Gray Broadcasting

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!!

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.”

Gray’s NBC affiliate has made a conscious effort to drive its Facebook users back to its TV newscasts. The station was No. 2 in the news ratings and now it’s in first place, and attributes that turnaround to Facebook. “Facebook is fishing where the fish are,” says KVLY’s news director.