Gray Broadcasting

For those watching KAIT on TV or on the station’s Facebook page Saturday, the coverage no doubt saved lives. It’s about as riveting live weather coverage as you’ll see.

WBTV’s investigative team is leading the charge with the support of the station’s news director to include the entire newsroom in results-focused journalism. “This is a campaign designed to encourage viewers to turn to us when they need someone on their side,” said Robby Thomas, WBTV’s marketing director.

WVUE, Gray’s Fox affiliate in New Orleans, took a tongue in cheek approach to its Super Bowl Sunday strategy with a series of promos for its 10 o’clock news. “We went hyper local,” said Blaine Strawn, WVUE’s marketing director. “Granted, most viewers outside of New Orleans won’t understand, but we knew our viewers would.”

“The team did a great job on social media,” said Wendy Bernier, KVLY’s creative services director, “relaying information about road closures, troubles facing state troopers, and the overall message of, stay home, stay safe and know conditions are dangerous. They tackled every closing and delay that came into the newsroom and kept viewers informed.”

Erik Candiani, WWBT Richmond’s creative services director, shared the station’s holiday-themed video, which he describes as “more of a festive short than a commercial or promo.”

WWBT’s latest marketing efforts are worthy of any movie trailer you might see in theaters. In fact, that’s just where they’re playing. “We produced two completely fake 60-second movie trailers in two different genres that will be playing before every single movie at Richmond Regal theaters all summer long,” said Erik Candiani, WWBT’s marketing director.

Watch winning examples from KPRC Houston; WDIO Duluth; KARE Minneapolis; WVUE New Orleans; WTHR Indianapolis; KCCI Des Moines; KDVR Denver; and KNTV San Francisco. The Sigma Delta Chi Awards date back to 1932, when the Society of Professional Journalists (then called Sigma Delta Chi) first honored six individuals for contributions to journalism.

Robby Thomas, WBTV’s marketing director, said the station went into the February sweep with a strategic plan. However, said Thomas, that plan changed when an investigation helped expose issues that undermined the public’s confidence in an election.

Yesterday, TV and radio stations across the state held a tornado relief telethon, Together for Alabama, that was coordinated by the Alabama Broadcasting Association. “Broadcasters are always there for the communities they serve and at times like these, we bring everyone together in a way like no other,” said Sharon M. Tinsley, Alabama Broadcasters Association’s president.

Viewers watching the Super Bowl in some markets said the local TV news promos were the best commercials during the game. I loved it!!! I had to go back and watch it again!! So true!!