and dreamers whose stories shape not only the wine they lovingly craft, but the larger story of wine in the Bay Area. “After watching the film we hope viewers will stop and think about the story behind the label the next time they uncork a bottle of local wine,” said Stacy Owen, KNTV’s general manager.

It is indeed rare for three local TV competitors in the same market to forget their differences and to come together to honor a beloved member of the community.  On Monday night, three local TV affiliates in Columbus, will air Standing with Chris, a program to honor the life of the late Chris Bradley and to promote the importance of bone marrow donation and show Central Ohio viewers how they can help save lives.

TV stations have tremendous power to make a change in their community. So when three Girls Scouts and a parent were killed by an impaired driver while cleaning up a section of highway in Wisconsin, WEAU, Gray’s NBC affiliate in Eau Claire, organized a fundraiser. “Our goal was to raise $40,000 so we could hit the full $40,000 match. We exceeded the goal by $3,201,” said Andrew Felix, WEAU’s creative services director. “WEAU adopted the mantra ‘Community First’ in 2009. WEAU’s commitment to community goes beyond a slogan; it reflects how we operate as a station.”

Is there anything like it on network television now? I don’t think so. The Twilight Zone is probably the most original program to ever appear on network television. Decades TV kicks off the 60^th anniversary year of The Twilight Zone starting at New Year’s Eve at midnight, and then continuing each weekday, 12-hours per day, for 5 days.